Statement on Our Collective Action Against Anti-Asian Racism

This is not new, and yet here we are again. A year ago at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, or over a hundred years ago in our country, the ugliness of racism has not gone away. This week, the Asian community in North America is in shock, as the heightened xenophobic hate crimes driven by racism and hatred has torn into our hearts. We mourn the deaths of the victims and their families in the United States, where Tuesday's racially-driven murders robbed the lives of 8 innocent individuals. We were left stunned, and then were stunned again as violence continued on, including the attack on an elderly woman in San Francisco. Incidents like these happen across Canada too, recurring at an alarming rate, and are disheartening in every way, including how they are underreported on in the media. These incidents are not to be underestimated. The damage caused by these acts are immeasurable. Racism against any group hurts the community, causing wounds and trauma that impact the entire generation and the next. We all need to stand up, speak up, get involved, and represent our culture such that it is strengthened by our individual voices and actions. 

Strength is in action. And yes, this does take effort, and might feel awkward — where you start and what you choose to take on is a very personal thing. Here are some ideas for each of us to enter into the global dialogue: continue discussing issues of racism, ignite deeper conversations by asking hard questions, inspire those from within our community to do more for others around us, and attract those outside of the community to be curious and to care about our shared culture. Hold others accountable to what they say about other cultural groups. Get involved or support an Asian-focussed organization or project. Ask questions, learn about the past, and think for the future. Represent and be actively proud of your cultural roots.

These are all important things we can and must choose to pursue. If you have a story to share with us on the Fete Chinoise platform, please contact us. So many stories are left to be told and discovered. Therefore, we invite you to contribute to this living documentary of great stories in the modern Chinese cultural diaspora that we are.

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Be Moved to Act.

Read more on other organizations also doing important work on representation and culture:

PROJECT 1907

https://www.project1907.org

Project 1907 aims to elevate Asian voices that are underrepresented and undervalued in mainstream political, social and cultural discourse, including amplifying the voices of women. A grassroots group, started by Asian women, their work is led entirely by volunteer community organizers.

fu-GEN Theatre Company

www.fu-gen.org

fu-GEN Theatre the nation's premiere Asian Canadian theatre company Founded in 2002, fu-GEN Theatre is devoted to providing a home for the Asian Canadian theatre artist, nurturing their voices and producing works of the highest artistic caliber that explore the Asian Canadian experience.

HAVE AN INCIDENT TO REPORT?

https://www.covidracism.ca

Anti-Asian racism is on the rise across Canada. This platform aims to allow individuals to share their experiences of racism, and will allow us to track and record instances of Anti-Asian racism during COVID-19. You’ll also find resources and support that you can access.