Work

“I Speak Up for Myself, My Family, and for My Community”: How Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Respond to Anti‐Asian Racism During COVID‐19

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) responded to anti‐Asian racism during COVID‐19. Participants (n = 459; Mage = 26.4 years; 77.8% female) completed a survey and responded to the open‐ended question: “How have you responded to anti‐Asian racism since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic?” Reflective thematic analysis was utilized to code responses. Three themes were identified, indicating that AANHPIs engaged in knowledge sharing and cultural exploration; experienced emotional reactions that galvanized efforts to take care of themselves, friends, family, and their community; and engaged in advocacy and activism to advance social justice. Subthemes were also identified to further characterize responses. Results reflect how AANHPI communities responded to anti‐Asian racism by leveraging cultural strengths and taking the initiative to create social change. These findings have individual‐, organizational‐, and community‐level implications to mitigate the impacts of anti‐Asian racism and promote the well‐being of AANHPI communities.

Source: Journal of Community Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23160

Authors: Julie K. Nguyen, Wendy Chu, Stephanie H. Yu, Andrea C. Ng

Institutions: University of South Carolina, University of California, San Francisco, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Language: English

Topic: Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,620