Stop. Asian. Hate.

These three words have circulated around the social media feeds of many — and around the world — due to the hate crimes taking place against Asian Americans. 

In Orange County, California, a man threw rocks at an Asian woman’s car while she was driving her around with her 6-year-old son.

In New York City, a 65-year-old Asian woman was brutally attacked on her way to church. 

In San Francisco, California, an 84-year-old Thai immigrant died after being violently shoved to the ground while on a walk.

In Kansas, the only Asian American lawmaker serving in the Kansas legislature was physically threatened in a bar by someone from out of state who asked the lawmaker if he was carrying COVID-19. 

When will this stop? This isn’t even half of it. 

We need to do something about the hatred taking place against others simply because of their race. 

My two younger sisters Zia and Soji are half Asian. I don’t want them to grow up in a society where they are at risk of experiencing violence and racism. I don’t want them to grow up in a world where violence is happening towards the Asian American community. I don’t want them to grow up and live in fear of what could happen every day just by leaving the house. 

Nobody should ever have to experience a fear of violence simply because of their ethnicity, race, identity, or religion.

Too many Asian Americans are living in fear. 

In 2020, Anti-Asian hate crimes in 16 of America’s largest cities increased 145 percent. News reports are more frequently including disturbing accounts of violence in the Asian American community. Also, in the last year, COVID-19 has been referred to as the “Chinese virus” in different instances by public officials, despite efforts by the World Health Organization to encourage use of the scientific name.

This racism and hate upsets me. 

Nobody should be labeled by a virus or stereotype. I can’t imagine the pain and fear that some in our community must feel, as I have had conversations with friends who are worried about the safety of their grandparents. The hate against Asian Americans should be upsetting to all of us.

To help solve this issue, we must call others out for racist remarks, stand up for those who are being attacked, educate one another, and give support to those who need it. 

The stereotypes need to be let go, and we need to be allies and supporters of the Asian American community. Being an ally to the Asian American community looks like listening, engaging in respectful conversation, educating one another, and advocating for the community by attending peaceful protests.

To all of my peers, friends, and family members who are Asian American, I want you to know that I stand with you, I support you, I hear you, and you are valued. 

An inclusive community and an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported — this is the world I want my sisters to grow up in. However, we have a lot of work to do in order to get there.