Face mask symbolism in anti-Asian hate crimes

ABSTRACT

This article examines the intersectional locations of Asian Americans facing hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic by assessing the racial, gender, and related symbolism involved in many attacks on those wearing face masks. We demonstrate that a one-dimensional assessment of xenophobia is necessary but insufficient, as it elides the broader power of the societal majority in numerous contexts within US structural domains shaped by the dominant white racial framing. Considering solutions, we propose identification and formation of a broader coalition of Asian Americans with those who share comparable social intersectional locations and identities. Active promotion of a collective ethic and shared humanness is required to counter discrimination, cultural individualism, and socio-racial inequality.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-Asian
• Asian American
• COVID-19 pandemic
• face mask
• discrimination
• white racial framing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 These groups are Chinese for Affirmative Action, the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, and San Francisco State University Department of Asian American Studies.

2 Face-mask discrimination incidents we analyzed are from the Stop AAPI Hate database (March 19 to April 15, 2020). The Stop AAPI Hate website is a voluntary reporting site for people with first-hand experience or as witnesses of anti-Asian and Pacific Islander discrimination. We thank Chinese for Affirmative Action, Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, and San Francisco State University’s Department of Asian American Studies for launching the center and providing access to their database. Names and places are anonymous.