Stop AAPI Hate has documented nearly 3,800 incidents of physical assault, shunning, harassment, and civil rights violations against the AAPI community in the US since March 2020.
Five key moments from Congress' hearing on anti-Asian violence
Two days after the Atlanta shootings, a House judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to address discrimination and violence against Asian-Americans. Rep. Chip Roy pointed the finger at China, Democrats accused Republicans of fueling hate by using inflammatory rhetoric around COVID-19 and witnesses highlighted the US' history of scapegoating minorities.
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Four victims of Atlanta shootings have been publicly identified
The victims were Xiaojie Tan, 49; Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33; Paul Andre Michels, 54; and Daoyou Feng, 44. All were killed at the first shooting location, Young's Asian Massage.
Eight people were killed in shootings at three Atlanta-area spas on Tuesday night, six of whom were Asian women.
Response from the Asian American Community
"We're calling on our allies across communities of color to stand with us in grief and solidarity against racist violence in all its forms," said Stephanie Cho. "When our most vulnerable community members are targeted, we all need to band together."
Deep-rooted racism
The US has seen a major rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and racism over the past year. But, this kind of discrimination isn't new. Understanding this history could be crucial to combatting the rising tide of anti-Asian hate today.
The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed by Congress in 1882, was the first law in US history that explicitly prohibited immigration on the basis of race.
"We see history repeating itself in that Asian Americans are again being cast as the perpetual foreigner who don't belong, who are diseased, who are threats," said Russell Jeung.
Legal & POlitical Response
Police rep. Capt. Jay Baker minimized the gravity of the shootings by saying that the shooter was simply "fed up" and having a "very bad day."
How to be an ally
Asian-Americans make up one of the most diverse and rapidly growing racial groups in the nation.
Literature can help foster a better understanding of underrepresented groups, examining everything from harmful Hollywood stereotypes to the challenges of immigration.
Diversity consultants shared how managers can support Asian colleagues and call for systemic change.