Car Scene Injustice

 Hector Arroyo 

Professor Alison Aziz

ART 3170-02

5 November 2020

Civic Engagement Project 

What is Civic Engagement?

1.    The two definitions I found were, “Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” (The Definition of Civic Engagement) and “Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.” (Civic Engagement).

2.    My definition of civic engagement would be coming together to solve any type of issue that is affecting you or your community.

3.    A major issue in my community or state would be how the car community is seen. The car community for the most part in this state is seen as criminals.

Problem Definition

1.    Step 1 Research

a.     My two resources are going to be a negative and positive view of the car scene. One to show how the car scene is seen and the other to actually tell you what is happening and how it is misinterpreted. First resource is an article called “Are cars the new tobacco?” by Margaret J. Douglas and the second resources is another article called “What do to if police show up at your car meet, you have mods and you don’t want a ticket” by Paulo Acoba.

b.     First, I will talk about how the community sees the car scene and how they see the people involved in it as criminals. The first article by Margaret J. Douglas talks about how cars are seen like a new drug because in the way they are modified and how they are just affecting the environment. This article is not specific to car meet but it shows how they describe cars as a drug and when in large groups at car meets they get lots of negative comments as well as cops seeing them as criminals for gathering with other with the same interest. (Douglas). The second are is more of what actually happens but still shows how we are treated. This article by Paulo Acoba talks how you can avoid a ticket when a police officer pulls up to a car meet. This already is wrong as it is because they are basically just parked and talking to other people with similar interested, but police officers see that as a crime and start giving tickets to the modified cars. (Paulo).

2.    Step 2 Personal

a.      This issue affects me directly because I also very involved in the car scene. There have been lots of times where I have gotten pulled over for not doing anything and treated like I’ve committed a crime.

b.     I chose this issue because it is something that I feel that needs to be fixed because not people that are involved in the car scene are criminals or are breaking laws. 

Gathering Evidence

1.    Skipped due to COVID 19

Dissemination of Research to a public Audience

 

Reflection

1.    My understanding of civic engagement changed a bit because I learned if you come together you can change an issue that is affecting many of you guys.

2.    I wasn’t able to ask people around due to COVID but from my experiences a lot of people in the car community agree with the point of view that the car scene is seen as a crime.

3.    I did not go out due to COVID, but I feel like I wouldn’t really have an issue asking people if they were affected by this issue.

4.    Some of the feedback I could have received would be like ways they could help out to make a change.

5.    If I would to re do this assignment I would just add more information to back up my topic. 

6.    I feel like this topic is successful because it is something you experience in everyday life whether you are the one affect or see someone being affected by it.

7.    No questions or comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

-, Paulo Acoba, et al. “What to Do If Police Show up at Your Car Meet, You Have Mods,                        & Don't Want a Ticket.” Alt Car News, 21 Jan.                                                             2019. 
“Civic Engagement.” Civic Engagement |                                        

 “The Definition of Civic Engagement.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 7 July                  2003, 

Douglas, Margaret J., et al. “Are Cars the New Tobacco?” OUP Academic, Oxford University                Press, 1 June 2011,

 

 

 

 

 

Climate Change Awareness

 

One of the largest growing social issue affecting my community and people all over the world is climate change. Climate change is not a recent issue, it had been going on for years and if something isn't done, our environment and Earth as we know today will seize to exist. We have recently been seeing that large fires have been blazing all over California and being more intensely spread because of the hurricane level winds. These recent fires hit home more for me because several family members that I have in Orange County have had to evacuate their homes until the fires and toxic air quality dies down. Climate change has caused severe increases in temperature in the United States over the last couple years.  According the journal article, Heat Waves and Climate Change: What the Science Tells Us about Extreme Heat Events, by Union of Concerned Scientists, this drastic heat wave had devastating consequences resulting in 123 deaths occurring in 2012 (1). We can clearly see that this climate change issue is not just affecting the environment and the creatures inhabiting it, but also the human race. Better awareness and way to combat this issue has to be brought forward, that's why I decided to discuss it. I think it is important to bring it up because most of the rapid changes we see in climate change is because of human influence. As stated by the Union of Concerned Scientists, this idea of man made climate change has been proven, "several studies of the 2012 US heat wave found that human-caused climate change increased the risk of such an event occurring: climate change likely increased the risk of the spring heat that year 12-fold, while the extreme heat observed in July 2012 was four times more likely because of human activity than it would have been in the pre-industrial era." (4) I've seen first hand how the consequences of climate change has had on people around me. Whether it may be a high heat wave, fires, hurricane level winds or drought, all people affected know one thing for sure, that we are in danger. We all know that the heat radiating during a  hot summer day can be pretty brutal, especially when the air is humid, but if the human body is exposed to high heat without the body having an opportunity to level its temperature, it can have deadly consequences. This cause of a high heat wave and temperatures can be proven as it is discussed in the journal article, Heat Waves and Climate Change: The Effects of Worsening Heat on People, Communities, and Infrastructure by the Union of Concerned Scientists, "When exposed to high temperatures, the human body sweats to release heat. ·when exposed to high humidity as well, that sweat does not evaporate as quickly and the body's ability to cool itself is compromised. Heat stress can result and, if not addressed, can lead to heat­ related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke" (2). The affects climate change can have hazardous results not just on the maintenance and sustainability of the Earth, but the human race as well. 

