Reprinted from Summer/June 2020 Currents
By Alex Eng
Historically the month of May has been designated legislatively as a period to acknowledge Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) – their cultures and accomplishments.
Instead we are faced with another wave of hate incidents and hate crimes. According to one survey taken by an Asian American organization, over 1000 have taken place since March. And those are only the ones reported. On the east coast an older Asian woman was verbally assailed and knocked down by a group of assailants; a suspect in central California was arrested for vandalizing an Asians car. Closer to home here in Sacramento a woman screamed, “thanks for the f—–g virus!” and spitting at the teller in a bank.
Verbal and physical abuse is nothing new to us. Since the late 1800s AAPI have been the victims of discrimination and hate. From the 23 hanged in Rock Springs, Wyoming to the 17 killed in southern California to the thousands driven out of their homes and business through arson, intimidation and starvation throughout California (“Driven Out” –Jean Feltzer). Despite our successes and contributions, hate crimes have continued until now.
Why the sudden upsurge? I place the blame squarely on the president of the United States. His rhetoric and attitude toward people of color, have incited and inflamed the fires of hate and prejudice like never before. He continues to blame China for the increase of the covid-19 pandemic and deaths in the United States and too many believe this diversionary tactic.
As recent as May 11, 2020 during a press briefing at a White House briefing, Meijang Chiang, a reporter asked the president, “Why do you see testing as a global competition?” His response was, “Go ask China!” A response that did not answer the question and was clearly racial. When Ms. Chiang then asked, “why are you saying that to me?” Trump mumbled something and abruptly ended the briefing by walking away. This incident was not lost on the media. Commentators and analysts have been very aware of what’s going on and are calling attention to the racial affront. Hate starts from the top; and will continue as long as nothing changes and there are no consequences for irresponsible speech or actions.
What can we do to protect our communities and loved ones? Be vigilant and aware of our surroundings; maintain a safe distance around you. If anything occurs, I strongly advise reporting any and all hate crime/incidents to local law enforcement. Try to give as much detail as you can remember, noting date, time, participants, etc. Even incidents may indicate a pattern of escalating behavior. Ultimately we can keep informed and be involved in the political process.
I applaud McGregor Scott and his staff of the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District for making hate crimes against AAPIs their highest priority. His outreach to our community brings hope but they do need our collective help in reaching our constituents and other AAPI organizations. His office is in partnership with local enforcement to combat hate.
Feel free to contact Sean Vassar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for information or to report hate incidents/crimes. His contact information: sean,[email protected]; or call 916-554-2706. Go to www.justice.gov/edu for information.
Be safe and be well…. Alex Eng