Abstract: A global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China has led many people around the world to treat Asians as scapegoats for the catastrophic outcomes of the COVID-19 virus. Extreme xenophobic attitudes towards Asians has been steadily on the rise and in countries like the United States, physical attacks against Asian-Americans were reported in Oakland, California targeting senior citizens. Although Asian-Americans have contributed to American society and economic growth since the late 1800s, Asians are treated as “forever foreigners” whose “Americanness” is often questioned simply because of physical appearances. Research articles regarding racism against Asians in America were collected and explored to show how past treatment of Asians and the current treatment of Asians align in one significant way: Asians are not viewed as Americans.
The media, in particular, reinforced the ideas of “foreignness” of Asian-Americans in the public eye (ie. athletes, entertainers, etc) who are constantly categorized as “other” when asked, “So what country are you from?” Now more than ever, social media outlets such as Tiktok and Instagram show just how rampant racism is against Asians, grouping all Asians as one group despite the unique heritage that many come from. History does not fail to repeat itself in times of outbreaks and pandemics, as the Irish and the Jews were once blamed for bringing tuberculosis to America. In an already dire and stressful situation, the minority group under attack may experience discrimination-related depression and anxiety. In this unique time in history, it is important to document and understand how minority groups may be under attack in an increased effort to educate future generations about discriminatory behavior in times of crisis.
Keywords: Asian-Americans, Racism, Anti-Asian Hate, Covid-19.
Title: Forever Foreigner: The Growing Anti Asian-American Sentiment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author: Ethan Wong
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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