"This Terrorism Happens and They're Just Silent": Racial Socialization Experiences of Asian American Youth Amid a Rise in Anti-Asian Sentiment

• In Event: Listening to the Experiences of Asian American Youth

Abstract

Our paper examines the ways in which anti-Asian racism (AAR) was discussed across four primary socializing settings throughout 2020-2021. Drawing on interview data with 76 Asian American high schoolers, we find that discussions about AAR in school and at home often lacked context and depth, suggesting that educators and families often are not attuned to, or do not spend time discussing, the causes of violence and discrimination that Asian communities experience. Comparatively, youth and online spaces offered young people resources to develop a more comprehensive understanding of systemic racism as well as opportunities to address it. Findings highlight the need for explicit discussions of race and racism and other developmentally-appropriate supports for youth, particularly in school.

Authors

• Helen Lee, foundry10

• Grace Su, University of Chicago Urban Labs