Note: This page is a compilation of what I learned and shared during different times throughout the pandemic.
Like peeling back the layers of an onion, the Covid19 pandemic has shown what lies beneath the layers of American consciousness. In our modern 21st century, I never imagined it would be necessary to be an activist fighting for Asian American rights especially related to safety by participating in national and local meetings, attending “Stop Asian Hate” rally, and urging political and civic leaders to stand in solidarity.
I am once again reminded of the importance of speaking out for what is right, raising awareness, coming together with allies, and being a voice for the voiceless.
Sharing select excerpts from my social media post:
“As a second generation Asian American woman, it has been heartbreaking to read about the nonstop attacks on the AAPI community throughout the nation and personally hear stories from people who have faced racial antagonism or bias this past year. Though cautious of social media, I am compelled to share a little bit through this platform in order to bring awareness to even one person and to encourage my Asian American fb family.
Asian Americans have nothing to do with the origins of COVID. Yet, we are dealing with two viruses- COVID and hate.
Asian Americans have faced discrimination before to list a few:
- 1875 Page Act – prohibited Chinese women to the US limiting both the creation of families and setting roots in America
- 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act – After helping build the transcontinental railroad, Chinese labor was no longer needed. American lawmakers justified this legislation by saying that the Chinese were taking away jobs.
- Japanese Internment of 1940s – For fear that they were threats to national security during WWII, Japanese were relocated, interned, and isolated even though most were American citizens and some even served in the US military.
- The 1982 bludgeoning death of Vincent Chin – Discontent with the US auto industry’s troubles against Japanese automakers, two Detroit auto workers beat to death a Chinese-American Vincent Chin, mistaken him for being Japanese. The two murderers ultimately received no jail time reflected by the judge that “these weren’t the kind of men you send to jail”.
- And most recently, the tragedy in Atlanta on March 16, 2021 – Gunman targeted 3 Asian-run spas killing 8 including 6 Asians. Let’s call it what it is, a hate crime.
We can’t change history, but we should learn from them.
Last September due to the surge of attacks, Congresswoman Grace Meng of NY introduced Bill H.Res. 908 condemning all forms of Anti-Asian sentiment as related to covid19 (H.Res.908 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19). [new update: And on April 22, 2021 the Senate passed a COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with a 94-1 vote. Thank you to all those who tirelessly worked to pass this.]
To my AAPI community, let’s continue to do our best and contribute as proud Americans. To my Non-Asian friends and acquaintances, thanks for listening and appreciate your allyship.
Proud Asian American”
A quote by Pastor Martin Neimoller that has taken special meaning to me:
“First they came for the socialist, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for trade unionist but I didn’t speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and no one was left to speak for me.”