Aight so I seriously don’t know how to use Tumblr but it’s talk time.
How to support Asians and recognize anti-AAPI violence and micro-aggressions.
AAPI - Asian American Pacific Islander
First things first, if you’re attempting to spread awareness or new information (make sure to check your sources and usually try to share information from an AAPI source, during these times it’s extremely important to uphold the voices of those being oppressed) do NOT use the hashtag #/AsianLivesMatter (ALM). While we appreciate the sentiment it actually takes away from the movement of BLM, which is just as important and still needs attention and help. Instead, use the hashtags #StopAsianHate and #StopAAPIHate- these are the tags dedicated to the movement.
Now, for spotting anti-AAPI micro-aggressions and what to do about them:
Jokes such as “Ching chong” and teasingly pulling at your skin as to create the illusion that your eyes are slanted are micro-aggressions against AAPI appearances and language. This builds the assumption that all Asian languages are based around these sorts of tones and syllables when that is not the case; and additionally not all Asians have slanted eyes! Countries such as India and Saudi Arabia are additionally a part of Asia, though most people only are familiar with East Asian countries/cultures through kpop, anime, kdramas et cetera.
The “fox eye” trend is also a racist micro-aggression against Asians, as explained previously. An basic explanation of this trend according to stanforddaily.com, “The fox-eye trend, where one applies make-up, pulls on their face or undergoes plastic surgery so the eyes and brows appear to slant upwards, is unapologetic cultural appropriation. Caucasian women like actress Megan Fox and supermodel Bella Hadid are often credited for popularizing the trend. These paragons of Western beauty standards require special efforts to achieve this look. On them, this “manufactured” eye shape is beautiful. On Asians however, this inborn eye shape is a feature to make fun of. Whether the look is achieved with make-up, eye-pulls or plastic surgery, the effect is the same: It’s still an age-old taunt.”
Assuming that all AAPI people are fluent in all Asian languages- Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino, for example, is a racist micro-aggression that pits all AAPI cultures as being the same. All Asian countries have vastly different roots and cultures and this micro-aggression erases a lot of this.
Questions and statements such as “Where are you /really/ from?”, “What type of Asian are you?”, “Wow, you speak [Language] so well for a [Race]!” are even more examples of Anti-AAPI micro-aggressions.
One of the most common Anti-AAPI aggressions in modern day America is the assumption that all Asians are to blame for COVID-19. While the virus originated in Wuhan, China, that does NOT support any claim that all Asians are responsible for the virus.
“Go back to your country” should not need to be explained but it is unfortunately a statement many AAPI folk face, even if they are American citizens.
The stereotype that all Asians are extremely smart is simply that; a stereotype.
Many Asian restaurants have different ways of cooking their food, and many people take this as a means of “their kitchens are unsanitary”. As somebody who has cooked many Vietnamese dishes, it gets messy, but that’s simply part of the process, and everything is perfectly sanitary and safe to eat. Asians are not “dirty”.
Not all Asians look like kpop idols.
Now, as for what to do if you witness a micro-aggression or if you realize that some of your assumptions and thought processes have been listed above
Step in. Chances are people will walk by and ignore whatever is happening; sometimes acts of racism against someone publicly is traumatizing and if you can just speak up and help out, you can really change the outcome of a situation.
If a friend makes a racist joke or tease, tell them. Inform them how it is racist and that their actions cannot be excused.
Research! It is not all AAPI people’s responsibility to constantly lecture everybody on what counts as racism and what doesn’t. Go out of your way to be better.
Don’t expect gifts or praise for enforcing basic human rights.
If any fellow AAPI have anything to add, feel free to do so. If you are not APPI, /please/ share this and educate yourself on how to do your part in stopping Asian hate.
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