10 Ways to Be an AAPI Ally
Source: Canada.ca
What is an AAPI Ally?
An AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) or APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) ally is someone who is there to support people in the AAPI community, a historically under-represented and systemically prejudiced group, in whatever way they can. We all have a role to play when it comes to acknowledging injustice, elevating others’ voices, and driving change toward a better tomorrow.
Here are 10 ways that you can show up for your AAPI neighbors:
LEARN
1. LEARN
Take the time to educate yourself about the struggles and history of people in the AAPI community and help others learn about it too! Here are a couple resources to get started:
LISTEN
2. LISTEN
Give your AAPI friends and neighbors the space to speak and tell you about their experiences, which may be different from yours. Here are a few AAPI social media pages to follow:
SPEAK UP
3. SPEAK UP
The old adage “see something, say something” still applies. If you see something or someone discriminating against people in the AAPI community, say something! Discrimination is never okay.
STAND UP
4. STAND UP
Hates crimes against AAPI people are up 339% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (NBCNews). Don’t be a bystander. If something happens or is happening to your fellow AAPI folks, stand up for them and find help. Report hate crimes at stopaapihate.org
CONTRIBUTE
5. CONTRIBUTE
If you have the means, donate to your local AAPI charities, funds, or events with however much you can. A little goes a long way! A few places to start are:
CHALLENGE
6. CHALLENGE
Take the initiative to challenge assumptions about AAPI people that you have seen in media and have potentially grown up hearing. Think critically about these assumptions, such as:
Assumption: All Asians look the same
Challenge: The term “Asian” is incredibly broad and covers a huge portion of the world. There are many different types of people in this region that have vastly different features.
Assumption: All Asians have a bad English accent
Challenge: Not only is this a huge generalization, but over 70% of Asian Americans speak proficient English. Additionally, English is not spoken exclusively around the world. If you went to another country where they didn’t speak your first language, how would you like to be treated?
QUESTION
7. QUESTION
Not only can you challenge assumptions, but you can question others who have these assumptions. You can do this by asking:
Why do you think that?
Do you have evidence to support your opinion?
Why is that funny or appropriate to say?
PURCHASE
8. PURCHASE
Do your best to visit and support AAPI small businesses in your community and seek out products that are created by AAPI founders. A few of our favorites can be found in our post “5 Must Try AAPI Brands”.
REFLECT
9. REFLECT
Take the time to think about your own misconceptions and things you may do or say in your everyday life that are incorrect or offensive. Ask:
Do you enforce stereotypes?
What cognitive biases exist in your everyday thinking?
Do I surround myself with people who uphold negative and offensive ideas?
EMPATHIZE
10. EMPATHIZE
Empathy is so much more than just listening to AAPI people in your community. It also entails thinking about how you would feel if you were subjected to the things that they are every day. Use this empathy to guide you as you continue your journey as an AAPI ally and practice allyship.
Resources & Sources:
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