Ep 6. Asian Americans Battling Bias: Continuing Crisis
- March 31, 2021
CBS News Specials season 5 episode 6, named "Asian Americans Battling Bias: Continuing Crisis," explores the ongoing pattern of anti-Asian violence and discrimination occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, CBS News correspondents report on the stories of Asian Americans who have experienced discrimination and hate crimes due to the racialized blame for the pandemic.
The episode delves into the historical context of anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, tracing its roots to the 19th century and the Chinese Exclusion Act. The piece highlights how this xenophobia has continued throughout history, including the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the model minority myth that Asian Americans are a "successful" minority group that doesn't experience racial discrimination.
The episode features interviews with Asian American lawmakers, activists, and community members who are working to combat this issue. It also sheds light on the effects of anti-Asian bias on mental health and the Asian American community's collective trauma.
The program also includes a discussion of the role of the media in perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Asian Americans. It examines how anti-Asian sentiments have been amplified through social media and the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the pandemic.
Moreover, the CBS News Specials episode features key moments of the past year that saw a dramatic increase in anti-Asian hate crimes, including the shootings at three Atlanta-area spas in March 2021. The memorial and subsequent vigil that took place in the city were a key point in the episode that highlights the community rallying to support the victims.
The special concludes with a discussion of how to move forward in addressing this issue, including bolstering law enforcement to address hate crimes, implementing education efforts, and advocating for better representation in the media.
Ultimately, CBS News Specials season 5 episode 6, "Asian Americans Battling Bias: Continuing Crisis," is a powerful exploration of the ongoing surge of hatred against Asian Americans and a call to action to address systemic racism and discrimination.