Addressing Anti-Asian Racism
AN EDUCATOR RESOURCE FROM THE TDSB
The Importance of Having Conversations about Anti-Asian Racism with Children
Here's how you can support the Asian community right now!
"What culminated in a horrific mass shooting that left six Asians dead in Atlanta was not an isolated event, but rather an example of the heartbreaking upsurge of anti-Asian racism. This mounting hate tide is causing community groups to fear for their safety everywhere, and Canada is no exception. This needs to change.
Not sure how you can help? Here are five ways you can be an ally for the Asian community:
1. Start by educating yourself. While there has been an alarming rise in anti-Asian hate crime and speech within the past year, anti-Asian racism and xenophobia are not new phenomena. There are several resources you can find to help you understand this history of racism—here's one to get you started.
2. Enrol in bystander intervention training. Taking bystander intervention training can prepare us to identify and de-escalate xenophobic harassment in a safe and sensitive manner. The Government of Canada offers bystander intervention training on their website, with safe and positive options to prevent harm when there is a risk of violence.
3. Listen to victims and help report incidents. Use Fight COVID Racism to report anti-Asian harassment, hate crimes, or violence. This platform also has many educational resources readily available.
4. Use social media to help spread awareness. In addition to posting about the current anti-Asian hate crimes, try following Instagram accounts that address anti-Asian racism and the challenges the Asian community groups are currently facing.
5. Support Asian-owned businesses. When looking for a restaurant to dine at or a local shop to support, opt for an Asian-owned business. Asian-owned businesses were the first to see a decline in sales even before the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in North America, purely due to xenophobia.
For a full list of recommendations and resources, click here. Together, we can all be part of the solution."
From: Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation
Anti-Asian Racism In Canada
On February 9th, 2021, Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators was released through an ETFO webinar Event.
“The anti-Asian discrimination resurfacing today has deep historical, colonial roots in this country and this is an urgent time to ensure we end this troubled history of racism,” noted Hammond. “At the same time, we must recognize that to enrich students’ knowledge and understanding of Canadian history, we must go beyond the curriculum to also affirm and value Black and Indigenous Peoples’ lives.”
The following link is a (closed caption) recording of the event:
Reflection Question: What actions can you take to help affirm students’ identities and counter negative stereotypes?
“ If we all commit to interrupting, questioning, educating, and echoing to fight racist rhetoric, we can start making our communities safer and healthier today.”
Articles:
How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism
Read this article featuring Dr. Anita Jack-Davies warning about the dangers of labelling variants giving rise to anti-Asian and racist rhetoric during the pandemic.
Guide:
How to Respond to Everyday Prejudice, Bias and Stereotypes
Media:
Dear Asian Youth community, literature, podcasts, and more
Ted Talks: I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype | Canwen Xu | TEDxBoise
PIXAR shorts (in solidarity with the Asian and Asian American communities against Anti-Asian hate in all forms. These are great onscreen representations to promote inclusion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpaLbYFVfbQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAGuju_yKY
Support:
Asian Mental Health Collective: https://www.asianmhc.org/