What It's Like Being an Asian American During The Pandemic

Asian hate crimes are an all time high and with a tragic incident that occurred Tuesday night where 6 Asian women were shot and killed at a spa in Atlanta because the killer wanted to hyper-sexual Asian women, it's time we stand up and say enough is enough.

When people started to take the Coronavirus seriously and the government implemented mask mandates across the U.S, the hatred began when assumptions were being made about Asians that they were the virus and instead of it being called the Coronavirus, it was called a derogatory term which will not be named in this blog post. Because of these assumptions, words led to violence, targeting only Asian Americans.

From Asians being harassed and stalked on the streets to Asians getting beaten up and killed, these are numerous incidents being shared across very little social media channels yet there is not enough news coverage about it. Why? Because the Model Minority Myth exists and it's causing a rift towards Asian Americans and POC communities.

Please read this with an open mind and heart as we take a closer dive into the Model Minority Myth and why it's hurting Asian communities. According to Zeneration, The Model Minority Myth assumes that East Asians are perceived as "white" and "privileged" because of their lighter skin tones and seen as the only Asian group without taking into consideration that there are South, Central, West, and Southeast Asians who are facing racism too. In fact, Asians are also being seen as "economically well- off" and not being seen as a vulnerable group which is not true. The Model Minority Myth only looks at a small percentage instead of looking at the whole picture. That's the problem. There are more than 50 countries in Asia with so many different skin tones and cultures. Refugees and first generation Asian-Americans live in poverty. However, because of this myth, it makes it harder for Asian- Americans to use their voice and receive support from other communities.

From my experience as a Bangladeshi Asian-American woman and especially during the pandemic, I've received comments where people have told me that "I don't look Asian" with wide eyed wonderment or they would brush off my struggles and say that "I'm smart and that I'll be rich because I'm Asian". These comments have bothered me for so long because it had silenced my voice and made me feel that my struggles were miniscule. 1) Asians doesn't look like 1 particular country when there is so many more and 2) Just by saying that Asians are "smart" and will be "rich" automatically dismisses our concerns because of the assumption that whatever we're facing is nothing and it's because of the Model Minority Myth. Their ignorance and sharp edged words took the light and confidence that I once had. However, I'm no longer being silent and I'm no longer letting people define who I am. I will advocate for what's right whether it's my Asian community or other POC communities who need to have their voices heard and to take immediate action. However, we have to first acknowledge that the incident that happened on Tuesday night as well as other incidents that has occurred in the last few months were hate crimes.

What Can I Do to Help?

1) Start having conversations at home and with friends. Spread the word whether it's face to face or on social media and help change the perception of the Model Minority Myth for future generations.

2) Support and protect Asian-owned businesses.

3) If there is a rally in your local area, please join and support Asian- Americans. We have to put an end to Asian hate crimes!

4) File an incident report and please donate to Stop AAPI Hate. Please visit the website here: https://stopaapihate.org/

To learn more information about the Asian Hate crimes, please visit Stop AAPI Hate (Link is above) and to learn more about the Model Minority Myth, please visit Zeneration: https://zenerations.org/ (I highly recommend visiting both sites!)

About Raka Ahmed:

Raka Ahmed is a first generation Bangladeshi- American. She is also an aspiring middle grade and young adult author. Whenever Raka is not writing on Vocal, she teaches elementary students during the day. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas.