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Americans oblivious to increasing hate against Asian Americans finds study

Additionally, 41 percent expressed concerns about becoming victims of physical attacks due to their race, ethnicity, or religion within the next five years.

Representative image / Image- Unsplash

Only one-third of Americans think hate towards Asian Americans has increased, while 61 percent Asian Americans felt so, a recent study by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) found.

The fourth annual STAATUS Index (Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S.) - a national study of Americans’ perceptions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities revealed a significant discrepancy between the experiences of Asian Americans and the perception of hate crimes by the broader public.

The study unveiled troubling statistics regarding the experiences of Asian Americans over the past year. 32 percent disclosed being subjected to derogatory slurs, with 29 percent experiencing verbal harassment or abuse. 

Additionally, 41 percent expressed concerns about becoming victims of physical attacks due to their race, ethnicity, or religion within the next five years. A significant 59% voiced apprehensions about encountering discrimination in various aspects of their lives in the near future.

Key factors contributing to this sense of vulnerability and marginalization include the lack of visibility and representation of Asian Americans in society. Only 38 percent of Asian Americans felt a complete sense of belonging, with an even smaller fraction—18 percent—believing that they are fully accepted in the U.S. for their racial identity. 

“Our 2024 data shows a disturbing trend that The Asian American Foundation has been tracking,” said Norman Chen, CEO, TAAF. “A large percentage of Americans show no familiarity with recent attacks on Asian Americans, while fear for safety continues to be a reality for too many members of our community.”

“The persisting and escalating hate and mistrust directed at Asian Americans, combined with a lack of representation and visibility, are creating an environment in which many feel excluded, unseen, and unsafe,” he said.

 "Visibility and representation aren’t just buzzwords, but actually vital to the safety and belonging of the AANHPI community,” Chen asserted, underscoring the urgent need for increased visibility, representation, and education to combat misconceptions and foster a sense of belonging for the community. 

Supported by leading scholars and research organizations, the STAATUS Index study provides crucial insights to inform public policy and community-based solutions aimed at addressing systemic challenges faced by Asian Americans. 

TAAF aims to amplify AANHPI voices and narratives to create a society where belonging and prosperity are attainable for all members of the community, free from discrimination and violence.
 

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