A recent study in the U.S. indicated that Anti-Asian hate crimes have spiked 150 percent since the pandemic began. In Canada, a June 2020 survey by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute noted that, of those of East Asian descent surveyed, half reported being called names or insulted as a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and 43 percent further said they had been threatened or intimidated. Then came the March 17, 2021 shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, where six of the eight victims killed are of Asian descent — shootings subsequently being investigated as a possible hate crime. Anti-Asian attacks in person and on-line have significantly increased during the past year in both countries. Physical or verbal attacks have particularly occurred in major urban centers with large Asian communities such as Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver and Toronto. Asian Americans and Canadians are increasingly fearful for their safety and even their lives, especially after the tragic Atlantic shootings.
People of Asian descent have been living in the United States and Canada for more than 160 years, and have long been the target of bigotry and racism. In both Canada and certain U.S. states, there are hate crime laws in place. However, hate alone without the addition of a criminal act is not illegal, and proving that a criminal act is a hate crime can be a difficult action. Unfortunately, under the Trump administration, certain expressions used by the former president could be taken as anti-Asian in their context. Former President Trump frequently referred to COVID-19 as “the China virus,” “the Wuhan virus,” and the “Kung Flu.” All adding fuel to an already burning fire. Blaming Asian Americans and Canadians for the pandemic outbreak unfortunately also became immersed in the propaganda of white supremists groups in both countries.
What seems to be missing are national programs aimed at educating people about the contributions of people of Asian descent in both countries. Such programs must emphasize that physical and verbal attacks on citizens, no matter what their colour, gender and ethnicity, is wrong and unacceptable. Indeed, U.S. lawmakers have called for national action in the wake of the Atlanta shootings and for the creation of a national day to speak out against anti-Asian hate later this month. Mayors in large urban centers have spoken out against racial attacks on their Asian communities, but much more needs to be done.
It greatly saddened me and I’m certain many others that any particular group is being singled out by bigots and uninformed individuals. Many of us know people of Asian descent in our communities who not only merit our respect, but also deserve our protection. They are health care providers, educators, police officers, military personnel, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and work in many other professions. Like us, they are hard workers, raising families, supporting their elderly and living peacefully in the community. It’s time that we all step up and condemn any further spread of hate literature and personal assaults on our Asian citizens. As one Asian American activist recently noted, “Who marches for us?”
FROLITICKS 