What Can White Christians Do in Response to Anti-Asian Racism?
What can White Christians do in response to anti-Asian racism?
Here are a couple ideas:
1) Educate yourself about Asian American history. Understand the various stories of Asian American identity and the contributions we have made. The PBS documentary “Asian Americans” is a good place to start.
2) Acknowledge anti-Asian racism. This means believing Asian Americans and our stories of racism, pushing against the “model minority myth,” looking at the history of anti-Asian racism, and affirming the data of the recent surge of hate crimes against Asian Americans. Stop AAPI Hate is a good resource.
3) Check in and offer support. Sometimes that will mean carving space out in your time so that you can offer emotional support. Other times it may mean showing more than telling by offering tangible gestures like food delivery, cards, or gifts. Sometimes it’s hard for Asian Americans to be able to respond to “How are you?” due to the emotional effort that requires.
4) Get active. Join a local march with/for the Asian American community. Take classes in bystander intervention training. Spread information about how to respond when you witness a hate crime.
5) Donate. Donate money toward Asian American causes and local businesses.
6) Get political. If you are eligible to vote, use your vote to keep your representatives accountable. Vote out politicians who use racially insensitive language toward Asian Americans and/or who advocate for policies that hurt Asian American communities. Advocate for laws and policies at the local level that protect Asian American lives and prevent hate crimes against Asian Americans.
7) Commit to the long game. Caring for your Asian American brothers and sisters should not just be reactionary (whenever a tragic event happens). Nor should it just be short-lived. It requires a long-term commitment and investment in the Asian American community near you. It requires proactive care and advocacy.
8) Be a bridge. Encourage your local church to partner with local Asian American churches. Encourage your church to preach, teach, and pray about issues that impact Asian Americans in your community. Take an honest assessment of why or why not Asian Americans feel safe in your church.
