Stop hate against AAPI

Hello and welcome to this week’s Color For Empowerment blog! We felt that it is necessary to raise further awareness on an issue that is currently prevalent, and that is violence against the AAPI community. We will be specifically focusing on violence against AAPI women, as they are the primary targets of hate incidents against the AAPI community.

Prejudice against the AAPI community has existed for several hundred years now, tracing back to 1882 with the creation of the Chinese Exclusion Act in the US. However, the ongoing pandemic has caused mistreatment against the Asian community to further emerge. NBC news reported that this past year had 3,800 acts of violence against Asians, with a majority of the victims being Asian women. The organization titled Stop Asian Hate has stated that women report twice as many anti-Asian hate incidents as men. But, why does such a massive disparity exist?

This disparity may stem from the false stereotype that Asian women are submissive. As a result, they are seen as more vulnerable and are therefore targeted in these acts of violence.

In addition to violence, AAPI women are also targets of microaggressions. Donald Trump and other figures have enforced these microaggressions which built on existing, false stereotypes on the Asian community. Not only has this resulted in microaggressions to become more normalized, but it has also resulted in more hate incidents against members of the AAPI community.

So, what can you do after reading this? First and foremost, spread awareness. Conversation is the beginning to change. Make sure to talk to a family member or friend about the violence towards AAPI women. Second, be mindful and speak up when necessary. Always be mindful of what you say in front of others. If you hear someone use a microaggression against AAPI women, don't ignore it and speak up instead. Finally, provide support in any way that you can. Take some time out of your day to support organizations that are working to bring change, such as Stop Asian Hate or Hate Is A Virus. Provide support in any way that works for you best, whether this is by donating money or reading a mission statement.

Please take care of yourself and continue fighting for what is right in this world.

While you've stopped by, be sure to check out our educational coloring books! There's no better time than today to purchase an entertaining coloring book aimed for children featuring creative elements while educating kids about social issues and topics, such as the one you just read!