It’s been over a year since COVID-19 crept into the West. Hate crimes against the Asian community surged in the early stages of the pandemic, and they have yet to taper off. COVID-19 brought a pressing issue into the limelight, but the misinformation and discrimination surrounding Asians is nothing new. I want to examine the past and present of anti-Asian racism. Hopefully, we can leave it all behind one day.
Disclaimer: I will use the term “Asians” to refer to East Asians. Asia is a diverse and massive continent with countless peoples. Every group has encountered adversity, and covering each struggle is beyond the scope of one article.
Historical Injustices
Canada achieved Confederation by exploiting Chinese immigrants. Over 15 000 Chinese laborers worked on the Canadian Pacific Railway for a dollar a day, while their white counterparts earned $1.50 to $2.50 and did not pay for their food and gear. It was a hazardous workplace, and over 600 people died. In 1885, the Canadian government passed the Chinese Immigration Act, which was essentially legislation designed to limit the Chinese population. Prospective Chinese immigrants were to pay a head tax of 50 dollars, which rose to 500 dollars by 1903. Until 1947, the Canadian government denied the Chinese equality of opportunity.
During World War II, it was policy in Canada and the United States to inter people of Japanese descent in cruel, inhumane camps. For the sake of national security, over 120 000 people were held against their will. Even after their release, Japanese Canadians and Americans found themselves psychologically scarred and their property confiscated.
The “Model Minority”
Due to their socioeconomic success, Asians are painted as the ideal minority, living the American Dream.
There is often an expectation for Asians to be more capable and hard-working than other ethnic groups. Think of the “Asians are good at math” stereotype, which is problematic in two ways. Firstly, people do not excel because of their race. Believing otherwise neglects crucial factors such as work ethic, mindset, and environment. It may also apply undue stress to Asians, pressuring them to meet a standard imposed on them. Racial bias downplays the accomplishments of individuals. Most of all, it’s unnecessary. If we stop aimlessly assigning traits to people, our daily lives will be unaffected, if not improved.
Racism and Xenophobia: What’s The Difference?
These two have an important distinction, but they’re both abhorrent. Racism is racial prejudice of any form, while fear usually fuels xenophobia. Currently, Asian communities in the West are experiencing both. To the surprise of no one, people can be racist, and people
can be wildly uninformed. What a fatal combination.
COVID-19 originated in China, and for some, that was all they needed to know to target innocent people. I cannot imagine the mental gymnastics required to arrive at that conclusion. Even if we forget that the ordinary people in China are powerless over their government’s actions, there is still a geographical divide between the Asians in Manhattan and the Asians in China.
Hate Crimes
From 2019 to 2020, there has been a 149% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. In my opinion, there is one incident that encapsulates almost all the faults in the system.
On March 16, 2021, a white gunman murdered eight people across three spas in Atlanta, Georgia. Six of the victims were women of Korean descent, and the act had clear racial motivations. The perpetrator allegedly told the police he had “temptations.” Temptations are a hollow and poor excuse when you set out with the intention to harm and cause irreparable damage. To add insult to injury, a Georgia police officer said, “Yesterday was a really bad day for him and this is what he did.” I see no way to interpret this other than a person with authority turning a blind eye. Racist, ignorant people lose interest as soon as the conversation concerns people of color.
The Atlanta spa shooting victims have names. If you want to walk away from this atrocity with anything, I recommend remembering the victims.
Moving Forward
We must hold others accountable. I can’t predict what impact this piece will have, but I know it’s never a lost cause when enough people find the courage to speak out.