Southeast Asian Americans face more assaults, abuse and intimidation than any other Asian American group, a new report from the advocacy group Asian American Foundation finds.
The report, which surveyed 6,200 people across ethnic groups, found that 32% of Asian Americans nationwide have experienced a slur in the past 12 months, and 29% have experienced verbal harassment or abuse. He said he received it. This number is significantly higher for Southeast Asian Americans, with 40% experiencing slurs and 38% experiencing verbal abuse.
Many Americans believe the wave of anti-Asian hate sparked by the coronavirus is over, but TAAF Chief Executive Norman Chen said that’s not the case.
Although anti-Asian hate crimes decreased from 2021 to 2022, Asian Americans surveyed said their daily lives are still affected by it. In fact, 61% said hate has continued to increase over the past year.
More than a quarter of Asian Americans feel unsafe on public transportation, and 41% believe they will be the victim of a physical attack within the next five years.
“Our community remains extremely fearful, concerned and vigilant,” Chen said. “People are still very concerned about going out on the streets and doing everyday activities: going to the store, going to school, going to work.”
He said it is difficult to single out one reason why Southeast Asians are bearing the brunt of this hatred, but he believes economic conditions may be a contributing factor. Per capita income for all ethnic groups in Southeast Asia is lower than the U.S. average, according to a 2020 report by the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
“It depends on the socio-economics,” Chen said. “Where do these people live, where do they commute, where do they work? That may also be a factor.”
He said local residents are still changing their behavior to prevent violence, such as refraining from speaking their native language outside their homes and avoiding public transport.
According to the TAAF report, only 38% of Asian Americans feel they belong in the United States, compared to 70% of white Americans. Even fewer people feel their racial identity is accepted in the United States, at 18%. When asked why, respondents said anti-Asian hatred was the biggest reason. However, the lack of high-level representation across the industry was also a major factor.
“People don’t see enough Asian Americans in leadership positions in America,” Chen said. “Lack of senior representation in government, the Supreme Court, television and film, culture and sport. It also creates a lack of belonging, feeling that your opportunities are limited.”
The fact that Americans seem to be forgetting anti-Asian hatred and racism is troubling, he said, and people in the community are dealing with their fears in silence. . He hopes people will start paying attention.
“There’s a lack of awareness about what the Asian American community continues to experience literally every day,” he says.
