“I Speak Up for Myself, My Family, and for My Community”: How Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Respond to Anti-Asian Racism During COVID-19

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) responded to anti-Asian racism during COVID-19. Participants (n = 459; M_age = 26.4 years; 77.8% female) completed a survey and responded to the open-ended question: “How have you responded to anti-Asian racism since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?” Reflective thematic analysis was utilized to code responses. Three themes were identified, indicating that AANHPIs engaged in knowledge sharing and cultural exploration; experienced emotional reactions that galvanized efforts to take care of themselves, friends, family, and their community; and engaged in advocacy and activism to advance social justice. Subthemes were also identified to further characterize responses. Results reflect how AANHPI communities responded to anti-Asian racism by leveraging cultural strengths and taking the initiative to create social change. These findings have individual-, organizational-, and community-level implications to mitigate the impacts of anti-Asian racism and promote the well-being of AANHPI communities.