Dear editor:
The lack of media coverage and public attention on rising anti-Asian hate crimes and anti-Asian sentiment in our country is disturbing.
I have learned about these hate crimes spreading across the country after over a week of silence from most mainstream media outlets.
This increase in anti-Asian attacks is the direct result of xenophobic terms that an ex-political leader perpetuated during the onset of the pandemic. Racially charged terms established dangerous stereotypes that perpetuate stigma.
Our country must do more to address this violence long term. We must address the rise in racial violence against the Asian community and the compounding challenges they face during the pandemic.
To meaningfully address anti-Asian violence and xenophobia, all of us must respect the range of unique and diverse identities, cultural traditions, and forms of oppression that different members of the Asian community experience in our communities. It is also critical to highlight and value their contributions to society.
Everyone should be able to navigate our communities safely with dignity and respect. I encourage everyone, local political leaders, and mainstream media outlets to use their voices and platforms to speak out against these attacks.
Together, we can identify, address, and work toward dismantling anti-Asian racism to create safer, more equitable communities for all.
Sincerely,
Walter Palmisano,
Bronson, Kan.
