Asian Discrimination

Asians have a long history of experiencing discrimination and xenophobia, particularly in the United States. Historical examples include the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigrants from coming to the US, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In recent years, there has been a rise in hate crimes and discriminatory acts against Asians, fueled by racist rhetoric and misinformation. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this discrimination, as many people falsely blame Asians for the spread of the virus. This has increased hate crimes against Asians and a general feeling of fear and unease within the Asian community. It is important to actively combat this discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive society for all.

Learning about Asian discrimination in America is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges that Asians face in society. It can also foster empathy and support for those who have experienced discrimination. Secondly, it allows us to reflect on our history and how discriminatory policies have impacted marginalized groups. It is important to recognize the harms inflicted on Asians in the past, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, and how these actions continue to shape our society today. Finally, by learning about Asian discrimination, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. This can involve advocating for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as speaking out against racism and discrimination.

On the left page, I have featured a woman in the traditional Japanese art style alongside the statement "Hate is a virus." Since the onset of the pandemic, the Asian community has been subjected to severe discrimination. Through this artwork, I aim to emphasize that hate and discrimination are the real viruses infecting our society, not the Asian community.

On the right page, I've showcased the magnificence of Asian culture by incorporating elements like traditional art styles and oriental patterns. To represent the essence of Asian art, I've added depictions of people wearing traditional clothes, fans, parasols, and traditional shoes. Additionally, mythical creatures hold significant importance in Asian culture, and thus I've included a dragon to symbolize the Chinese New Year and strength. To represent the zodiacs, I added a combination of several animals, including a rooster, dragon, and snake.