Anti-Asian Hate

Self-Defense Class for Anti-Asian Attacks

Brooklyn, New York. 2021

Angrej Singh / New York Daily News

Accessed through nydailynews.com (11/20/21)

The photo depicts Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students learning to defend themselves against anti-Asian attacks. NYPD Inspector Tommy Ng organized the free workshop on May 16 after the increase in anti-Asian attacks spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, there have been over 9,000 attacks against the AAPI community throughout the nation, including verbal harassment and physical assaults. With the tension and fear that AAPI faces, they must seek protection. Therefore, free workshops throughout the country, like the one in the photo, are helping AAPI feel safer in their communities. The photograph captures students wearing t-shirts that say “Stop Hate Now,” a piercing message referencing the attacks on the AAPI community. The photo depicts a young female student practicing blocking with Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts coach. It is upsetting that these groups have to resort to self-defense classes — organized by the city — to feel safe living their lives. The message is clear: we need to Stop Hate Now and respect each other's differences!