Hate continues to corrupt our democracy

The recent shooting of three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont is a shocking reminder that we are allowing hate to continue to infect our society. Violent hate based on race, religion, national origin, sexual identities and preferences, and other prejudices cannot be allowed to continue. The tragedy in Gaza and Israel has heightened our awareness of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the US, as well as governments and political leaders who justify the deaths of innocent civilians as the cost of doing their business.

The Asian Pacific Islander community is well aware of the tragic consequences of the hate that has led to the violence against the Palestinian students in Vermont and a youth in Chicago, having experienced a history of racial and religious violence. It strikes a deep nerve in our community and all communities of color. That anti-API hate violence forced new generations of APIs to face the reality that our race, cultures, and religions make us targets. Rather than becoming numb to the violence, it is imperative that we all recognize our common histories and stand with those who face ongoing hate and violence.

We cannot look only to our government for solutions when we have political leaders who promote and exploit this hatred and violence. We allow the rise of politicians who assault women, defraud us, insult us as immigrants, ban our histories from school books, and use hate as a weapon to advance their own political agendas. Each incident cannot be set aside as “just another shooting” or “just another crazy person.” It is tiring and frustrating, but we must look to ourselves and our communities to stand up against this infection.

It is not easy to speak out, but when we feel strongly, when our families and communities are at risk, we need to take action including educating ourselves about the issues, calling out our political leaders, and advocating against injustice and violence. Just as we must demand a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, we must call on our own people to defeat the hate that is growing in America.