Resources on Anti-Asian Racism
Resources for education, support, and advocacy in response to anti-Asian racism, which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, one such incident was a shooting spree targeting three Asian-owned Atlanta spas, resulting in eight deaths.
Why is this Happening?
Xenophobia, racism, and pandemic-related virus anxiety have combined to create an upsurge in anti-Asian violence throughout the United States. Stop AAPI Hate has reported at least 500 incidents of targeted racism in only the first two months of 2021.
- What is xenophobia?
The fear and/or hatred of anyone or anything that is strange or foreign. In this instance, xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners, or people that someone perceives to be from a foreign country.
- What is racism?
The marginalization and oppression of individuals based on their skin color. In this instance, racism is targeted hatred and violence against Asians.
- Pandemic scapegoating
Throughout history, marginalized communities have been used as scapegoats for widespread illness and disease. As early as ancient Greece and as recent as the 2000s, widespread illness has sparked myths about marginalized communities being the cause of, or carriers of, disease and illness.
Interested in learning more? Read here Samuel K. Cohn's
Pandemics: waves of disease, waves of hate from the Plague of Athens to A.I.D.S.
What can we do?
You can support the Asian community and counteract anti-Asian violence by speaking out against racism and xenophobia, supporting your local Asian community, and donating your time and/or money to Asian non-profits or community programs.
It is hard to know when, and how, to speak out when you hear something xenophobic or racist. Here are some tools:
Request an anti-racism workshop or event with a member of the Office of Multicultural Affairs team. Our team loves engaging in conversations about anti-racism, implicit bias, cultural responsiveness, and diversity at large!
Bystander intervention techniques are another helpful way to support your community by combatting racism when you see it. Asian Americans Advancing Justice offers free bystander intervention trainings as well.
- Support OSU Asian organizations
- Asian American Student Association
- Asian Faculty/Staff Association
- Chinese Students & Scholars Association
- Indian Student Association
- Iranian Students Association
- Japanese Student Association
- Ladies Involved in Leadership, Academics, Culture, & Service
- Muslim Student Association
- OKState Network of Visionary Academics
- Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers
- Vietnamese American Student Association
- Donate to organizations focused on anti-Asian stigma
The following organizations are either focused on supporting the Asian community at large or specifically on the recent rise in anti-Asian violence.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice
- Hate is a Virus
- Heart of Dinner (feeding NYC Asian elders)
- Send Chinatown Love
- Stop AAPI Hate
- Welcome to Chinatown
Supportive Resources
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is here for our Asian population. We see you, we hear you, and we realize that this is a difficult moment in time. Below are some resources - both at OSU and at large - for Asian individuals to find support and community.
International Students and Scholars is here to support the OSU international Asian community
Mental health support:
- Crisis Text Line has a pandemic-specific text line and list of tips and tools.
- OSU has a wide range of mental health resources available including a virtual walk-in clinic, identity-specific support groups, and one on one counseling.
- Sunshine Behavior Health's Mental Health Issues Facing the Asian American Community also has lots of resources and information.
Reporting incidents of anti-Asian hate:
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice is keeping track of anti-Asian incidents and sharing their stories.
- Stop AAPI Hate is collecting reports of anti-Asian action and producing detailed reports and studies.