Janie Ye
Wayzata High School
There have been multiple efforts to combat hate towards Asian Americans in the United States both locally and nationally. Because of the prevalence of hate in the community, the tasks of influential individuals and organizations should not be overlooked. Oftentimes, these groups attempt to reshape decades of racism in society and change the minds of sometimes unwilling people. Therefore, the impact that community efforts have in stopping anti-Asian hate is extremely significant for the future of Asian Americans in the United States.
On a national level, there have been some attempts to lessen anti-Asian hate. One of the most impactful organizations is Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition of community-based organizations dedicated to reforming prejudices in society in order to improve Asian American lives. Also, the Federal Government has released a report to assess “the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021, and the federal role in preventing and enforcing federal hate crime laws” (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights). This report examines the national rise in incidents and prevention and reporting methods, and also reveals federal efforts to stop anti-Asian hate.
Minnesota’s state government is also starting to consider and implement legislation to fix the state’s hate crime law. Due to the increased harassment and discrimination towards Asian Americans during the pandemic, the state has set forward plans to make incident reports more accessible. A local organization, the Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice, was founded to end xenophobia to better the world. It lists numerous methods to combat anti-Asian racism and provides a helpline to report hate crimes. The organization also encourages people to contact Minnesota State legislators to increase support for victims and speak out against racism. Various organizations similar to the Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice also empower Asian Americans to speak up and promote unity in the fight against racism in the community.
In reality, hate and violence originate from certain viewpoints and thoughts that were ingrained in society since the beginning of American history. Altering these ideologies may be difficult, but the end result will benefit the community. Starting small and gradually growing the movement to stop anti-Asian hate will help modify previously set mindsets on racism and xenophobia. It is important to contribute to community efforts to stop anti-Asian hate because no one should have to face violence in any situation and setting.
In the end, stopping anti-Asian hate starts with identifying the problem and spreading the information. Speaking out against racism and taking action are steps along the way to reinvent society’s view on Asian Americans and inform others about the challenges that they face. Stopping anti-Asian hate starts within our own communities, and contributing to the effort is necessary to improve society. Asian Americans deserve respect and equal treatment. No one should suffer from violence and discrimination. All of this starts within the community.
