March 17, 2021
Swing Left stands united against the rise in anti-Asian racism and violence in America
We are mourning for the eight victims of yet another evil, racist act of violence in Atlanta last night, six of whom were women of Asian descent. Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and Native Hawaiians have been the targets of a rapidly-increasing number of racist attacks across the country. Stop AAPI Hate has tracked more than 3,800 hate incidents against Asian Americans—primarily perpetrated against women—since the beginning of the pandemic.
White supremacy, and the harassment and violence it perpetuates, must end. We must stand united against the rise of anti-Asian racism.
For over a century, Asian Americans have been relegated to the margins of American society. They have been excluded, alienated, and dehumanized by acts of federal law and within the American cultural conscience. Former President Trump and countless other Republican leaders breathe new life into this pervasive anti-Asian racism when they continuously use derogatory and racist language to describe the COVID-19 virus.
Sexism and misogyny have also played essential roles in these ongoing acts of violence. Asian American women have borne the brunt of the racist attacks over the last year. According to recent data, they are twice as likely to be the targets of hate incidents as men. The racist stereotypes of Asian American women have been built and upheld by dominant American culture for decades.
We all must reject violence and discrimination against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians. We must support and uplift Asian American women who have too often been disproportionately victimized by hate incidents rooted in sexism and racism. And we must interrogate the root cultural and political causes that have led us to this horrifying moment to ensure that it does not happen again. Swing Left is committed to showing up, speaking up, and standing alongside our partners and allies in this fight.
Visit these links for additional educational resources and to find more ways to get involved in the fight to stop AAPI hate:
