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WPS Remote Learning Library Activities: COVID-19 Anti-Asian Racism Resources

Purpose

I am not a virus image from Getty, ForbesRecent headlines have highlighted the increased incidence of anti-Asian racism. COVID-19 racism is the anti-Chinese and anti-Asian scapegoating and xenophobic reactions, such as fear, exclusion, harassment, discrimination, microaggressions, and other racist behaviors related to the current pandemic. Inappropriate jokes, innuendos and suggestions that any or all Chinese and/or members of other Asian communities are responsible for, or suspected of having this illness can also be seen as microaggressions. The intent may not be to be hurtful, however the impact of these jokes, innuendos and suggestions causes harm and continues to contribute to misinformation. 

This research guide is meant to offer resources to help give background to what COVID-19 racism is, a history of anti-Asian sentiments in the US, lesson ideas and also resources to help support and inform teachers, students and families. 

What is Happening?

 

illustration by Michael Tsang from Nikkei Asian Review

Compilation of Articles Describing COVID-19 Racism

 

 

Resources to Understand the HIstory of Asian American in the US

The following resources provide a historical context of the racialized experience of Asian Americans in the US:

ARTICLES

Why We Must Talk About the Asian American Story, Too

Coronavirus Fears Show How 'Model Minority' Asian American Become the 'Yellow Peril'

Asian Americans Then and Now

Chinese Exclusion Act

A Conversation With Asian American About Race

The Long History of Racism Against Asian Americans in the U.S

Telling the Story of Anti-Asian Racism During the Pandemic How the Coronavirus is Surfacing American’s Deep-seated Anti-Asian Biases

BOOKS

The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee

Asian Americans Studies Now: A Critical Reader

A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki 

The Myth of the Model Minority: Asian Americans Facing Racism Authors: Rosalind S. Chou, Joe R. Feagin 

Unraveling the “Model Minority” Stereotype: Listening to Asian American Youth Author: Stacey J. Lee

DOCUMENTARIES

Asian Americans - a 5 hour series from PBS

RESOURCES FOR K-12 EDUCATORS

MGH Institute of Health Professionals and the Harvard Graduate School of Education partnered to create a series of webinars, "Let's Talk!" aimed to support the emotional well-being of Asian and Asian American students. Information and links to the webinars available here.  Specifically, the webinars are:

1. Anti-Asian Racism during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Slides from webinar)

2. Living Through a Pandemic: Understanding, Coping, and Finding Meaning (Slides from webinar)

3. Predictable Parenting for Unpredictable Times: Promoting the Success and Well-being of Asian and Asian American Students Through COVID-19

4. The Challenges International Students Face During COVID-19 and How Parents Can Be Supportive (in Mandarin)

5. Understanding and Supporting Asian International Students during COVID-19

 

Compiled list of resources for K-12 educators including books, podcasts, articles, and more Created for the APALA & ALA ODLOS webinar “Confronting Xenophobia and Supporting Asian and Asian/Pacific American Communities during COVID-19” by Sarah Dahlen Park

 

Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment - hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice are working together to offer free bystander intervention training. The sites also include other helpful info and resources.

 

Teaching Tolerance article: How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism

LESSON RESOURCES

Ideas for lessons as well as tips and strategies for teachers and educators

Countering Coronavirus Stigma and Racism: Tips for Teachers and Educators

First Encounters With Race and Racism: Teaching Ideas for Classroom Conversations

Anti-Bias Tools and Strategies

Assignment examples:

Create a Quarantine Quarterly ZineCreated by Jason Oliver Chang, Associate Professor of History & Asian and Asian American Studies, University of Connecticut.

A Day in the Life of a Pandemic: COVID-19 assignment, Created by Natalia Molina, Professor of American Studies & Ethnicity, University of Southern California

 

FURTHER READING AND OTHER RESOURCES