Juju Chang speaks in Augusta University event on the issue of anti-Asian hate
By Rakiyah Lenon | Managing editor
Juju Chang appeared at a virtual event hosted by Augusta University to speak about the issue of stereotypes toward Asian Americans during the pandemic. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
On April 20, 2021, Augusta University hosted a virtual roundtable featuring Juju Chang, ABC ‘Nightline’ co-anchor and journalist as keynote speaker. She and other speakers discussed recent violence toward Asian Americans following COVID-19, and ways in which the community can become involved in putting an end to stereotypes.
Chang was born in South Korea immigrated to the United States as a young child. She reflected on part of her experience growing up in California.
“As I would follow my father around... people would treat him like a second class citizen because of the way he looked... I didn’t really have words to put on that as a child, but obviously in retrospect, you see it as othering,” said Chang.
Chang then voiced thoughts on the recent issue of Asian Americans being stereotyped because of the pandemic.
“The fear and the anxiety that was brought upon the pandemic was in many ways weaponized against the Asian America community,” she said.
Chang added, “At the end of the day, no one is a virus. No one is responsible for COVID... and the sort of scapegoating is part of the real problem.”
Chang mentioned the issues of stereotyping regardless of the circumstance.
“Any racialized stereotype is a disservice. It dehumanizes people...It renders invisible those in our community who’s struggling,” she said.
Chang spoke of her own experiences with being viewed as an ethnic stereotype, specifically as a woman.
In regards to the spa shootings in Atlanta, she said, “It dehumanizes Asian-American women.”
Chang shared her thoughts about unconscious bias and othering.
“...The only way we break down unconscious biases is to point them out gently,” she stated.
“Asians Americans are not a monolith. We have very diverse communities,” Chang stated on the subject of the diversity in the community.
Speaking to the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin in George Floyd’s murder, Chang said, “I think it is a reflection of where we are...This past year has been incredibly painful and I think it’s sparked a conversation about racial equity.”
A slide was shown listing the speakers who took part in the discussion, including members of Augusta University and members of the Augusta community. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
Other individuals in the panel included Si-Long Chen, Christina Cho and Dr. Raymond Rufo to name a few.
President Dr. Brooks Keel and Provost Neil McKinnon also spoke concerning the core values of the university.
The Senate recently passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with a 94-1 vote targeted towards addressing the issue.
May has been recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 2009.
