Stop Asian Hate: Racism is NOT an American Ideal
We are devastated by yet another violent attack on Asian American Pacific Islander communities, this time in Georgia, in the midst of a spike in anti-Asian violence and bigotry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Shoulder to Shoulder, we know all too well that the same hate that fuels anti-Muslim bigotry and violence fuels the bigotry and violence against our fellow Asian, Black, Jewish, immigrant, and other marginalized communities.
Let us be clear: fearmongering, placing false collective blame on targeted populations, and racism in all forms must be condemned and eradicated. Racism is not an American ideal, but rather a dangerous ideology that has plagued our nation and our world for far too long.
Shoulder to Shoulder remains in solidarity with those who are impacted by racism and hate. We are committed to fighting against discriminatory and xenophobic rhetoric and violence at all levels, whether it be in our own grassroots communities or in the highest levels of our country’s leadership. We will continue to work tirelessly towards a vision for our nation that includes each and every one of us, no matter our faith, culture, or background, to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.
Though our American ideals have not yet been realized, we will continue to work to educate, equip, and mobilize our communities to move us toward the nation we long to see.
See what our member denominations and organizations are saying on this issue of anti-Asian racism:
- Presbyterian Office of Public Witness
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Asian and Pacific Islander Association (AAPI) Association statement: Statement on anti-Asian Racism
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has called for a day of lament against anti-Asian violence for March 21
- Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: Reform Jewish Leader Condemns Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
- Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty: Executive Director, Amanda Tyler’s statement
Additional Statements & Resources to note:
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta & Community Resources Offering form
- Resources for Anti-Asian Violence collected by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO
- Asian American Christian Collaborative: Statement & Article
- Anti-Asian Violence Resources
- National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum statement
- Stop AAPI Hate Resources & Reports
- Asian American Leaders Table on COVID-19 Racism website
