The Asian community is being used as an international scapegoat. On Instagram, @meldcole captures images from the Rise up Against Asian Hate Rally in New York, USA:
Throughout the pandemic the UK and the world has seen a huge rise in micro-aggressive racism towards the Asian community. The UK's first non-profit, End the Virus of Racism, who endeavours to address the racism towards people of East and Southeast Asian heritage, states that there has been a “300 per cent increase of hate crimes against East and Southeast Asians since the start of the pandemic”.
The virus has exposed the deep-rooted racism towards the Asian community within Britain and accelerated the discriminatory prejudice the community has to face everyday, making even everyday tasks dangerous. In an article in Harper BAZAAR, Zing Tsjeng reflects how the atmosphere feels different, with fear and dread combining to create an increased urgency for a change in attitudes and prejudices. It is clear that more active support for Asian families and communities is needed now more than ever.
Part of this increased fear stems from the recent unprovoked violent attacks against Jonathan Mok and Peng Wang. Jonathan Mok, a 23-year-old student, was racially attacked by a group of Caucasian men. He was not only physically beaten but was also mentally affected by the trauma of the incident he tells BBC, saying he feels his predator's feel no remorse.
Peng Wang was jogging when 4 white men shouted at him to go "home" before violently beating him. In an interview he states that he worries for his son and notes that the environment feels more hostile.
Andrea Cheong wrote in VOGUE: "I've experienced the insidious chill of casual racism" and is shocked by the 1,900 per cent increase of violence against the ESEA community (East and Southeast Asian) since January 2021. Asian communities are being used as scapegoats for feelings of uncertainty and fear within the pandemic. This must end.
We all must do our part in actively speaking against these anti-Asian acts, here are a few ways you can actively help support the Asian community:
Speak out when you hear racism and educate others that may be ignorant and racist.
Learn and listen to the Asian Community. There are so many sources online. For example, Act to Change is a great example of an informative non-profit organization to help support.
Report instances of racism or discrimination to Stop AAPI Hate (https://stopaapihate.org/)
Accounts on Instagram to check out for updates about Anti-Asian Racism:
-@racismunmaskededinburgh
- @dearasainyouthlondon
-@stopaapihate
-@hateisavirus
- @hihartu
To support the non-profit End the Virus of Racism visit their website:
@meldcole on Instagram
To read Zing Tsjeng's full article on why its time we stopped downplaying UK racism visit:
Read Andrea Cheong's VOGUE article on why the #StopAsianHate hashtag is so important here: