March 16, 2021: 21-year-old Robert Long entered three separate spa and massage parlors killing eight people including six women of Asian descent. May 14, 2021: 19-year-old Ashly Yhuly Prado was fatally shot in the parking lot of the San Mateo Adult School in San Mateo, California. May 15, 2021: 20-year-old Asian American Mariyah Inthirath was fatally shot in New Haven, Connecticut. May 17, 2021: an Asian American mother named Porsha was shot four times in front of her home in Alhambra, California. The Atlanta shootings on March 16 really opened the country’s eyes to the volume of Asian hate crimes happening since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago.
With the pandemic winding down, and things beginning to slowly return back to normal, the Asian community is still facing such hate and discrimination.
However, these horrific incidents listed above show just a fraction of the countless horrific and violent crimes that the Asian community has faced recently.
Stop AAPI Hate reported that there were about 3,8000 hateful incidents (not limited to crimes) during the first year of the pandemic. These numbers also do not reflect the full extent of incidents since some people never come forward about their experiences. In 2020 alone, there was a 150% increase in Asian hate crimes.
The hate and discrimination against the BIPOC community has always been prevalent in our society. However, since the emergence of COVID-19, the racist, violent and hateful behavior against the Asian community amplified tremendously. The multitude of Asian-Americans being the target for racist slurs or violent outbursts for simply going to work, riding a subway or just walking on the street needs to be stopped. The concept of America being a melting pot is at the center of our immigration system. This beautiful utopia of different cultures and nationalities blending together to create something amazing is what drove Asian immigrants to flock to America in the first place.
However, why is it that they leave their own countries in search of a better life, just to be faced with so much hate?
I remember being asked if I even speak English and being mocked for the way I look. I remember a co-worker telling me that Asian girls aren’t pretty. I remember a friend’s boyfriend making horrible jokes in a mocking Asian accent. To my face.
I remember being asked if I even speak English and being mocked for the way I look. I remember a co-worker telling me that Asian girls aren’t pretty. I remember a friend’s boyfriend making horrible jokes in a mocking Asian accent. To my face.
In high school, I remember constantly hearing, ‘Of course you’re smart, you’re Asian.’ I grew to be ashamed of doing well in school, and it has even impacted me many years later. I am constantly asking myself, ‘What would you have been like if you weren’t afraid and ashamed to be yourself back then?’ Every joke and racist remark slowly but surely chipped away at my self-esteem.
I remember a few times that I stood up for myself when someone made a racist remark. The response I would always get was, ‘It’s just a joke!’. It’s not a joke, it’s not funny, and words matter. I felt like I was standing all alone bleeding in front of an army, asking them to stop, while they told me I wasn’t in pain. Those experiences made me think, oh, maybe it’s easier to blend in. Maybe I shouldn’t stand up for myself.
So, I would stay silent just to survive.
Sometimes I’d make the joke about myself first before someone else could get the chance to make fun of me.
This is the sad reality for so many Asian Americans. People don’t realize that these seemingly small comments actually leave a lasting impact. Over time, these “jokes” dull the true beautiful nature of Asian culture.
“I firmly believe that by listening, representation, compassion and empathy, we may be able to capture a little bit of the complex AAPI experience. It’s incredible what just a small seed can do. The attacks on Asian senior citizens especially make me upset. These days, going outside requires a lot of mental energy. I have to worry about being attacked and am thankful when I make it home safe. I fear for my parents and escort them around. The recent Atlanta murders had me distraught. I think I cried for a week straight. I was so touched by the support that the AAPI community gave for these loving and hard-working individuals,” 24-year-old Rockland County resident April Song said.
Being an Asian American myself, and growing up with immigrant parents, I’m also no stranger to the racism and hate that Asians have to face. I grew up in a predominantly white community.
Growing up, there were always backhanded “jokes” and comments made by my peers.
I was just taught to laugh it off and to just move on from it. Over time, it just became normalized, and hearing racist comments made towards the Asian community wouldn’t even phase me anymore. However, looking back, none of that should have been okay. Nobody should be ashamed of who they are or where they came from. Instead, we should all be embracing the beauty of diversity and different cultures.
For so many Asians, just simply going along with the racist jokes in school, staying quiet and not causing a scene was the “norm.” However, that simply should not be the case. Asians should not have to feel silenced in any way. The volume of recent violent attacks on the Asian community has really sparked a fire within everyone. People can take this opportunity to really band together as one and realize that this world should not hold any place for such hate.
You may be asking yourself: well, how can I help?
There are so many ways to show your support; many of which can be done from the comforts of your own home.
1. Attend Rallies and Marches
(Only if you feel completely safe and are practicing COVID-safe regulations like wearing a mask.)
Look and see if there are any rallies or marches near you that you can attend. Being loud and banding together as one can really bring attention to the situation.
2. Support Your Local Asian Businesses
Ever since the start of the pandemic, many Asian-run shops and restaurants suffered tremendously due to the lack of business, and many have also been the victims of hate speech. Next time you are thinking of what you want for dinner, stop in at a local Asian-run restaurant and show your support! There are also so many small Asian-run businesses online that you can shop at.
For example, WooCeramics on Etsy has the cutest and most unique jewelry pieces that will elevate just about any outfit. All pieces are made by owner Heidi Woo. Looking for a must-have for any skincare routine or spa night? Check out Glow Recipe for some amazing products that your skin will thank you for.
3. Donate to Charities
There are various organizations and GoFundMe accounts that you can participate in online to show your support. Here are the links and descriptions to a few of the many organizations to donate to.
- Jami Webb Survivor Fund
- Memorial for Yong Yue and Peterson Family
- Asian Pacific COVID Relief Fund
- Send Chinatown Love
- Asian Mental Health Collective
4. Check-in on the People Around You
Sometimes a simple text, phone call or FaceTime call to check in on those around you has the ability to go such a long way. Make sure you let the people around you know that you are there for them. Offer your support and see if you can do anything to help. You never truly know what someone else is going through in their own lives.
