The latest study from Stop AAPI Hate found 9.1% of all reports of anti-Asian hate came from Filipino Americans.
A new group out of New York City has been launched in response to those incidents, Filipino Americans for Racial Action.
“If you remain silent, nothing will change,” said founder Lara Gregory, an attorney. We need to come together because regardless of our differences in faith, color, race or ethnicity, we are united in wanting the health of our community and the flourishing of the city. Because when the city flourishes, the people also flourish.” she added.
A number of incidents involving Filipino Americans in her city has raised concern.
In early October, Filipino American nurse Maria Ambrocio died 24 hours after being knocked to the ground in Times Square by a robber who stole her cell phone.
In September, a culprit shoved an elderly Filipina down the stairs at the station in Rego Park, Queens.
The same month, someone spit on a Filipino American stage actor and assaulted him on a subway train.
16% of all anti-Asian hate reports overall originated in New York State, second behind California at 38.6%. Information on the percentage of Filipino Americans attacked in NY state is not readily available.
Filipino Americans for Racial Action recently held a webinar with a behavioral psychiatrist, Dr. Romulo Aromin, and licensed psychologist Dr. Lirio Sobrevinas-Covey.
“The problem lies in not knowing the culture of others,” said Aromin.
Sobrevinas-Covey believes racial crimes often highlight differences in social class.
“What’s common to hate crimes is that the victim is seen as inferior,” said Lirio who believes Asian Americans are not considered part of the first level of social class.
FARA hopes to close those gaps in both class and knowledge. It wants to be a space where people from different cultures can exchange culture, history, and heritage without fears and prejudices.
More information about FARA can be found on its website.
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