Why the sudden surge in Anti-Asian hate crime? - #StopAsianHate
NYPD data shows that the Anti-Asian hate crimes has increased to 1,900 percent since COVID-19. Previous year many cases of discrimination against asian have been reported in the states and districts of California, United States.
According to sources, the hate crime against asians increased exponentially post COVID-19. Many troubling reports of violence against asian seniors have been seen in the past month or so.
In January 2021, an 84 year old Vicha Ratanapakdee was attacked in San Francisco while taking his morning walk. He died just two days after the attack due to injuries. A man attacked three people in Oakland’s Chinatown. A 91-year old man, 60-year old man and 55-year old woman were injured. A 55-year old Chinese woman was attacked near a bakery in New York City. Nearly 3000 reports of such violence have been reported since last year. These Anti-asian crimes were reported in 47 cities and districts of California. Exact number of crimes can’t be determined as no government or organisational agencies are working and tracking this issue.
There are over six million Asian Americans living in California. The city of California was badly impacted by COVID-19 which resulted in over 50,000 deaths and economical distress. This might be the reason to intensify these hate crime cases against Asians. California congresswoman Judy Chu said, ” The Asian community has reached a crisis-point.” She further added, “These attacks are no accidents. It is clear January 6 was not the only violence Donald Trump incited.”
Many social media users are sharing infographics stating, “ #StopAsianHate ” with a bright yellow background. This bright yellow infographics is made by Artist Steffi Lynn to enlighten this crime and to unite the asian community to fight Anti-asian hate crimes.
As the crimes are still increasing, certains actions are taken by the government in the United States. An executive order is signed by President Joe Biden denouncing Anti-Asian discrimination. Biden calls out the rise in hate crimes against Asians on public platforms. He said, “They are harassed, attached, blamed and scapegoated. They are forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down the streets in America. It’s wrong, it’s un-American and it must stop. Former president Bill Clinton has also talked about this issue. He said,”I Am deeply concerned about the hate crime targeting Asian Americans. We must speak out against discrimination of all kind, reject the ignorant rhetoric driving the waves of violence, and reach out to support people.”
#StopAsianHate