#StopAsianHate: 5 Things You Can Do to Show Your Support
(Image Credit: Jason Leung on Unsplash)
While May is Asian Heritage Month, anti-Asian racism still exists. This month, join the conversation on how to be an ally and stand in solidarity with the Asian community through these trying times.
It’s no surprise that the last 18 months were difficult and even traumatic, especially for the Asian community. Unfortunately, with all of the ignorance and racism that arose with the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals of Asian descent were subject to ongoing anti-Asian racism and xenophobia, which is simply put horrible and wrong. With racism still present, aiming to end discrimination and racism against the Asian community is our focus this month. We work to help create equality in and out of the workplace and hope it is one of your main goals.
This month is dedicated to celebrating the Asian community and all of the incredible things that they have done to move Canada and the world forward. Speaking up and showing your support towards the Asian community demonstrates that you are working to be an ally and stand with them to eliminate the hate.
Here are 5 things you can do to support the Asian community this month and every month.
1. Learn More About the Asian Community
There are many resources available online to learn more about the Asian community and how to become aware of the issues faced. By learning about the culture, you can grasp a better understanding of it. For Asian Heritage Month, CBC News has curated a list of documentaries to help you learn even more.
One of the documentaries named Bad Rap follows the lives and careers of four Asian-American rappers trying to break into the hip-hop culture that often treats them as outsiders. Another documentary called Lost & Found follows the aftermath of a large earthquake in Japan where many civilian’s items were lost out at sea. When the items washed ashore in North America, beachcombers who found the items set off on a trip to Japan to reunite the items with their owners to deliver a small piece of their pasts.
Documentaries like these can add a glimpse into the lives of many and create more insight into some of the challenges they have faced. Also, by educating yourself on a new culture you can eliminate any misconceptions you or those around you may have had before. Learning is knowledge and knowledge is power, so educating yourself comes first and foremost in trying to create equality.
You can watch Bad Rap here and Lost & Found here.
2. Make your Workplace a Safe and Comfortable Place
A comfortable work environment is a must for a healthy workplace and that is why ensuring your employees or fellow coworkers are feeling safe is a top priority.
In an interview from the Canadian HR Reporter, Gina Wong a professor and program director in the Graduate Centre for Applied Psychology at Athabasca University in Alberta discusses the effects of Anti-Asian racism on workers in the workplace. Wong says that “it gets to be a lot in an already very pressurized, highly intense work situation. None of us is working in the same capacity because of COVID. We’re increased in isolation, and the racism and targeting and hate to Asian people is that much more isolating."
While getting to the root of racism in the workplace and putting a stop to it is a most important step, Wong says that HR can also help with this burden that Asian employees face. Wong says that some ways HR can help are by understanding that more latitude, flexibility, time off and sick days are needed because when your mental health is affected, it affects your ability to work. Also, there are social determinants of health and things like racism that affects your physical health and immune system, which increases the likelihood of getting sick which is an issue that racialized individuals face. By creating a comfortable workplace, your employees will feel seen and heard.
3. Enrol in Bystander Intervention Training
One of the best ways to be an ally is to enrol in Bystander Intervention Training. Bystander Intervention Training can help you learn how to identify and de-escalate racism, xenophobia and harassment in a safe and sensitive manner.
Some strategies involved in bystander intervention training include:
Publicly supporting a victimized person
Using body language to show disapproval
Interrupting the behaviour
Talking privately with the person who acted inappropriately
Asking for help directly or indirectly
Workshops are beneficial in educating your employees and staff and preparing them on how to respond in racist or xenophobic situations. Implementing good strategies and learning how to properly intervene in these situations can bring you that much closer to an equal world.
To learn more information and strategies on Bystander Intervention Training, click here.
4. Support Asian Owned Businesses
Another great way to show your solidarity is by supporting Asian owned businesses. There are so many incredible businesses that get overlooked because of racism or misunderstandings. Some of the best services and products are offered by Asian owned companies. For example, Ai Toronto Seoul is a Toronto-based sustainable fashion brand that makes bags that are PETA-approved, vegan and they are also made in Seoul, South Korea.
Another example is the Asian-Canadian brand Paris Jewellers. Paris Jewellers was founded by Vietnamese-Canadian sisters Chau Lui and Trang Wong and the company is all about giving back and supporting women. Trang and Wong also recently released an Asian Heritage Hope collection featuring a pair of rose-gold plated rose quartz earrings and necklace where 100% of the proceeds will go towards organizations addressing anti-Asian racism and amplifying Asian voices across Canada and the U.S.
By supporting Asian owned businesses you too can bring awareness to their brands and give them the positive recognition and exposure that they deserve.
To support these businesses, you can check out Ai Toronto Seoul and Paris Jewellers websites!
5. Start the Conversation on Anti-Asian Racism
Working to eliminate Anti-Asian racism can be as simple as correcting someone in conversation and creating an open dialogue when there’s a misconception of the Asian community. Creating an open dialogue on the racism being faced provides the opportunity to talk about it and raise awareness.
On May 20, you can be a part of the conversation by participating in Asian Gold Ribbon Day. Asian Gold Ribbon Day was created by Gina Wong as a part of Asian Heritage Month and aims to start the conversation and make anti-Asian racism visible while promoting Asian celebration. By wearing a gold ribbon, you can demonstrate your courage and unity to stand up against anti-Asian racism. You can even raise more awareness and reach a wider audience on social media by tagging #asiangoldribbon with your post!
Additionally, open conversations do not have to stay limited to just social media so if you notice any signs of anti-Asian racism make sure to speak out and stand in solidarity.
To show your support by purchasing a gold ribbon face mask or to find a DIY Gold Ribbon tutorial, click here!
The only way to stop Anti-Asian racism is to make more people more aware of the issue and to clear up any misconceptions. By continuing to show your support and defending the Asian community you are able to make a difference and show others how wonderful diversity can be.