Read on Twitter
There is a history of tensions between the Asian American and Black communities. Former officer Tou Thao's involvement in the death of George Floyd is what many activists describe as a symbol of Asian American complicity in anti-blackness. I wrote about it https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/officer-who-stood-george-floyd-died-asian-american-we-need-n1221311
Much of the strain goes back to how AAPI & Black communities have fought for the same resources. When America resettled SE Asian refugees following the Vietnam War, many were placed in poorly funded areas w/little infrastructure, where black & brown communities already existed.
“When you are put into this situation, and you live amongst other poor black and brown folks with very little resources, there is that piece of strain between communities that must fight for the same resources,” Vaj said. “There isn't enough for all of you.”
Historian @ellendwu told me that white supremacy has historically fed on the exploitation and destruction of the black community. As AAPI began to arrive in the United States, white supremacy targeted the group as well. But as time went on, white supremacy took other forms
Fearing that anti-Asian racism could jeopardize the U.S.’ place as a leader on the world stage and impede imperial expansion abroad, white liberals sought to dismantle Asian exclusion legislation and practices during and after World War II.
In the 1960s, white liberals wielded the model minority stereotype to stifle black social movements, using Asian Americans as “proof” of meritocracy and equal opportunity for people of color.
The evolving forms of white supremacy, Wu said, gave Asians more space for social mobility.
“These gains, however, have come at a cost: complicity with white supremacy.”
She also emphasized VARYING DEGREES OF POWER AND PRIVILEGE among Asian Americans.
“These gains, however, have come at a cost: complicity with white supremacy.”
She also emphasized VARYING DEGREES OF POWER AND PRIVILEGE among Asian Americans.
Asian Americans have ***benefitted*** from Black movements. From education to employment, the black community has put forth efforts to widen access for racial minorities, including Asian Americans.
For AAPI to avoid discussion on race would bring dangerous results, Lakshmi Sridaran, the exec director of @SAALTweets said. As the community observes the rise in anti-Asian hate violence & racism amid the pandemic, they must interrogate their reliance & trust in law enforcement.
“If we recuse ourselves from these discussions, then we further entrench ourselves in white supremacy and continue to endanger other communities of color.”
