Thursday, 18 March 2021

On March 16th, eight people—including six Asian women—were killed at three Asian-owned spas in the Atlanta area. This tragic event has been one of a long string of anti-Asian violence amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. AAPI activist, Helen Zia, has stated that these acts have largely been erased from the country’s narrative, whether it be anti-Asian hate against Indian Americans at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin in 2012, against Southeast Asian children in 1989 at a Cleveland elementary school, or against the Chinese in the massacre of 1871. Sadly, we are not surprised that these acts of violence continue today. This anti-Asian violence is nothing new.

Our organization has been deeply shaken by the loss of these members of the APIDA community. We cannot imagine the grief that their families have suffered, but what we can do is try to uplift the voices that need to be heard. We condemn the physical and verbal violence targeting APIDA womxn, elders, immigrants, sex workers, undocumented people, and poor folx. Asian Americans are historically used to support white supremacy through constructs like the ‘model minority’ myth that pits Asian Americans against people of darker skin. We are used as objects to bring down Black communities, while at the same time exist as scapegoats for white supremacy to hide behind. This is not an opinion. It is history. It is the truth.

Asian Americans are not trying to ‘co-opt’ the Black Lives Matter Movement or take away from it. We all need to understand that the solution to defeating systems of oppression is to support other oppressed groups like Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ folx, as well as amplifying their voices.

Rhetoric and social media are powerful tools. Last year, Asian Americans received a slap in the face with stereotypes and phrases like “Chinese virus” and “kung flu,” which has now undeniably led to an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. Rhetoric is influential, and people are easily subject to it. It falls on us to think about another way to consume media, one with a critical eye based on research and reliable sources. The key now is to examine what is happening carefully, to talk to and support each other, to make sure fear is not guiding us, and to start those crucial lines of communication. Be cognizant of history and social media. Inform and encourage each other to think about your past and identities. Stand tall and be proud of yourself and your cultures.

To the APIDA community, we are with you, and we feel your frustration, numbness, and pain. Please consider taking these next few days to pause and rest - these feelings are natural and you deserve to give yourself that space. To our allies, please help amplify the APIDA voices you have been hearing this past year. Start those conversations with your friends, family, peers, and coworkers. To our community leaders in the government, in the media, and in the industry, it is your turn to speak up, to condemn racism, and to take action.

With love and warmth,

Asian American Student Union