Ways to Support the Asian Community
There are many actions you can take right now to support your Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander (API) friends, neighbors, and community members. Check out the actions below to #FightVirusBias.
Questions to Help You Self Reflect
Jokes and snide comments about the origins of the coronavirus are insensitive and ultimately perpetuate Anti-Asian racism and stereotypes. Intentional or not, jokes play into the normalization of scapegoating and spread false information which ultimately increases resentment, harassment and violence toward the API community.
If you hear someone make a joke about this, it’s important to say something. When bystanders choose to stand by silently, they may be communicating their acceptance of the behavior to others.
Here is a guide to help respond to jokes and slurs.
If you hear someone make a joke about this, it’s important to say something. When bystanders choose to stand by silently, they may be communicating their acceptance of the behavior to others.
Here is a guide to help respond to jokes and slurs.
Do you blame the pandemic on a country or specific ethnic group?
No single population, community, ethnicity or nationality are more likely than others to spread COVID-19. It is a stressful time for many people and communities. Placing blame on any one person or group perpetuates fear and anxiety about the disease and can lead to labeling, stereotyping, discrimination, harassment and violence toward that group.
Source: CDC
Source: CDC
Have you avoided any businesses specifically because the employees or business owners are API?
Many Asian-owned businesses across the country have been financially hit hard by Coronavirus because of fear and xenophobia surrounding the pandemic. All restaurants, businesses and practices have the same safety inspections, commercial standards, and health codes. Asian-owned businesses and employees are therefore no more likely than any other business or person to carry or spread the disease.
Consider seeking out and supporting Asian-owned businesses in your local area. Check out sites like Welcome to Chinatown and Send Chintatown Love to learn more.
Consider seeking out and supporting Asian-owned businesses in your local area. Check out sites like Welcome to Chinatown and Send Chintatown Love to learn more.
Actions You Can Take Right Now
Act as an ally
Sometimes, the simplest actions can have a big impact in creating a world that is equitable and inclusive.
Reach out to those affected
Sometimes letting someone know you can act as an ally can help them feel safe and included. It doesn’t have to be a public display. Take a moment to pull someone aside or send a quick text or email — it can be as simple as saying “Hey, I saw what happened earlier; how can I help?” or “I’m always around if you ever want to talk about the way that made you feel.” When you chat, always reinforce that they are never to blame if they become the target of biased behavior.
Challenge biased language
Knowing how to effectively respond to biased language at home takes practice. Created by ADL, this guide provides tips on how to respond to bigoted jokes, slurs, and other biased language.
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Support small businesses
Over the past few months, many Asian-owned restaurants and businesses have been especially vulnerable to massive sales declines, with some losing as much as 80% of their customers even before city-mandated closures. Show support for these businesses by purchasing goods, food and services from local businesses, retail shops and restaurants.
Get Delivery or Take Out
Support local API-owned restaurants by ordering your favorites to go or for delivery. Use sites like Welcome to Chinatown to find businesses near you - and you can always ask your neighbors for recommendations!
Order Goods Online
You can also support API-owned businesses by buying goods and gift cards online. Send Chinatown Love is a site showing how vouchers and donations are making a difference for NYC based businesses.
Stand up against hate crimes
Learn more about how you can stand up to racist acts or hate crimes.
Report an Incident
If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed racism, file an incident report using Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA).
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Bystander intervention training
Attend a free virtual training on bystander intervention to stop anti-Asian American and xenophobic harassment, sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and HollaBack! You’ll learn how you can effectively intervene as a bystander without compromising your safety.
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