A special piece dedicated to women history month and to all the Asians out there~
In such despairing times, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when there’s been a drop in humanity. I’m here writing this trying to grasp the unspeakable that’s going on and find that inkling of hope that’s left, if any. It’s heart wrenching to see so much hate against the Asian American community in light of recent attacks made against us.
It really hits home having grown up in the United States, “the land of the free, home of the brave,” and where people can live the American Dream, which has been very much idealized. Many Asians immigrated to America to seek a better future for themselves and for their families. It was hard for our parents, grandparents and even those before them to move away from home, but can you imagine how much harder it is to blend into a community as a minority? But at the end of the day, we remained grateful and resilient in hopes of being accepted for who we are.
Much of the anti-Asian sentiment we see now stems from COVID. Though the outbreak may have originated from China, it’s not the time to be pointing fingers and playing the blame game. Rather, we should step up in solidarity to appease these stressful times. Our ethnic differences should’ve never been questioned or placed in the forefront. Asians are neither a virus nor a source of cheap labor. We are as very much deserving of the respect and dignity as the rest of our ethnically diverse friends. With that said, I’d like to make it loud and clear that I’m PROUD to be an Asian American, even if that means I’ll forever be grouped as a minority.
Images taken from @stopasianhate and @meldcole
Having a bad day? We all do. Find a creative outlet, plug in to music, dance and/or sing your heart out, call a friend, etc. The list is endless.
*Platforms to educate and help
We need to act now in any way we can to help the AAPI community. Small acts go a long way. Check out various platforms to educate yourself on the matter and let your voice be heard in acts of kindness, both big and small.
Donate & Support
GoFundMe created a main page for all verified fundraisers at gofundme.com/aapi
Stop AAPI Hate has been documenting and tracking hate crimes against the AAPI community. Donate to their efforts at stopaapihate.org
Asian Americans Advancing Justice is a non-profit legal advocacy group organizing for protection for Asian American communities. Donate to their efforts at advancingjustice-aajc.org
Red Canary Song is the only grassroots massage parlor worker coalition in the country. Support their mutual aid efforts, community and coalition building. Donate at redcanarysong.net
New York Mag has a list of 45 ways you can donate to help the AAPI community at bit.ly/nymag-aapi
Report hate crimes
stopaapihate.org
standagainsthatred.org
Rally
If you are in the New York City area, there’s a rally against hate on Sunday, March 21st at 1PM, Columbus Park (remember to wear your mask!). Go support the cause whether you are vocally preaching against anti-Asian crimes or being an active bystander!
