Asian Community Facing Racism in Wales
A recent study conducted by Swansea University has shed light on the racism faced by the East and South East Asian (ESEA) communities in Wales. The study, titled ‘Model Minority’ Breaking the Silence: Anti-Asian Racism Community Hack Project Report’, delved into the various forms of racism experienced by members of the ESEA community.
The study revealed shocking incidents of racial slurs such as “Ch**k”, “Chinese virus”, and “go back to where you belong” being directed towards individuals from the ESEA communities. These derogatory remarks have caused distress and discomfort among the targeted individuals, leading to feelings of exclusion and harassment.
Participants in the study shared accounts of public harassment, name-calling, and social exclusion, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The pandemic seemed to exacerbate the racism faced by the ESEA community, with instances of people being verbally abused and discriminated against in public spaces.
Dr. Yan Wu, who led the interdisciplinary research team, highlighted the damaging impact of the ‘Model Minority’ stereotype on ESEA individuals. This stereotype portrays them as successful and resilient, while downplaying the challenges and discrimination they actually face on a daily basis.
The study also uncovered instances of digital racism, with participants revealing that they had been targeted with derogatory slurs online. These online attacks perpetuated harmful stereotypes and further alienated members of the ESEA community.
Furthermore, the research highlighted implicit forms of racism that were present both before and after the pandemic. Participants shared experiences of being treated differently in public spaces, having their names mispronounced or misspelt at work, and even facing refusal of medical treatment based on their ethnicity.
Participants expressed a reluctance to report or confront racism, citing cultural norms that discourage confrontation and prioritise endurance over direct challenge. This reluctance has led to underreporting of racist incidents and a sense of helplessness among the ESEA community.
The study suggested key recommendations for addressing racism in Wales, including setting up a dedicated anti-racism department, developing a centralised reporting system, and promoting workplace equality through unconscious bias training. These measures aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the ESEA community in Wales.
In conclusion, the research underscores the urgent need to address racism in all its forms and emphasises the importance of sustained commitment and proactive measures in combating discrimination against the ESEA community. The road to achieving an anti-racist Wales requires collective effort and ongoing support for those affected by racism in society.