Dear Arlington friends and neighbors,
The AHRC Stands Against Hate Impacting the AAPI Community
Like many in Arlington, the AHRC is horrified and saddened by the fatal shooting of eight people in Georgia on March 16. While the shootings are still being investigated, the fact that seven women, six of whom were Asian, were killed demonstrates the deadly combination of racism, misogyny, and gun violence.
These killings come in the midst of growing hate incidents against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community. In a report released by Stop AAPI Hate, there were 3,795 reported hate incidents against AAPI individuals between March 2020 and February 2021. These were of course only reported incidents, so the actual number is much larger. Of these attacks, most are against Asian women, by over a 2:1 margin.
These murders come against a background of anti-Asian speech, including our former President and others linking this community to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a reflection of white supremacist ideology, which includes minimizing responsibility when mass shootings are perpetrated by white males.
The shootings also reflect the deep history of misogyny in the United States. Asian women are particularly subject to fetishization, driven by chauvinistic trends in popular culture and historical narratives. The characterisation of the suspect’s motive by law enforcement also reflects a dismissiveness of misogyny and racism in our culture.
What can we do?
Attend the AHRC-hosted “Stand Out Against Racism: Elevating AAPI Voices” on April 12 at 7 pm. RSVP HERE
Also attend the MA Town Hall on Anti-Asian Racism
Report incidents of hate:
Immediately call and report the incident to 911
Take it a step further. File a complaint by:
Contacting the Attorney General Civil Rights Division by calling 617-963-2917
Take action:
Learn about State bills refining the MA hate crimes laws here and follow up by contacting your state representatives.
Learn about Federal bills like the Violence Against Women’s Act and Federal resolutions condemning anti-Asian hate and follow up by contacting your federal representatives.
Sign a Community Centered Response to Violence Against Asian American Communities petition.
Post on your social media using #stopAsianhate
Learn, talk, discuss:
Talk to your kids about speaking out against anti-Asian racism using this book.
Use antiracism resources to support AAPI communities.
Review the history of anti-Asian violence.
Use these materials to understand the uniquely American intersection of guns and violence against women and these regarding the deadly intersection of guns and hate.
For more information, please view the resources listed below:
Address Anti-Asian Hate Crimes from Anti-Racism Daily
Teaching About Anti-Asian Racism and Xenophobia from Educators 4 Social Change
A Literary Guide to Anti-Asian Racism in America from Electric Literature
Addressing Anti-Asian Bias from Learning for Justice
Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.
Email: ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us
Phone: 781-316-3250
By Mail: 27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476