"If we stay silent, the violence continues"

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in attacks, both verbal and physical, against Asians and people of Asian descent. But there was also the birth of actions against this intolerance.

Philip Lim is a top American fashion designer and a figurehead of the #StopAsianHate movement.

Stop Asian Hate appeared in 2021 to denounce the violence targeting Asian American Pacific Islander communities (AAPI) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This denunciation has resonated in many other countries, where the rise of violence against Asians and people of Asian descent was also observed through deadly attacks, verbal and physical harassment, bullying in schools, workplace discrimination, and incitement to hatred in the media and on social media platforms.

“StopAsianHate was born out of individuals like myself in the AAPI community saying No enough is enough.” Lim said. “I couldn't remain silent because as we stay silent, the violence continues.”

With the support of members of the AAPI community, Philip tried to galvanise and connect with friends and colleagues from across the globe.

“We come together and understand that our common enemy is hate.” Lim added. “If you witness or you bear witness to injustice, say something. Stand up, stand up when you are not needed because this is how you play a role, too. Don't wait till it is in dire need.”

The coalition “Stop AAPI Hate” documents and addresses anti-Asian hate and discrimination amid the pandemic across the United States.  From March 19, 2020 to December 31, 2021, the coalition reported a total of 10,905 hate incidents against AAPI persons, with a majority of incidents having taken place in public streets and businesses.

“We can actually win the fight against hate by making sure that we build a wall of just unity and solidarity and love for each other. We have to become our own superheroes.” concluded Lim.  

Watch Philip Lim video

Find out more about this year's #FightRacism campaign under the theme "Voices for action against racism."