This topic mattered to me because of the deadly affects it can have on all living things on this Earth if something is not done, to eradicate it or at least lessen the impact. I think it's important to understand the gravity of the situation so that others can see how crucial it is to pay attention to what's going on around us. I was always taught to look out for others and I guess that's what I've always done and I tend to do this before looking out for myself, but if putting myself last is what I have to do to ensure the safety and well being of others, then ill do it no questions asked. I just love this Earth we call home because it has fed us, helped us develop and survive, and just allowed us to grow as people that I can't just sit back and watch it all go to flames. The environment is important to me because it is what helps us survive and just keep our surroundings beautiful to look at when we are having a bad day. I just feel like we need to give back to a planet that has given us so much care and show the same care and compassion back. While saving the Earth, we will also one assuring the life of many people that might be affected by the already occurring affects of climate change.  

My understanding of civic engagement has changed thanks to this assignment inn that now I'm more diligent and understanding the huge impact us coming together with our community is to achieving a change happen around us. We have to really take into account the event and what the effects mean to the health or livelihood of a person so that the resolutions and activism we chase are actually affective. I think that the feedback that I would receive back from this blog I created would be positive because like we have seen all around us in the last couple of days, the younger generation is really making a difference with their activism so the people would be hopeful that this research will actually make a difference in the community. Possibly being their way of reaching out too maker a change happen, through me, so that the desired audience can see that all people are behind each other in order to make our environment a better place to not just live in, but also to continue to raise families for years to come. I'm glad I was a part of this because now I feel more empowered to actually try to carry out a change I hope to see happen like climate change and other issues we are dealing with today. 

References

Union of Concerned Scientists. Heat Waves and Climate Change: What the Science Tells Us about Extreme Heat Events. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2018, www.jstor.org/stable/resrep24149. Accessed 10 Nov. 2020.

Union of Concerned Scientists. Heat Waves and Climate Change: The Effects of Worsening Heat on People, Communities, and Infrastructure. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2018, www.jstor.org/stable/resrep24150. Accessed 10 Nov. 2020.

Joselin Bautista Housing

 Housing in Los Angeles

(Boyle Heights)

Joselin Bautista 

California State University, Los Angeles 

Art 31700

Professor Aziz 

 According to youth.gov, Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” Civic engagement includes both paid and unpaid forms of political activism, environmentalism, and community and national service. Another definition I found was from the American Psychological Association Civic engagement, which encompasses a range of specific activities such as working in a soup kitchen, serving on a neighborhood association, writing a letter to an elected official, or voting. Civic engagement means citizens acting in order to make a change in the community. Community problems are solved by individuals who are working to solve local problems. Anytime someone takes action as well as encourages others to help make their community a better place. It is mainly based on the community and its needs.

One really big issue that affects the majority of the greater Los Angeles is housing. This has become a grand issue for this neighborhood because the lack of affordable homes has created issues in Los Angeles like homelessness, gentrification, and displacement. An area-specific is Boyle Heights, it is targeting low-income families and dividing the community. It is important to me because I have seen how many residents have been affected by this including my family. Many landlords want more money and higher competitors resulting in making the neighborhood unaffordable for its residents. Everyone wants to live in Los Angeles especially closer to downtown and many landlords are taking advantage and forcing the eviction/displacement of these families. 

