Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic there has been a 1900% rise in reported hate crimes against Asian Americans. While anti-asian sentiment in America isn’t something that started with COVID-19, the virus is certainly accelerating it. You may have seen some of the horrific videos of Asian American elders being targeted and brutally attacked. You may be wondering why more people aren’t talking about this or why there seems to be a lack of media coverage. You may be wondering what you can do to help.
We’ve done some research and put together this guide for how you and your brand and participate in allyship:
1) Do some research (on your own) / Educate yourself
Context and nuance are incredibly important when trying to be an ally — and particularly when addressing an issue like discrimination against Asian Americans. Here are just a few topics to read a little (or a lot) about:
The Chinese Exclusion Act
Japanese Internment Act
The 14th Amendment (and how it impacted racialized groups)
Vincent Chin
LA Riots
The Myth of the Model Minority
Sikh Temple shooting in Wisconsin
Filipino Farm Worker Movement