Hate is a Virus
Dear Editor: Sitkans Against Family Violence (SAFV) is heartbroken and outraged by the recent murders and attacks perpetrated on the Asian community in our country. Yet again, our nation is faced with a horrendous tragedy and countless assaults that have been fueled by hate and racism. The surge in hate crimes against the Asian American community since the beginning of the pandemic, the recent murders at the Atlanta spas, assaults in San Francisco, and the most recent brutal attack in New York City are rooted in white supremacy, xenophobia, and misogyny, all of which are still very present in our country.
The work of domestic violence agencies has evolved to focus not only on providing advocacy to those currently fleeing violence, but also to examine the root causes of violence and to start the process of preventing it from ever happening. In working to end one form of oppression, we must work to end all forms of oppression or injustice.
If we want to prevent violence with the aim of creating an equitable and safe society for all, we must do the work to end systemic racism. Systemic racism refers to the structures and systems in place that put Black, Indigenous Peoples, and Peoples of Color at a disadvantage. We can still very presently see inequities in our legal system, housing, employment, education, wealth, and in representation in positions of power. If these systemic and structural barriers and inequalities remain, the tragic, unjust acts of violence we are seeing will continue.
SAFV stands in solidarity with the Asian community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the loved ones of Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Yue, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, and all the victims of these hate crimes.
Hate is a virus.
Natalie Wojcik,
Executive Director,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
