One of the high points in President Biden's address to the nation last night was his strong message about stopping the anti-Asian American violence that's spiked during the pandemic. To deflect from his own accountability, his racist predecessor delighted in calling the COVID-19 pandemic the "Chinese virus," triggering members of his thuggish cult to assault Asian Americans with increasing frequency over the past year. From the New York Times:
“'They’re forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America,' Mr. Biden said during a prime-time address at the White House, marking a year since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. 'It’s wrong. It’s un-American, and it must stop.'
Asian-Americans have grappled with anxiety and fear as violence against them spiked during the pandemic. Activists and elected officials say the attacks were fueled early on in part by the rhetoric of former President Donald J. Trump, who frequently referred to the coronavirus as the 'Chinese virus' because it originated in Wuhan, China. Mr. Trump has also blamed the Chinese government for the pandemic, saying Beijing failed to keep the virus from spreading beyond China’s borders."
California State University / San Bernardino's Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism released data that points to a 149% increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans in the 16 largest U.S. cities at the same time that hate crimes overall declined by 7% in 2020.
Not all crimes of violence against Asian-Americans can be traced back to Trump's bigotry; some was just criminal behavior (robbery, etc.). But there's no question that as he constantly referred to the virus as "Chinese"in the past year, violence directed toward Asians increased dramatically. Res ipsa loquitur.
(photo: via CNN)
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