Kevin Kumashiro - Anti-Asian Hate

In this video, Dr. Kevin Kumashiro, interim dean of the School of Education at Hofstra University, addresses the issue of anti-Asian hate in the United States, which has intensified amidst recent events. He identifies three key factors contributing to this phenomenon.
First, Dr. Kumashiro discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling on affirmative action, noting that Asian-Americans have often been positioned as victims of such policies. He highlights how this rhetoric can divide groups and hinder solidarity in the pursuit of racial justice.
Second, Dr. Kumashiro mentions the racist language surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly blaming Asians, especially Chinese individuals, for its spread. He emphasizes the long history of demonizing Asian immigrants as carriers of disease, which has fueled violent attacks and rhetoric.
Finally, Dr. Kumashiro points to the discourse of a new Cold War against China, which portrays the nation as a threat to American dominance. He underscores how this narrative has deep roots in historical anxieties about Asia and its contrast to Western civilization.
Throughout his analysis, Dr. Kumashiro underscores the importance of understanding how racism intersects with broader social and political forces. He argues that education has a responsibility to raise awareness of these issues and build capacity to address them effectively. He calls for creative and collaborative efforts within schools and universities to combat anti-Asian racism and uphold democratic values.

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Who is committing this violence against Asians?