Source: KING 5

According to a May 5 report from KING 5, new research results show a worrying trend in how Americans view Asian Americans nationwide.

It is reported that The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating anti-Asian hatred and serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, has just released its annual survey report, revealing the current state of public perception of the Asian community in American society.

This survey, conducted in January and February this year, involved nearly 5,000 people aged 16 and above across the country. It was supervised by an academic advisory board composed of scholars from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Columbia University.

Han Eckelberg, a long-time member of Mak Fai Kung Fu, expressed disappointment at the survey results. He said, "The results are disheartening but not surprising. Why do Asians always get targeted? Why do we always have to prove our American identity?"

It is understood that Mak Fai Kung Fu is a group founded in Seattle in 1974, specializing in traditional lion and dragon dance performances and offering kung fu courses.

Although Han takes pride in being both Chinese-American and German-American, he still finds it difficult to accept the survey results. He said, "This feeling is terrible. As a Chinese American, I know myself, my friends, my family, and the Chinese community here—we are simply not a threat."

It is reported that the survey revealed many perceptions of Asian Americans in American society, including three key findings:

Forty percent of Americans believe that Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to America, a figure twice that of 2021;

More than a quarter of Americans are concerned about the threat posed by Chinese Americans, particularly in terms of national security;

More than half of Americans do not fully agree that the detention of Japanese Americans was wrong.

Connie So, a professor of American Ethnic Studies at the University of Washington, pointed out, "I think for those of us who have been paying attention for a long time, this at least reveals one fact—that things haven't changed."

Connie is also Han's mother. She believes there are several factors behind the survey results, including the increase in anti-Asian sentiment during the worst of the pandemic and the current economic situation in the U.S.

She said, "This phenomenon is largely related to misinformation. But now, especially the hostility toward Asia, stems from economic competition. I think the U.S. is no longer what it used to be—now more and more countries are rising, and many of them are Asian countries."

Although the survey results are concerning, Han and his family remain optimistic about the future. Han said, "We cannot give up; we must take more control and truly demonstrate the resilience of our own culture, which makes us proud."

KING 5 contacted the Wing Luke Museum regarding these survey results. In a statement, officials from the museum responded:

"The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have a deep history in the United States, making significant contributions in business, science, art, and culture. This survey result has piqued our interest and reinforced our mission—to educate the public about the rich history, culture, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501878124934677027/

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