According to the Stop AAPI Fact Sheet, there has been a recent surge in violence against Asian Americans since the pandemic started. Asian Americans have faced harsh discrimination, including verbal and physical violence or harassment, destruction of Asian-owned buildings, and homes. Any verbal and or physical abuse towards anyone is never okay. This article will shine a light on the hate against the Asian community and bring awareness to the situation.
Increase in Asian hate Crimes
According to Stop AAPI Hate National Report, there has been a 150% increase in racially motivated attacks against Asian citizens since the start of the pandemic in 2019. Over 3,795 incidents have been reported from March 19, 2020, to February 18, 2021, with the most heavily impacted cities being Los Angeles, CA, and New York City, NY. California has over 1,691 reported cases whereas New York has 517. The increase in these attacks is due to a number of factors, but the one that set everything ablaze was former president Donald Trump calling the virus “King-Flu” and “China Virus.”
Examples of Anti-Asian crimes
These attacks have been recorded by Stop AAPI Hate Fact Sheet. A couple from Annandale, VA was riding on an escalator when a man repeatedly punched the woman's back and pushed past them. When he got to the top, he turned and followed, yelling racial slurs and physically threatening them. During an Asian American protest in Elk Grove, CA, a man in a white Mercedes was seen driving through the crowd of protesters, yelling and cursing at them. Someone in Naples, FL entered a coffee shop and as soon as they sat down, people got up and moved to the other side, avoiding them. This is only a few examples of thousands of hate crimes reported or witnessed.
What to do if a hate crime is witnessed?
If there is any sign of physical or verbal abuse towards Asians anywhere near, it is important to stop it or get someone who can. Almost in every report, no one in the surrounding area does anything when these people are attacked. According to NAPABA, you can report crimes to the police or a community organization. If you go on their website, there’s a form that can be filled out detailing the hate crime. Racism should not be supported, it’s not okay or tolerable in any way shape or form. Racism against Asians is not any different, speak up.
How to join the movement and other ways to support
Check around the city and see if there are any Anti-Asian movements that anyone can take part in. Share any type of violence against Asians on any social media platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. Get other people to share or post about the movement. If there are any attacks witnessed on the streets, intervene immediately. Don’t be a person who stands by and watches whoever is subjected to this attack get injured or even killed. Educate yourself on the issue by looking at articles, documentaries, anything that shows the suppression Asian Americans have been through. Donate to organizations that support the movement. Everyone should speak up more for the Asian community. This is not a struggle happening just starting now, it’s been going on for years. America is supposed to be the land of the free for all. Speak up and help stop Anti-Asian hate.