A few days ago yet another horrible hate incident ended in the senseless deaths of 6 Asian Americans and 2 others in Atlanta, Georgia. And here we were again witnessing another stain on our culture- another group is victim of race violence. The victims are different this time, but the moral bankruptcy is the same.
The media started reporting it as just another deranged man fighting his sex addiction. It sounded so familiar. In 2015, 3 young Muslim students were massacred in their own apartment by a neighbor, and the media kept reporting it for the longest time as a parking space issue. Even today, they are still fighting for that horrible crime to be called a “hate crime” unsuccessfully (see https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/us/hate-crime-muslim-students.html). It is mind-boggling how our legalistic systems rob the dead victims of even the moral recognition of a hate crime. I am sure the victims in Atlanta will face the same legal battle in the state courts, which I find shameful.
Like the coronavirus, the hate virus has taken over the world. Like a virus it spreads easily and fast, and like the virus it takes many innocent lives and hurts so many families and communities. Immigrant groups have been targets throughout history; the exception is African Americans who were forced to come here (they did not even immigrate) and continue to be targeted- a truly monumental sin. What is so heartbreaking is that this hate crisis was started by President Trump who used racist language throughout the pandemic and continues to do so. By calling COVID-19 the China or Kung Flu virus, he infected half of America with the virus of hate. Hate crimes against Asian Americans have risen in dozens of US cities, and amazingly NYC an LA top the list!
I was so proud of the Asian American celebrities who formed several associations to help fight this new wave of violence. Some of the organizations that have been formed are RISE, Stop AAPI Hate, and “Hate is a Virus” www.hateisavirus.org, etc. Within the Asian American communities, many countries and races are represented, and it is wonderful that they are partnering on these initiatives. But wouldn’t it be great if all minorities banded together to end hate forever and spread love? There was once a Rainbow Coalition formed by the Black Panthers Group in the 60’s; maybe it is time to form a bigger, formidable coalition and heal society through efforts in education, dialogue and intercultural understanding. In the meantime, please support Asian Americans at this critical time – we are all in this together!
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