The UF College of Journalism and Communications condemns acts of violence against Asian and Asian-American Communities.
UF College of Journalism and Communications stands by our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American family. We have zero tolerance for any actions that mock, malign and attack people based on their race, ethnicity or gender.
The Stop AAPI Hate report documented at least 3,795 violent incidents against these people throughout the U.S. in the past 12 months alone. This has to stop.
Our Asian-originating communities have suffered decades of discrimination and abuse in the U.S., ever since they began migrating to this country in the mid-1800s. That suffering is in line with our brutal history of intolerance of immigrants and people of color.
The tragic shootings in Atlanta last week as well as the senseless attacks on Asian Americans during the pandemic underscore that anti-Asian sentiment is very much alive in the U.S. and that we have a long way to go in securing justice and equality for all.
Hate speech and hate crimes are unacceptable at every level. We must all take the first step to condemn these acts of violence. A second crucial step is to embrace our colleagues and friends. We call on the Gator diaspora to continually examine their own work to ensure that we are not affirming, even inadvertently, pervasive and harmful narratives about Asian-identifying people and communities.
CJC shares the sentiment UF President Kent Fuchs expressed last week:
“The heinous acts of some can lead to the fear and distress of many. To our students, faculty and staff who are fearful or distressed because of this terrible violence, please know that we cherish you and your presence at our university.”
Our College is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and support for all, and to leveraging the insights and talent of our students, faculty and staff and alumni to promote empathy, tolerance and understanding and affect lasting change.
Here are some additional resources:
UF Asian Pacific Islander Desi Affairs
Sexualized, Submissive Stereotypes of Asian Women Lead to Staggering Rates of Violence
The Madame Butterfly Effect: The long history of hyper-sexualization of Asian women
White Sexual Imperialism: Westernized and colonial perceptions of Asian Women
Asian American Journalists Association Mental Wellness Resources