Asian Americans Abused on the Frontlines

May 21, 2020

“Spat on, stabbed while shopping, shunned for wearing masks,”—these are just a few incidents reported by Asian Americans since the pandemic began.
 
Asian American health workers that risk their lives to treat COVID-19 patients are also being threatened by bigotry—with patients refusing their care or spouting racist remarks during visits.
 
There are limited data to quantify the scope—but San Fransisco State University researchers have tracked a steady rise in harassment and assault reports from Asian Americans amid the pandemic.
 
The health workers went on the offensive by producing the #IAmNotAVirus video—but the abuse carried on in the comments.
 
The Washington Post