More than half of the reported incidents were directed toward Asian American women.
Its still likely to happen to both genders, but women are significantly more fearful about being a target.
They have been stereotyped, othered, and racially objectified to the point of cruel and senseless mistreatment.
Gang Zhou / Getty Images
The exclusionary federal law was a response to the rising influx of Chinese immigrants during the California Gold Rush.
During its peak, Chinese Americans made up nearly 30% of all immigrants.
Even after the Page Act was repealed in 1974, the damaging effects still remain.
Asian American women have been abstracted into hypersexual stereotypes andotheredinto fetishized objects.
My Personal Experience
As a first-generation Asian American, these stories hit too close to home.
At school, my crushes didnt compliment me on my personality.
Their praise skewed towards my exotic nature and how much they desired me because of my small stature.
I learned how to shrink myself to disappear from theirgaze.
Taught obedience made me the perfect target.
A study fromSpringershows Im not alone.
Yet there are simply not enough studies and research being conducted to understand the needs of the collective.
The only and last comprehensive study was published in 2006, almost two decades ago.
Most importantly, theres a need to combat the hurdles for Asian Americans to meaningfully receive assistance.
Validating, processing, and grieving this trauma is needed so we can move forward.
Data Bits a Blog for AAPI Data.Anti-Asian Hate Affects Upwards of 2 Million Adults.
The U.S. National Park Service.Ulysses S. Grant, Chinese Immigration and the Page Act of 1875.
Library of Congress.From Gold Rush to Golden State.
2019;56(1):8-32.
Book review:if they dont bring their women here: chinese female immigration before exclusion.International Migration Review.
2001;35(1):334-336.
2009;34(2):144-152. doi:10.1007/s10900-008-9137-1
American Psychological Association.Asian Americans need culturally competent mental health care.
