Topic: Problems and Solutions of anti-Asian racism in Western countries since the

emergence of Covid-19.

On May 7, 2020, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres (2020) apprised that

the COVID-19 pandemic “continues to unleash a tsunami of hate and xenophobia,

scapegoating and scare-mongering.” Specifically, a substantial number of racial incidents

encompassing physical assault, verbal harassment, or online discrimination, have been

recorded internationally since the outbreak of the pandemic. On top of that, the cases

targeting individuals of Asian descent had reached a peak of over 1,800 reports in the United

States alone over an eight-week period (Borja et al., 2020). This incredible figure obviously

signifies the deleterious Anti-Asian racism phenomenon in Western countries due to the

emergence of the coronavirus derived from China. And this essay will discuss three main

problems associated with this concern and propose three practical prompt and long-term

measurements to address them.

Discrimination towards Asians in occidental countries on account of COVID-19 had serious

repercussions for all aspects of the Asian diasporas. Firstly, one of the most visible

manifestations of anti-Asian racism is the escalating number of aggressive incidents towards

oriental individuals and people of mixed-race Asians. A Pew survey demonstrated that since

the pandemic, about 26% of Asian American adults feared physical attacks (Ruiz et al.,

2020). One of the possible explanations might be that many Asian Americans are treated like

animals or viruses that deserve to be attacked (e.g., stabbed, immolated; Chueng et al., 2020).

Secondly, being put under multiple levels of adverse stigmatization such as ostracization,

denigration, and dehumanization triggers intense surges of psychological problems among

Asian subgroups. They are more susceptible to anxiety, consternation, neurosis, low self-
esteem, and even more negative outcomes. To illustrate, Chen et al. (2020) asserted that

depression and abject misery stemming from chronic persecution and pandemic scapegoating

might increase traumatic symptoms and suicidal ideation. Finally, and most notably, due to

the loss of ethnic dignity, the repugnance and psychological distress towards Asians genetic

traits and Asians’ race are aroused among a small number of Asians, which makes them have

a desire to integrate into the Western society. In other words, this minor group is willing to

otherize their ethnic ones, dissociate from or mock their own cultural heritage (Pyke & Dang,

2003). Briefly, the disputes ensue severe and persistent consequences towards Asian

subgroups under the impact of COVID-19 in Western culture.

To alleviate and prevent the dilemmas of anti-Asian racism mentioned above, viable and

sustainable measurements should be applied, which covers actions of both Asian and White

communities, along with the authority. First, discriminatory atrocity has to be banned, and

heavy fines should be imposed to punish racists and deter others. Simultaneously, it is

advisable for the government to facilitate the victims of discrimination to raise their voices

about violence towards non-white individuals. Sprunt (2021), a journalist of NPR News,

stated that the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, has signed legislation

addressing hate crimes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which optimizes the elimination

of racism. Secondly, to reinforce the awareness of the non-Asian community, a curricular

system specializing in competing and restraining any type of racism towards is

recommended, which probably changes the mindset and prejudice against Asians. In Canada,

multiple proposals have been advanced such as a framework of pandemic anti-racism

education to achieve educational improvement in post-COVID-19 (Shibao & Yan, 2021).

Finally, Asian subgroups need inner support. Instead of ostracism, Asians may join hands to

form a strong community. For example, the online Asian community has utilized social

media to engage in cathartic expressions, mutual care, and discursive activism amid the rise

of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia during COVID-19, specifically 1.7-million-strong

Facebook group Subtle Asian Traits (SAT) (Crystal & Jing, 2020). In short, neat

measurements are immensely crucial to tackle this humanitarian crisis.

In conclusion, anti-Asian racism in Western culture has triggered adverse impacts in terms of

verbal and physical assaults, psychological damage, and racial identity. The government and

the community should take actions such as imposing laws, constructing progressive

education, and establishing unity among individuals to eliminate racial sentiments and bring

peace to each Asian, especially in the disastrous eons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The

elimination of anti-Asian racism will enable a stronger unity for the society to compete

against the horrendous viruses.

Words count: 694

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Reference for inaccessible sources:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V_8Lq3mmnoujoC1oSmS2coEqgORk 8I8G?

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