**** Heritage Release
Addressing anti-Asian racism
For too many Asian communities in Canada, anti-Asian racism is a daily lived reality. Now, more than ever, and not just during Asian Heritage Month, we need to raise awareness of the challenges faced by these communities across Canada and to confront and denounce all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
Anti-Asian racism definition
Addressing anti-Asian racism
For too many Asian communities in Canada, anti-Asian racism is a daily lived reality. Now, more than ever, and not just during Asian Heritage Month, we need to raise awareness of the challenges faced by these communities across Canada and to confront and denounce all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
Anti-Asian racism definition
The term Asian encompasses a wide range of identities that the very term Asian can obscure. While all may experience being “otherized,” specific experiences of anti-Asian racism vary. Some are constantly being perceived to be a threat, some face gendered exotification and violence, some are more likely to be subjected to online hate and racist portrayals in the media, while others face Islamophobia and other forms of religious-based discrimination.
How we can fight anti-Asian racism
Racism, in any form, is unacceptable and has no place in Canada. It runs counter to the values and spirit of the diverse and inclusive society that we strive to build. It is our collective responsibility to step up, be allies, and stand together against xenophobia, hate fueled by misinformation and all forms of racism including anti-Asian racism.
Here are some ways we can all contribute to tackling anti-Asian racism and building an even better and consciously more inclusive society where everyone is able to participate fully:
- Learn about pan-Asian diversity and the unique identities and cultures that have enriched Canadian society
- Challenge stereotypes and consider how they are rooted in the history of anti-Asian racism
- Show solidarity with Asian communities in Canada, i.e. by supporting local Asian businesses and organizations
- Be an ally – call out acts of racism, discrimination, and micro aggression and actively support those victimized by anti-Asian racism
- Interrupt unconscious biases and consider how they can affect your behavior and decision-making
Anti-Asian racism resources
Anti-Asian racism resources
Below is a list of resources compiled by Canadian Heritage and the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat. If you would like to suggest additions to this list, please send your suggestions to sdcr-arsec@pch.gc.ca.
- Faces of Racism
- Act2endracism
- Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators – Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
- Anti-Asian Racism Resources – Human Resources Student Association, Ryerson University
- Here’s How You Can Support the Asian Community Right Now
- Elimin8hate
- Anti-Asian Racism Is Surging in Canada. Here’s How to Help Fight It
- Anti-Racism Resources – University of British Columbia
- Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression – University of Victoria
- Resources guide: responding to anti-Asian racism – Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
- Fight COVID-19 racism
- Groupe d’Entraide Contre le Racisme Envers les Asiatiques au Québec (in French only)
- Anti-Asian racism – Winnipeg Public Library
- Anti-Racism Toolkit (PDF format) – Canadian Federation of Students
- This is what anti-Asian racism looks like in Canada
- Fight anti-Asian racism – Cultivating Growth & Solidarity, A Mental Health Hub for Asian Communities in Canada
- Timeline: This is Canada’s history of anti-Asian racism that COVID-19 has amplified
- Comité antiraciste et inclusif de l’École de travail social de l’UdeM (CAÉTSUM) – École de travail social – Université de Montréal (umontreal.ca) (in French only)
- Service à la famille chinoise du Grand Montréal (in French only)
- Asian Arts and Culture Trust
- Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice – Building Resilience – (in English and French)
- Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice – Fight Racism in Canada! – Video Series
- Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice – Fight Racism in Canada! – Infographics (available in English, French, Simplified &Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese)
