How does Anti-Asian hate relate to BLM?
The global pandemic has exacerbated hate crimes against Asian Americans, as shown by reports of verbal aggression directed towards this population as well as many incidents of physical violence. These events have prompted more Asian Americans to raise their voices and discuss the racism they have faced. The support that Asian Americans showed for African Americans in the summer of 2020 has also encouraged African Americans to express their support for Asian Americans communities, but this bond between the two groups is complicated.
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Why has there been a lack of unity between Asian Americans and African Americans?
According to The New York Times, the main disagreement between Black and Asian communities has been rooted in policing. Black Lives Matter supporters have called to defund the police, while Asian activists advocate for more policing to prevent attacks such as the attach that killed eight people (six of them Asian women) at Atlanta spas. These different attitudes are not surprising, as Black people are most likely to be killed by police officers, while Asian Americans are much less likely to be harmed by the police. In New York, younger Black and Asian activists have been more supportive of reducing the presence of police officers and focusing instead on self defense training and community support. In California, Black and Asian activists have formed relationships through social media, but it has been difficult to form these connections.
In the past, Asian Americans and Black people have collaborated to fight for justice. For example, the Black Panthers worked with the Red Guard Party in the 1960's. In recent years, Asians for Black Lives have supported Black Lives Matter. However, there have also been historical conflicts between these groups, such as the Rodney King riots in 1992. Because of the stark economic differences between the two groups, it has also been hard to find common ground.
Finding common ground is important though, because many officials and leaders won't agree to make changes unless marginalized groups present a united front (Browning, Kellen, and Brian X. Chen).
In the past, Asian Americans and Black people have collaborated to fight for justice. For example, the Black Panthers worked with the Red Guard Party in the 1960's. In recent years, Asians for Black Lives have supported Black Lives Matter. However, there have also been historical conflicts between these groups, such as the Rodney King riots in 1992. Because of the stark economic differences between the two groups, it has also been hard to find common ground.
Finding common ground is important though, because many officials and leaders won't agree to make changes unless marginalized groups present a united front (Browning, Kellen, and Brian X. Chen).
How can people support Asian Americans?
Check out Stop AAPI Hate, an organization created in response to the xenophobic attacks on Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Learn:
- "A convergence of racial reckoning for Black and Asian Americans" (The Washington Post)
- The history of tensions — and solidarity — between Black and Asian American communities, explained (Vox)
- 'Model Minority' Myth Again Used As A Racial Wedge Between Asians And Blacks (NPR)
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