Title: Rising Anti-Asian Sentiment in America Threatens Unity – Echoes From History
In recent months, there has been a disturbing rise in anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, creating a grave threat to American unity. This resurgence of xenophobia is eerily reminiscent of historical events, as a long-standing anti-Asian movement once again rears its ugly head in our modern age.
The escalation of tensions between the United States and China on a diplomatic level has undoubtedly strained relations between both nations. However, it is concerning to witness how this animosity is translating into the mistreatment of Chinese Americans and the larger Asian-American community right here on American soil.
Lawmakers, eager to capitalize on political gains, have begun employing rhetoric and policies that target Chinese citizens and the broader Asian community. Legislation has been introduced in several states to prevent Chinese citizens from purchasing property, while accusations of TikTok being an instrument of the Chinese government have led to attempts to ban the platform. Some politicians have even tried to bar the Chinese government and other foreign adversaries from buying agricultural land, with baseless claims being made about Chinese land ownership in New York.
These actions and claims contribute to a dangerous assumption that individuals with Chinese ancestry are inherently dangerous and disloyal due to diplomatic disputes. This reinforces the harmful stereotype of the perpetual foreigner, casting Chinese and Asian-Americans as secondary and lesser members of society, and now being portrayed as potential foreign saboteurs.
Sadly, this playbook of equating an ethnic group with a foreign government is not new. Throughout history, it has led to some of our most shameful policies and waves of violence. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 rendered Chinese immigrants ineligible for American citizenship, while alien land laws in the early 1900s forbade Asian immigrants from owning property and pursuing the American Dream. Japanese Americans faced unjust imprisonment during World War II, and after the September 11 attacks, xenophobia towards Muslim Americans surged, resulting in hate crimes and attacks on places of worship. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a distressing wave of anti-Asian hate.
When politicians and leaders perpetuate rhetoric about China stealing our manufacturing jobs or introduce discriminatory legislation reminiscent of historical alien land laws, it is crucial to recognize that it is not the Chinese government that will suffer. Rather, it is regular Chinese Americans, as well as other Asian-Americans, who bear the brunt of being falsely accused of espionage, subjected to racial slurs on the street, or becoming victims of hate crimes.
The impact of politicians’ anti-China rhetoric is not confined to the realm of foreign policy; its true consequences are felt right here in America by the millions of Americans of Asian ethnic descent.
On National Citizenship Day, a day meant to celebrate the ideals of diversity and inclusion enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, it is paramount that our elected representatives and individuals in positions of power separate their discussions on diplomatic issues from their treatment of Chinese and Asian people in America. Racially targeted domestic laws fueled by fearmongering and the search for foreign scapegoats must be eschewed. History serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the perils that arise when we blame an entire ethnic group for diplomatic disputes.
Instead, let us work towards uplifting Asian-Americans who love this country and contribute to its greatness. Let us acknowledge the importance of diversity, inclusion, and unity in our society. By doing so, we can overcome the shadows of history and create a brighter and more harmonious future for all.
