The Rise of Hate Crimes Against Asian Women
How many more times do we have to say Stop Asian Hate?
by VIVIAN LI ★ APRIL 2, 2022
A growing number of hate crimes have been reported across the country since the start of the pandemic. In major metropolises like San Francisco, law enforcement data shows a 567% increase from 2020 to 2021 in reports of anti-Asian incidents and hate crimes.
Three months ago, Michelle Go was pushed to her death onto the subway tracks near Times Square. Two months ago, Christina Yuna Lee was stabbed 40 times in her bathroom by a man who followed her into her lower Manhattan apartment. And just last month, 7 Asian women were attacked in a violent one-day spree.
Although Asian Americans have always been subjected to racism, Asian American and Pacific Islander women are the main targets of discrimination against the group. The concerning amount of cases regarding the injustices surrounding the community certainly poses questions like—Why is this happening? What is being done to resolve this?
First of all, even though there is NO valid excuse for the tragic situations at hand, there are a number of damaging stereotypes that can trigger these aggressions against Asian women. The established trope that Asian women are “exotic” or “submissive,” is extremely harmful because it allows for these women to be preyed upon, often intertwining the ideas of racism and fetishization. The false notions of this submissive behavior that persist today are the direct result of US anti-immigration laws and the media's flawed portrayal of Asian women.
Last year, when a brutal shooting in three Atlanta spas left 6 Asian women dead, the suspect, a white man, informed police of his sex addiction. He told investigators that he saw the massage parlors as “temptations,” which is in part due to the hypersexualization of Asian women. Even more infuriating is that the man immorally blamed the deceased victims for his sexual urges. This urge can be known as “yellow fever.” Yellow fever describes the objectification of Southeast and East Asian women. Not only is this hypersexualization of Asian women revolting, but it affects them on a daily basis and has cost the lives of many.
In response to the pandemic and its impact on the Asian community, “Stop AAPI Hate'' was founded, with the intent to prevent structural racism against people of color. I’m sure you have all seen the hashtag and posts about #StopAsianHate or #ProtectAsianLives throughout social media and news outlets. Through these hashtags, celebrities, influencers, and content creators have been able to utilize their platforms for good by spreading awareness and calling on others to join. Social media users can share their own experiences with racism and prejudice to demand change.
As Women’s History Month ends, we must remember how important it is to advocate for all the marginalized groups in our society. There is no better time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in past generations and how their strength has paved the way for future generations than right now.
In celebrating last month, there needs to be discussions and uncomfortable conversations regarding the racial inequalities and the mission of the AAPI group. Something urgent must be done about this issue. Luckily, there are some actions you can take right now including donating to non-profit organizations:
Asian Americans Advocating Justice: https://secure.donationpay.org/aajc/
Stop AAPI Hate: https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=14711&n=767225
AAPI Women Lead: https://www.imreadymovement.org/donate
However, if you are unable to donate, you can support local AAPI businesses, vote in every election, and help contribute to the voices of the Asian community through advocating for social change and addressing xenophobia in everyday life. Through these efforts, we can work towards a safer world, for Asian women and minorities alike.