5 Things You Can Do Today to Stop Asian Hate
Image: Vino Li
Hey.
It’s been another rough week.
I had a whole blog post and podcast episode scheduled for you. But in light of the the racially motivated murder of 6 Asian women in Georgia this week, posting our usual content felt insensitive and just…wrong.
I am not Asian. But I do know what it feels like to have people who look like me singled out as targets for hate, abuse and murder.
I know what it feels like to be filled with rage as I hear another account of people who look like me dying in a racially motivated attack.
I understand how scary it is to walk the streets at a time when so many of my fellow Americans feel free to engage in white supremacist hate speech and violence.
So this week, I have two messages for you.
To my AAPI sisters and brothers: I stand with you against racism, racial fetishization and white supremacy. I hope you’re able to take some time this weekend to rest, grieve and be with people you love.
To everyone else: If you’re reading this and part of the Lionesse community, I’m going to go ahead and assume you’re the kind of person who wants to take action to end racism and make the world a better place.
So here’s a list of 5 things you can do right now to be an ally to the AAPI community:
#1 DONATE
If you have the resources, share your dollars with organizations working to support AAPI communities and stop white supremacy. Here’s a good place to start. Here’s another.
#2 SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
If you see racist behavior or hear racist comments against Asian Americans (or any BIPOC for that matter), speak up. This includes any and all variations on “Kung Flu”, “Asian people are so good at math”, “I’ve always wanted to be with an Asian woman” (gag), “They gave us Covid”, etc. Not true. Not cute. Not funny. Silence is violence. Don’t be that person.
#3 REACH OUT TO YOUR ASIAN FRIENDS
Let them know you’re thinking of them and that you support them. It might feel awkward. Especially if you’re not used to doing this kind of thing. But speak from the heart and you’ll be ok. Please don’t let fear of “not getting it right” keep you from being the ally we need right now.
#4 SPREAD AWARENESS
Take 10 minutes to write a post to share on social. Or if that feels scary, share someone else’s post. I think this one, this one and this one are especially good. Or just search for #StopAsianHate on your platform of choice. Don’t underestimate the power of taking a stance and letting others know what you believe.
#5 INTERROGATE YOUR OWN BEHAVIOR
This one is a bit tougher and an ongoing project. But I know you’re up to the task. You can start today by asking yourself in what ways you have contributed (subtly or not) to racism against Asians. We are all guilty of this. Did you laugh at a joke about an Asian person or stereotype? Did you buy a cookbook by a non-Asian person presenting faux-authentic or dumbed-down Asian food? Did you go see a movie where a white person played an Asian character? Make a list. Then vow to do better.
We can do this. I have faith in us.
Much love,
Olaiya
