Many Condemn Anti-Asian Violence as Racially Motivated Attacks Continue to Rise
Celebs and others are speaking out in solidarity with the Asian community amidst a rise in Anti-Asian attacks across the country. Many are outraged at the spike in hate crimes against Asians in the US throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. People have taken to social media to express their concerns and show their support for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
Over the past few months, there have been countless incidents of harassment, attacks, and even killings against those in the AAPI communities. Many fear that they could be next. Several celebrities, especially those of Asian descent, have used their platforms to speak out against the attacks and bring awareness to the issue.
The most recent occurrence took place on March 16 when a 21-year-old gunman opened fire at three Asian-owned Metro Atlanta spas. Eight people were tragically killed, six of whom were Asian women. The suspect was caught on his way to Florida where he allegedly planned on carrying out more attacks.
Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition formed to address Anti-Asian violence during the pandemic, has reported nearly 3,800 attacks in the past year, with 68% of the victims being women. This has opened up discussions about the stereotypes and prejudices many hold against Asian women, which play a role in fueling these crimes.
Many are placing blame on former President Trump for inciting racism against Asians after continuously referring to COVID-19 as the “Kung Flu” and “Chinese Virus.” Some believe his remarks have led to the increase in discrimination and violence against AAPIs.
can yall stop saying these hate crimes dont matter.. like a lot of the recent outward anti-asian sentiment stems from the disinformation surrounding covid-19 spread by you know who during his presidency; he literally called it the “china virus” like hello put two and two together
— read pinned (@VAMPSEULGl) March 17, 2021
Several celebs have taken to social media to express their sadness and show their support of the AAPI community. Viola Davis took to Instagram to spread awareness, saying that she “stands in solidarity and empathy with my Asian brothers and sisters.” Lebron James and Mindy Kaling are among others who have voiced their concerns.
the violence being committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our nation is abhorrent. it is terrorism. I am so sorry for the pain, racism and pure injustice you are experiencing. I stand with you.
— Renee Gillespie (@renee_gillespie) March 17, 2021
As part of the AAPI community herself, Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement condemning the attacks. “Knowing the increasing level of hate crimes against our Asian American brothers and sisters, we also want to speak out in solidarity with them and acknowledge that none of us should ever be silent in the face of any form of hate,” she said.
A mass *racist femicide* event is not a “bad day”.
— Dr. Amy Tan-*Racism is a Public Health crisis* (@AmyTanMD) March 17, 2021
It’s the messy oppressive intersection of racism, misogyny, classism, possible immigration issues, & possible indentured servitude known in this industry. https://t.co/2DgwrVRFF0
Many are glad that people are now having more open and honest discussions surrounding white supremacy and the role it plays in racism against AAPIs. Continue educating yourselves and those in your community to help dismantle racist stereotypes against AAPIs. You can go to Stop AAPI Hate’s site to report incidents of hate crimes against the AAPI community.
Writer | Tweet me @itsjadak
