Grieving victims of anti-Asian hate crimes and violence toward AAPI peoples
Due to the recent surge of anti-Asian hate crimes and violence deliberately targeted toward the AAPI population, feelings of anger, unease, and sadness have taken root and begun running rampant within Asian/Asian American communities across the States.
Between grieving for lost family, friends, community members—or even strangers—and fearing that the blatant hostility may seem impossible to quell, it is perhaps helpful to remember to not let the grief consume you, to reach out and connect with the community in sharing and processing grief, and to gradually allow yourself to heal.
Here, we would like to offer some resources from Asian/Asian American authors and individuals discussing the rise in Asian hate and violence and how to handle emotional reactions responding to those distressing events. In addition, we would also like to provide a couple of ways to heal and facilitate change, whether within oneself or within the broader community and society.
AAPI Writers Sharing Experiences with Racism and/or Violence
For Asian Americans, Sharing Our Grief Is An Act Of Revolution — A researcher reflects on the new wave of anti-Asian hate and racism targeted toward AAPI elders, and the significance of the younger generation making their grief visible in hopes of terminating racism and creating a safer community for AAPI peoples.
I Wasn’t Ready For This Kind Of Grief — A Vietnamese immigrant shares fears evoked by the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, encouraging AAPI individuals of all ages, especially female-identifying individuals, to voice their discomfort and increase visibility of their experiences with racism.
I’ve experienced anti-Asian harassment and written it into my novels. I’m not ready to move on. — A writer describes how anti-Asian harassment has influenced AAPI authors to break stereotypical images of AAPI peoples in literature, and construct characters that inspire AAPI readers to speak up on potential discrimination they’ve experienced.
In addition to online articles and essays, there is also a rich archive of literary texts produced by AAPI authors who share their experiences of understanding their Asian heritage in America. Below are several sources that collect books, poems, and movies that speak toward the Asian American experience.
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Books to Understand the Asian American Experience — This website recommends many books, both fiction and nonfiction, written by AAPI authors that describe the Asian American experience.
Celebrating Asian American Heritage — In celebration of AAPI heritage month, this website links several poems and poetry books written by Asian American authors highlighting their heritage and experience being Asian in America.
Asian American Voices in Poetry — The Poetry Foundation compiles all AAPI poets who have published poems on the website and links to their respective works.
7 films that show the vastness of Asian American Experience — This article highlights seven films, written by and/or starring Asian American actors, centering on various unconventional themes showcasing the range of the Asian American experience.
Mental Health Resources
As reported in this video, racial discrimination and violence not only endanger one’s physical wellbeing but also their psychological stability. Living under constant fear and worry of encountering hate and violence toward AAPI peoples has shown its effects on the mental health of senior citizens as well. As one of the primary steps to overcoming grief, it is important to acknowledge and validate these concerns. If you’re uncertain as to what approach is best for you in dealing with trauma and/or grief, seeking help and advice from professionals could also be beneficial. Below are some mental health resources provided by and for AAPI individuals.
AANHPI Service Providers in all Fifty States — This website compiles all local mental health and behavioral services for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in each state.
Project Lotus.org — This organization is a project founded by AAPI individuals aiming to destigmatize the seeking of mental health resources and support through dismantling racial stereotypes. The website not only includes articles and podcast episodes dedicated toward sharing Asian American stories but also webinars and resources for understanding and seeking treatment for mental health.
6 Tips for Coping with Racial Trauma — In addition to this website that provides tips on how to deal with racism-induced trauma, the organization offers online therapy sessions and virtual support groups, with emphasis on providing multicultural therapy and serving the Asian American community.
Supporting the AAPI Community
How to be an ally to the AAPI community — This article touches on how to facilitate peaceful and practical discussion on the topics of anti-Asian hate and racism, as well as provides resources for learning how to be an active ally to the AAPI community.
Stop AAPI Hate — This is a nonprofit organization dedicated toward recording and preventing anti-Asian hate in the United States. They also provide additional resources, such as donation drives and mental health resources, that aim to achieve physical and mental wellbeing for all AAPI communities.