As stated by my local newspaper Boyle Heights Beat, Pulso de Boyle Heights, it states that Gentrification is defined as the process of rebuilding and renewing deteriorating areas, leading to an influx of middle- and upper-class residents into the neighborhood. In Boyle Heights, being labeled a gentrifier can be detrimental to a business’s success. Some residents may decide not to patronize the business, while others may publicly denounce it on social media.

In the Article, Latinx Mixed-Status Families Navigating & Making Home in Boyle Heights by Villa Loma, Alma Esperanza, Advisor(s) Roy, Anaya, it mentions “Boyle Heights is a predominantly Latinx community with a large population of mixed-status families, which include a combination of family members with different legal statuses. In Boyle Heights, Latinx mixed-status families have a strong interconnectedness with their community. Yet, they are struggling to stay in their neighborhood.” As gentrification increases, many families are being displaced, and as a result, they no longer have a stable place to live. As gentrification starts to make its way into the community, rent starts increasing leaving families worried about losing their homes or sacrificing food in order to pay for rent. Low-income residents,  do not have the luxury to spend more than 30% of their income to cover rent. 

This issue is very important to me because I live in Boyle Heights and many people aren’t aware of the struggles that we have to face on a daily basis. As gentrification tries to welcome itself into Boyle Heights we are living in constant fear of losing our homes. Landlords are taking advantage of the area and the individuals who are renting buy threatening them to pay more for rent or evict them. Not only do we struggle to pay for rent, but many individuals also struggle to buy the necessities that they need. Boyle Heights is strong and we will fight together to make sure that renters are not being displaced and to keep gentrification out of our community. 

I have conducted a survey in which I am able to see the concerns that my fellow friends and neighbors see as a result of living in Boyle Heights. I used this data to give me a better understanding f what we can do to help maintain our community united and avoid gentrification. The majority of participants from my survey are renters and are concerned with a cost that they can afford. They are concerned and worried that they can be kicked out of their homes at any given time by their realtors especially because the majority of renters do not have a signed contract something that is very common in Boyle Heights. 

In the video, Boyle Heights Family of Six Claim They Are Facing Eviction for Having Too Many Children interviewed by channel 5 news. We are able to see how a family is being told that there are two tenants that are not authorized on the premises, when in fact they are children and for the most part they have no idea what is going on. They are facing eviction and they are not willing to leave. This is their home, and they have nowhere else to go. 

           Housing is a social issue that many do not speak about. Social and economic factors can have an effect on your health. Not being able to afford the rent for a month can have a big impact on your health and your ability to complete normal tasks. This issue has been affecting members of the community for a while now and it still continues to affect them. As a civic engagement project, I want to bring awareness to this ongoing issue and make others aware of what is happening in the community that surrounds them. 

References

Trinidad. (2016, April 19). Boyle Heights Family of Six Claim They Are Facing Eviction for                             Having  Too Many Children. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from                                                                                 http://www.uniondevecinos.org/index.php/boyle-heights-family-of-six-claim-they-are-facing-eviction-for-having-too-many-children/

        Villa Loma, A. (2020, June 18). Latinx Mixed-Status Families Navigating & Making Home in Boyle Heights. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/59001974

Not Queer Enough by Brittny May

 NOT QUEER ENOUGH

By Brittny May

Television and films are ways for the general audience to have access to many stories around the world. For many the media we consume as individuals directly influences many aspects of our life. Queer representation, although better than years prior, is still not enough. All media is up for our own interpretation unless stated otherwise. They are constructed to represent people, places, and events. 

Queer representation in TV and film can be particularly impactful for young people. Eve Ng, an associate professor of media arts and studies at Ohio University, notes that representation can normalize queerness for everyone, regardless of sexuality, but that it is especially important for validating and helping younger audiences who are still in the process of self-discovery. She also states, "For queer young people, they're often still coming out to themselves, so it's not just, 'I want to see myself.' It's 'Wait, am I queer too?'" (Dong 2020). It helps individuals learn more about themselves instead of being stuck with a straight forward point of view it allows them to get an open mind.  

Overview of Findings (2020) | GLAAD

The GLAAD organization plays an especially important role by gathering statistics on queer representation. Their Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) maps the quantity, quality and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) characters in films released by eight major motion picture studios during a calendar year. They have been doing this since 2013 with their goal being to increase fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation in films. For its 2020 report, which was released Thursday, GLAAD analyzed the eight film studios that had the highest theatrical grosses in 2019 and found that of the 118 films released from these major studios last year, 22 included LGBTQ characters, marking the highest percentage of inclusive films in the report's eight-year history (Aviles 2020). Although, the inclusivity of this representation was sluggish because many of the characters had just less than 3 minutes of screen time and even less racial diversity than the year prior.

