Overview
#StopAsianHate emerged in March 2020 in response to a surge in anti-Asian violence and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after rhetoric linking the virus to China.
Origins (Early 2020)
COVID-19 Scapegoating
- Rise in verbal harassment, physical attacks on Asian Americans
- Politicians’ use of “China virus,” “Kung Flu” rhetoric blamed for emboldening attackers
- Stop AAPI Hate reporting center established March 2020
Early Incidents
- Elderly Asian Americans attacked on public transit
- Asian-owned businesses vandalized
- Children bullied in schools
- Over 3,800 incidents reported between March-December 2020
2021 Escalation
Atlanta Spa Shootings
March 16, 2021: White gunman killed 8 people (6 Asian women) at Atlanta-area massage parlors
- Sparked nationwide protests and vigils
- #StopAsianHate trended #1 globally for 5 consecutive days
- Debate over hate crime classification vs. “sex addiction” narrative
- Asian American community rejected sheriff’s statement that shooter “had a bad day”
Other High-Profile Attacks
- January 2021: Vicha Ratanapakdee (84) killed in San Francisco
- February 2021: Noel Quintana slashed on NYC subway
- March 2021: 65-year-old woman brutally beaten outside NYC building (bystanders did nothing)
Movement Response
Protests & Solidarity
- Nationwide rallies in 60+ cities (March 20-27, 2021)
- #StopAsianHate vigils organized across all 50 states
- Cross-racial solidarity marches with Black Lives Matter activists
- “We are not a virus” became common protest sign
Celebrity Amplification
- Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Wu offered $25K reward for SF attacker (November 2020)
- Olivia Munn, Simu Liu, Sandra Oh spoke at rallies
- BTS donated $1M to Stop AAPI Hate, ARMY matched
- Jeremy Lin published essay about being called “coronavirus” on basketball court
Legislative Action
- May 2021: COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act signed into law
- Improved reporting mechanisms for hate crimes
- Funding for state/local law enforcement training
Statistics
- Stop AAPI Hate: 10,905 incidents reported March 2020-December 2021
- 63% of incidents targeted women
- Verbal harassment (63%), shunning/avoidance (16%), physical assault (13%)
- Chinatowns across US saw 60-90% business declines 2020-2021
Cultural Impact
- Mainstream media began covering Asian American issues extensively for first time
- Conversations about “model minority” myth and its harm
- Increased Asian American voter registration and political engagement
- Hollywood fast-tracked Asian-led projects