Survey finds rise in anti-Asian hatred in Seattle area
A new survey finds that nearly two in five Asian residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have experienced anti-Asian hate in the past year.
SEATTLE — Nearly two in five Asian residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have experienced anti-Asian hate within the past year, a new survey finds.
According to a report conducted by the Asian American Foundation for Asian Affairs (TAAF), about 40% of the city’s Asian residents reported experiencing hate speech in the past year. The report cited various forms of harassment, including name-calling, threats and physical violence, raising concerns about the safety of Seattle’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.
Community leaders gathered in Seattle’s Little Saigon on Monday to evaluate the data and raise awareness about the findings.
“Little Saigon has been hit hardest by some of the safety issues in the downtown core,” said Quynh Pham, executive director of Friends of Little Saigon. She stressed that while these challenges have existed for years, the COVID-19 pandemic has put the community at even greater risk.
“The region is at a tipping point,” Pham added.
Georgette Batena, chief program officer for TAAF, said anti-Asian hate and prejudice have continued since the pandemic, but the issue is often overlooked.
A survey conducted by TAAF found that 20% of those surveyed reported being physically assaulted in racially motivated attacks. Other data shows that fear of violence is driving Asian community members to make serious changes. Speakers in Seattle’s Filipino community say many concerned seniors have started attending self-defense classes, learning how to protect themselves using walking sticks and umbrellas. South Korean leaders have expressed a desire for stronger ties with local police to address rising crime.
The survey revealed that 75% of respondents changed their behavior to avoid being targeted.
“People are worried about their safety,” said Bhathena. “They’re afraid to go out late at night or speak their native language.”
In addition to the hate incidents, the region has seen a surge in home invasions and ambushes targeting Asian families from Kent to South Seattle, and over the weekend, East Side authorities reported the presence of an organized crime ring targeting elderly Asian Indian residents in Bellevue and Redmond.
Michael Itti, executive director of the China Information Service Center (CISC), stressed the importance of documenting cases and providing support to victims. The organization provides bilingual staff to help victims access resources such as legal aid.
“We know that there are many residents in the Chinatown-International District who place a high priority on public safety,” Itti said. Her group also encourages bystander intervention training and urges people to walk in groups, avoid wearing expensive jewelry and call police if there are incidents.
Top stories from FOX Seattle
Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena to refund concertgoers, pay nearly $478,000 in fines
I-5 North closed in Everett, Washington, after possible murder-suicide
Argument over motorcycle leads to deadly shooting in Graham, Washington
The complaint alleges unethical and unprofessional conduct by Marysville superintendents.
Tickets still available for Green Day’s Seattle show
Seattle family mourns couple who drowned while snorkeling in Maui
Tacoma duo charged with murder in fake prostitution plot with stripper
Sign up for FOX Seattle’s daily newsletter for free access to the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle.
