Blog Post 5: What I'm Saying

After reflecting on the various articles surrounding my research on Anti-Asian hate crimes, I feel that I have come to form a more nuanced discussion and perspective throughout my explorations. Above all, my initial mentality was shaped from personal experiences as an Asian-American who has dealt with negative comments regarding my race. I believe that the rise in Asian hate-crimes stemmed solely from COVID-19, and solutions would be simplistic. However, upon reviewing the information provided in both opinionated articles--such as those of fellow Asian-American Michelle Kim in, "On Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Who Is Our Real Enemy?" and organizations related to hate-crime relief such as the Stupski Foundation--and credible statistical articles-- such as the scientific journal posted by Yan and Lening Zhang--I have come to change my views to believe that Asian hate-crimes are based off of systemic issues that are not easily resolved. Behaviors of oppression, political biases, and even prevalence of diseases all seem to be the response to my question regarding factors of hate-crimes. The second part of my research question is addressed by the writers as claims that providing the Asian-American community with nutrition and health resources, respecting traditions and differences, and maintaining compassion within different communities will solve the rise of hate-crimes. Of the articles read, I believe the most persuasive and useful information came from the research paper by Yan and Lening Zhang--as although their races play a factor into their work, the credibility of their work is undisputable. Inversely, Kim's article personally felt too biased and her response of "white supremacy" to the cause of Asian hate-crimes could weaken her argument considering the racial difference.

My thesis was supported by the work of the Stupski Foundation, which believed that enlightening the community on Asian traditions and creating a cohesive collective was a good solution for hate crimes. However, none of the articles addressed my thesis's belief that ignorance is the main factor for Asian hate-crimes. I do believe, nonetheless, that my thesis could be expanded to specify what exactly entails "ignorance" as the Zhang scientific research paper noted the false correlation people seemed to make with Asians and the rise of diseases. COVID-19 was also addressed in almost every article, however, political messages were highlighted over misinformation of the general public as the reasoning for Asian hate-crimes.

Overall, I have concluded that much of the recent rise of anti-Asian hate crimes are a result of complex and nuanced influences that cannot be easily solved without targeting the systemic issues that surround it. I come to this conclusion, because I personally disagree with the consensus reached with the idea provided by the Stupski Foundation that providing resources will reduce hate-crimes. The consensus reached by the article writers is that these issues stem from the rise of negative propaganda given by American political leaders. These issues cannot be fixed by simply providing greater resources, as they are far too ingrained into the central dogma of being an American person--listening to "your people". Even the reasoning (which I have previously disregarded as too biased), of white supremacy as the catalyst for Asian hate-crimes, is far too broad to be fixed by supporting the Asian community alone. What can really aid in these hate-crimes, is growing a larger compassion within the U.S. for one another, and not allowing these xenophobic ideas from having an important American platform. That is why I would like to challenge the ideas of these articles to include a more realistic and exact position in what can be done for the Asian community to create permanent change. Only by having a strong and concise position in my research question, will the people affected most really be able to thrive. My research question, if answered in this way, provides a necessary commentary on the United States position on being a country labeled a "melting pot" despite its ever growing number of hate-crimes. It is significant, both for the common American person who claims to be a true patriot, and for every single Asian person who wishes to be seen and treated with respect in the coming years. Only by asking these hard questions and having credible, accurate information, will we be able to expunge xenophobia and learn to live peacefully with our differences in tradition, language, and lifestyle.