SFCCC Supports the AAPI Community

Over and over again, we heard from respondents [who submitted reports of hate] that it was hurtful to be targeted…But it was even more hurtful to have no one stand with them — no one intervened when clearly, they were being targeted because of their race, ethnicity and gender.”

—Cynthia Choi, Stop AAPI Hate’s co-founder

SFCCC strongly condemns hate incidents against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Last week’s horrifying events in Atlanta bring us to yet another acknowledgement of the tragedies that result from hate and prejudice and lying, hateful rhetoric. 

While AAPI prejudice is a deeply engrained part of American History, since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group Stop AAPI Hate has recorded least 3,795 reported incidents of hate against Asian American and Pacific Islanders, including the January assault and killing of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee in San Francisco. Experts know there is vast under-reporting of these hate crimes.

Listed below are a few suggestions to get involved. More information can be found at https://caasf.org/stop-aapi-hate.

How not to be a passive if you witness a hate incident: (adapted from PBS NewsHour and Science Friday)

It is more important to respond in some way than it is to have the perfect response. When you notice a hate incident or crime, pause to think, and define what’s happening. If possible, point out the situation to other bystanders. Once you do, they will be more likely to intervene themselves. This process can happen in seconds.

Start with a minor intervention, such as telling the perpetrator to stop. If you feel that it is safe, then you can get physically involved.

 If possible, ask the victim if they want you to call the police and then call 911. Recording the incident can save crucial information if the victim wants to go to the police.

Neighbor/peer support: With some Asian Americans afraid to go out in the current climate, ask what you can do to support them. This can be as simple as offering to help them go to the grocery store or to run an errand.

Learn about the history of Asian American discrimination:  AAPI leaders also urge the importance of understanding the history of Asian Americans in the United States, how the community is not a monolith and how diverse the experiences of each community within America are.

Donate to the Atlanta victims: http://bit.ly/DonateToGeorgiaAAPICommunity…