The recent intensification of racially motivated violence targeting Asian Americans and people of Asian descent is unacceptable. Racism against Asian Americans has a long history in this country. Historically, Asian Americans have been excluded from entering the country, found their communities destroyed, were forced to fight to protect themselves and flee, or have been rounded up and placed in so-called “relocation centers.” The vigilantism we see today reminds us of the violence that happened in the 19th century. The escalation of hate for Asian Americans this year reminds us of these past wrongs. CIDNY wholeheartedly condemns anti-Asian discrimination.
Our hearts are with the families of those who died and those who were attacked including Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yuan González, Paul Andre Michels, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Hyun Jung Grant, Maggie Cheng, Crisanna Tang, Mimi Lau, Yen Yen Pong, and others. We honor them.
The attacks on Asian Americans must stop. Concrete actions against anti-Asian racism are needed. Rallies around the nation have brought us together to demonstrate our support for action to prevent further attacks. We support financial help for the families and communities affected. We support teaching the history of Asian Americans in this country, more portrayals of Asian Americans in the media, action, and donations to organizations fighting hate to demonstrate solidarity. We support proposals addressing the rise in hate incidents against Asian Americans during the pandemic and the creation of a position at the Department of Justice to handle hate crimes and offer guidance to state and local lawmakers. We support the call for guidance from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance and best practices to prevent and condemn statements and actions associating Asian Americans with the pandemic.
We agree. Enough is enough. Stop the hate.