The news this week out of Atlanta about the shooting deaths of eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent, was horrifying, shocking, and heartbreaking. It’s especially devastating for our Asian and Asian American neighbors.
These are particularly scary times because of racism associated with fears about COVID-19. Oregon is experiencing an increase in hate crimes, racist harassment, and vandalism directed at Asian and Asian American residents. From Asian and Asian American students being racially targeted in the early days of the pandemic, to recent vandalism targeting Asian businesses in the Jade District of Portland, this hate has to stop.
Please take a moment to listen to this interview with Representative Khanh Pham, my colleague who represents NE/SE Portland. As she notes, there is sadly a lot of history in our country of targeting and dehumanizing Asian Americans, which has led to violence and death.
Let’s stop this hate. Let’s confront racism in all forms and call out any attempts to threaten or intimidate others. We should be coming together in this pandemic.
Lastly, if you are a member of the Asian American or Pacific Islander community who has experienced any harassment or threats, please consider reporting your experience here through Stop AAPI Hate.
Original source can be found here.
