New York: A comprehensive report by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) sheds light on the disparity between the perceptions of anti-Asian hate among Americans and the actual experiences of Asian Americans. The report delves into various aspects affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, including hate crimes, national security, visibility, belonging, and efforts to foster unity.
In the realm of hate crimes, there exists a notable disconnect.
While only one-third of Americans believe that anti-Asian hate crimes are escalating, a staggering 61% of Asian Americans report heightened experiences of hostility over the past year. Alarmingly, the report indicates that 43% of Americans are not familiar with recent attacks targeting Asian Americans.
Moreover, the report reveals that Asian Americans harbor the lowest sense of belonging compared to other racial groups. A lack of visibility and awareness regarding AANHPI issues, history, and leadership compounds this challenge, contributing to feelings of alienation and non-acceptance within the community.
The report highlights distressing instances of abuse and discrimination faced by Asian Americans. Approximately 32% of respondents reported being subjected to racial slurs, while nearly 29% experienced verbal abuse or harassment in the past year. Moreover, 41% expressed fear of future physical attacks based on race, ethnicity, or religion, with 59% anticipating further discrimination.
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Discrimination and underrepresentation take a toll on Asian Americans’ perceptions of acceptance and belonging. Only 38% fully agree that they belong in the US, and a mere 18% feel fully accepted for their racial identity. Online spaces and social media emerge as the least welcoming environments for those who feel excluded.
Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, underscores the urgency of addressing these trends: “Our 2024 data reveals a troubling pattern that The Asian American Foundation has been monitoring closely.” Chen emphasizes the importance of education and representation in combating racism and fostering inclusivity.
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The report also delves into the economic realities facing Asian Americans. Despite being the fastest-growing racial group in the US, over 2.3 million individuals with Asian roots were living in poverty in 2022, according to Pew Research Center data. Indian Americans exhibit the lowest poverty rate among Asian American groups, at 6%.
Based on a survey of 6,272 respondents aged 16 and above, conducted online by Savanta Research between January 30 and March 13, 2024, these findings underscore the imperative of addressing systemic challenges facing Asian American communities.
