Columbia China Center reports on the “double pandemic” of COVID-19 and racial discrimination
Asians and Asian-Americans have experienced a surge in anti-Asian hate and attacks since March of 2020, marking the “double pandemic” of COVID-19 and racial discrimination. Specifically, those of Chinese descent have been especially targeted because the first COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Wuhan, China. In a joint report, led by the China Center and in collaboration with the Center on Poverty and Social Policy and the Columbia Population Research Center, a new analysis of Poverty Tracker data sheds light on the discrimination experiences of New Yorkers of Chinese descent during COVID-19 and the consequences on mental health.
Findings
Of the 423 New Yorkers of Chinese descent surveyed in this study, about one third reported experiencing an incident of harassment, assault, or bias in 2020, such as being called a racial slur or physically intimidated or assaulted. Over half of participants reported experiencing discrimination, such as being treated unfairly and with a lack of respect. Moreover, discriminatory experiences are more commonly experienced by people who are already financially vulnerable. The vast majority of New Yorkers of Chinese descent worried about their own or their family’s safety from a hate crime or harassment, even those who had not experienced harassment or discrimination directly.
The Poverty Tracker is a longitudinal study of the dynamics of poverty and disadvantage in New York City. It is a joint project of Robin Hood and Columbia University.