How to Show Up for the Asian American Community
Hello, it’s March 2021, a year since the world shut down due to a global pandemic. We can’t even begin to get into all the details of how xenophobia against Asians rose during this time, as racists looked to blame Asians for inflicting this terrible virus on the world. You heard that right.
Crimes targeting Asian Americans have risen dramatically since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In response to the alarming escalation in xenophobia and bigotry, Stop AAPI Hate was created to track incidents of violence and harassment against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. In their recent report, they recorded nearly 3,800 instances of discrimination against Asians in the past year. Unfortunately, that number is still on the rise.
This month, a white man targeted Asian spas in Atlanta, Georgia, killing 8 people; 6 of them were Asian women. While the Asian community mourned at this tragic shooting, the Cherokee County Sheriff claimed the man they arrested was just “having a bad day” and resolved that the man was trying to cure his sex addiction. By killing people?! Yes. We’re confused, too.
There’s a lot to unpack here: racism, violence against women, misogyny, migrant work, sex work. This incident is incredibly nuanced with layers of issues that only scratch the surface. But here’s what’s important to note: the Asian American community is hurting and it took this incident to finally get the nation to wake up and say something.
Here are several ways to stand up and show up for the Asian American Community:
Raise Awareness
Report incidents of Asian American harassment to Stop AAPI Hate.
If you see someone harassing an Asian person, speak up and intervene if it’s safe to do so. Read the do’s and don’ts of bystander intervention.
Volunteer
Feeling an urgency to protect their Asian elders after recent attacks, Compassion in Oakland was formed to provide escorts. Similar organizations have sprouted in different areas across the country to help older Asians feel safe. If there isn’t a similar organization near you, mobilize volunteers to offer assistance to AAPI neighbors in your community.
Read
Explore Asian stories through a collection of books via Google Books
Learn about the long history of racism against Asian Americans in the U.S.
What is the myth of the model minority?
Dine Out
The restaurant industry has taken a huge hit during COVID, but Asian restaurants in particular got hit even harder as xenophobia rose. One of the best ways to show your support is by spending your dollars at AAPI-owned places.
Donate:
#StopAsianHate: By donating through this fund, GoFundMe.org will issue grants to trusted AAPI organizations working to rectify the racial inequalities in our society.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta: Geared specifically toward the AAPI community, Asian Americans Advancing Justice works for civil rights for AAPI members in Atlanta and the South.
How will you stand up for the AAPI community in their time of need?