Since the start of the pandemic, incidents of anti-Asian hate have been increasing in frequency and severity. Violent acts of racism and xenophobia on the bus, while grocery shopping, while walking down the street, while sitting in a walker, and recently and devastatingly, while working, have become almost commonplace. Their public nature demonstrates the vulnerability of our brothers and sisters in the Asian community to harm and trauma – and we know this is especially true for women and seniors.
Although light has been shone on this issue within the context of COVID-19 and white nationalism, it is important to note that anti-Asian racism has existed for as long as Asian immigration has existed in the United States and Canada. What we are seeing today is a snapshot in a long history of otherness, exclusion and the denial of citizenship.
The conversation has started, but the work has just begun.
After this month’s Atlanta spa shootings, I have struggled to find words that capture the depth of my empathy and sorrow at their pain. Instead, I am yielding this space to share the story of Mary Zhu, who reflects on her identity, sense of safety and trauma in the aftermath of a racist attack. Her narrative shows the everyday effects of racism and its destabilizing nature. Since Boldly Inclusive often works with story to build understanding and promote anti-racism, hearing Mary’s experience in her own words is particularly powerful.
At Boldly Inclusive, we stand with East/Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We condemn racism and xenophobia, and we will continue striving for allyship. #StopAsianHate.
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