Victims of Racism Stem not only from Violence
Victims of racism are often equated to victims of violence. It’s true that this is one of the most extreme examples, and we should help the individuals and families who are made to endure it. Many innocent lives are forever altered by the cruel and malicious actions of the few. We should push for legislation that recognizes these attacks for what they are — hate crimes. We should also demand that maximum punitive measures be exacted upon those who are convicted of such atrocities in hopes of preventing such occurrences moving forward.
There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’ No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.
– The Dalai Lama
While it’s true that some have suffered from physical assaults of hatred, understand that many Asians become victims of bigotry every day without sustaining any bodily harm. Racism can take on various forms, and attacks can come in many shapes and sizes. Whenever a judgment, exchange, or action is taken against someone based on ethnicity or ethnic qualities rather than qualifications and character, that person has become a victim of a racial attack. This type of prejudice may not be as violent, but it can be as vicious in its ignorance. This type of racism may not draw blood, but it is damaging nonetheless. This type of bigotry may not always be punishable, but it should never be tolerated or ignored.
We will not meet hatred with hatred, but we will also not meet it with acceptance. Asians and other minorities should not be forced to live in fear or anxiety. We should not be expected to quietly endure the afflictions from our disparagers. We should not be asked to exist in an environment where our health, happiness, and prosperity is at risk solely based on the color of our skin or the origin of our ancestors. We should not be made to suffer silently at the hands of an aggressor just because we are a numerical minority. We should not forget that even the smallest number is part of the eqAsian and thus is part of the solution.