The reason I chose this topic is because for me the lack of representation lead to me start questioning my sexuality to just barely a few years ago. In middle and high school, I never really gave it much thought but I genuinely questioned why I was so disinterested in "boy" talk and absolutely felt uncomfortable when trying to date the opposite gender. I recently came out in 2017 after watching a show called One Day at a Time. I already was questioning and was still confused about my exact "label", but when I watched this show and found out just how much I related to the character of Elena it just made everything much more clearer. Everything about the show, from it being based on a small Cuban family (although im Mexican) with a grandma, mom, brother and sister to being working class to the sister finding out she likes girls was perfect. Like Eve Ng said, I wasn't really looking to being represented but more allowing myself to see a different perspective and realized "oh I actually might just be a lesbian".

References

Dong, M. (2020, September 16). How 'The Legend of Korra' changed the landscape of queer representation in animated shows. Retrieved November 9, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/09/16/how-legend-korra-changed-landscape-queer-representation-animated-shows/?arc404=true

Aviles, G. (2020, July 16). A record year for LGBTQ representation in film - for gay white men. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/record-year-lgbtq-representation-film-gay-white-men-n1234054

2020 GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index. (2020, July 16). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.glaad.org/sri/2020

 Social Issues: Police Brutality

Brett Baldelomar

Cal State LA

ART 3170-2

Professor Aziz

November 11, 2020

Social Issues: Police Brutality

On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd’s death resonated throughout the globe (Hill et al., 2020). After a 911 call, police arrested George Floyd for purchasing cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill (Hill et al., 2020). The police viciously pinned George to the ground with a knee on his neck, depriving him of air (Hill et al., 2020). George eventually succumbed to death due to the lack of oxygen (Hill et al., 2020). All sides of the political spectrum consensually agree that in no way, shape, or form were the police’s actions justifiable. The social injustice led to mass civil unrest and national protests, as shown in the image below (Brownstein, 2020). After the death of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd’s death was the last straw for many Americans (Hill et al., 2020). Global coverage of Floyd’s death ignited racial tension and public acrimony towards the police institution (Hill et al., 2020). 

Courtesy of CNN

Police Brutality in America

Unfortunately, police brutality has been a prevalent theme in American history. In the 1920s, New York and Chicago police racially targeted and harassed Italian immigrants to crackdown on organized crime groups like the Mafia (Moore, 2019). Similarly, in 1943, the Los Angeles Police Department brutalized Mexican-Americans during the Zoot Suit Riots, exhibiting their prejudice and abuse of power (Moore, 2019). Additionally, after the 9/11 attacks, many Muslim Americans reportedly experienced harassment and racial profiling by law-enforcement (Moore, 2019). Fast forward to the present day, African Americans and other marginalized groups experience police brutalization due to racial discrimination and remanating historical racial conflicts (Moore, 2019). Instances such as the brutal murder of Rodney King has increasingly led to the public distrust of the police institution (Moore, 2019). 

Psychology of Police Brutality

At an individual level, police officers’ personality traits and mental disorders are defining factors that cause law enforcement to engage in the lawless act of police brutality (Cunic, 2020). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stressor that contributes to an officer’s unwarranted suspicion and aggression (Cunic, 2020). Psychologists believe that police are more “trigger-happy” when bombarded with stress and personal issues (Cunic, 2020). The police department fails to perform proper mental health evaluations of officers and yet allow them to out into the field where they must make rational decisions (Cunic, 2020). Many police officers are not in the correct state of mind to exercise their power, which leads to police brutality (Cunic, 2020). There are also theories of racial prejudice innately embedded in police officers (Cunic, 2020). 

At an organizational level, the police protocol for practicing force is vague (Cunic, 2020). There are no concrete definitions of proper force and excessive force, allowing officers to exercise their power at their own discretion (Cunic, 2020). Psychologically, it allows officers to define their own power, which leads to police brutality (Cunic, 2020). Furthermore, when police brutality occurs and the officers aren’t reprimanded, it inadvertently sends the message that the lawless act is acceptable (Cunic, 2020). Thus, police officers feel as if they are above the law, causing them to engage in police brutality (Cunic, 2020).

