Manifestations of Anti-Asian Prejudice in the COVID-19 Era: Experiences of Asian Americans

The studies on anti-Asian prejudice and racism during the COVID-19 pandemic are crucial for filling knowledge gaps in Asian American studies and highlighting the social effects of the virus beyond health implications. Our research with 350 Asian American participants in Western New York supports findings from similar studies, revealing both direct and indirect experiences of anti-Asian hostility and racism. Participants reported various forms of negative prejudices, including derogatory comments, verbal and virtual abuse, avoidance, physical assaults, threats, property damage, and discrimination. They were unfairly blamed for spreading the virus, labeled as “bat eaters,” spat on, shouted at, beaten, barred from businesses, excluded from gatherings, and denied housing and job opportunities. Many hesitated to report these incidents to law enforcement due to police mistreatment, a cultural tendency to handle issues independently, and pressure to conform to the “model minority” stereotype. Asian Americans also experienced secondary racism through overheard insults or witnessing acts of prejudice. They altered their behavior out of fear, retreating from social interactions and remaining vigilant in public. The pandemic-driven racism has caused profound fear and behavioral distress, affecting not only direct victims but also the broader community, aware of the negative stereotypes associated with their racial identity.