EIHS denounces anti-Asian violence

From EIHS Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy -

We here at The Ellis Island Honors Society believe that individuals of all backgrounds, national origins, religions, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations are what make the United States a truly great nation. As an immigrant led and focused organization, EIHS has been fighting against discrimination and xenophobia, and for legislation against hate crimes for decades. The recent incidences of violence against Asians, and those of Asian descent, compels us to speak out.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have increased by nearly 150% since the discovery of the COVID-19 virus in America. With the media’s disingenuous mischaracterization of the virus as “the Wuhan Flu,” and “China Virus,” anti-Asian sentiment is growing, especially among marginalized populations like African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and poor whites. It’s unconscionable that during such daunting and uncertain times, anyone should use the pandemic to create dissent among our fellow Americans. At EIHS, we recognize this as the scapegoating of an entire race due to ignorance, bigotry and prejudice.

While all crime is a blemish on our society, hate crimes are most egregious as victims are attacked solely for existing. Defying easy explanations, however, these crimes are not simply attributable to white supremacist attitudes or the ‘dog whistles’ from racist leaders. Instead, I believe they stem from a lack of shared humanity; a loss of reverence for global diversity and kinship with our fellow humans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or immigration status.

Ellis Island Honors Society Board member and medalist, Yue Sai Kan, is a dear friend and I know this issue is close to her heart. As a media host and producer, successful entrepreneur, fashion icon, bestselling author and humanitarian, she is one of the most widely respected personalities in the Asian diaspora.  I asked her to share her thoughts about how we can curb the current incidents of violence. 

Yue Sai responded, “I strongly believe the legislation that Representative Grace Meng and Senator Mazie Hirono have introduced, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, is an important step forward towards addressing the current violence. If we are serious about combating this problem, we need to give the Department of Justice the authority and resources to do their job. Passing this Act will be a strong statement in defense of Asian lives and a clear denunciation of the racists and bigots perpetrating the violence. I also encourage all Chinese and AAPI citizens to take part in our democracy. Our vote and our visibility are the greatest assets in combating the ignorance of racism and prejudice.”

The increase in anti-Asian rhetoric also reflects a lack of historical awareness of the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and their descendants, including our own medalists, including composer Tan Dun, Yumi Hogan, the First Lady of Baltimore, and Senator Daniel Inouye who was the first Japanese American to serve in the House of Representatives. More recently, Asian American scientists like Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu (an Ellis Island Medalist herself), and Dr. Tuan Vo-Dinh have played major roles in the development of atomic weapons and early detection of cancer, respectively. Asian Americans continue to contribute to many aspects of our everyday lives, including the co-founder of YouTube, Steve Chen; pioneering architect, I.M. Pei; and world-renowned fashion designer, Vera Wang.

America benefits every single day from the tenacity, creativity, and intelligence of our brothers and sisters of all races. This simple fact is what makes America unique and precious. In the ‘Land of the Free’, each one of us deserves to live without fear and with dignity. We are at a turning point in American life as our nation considers its inherent biases and mechanisms that create inequalities across the nation. We must make it clear that violence against any culture is violence against humanity itself, and will not be tolerated. 

Now, more than ever, we must come together in this time of crisis. EIHS stands strongly behind all in the AAPI community and will continue to publicly speak out against the violence perpetrated against them. I hope that you will commit to confronting racist and disparaging language against AAPI individuals in public and private; support hate crimes legislation; and, if necessary, educate yourself and others of the contributions of our Asian brothers and sisters. I hope that I, and America, can depend on your commitment to decency and brotherhood.