Police Reform

Officials are pushing an agenda to reform police conduct (Kates, 2020). Philadelphia has implemented a Citizens Poice Oversight Commission to monitor police and hold them accountable (Kates, 2020). This provides more power to the constituents to report lawless officers and give insight to regulate law enforcement. San Diego, Portland, San Francisco, and other cities are implementing similar measures to hold the police accountable and maintain order (Kates, 2020). Moreover, Akron, Ohio is requiring police to wear body cams and release unedited footage to the public (Kates, 2020). Many citizens have pushed forward to “defund the police” and allocate the funds to other sectors in the community such as education (Kates, 2020). Additionally, researchers find that present-day police training is inadequate as educators fail to implement racial sensitivity training and effective de-escalation training (Moore, 2019). Legislators are trying to increase police training and standards to prevent more police brutality instances (Moore, 2019).

Personal Stance

The recent police brutality occurrences are absolutely appalling, to say the least. I sympathize with the black community and support their cause for social justice. As a minority having grown up with friends from marginalized communities, I have heard many accounts of unjust policing. The issue of police brutality affects me on a personal level because one of my loved ones or I may be a victim. It’s frightening to think that law enforcement can mispractice the law, resulting in a citizen’s death. There have been too many lives lost at the hands of ruthless police. Poor policing has ignited racial tension and political divide. I do not believe that the police institution should be abolished because society needs an institution to enforce the law and pursue justice. However, I think the police institution should be defunded as many cities have already done so. There should be extensive changes to police training and police accountability to prevent any more instances of police brutality. 

References

Brownstein, R. (2020, June 23). Black Lives Matter Protest [Photograph]. CNN. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/xp7cebLkPBaThmjz5

Cunic, A. (2020, October 23). The psychology behind police brutality. Verywell Mind. 

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-behind-police-brutality-5077410

Hill, E., Tiefenthäler, A., Triebert, C., Jordan, D., & Williams, H. (2020, May 31). How George 

Floyd was killed in police custody. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/george-floyd-investigation.html

Kates, G. (2020, November 9). Voters approve police reform measures across the country. CBS 

News - Breaking news, 24/7 live streaming news & top stories. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-reform-measures-approve-us-election/

Moore, L. (2019). Police brutality in the United States | Definition, history, causes, & examples. 

Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Police-Brutality-in-the-United-States-2064580

Home Displacement in North East Los Angeles

North East Los Angeles: Home Development

edited by Mirian Rosales
November 11, 2020

Early Homeownership & History

Early as the 1930s, President Roosevelt came up with the New Deal, which brought new laws such as the Fair Housing Act. This was before the Civil Rights Movement, so people of color were at a disadvantage during this event. During the Fair Housing Act, 95% of white Angelenos were granted homes, and the rest were given to people of color. People of color and poor minorities were forced to move into areas called Redlining. Redlining is a community with a risk of hazards, poor resources, and an unsettling environment. This the area no one wants to live in, so they gave it to the minority Asian, Blacks, and Latinx. Home loans were not available which meant renting homes from homeowners who were able to charge how much ever they want to low-income families. It was not until after 1985,

Moving to Northeast Los Angeles

What is considered low income in Los Angeles now? With a household of 4 people, earning less than $72,000 altogether is considered the poverty line. Northeast Los Angeles holds a history of segregation over the past decades. Gentrification crept its way in Silverlake and Echo Park early 2000's and now we see it in Highland Park, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, and Boyle Heights. These areas were considered dangerous, toxic areas. Mainly industrial communities with hazardous environments, but near the center of the city. There is no wonder why one would live in these neighborhoods. It is close to public commuters and train rails that take you around the city of angels. Living 24 years in Highland Park, there is a major difference between early 2000 and now 2020. 

The early 2000s

Highland Park and neighboring communities were filled with gangs and police activity. Highland Park, Frogtown, Avenues, and others' names were painted on walls and public buildings so it advises residents who own the streets. Gentrification was not difficult to miss because it started with a couple cafes and bars. Highland Park was populated by working-class Latinx, Asians, and Caucasians. It was not the safest neighborhood for many. Personally, friend's families would not dare to drive down Avenue 50. This little spot is known to be drug and gang-affiliated. While it is true locals knew which streets were safe to walk on, but when the sun sets it is best to start heading home before getting stopped by strangers, 

Present Day

Unfortunately, many low immigrant families were impacted. HIhgland Park became a gold spot for realtors. Turning dull, quiet neighborhoods into entertainment and social spot for tourists visiting Los Angeles. Raising prices on homes excludes the low-income population from affordable housing. This city matters to the people that grew up for generations separated from the middle-class suburbs. 

