Why Does the Perception of Anti-Blackness Exist in Asian American Activism?

There is often a misconception among the general public—and even in the media—that Asian American activism is anti-Black. In reality, Asian American and Black American activism are generally aligned, with a few exceptions related to healthcare and nuanced discussions about college admissions. This article delves into the reasons behind this misunderstanding and examines the key factors contributing to the perception of anti-Blackness in Asian American activism.

The Vague Definition of Anti-Blackness

The concept of anti-Blackness can be elusive and poorly defined. On a basic level, anti-Blackness encompasses systemic oppression and physical violence against Black people. However, this definition doesn't fully capture the issue of racial prejudice and discrimination that can exist within certain communities, including Asian Americans. It's important to note that while some Asian Americans may hold racist beliefs, this does not equate to an organized campaign to perpetuate a status quo that benefits predominantly non-Black individuals at the expense of Black people.

The Media’s Portrayal Mismatch

A significant source of the anti-Blackness perception stems from media portrayals that often misrepresent the true beliefs and actions of Asian Americans. Media outlets tend to focus on the most sensational and controversial aspects of Asian American activism, while downplaying the substantial support that Asian Americans have shown for Black American causes. This skewed portrayal skews the public's perception and creates the impression that Asian Americans are actively opposed to Black Americans rather than simply being a misunderstood community.

Examples of Misrepresentation

Alex-Quan Pham's Critique
Pham argues that Asian Americans propagate anti-Blackness through several mechanisms, including: Valuing lighter skin and aligning with a pro-white narrative. Exacerbating the model minority myth. Ignoring or downplaying the existence of Black Asians. Using the AsianLivesMatter hashtag to hijack conversations. However, these arguments often overlook the fact that such beliefs are not reflective of the broader Asian American community, particularly among activists. For example, the notion that Asian Americans are generally pro-lighter skin is contradicted by the significant anti-whitening cream movements led by Asian Americans. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of Asian Americans actively support Black Lives Matter and various other activist movements.

Support for Black Lives Matter
In the case of the New York police shooting of Akai Gurley by police officer Peter Liang, Asian Americans were among those who came out in large numbers to support the Black community. Similarly, during the protests against discrimination at universities, a majority of Asian Americans supported the use of affirmative action, with 68% of registered voters in 2014 in favor of it. Asian Americans also aligned with the Black Lives Matter movement, supporting causes that advocate for racial equality and justice.

The Misunderstanding of Activism Leadership

The leadership in activism often plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions. In many cases, the leadership is made up of individuals or organizations that have different perspectives and priorities compared to the broader activist community. For instance, a lawsuit against Harvard University led by a white activist named Edward Blum may mislead the public into believing that Asian Americans oppose affirmative action. However, it is crucial to note that the majority of Asian Americans support these initiatives.

Individual Voices
When we look at the voices of Asian Americans directly involved in activism, a different narrative emerges. Tierney King, an activist, provided a clarifying response to why racism against Asians is often ignored. While she highlighted some valid concerns, her response also underscored the support for movements like the Obama-era White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), which aimed to eradicate hate crimes and discrimination.

Support for Allegiance vs. Hamilton
Another example often cited is the choice between the musical Allegiance and Hamilton. Yet, rather than being a representation of Asian American activism, it is more about personal taste and cultural representation. While some AAPI advocates might argue for Allegiance, it is not a sign of broader anti-Black sentiment. In fact, many AAPI activists celebrate the representation and success of Hamilton.

Conclusion

The perception of anti-Blackness in Asian American activism is largely a result of media oversimplification and misrepresentation. While it is true that some Asian Americans may hold individual racist beliefs, the vast majority support the broader fight for racial justice. It is imperative to recognize that the true spirit of activism transcends small biases and is driven by a shared commitment to creating a more equitable society for all.