Cultural Vistas stands in solidarity with Asian-American communities who are facing a rise in racist attacks and hate crimes. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the eight individuals killed in a deadly rampage in Georgia last week, fueled by anti-Asian sentiments and misogyny.
This horrific incident is just one of the many acts of violence the Asian-American community has faced over the course of our nation’s history. From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, Asian-Americans have long had to contend with racist policies designed to exclude.
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian-Americans across our country have been unfairly targeted and blamed for the virus by politicians, the media and members of the public. Words matter and the effect charged rhetoric and unscientific claims have led to a 150% increase in reported hate crimes against Asian-Americans in 2020.
We condemn these attacks and the racist rhetoric that fuels them. As we mourn those who were lost, Cultural Vistas reaffirms our commitment to being an anti-racist, inclusive organization and working to build bridges through our exchange programs.