North East neighborhoods were homes for Latin and Asian families where they can live their life without police discrimination. Now that the community is diverse, a rise in police activity for the sake of middle-class families not feeling safe. 

People first took notice of their community changing when murals were "white-washed." This concept meaning they were painted over by new realtors. All grade schools in Highland Park have images of farmworkers and immigrants. When they painted over this, the people living here were upset.

December 2019, families and friends of the neighborhood marched the streets of Figueroa for one mile starting York Boulevard to Sycamore Park. It was a diversity of people and different class status making a statement. Many feel betrayed and lost, not knowing how and where they will have a roof over their heads.

Children's doll hanging outside Gil Cedillo's Council Office. December 2019. @highlandpark90042

There can be change involved if the people were part of their neighborhood council committee. There are benefits such as cleaner streets and reconstructed buildings. These changes are only made when there is money involved. 

Even so, families should not have to lose a sanctuary in order for new families to move in.

Protestors from the neighborhood marching on Avenue 57 & Figueroa Steet.

Works Cites

Chiland, E. (2017, May 04). If you earn $50,500 in LA, you now qualify as low-income. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://la.curbed.com/2017/5/3/15539770/los-angeles-affordable-housing-income-requirements

Gumbel, A. (2020, January 26). 'Whitewashed': How gentrification continues to erase LA's bold murals. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/26/whitewashed-how-gentrification-continues-to-erase-las-bold-murals

L.A., C., November 11, 2., November 6, 2., October 30, 2., Features, November 10, 2., . . . January 30, 2. (2020, February 17). Gentrifying Highland Park's War on the Middle Class. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://losangeleno.com/features/highland-park-middle-class/

Lin, J. (2016, February 17). Bringing Attention to Gentrification in Highland Park. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.kcet.org/shows/departures/bringing-attention-to-gentrification-in-highland-park

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Racism Against Asian American

The year 2020 having been a tough year for everyone now. We all are suffering from various challenges day to day during global pandemic.  However, this year had become a horrible nightmare to all of the Asian American too.  Coronavirus had huge impacts on everyone's life. For decrease the spreading rate of coronavirus, the country had to published safe portals to keep everyone safe. All students have to stay home and take their classes online. Workers from Non-essential business has to work remotely too. We all have to wear face masks and keep social distance when we are in public area. Therefore, we suddenly lose the freedom and convenience that we used have before. These changes had caused people live with stress. President Donald Trump, who also has referred to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” and more recently the “kung flu,” has increased anti-Asian xenophobia, stoking public hysteria and racist attacks to the Asian American community. 

According to a coalition of Asian-American groups that had created a reporting center called STOP AAPI HATE published a report in period of March 19 to August 5 had received 2583 reports of incidents in hate speech, discrimination, and physical attacks against Asians and Asian-Americans. There’s a Chinese American reported, “A woman targeted me out of a group of people and shoulder pushed me extremely hard where my phone nearly fell out of my hands. She then said to me, “F**k you, ch**k.” Afterwards, she spat on a man who defended me and tried to spit on me as well. “In this case, we can see it’s not just verbal but also included physical assault. These statistics only included United States, and I can’t imagine how others suffering in other country.

 

The reason it is important to me because I’m one of the Asian American too. I just couldn’t imagine how we can go through this difficult time as the epidemic is still developing and the discrimination abuse is continuing. We Asian Americans are live in misery as everyone else now, but now we have to be alert outside in case if anyone is attack us. The racial discrimination is way beyond to increase stress level in general public. I guess as the racism discrimination goes, the soonest Asian American will stand up to fight for their equality in United States.

 

Citation:

Washington State University. (2020, November 2). Discrimination increases against Asian and Asian American population, affecting health. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 8, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201102155412.htm

Human Right Watch. (2020, October 28). Covid-19 Fueling Anti-Asian Racism and Xenophobia Worldwide. Retrieved November 8, 2020, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/12/covid-19-fueling-anti-asian-racism-and-xenophobia-worldwide

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