Professor Russell Jeung, from the Asian American Studies Department at San Francisco State University, highlights the increased vulnerability of low-income Asian Americans to crime. He notes that many individuals in this demographic live in high-crime neighborhoods, making them more at risk for attacks compared to other community groups.
In a recent study examining hate crimes against different minority groups, it was revealed that Asian Americans are disproportionately targeted by non-white offenders, unlike Latino and Black victims. Jeung mentions that about 25% of hate crimes against Asian Americans are committed by non-white individuals.
Jeung points out that numerous elderly low-income Asian victims report experiencing feelings of “fear and depression,” which he refers to as “racial trauma.” He states, “We’re experiencing a collective racial trauma moment.” His research indicates that one in five respondents shows signs of racial trauma, exhibiting three or more long-term symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance of certain areas. He expresses concern that some elderly residents in Chinatown are afraid to venture outside due to violence, resulting in a disconnection from their community.
According to Jeung’s findings, one-fifth of Asian Americans experienced racism or discrimination during the pandemic, which he compares to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. He clarifies, “It’s not that the situations are identical, but there are similar intergenerational impacts.” He asserts that the most significant current impact lies in mental health, with potential effects that may be “passed down through generations.”
Jeung observes that South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders are more frequently exposed to racist discrimination than East Asians. He argues that many Asian Americans are struggling with mental health challenges and unemployment exacerbated by the pandemic, with fears of racial discrimination especially pronounced. He highlights a pervasive fear of the “Yellow Peril” in many Western countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. Understanding how these cross-national stereotypes and nationalist movements develop, along with the influence of political rhetoric on policies that affect racism in Chinatown and its broader community, is crucial, he contends.
Additionally, Jeung explains that low-income individuals tend to be more vulnerable to anti-Asian crimes because perpetrators often target those they perceive as weak. The intersection of racism and gender discrimination, particularly the stereotype of Asian women being submissive and gentle, makes elderly Asians and Asian women more likely targets.
When asked if the Asian community can ultimately overcome racism, Jeung expresses uncertainty. He emphasizes that no government can fully regulate people’s thoughts and anxieties. Instead, he advocates for openly addressing these issues by calling out individuals with discriminatory or hate-filled mindsets, fostering a consensus that such behavior is unacceptable and should be publicly condemned. Jeung believes this approach could effectively reduce discrimination.
