Fear, Political Legitimization, and Racism: Examining Anti-Asian Xenophobia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Anti-Asian Racism and Violence (Organized by Korean Society of Criminology in America (KoSCA))

Abstract

Unfortunately, there is a long history linking pandemics to Anti-Asian prejudice and
xenophobia; these negative outcomes have been particularly pronounced during the COVID-19
pandemic. Some scholars have suggested that these relationships are driven by fear, wherein
individuals respond to disease threats by “othering” that threat. Other research has implicated the role of the state, including the political rhetoric of former President Trump, in exacerbating bias by enabling a divisive political environment. Yet, very few existing studies have been able to directly assess the nature of these impacts or examine the mechanisms behind observed increases in xenophobia. To that end, this research will present results from a survey administered in May 2020 to more than 3,000 respondents residing in the U.S., which assessed COVID-19-related attitudes and behaviors, as well as anti-Asian prejudicial attitudes. Using these data, we assess the direct and interactive relationship between perceptions of risk (i.e., fear), exposure to COVID-19 information, support for Trump, and anti-Asian prejudice. Results reveal that fear and support for Trump—are associated with increased anti-Asian prejudice, but that exposure to more information about COVID-19 is associated with decreased prejudice; we also note complex interactions between each of these factors.

Authors

• Brendan Lantz, Florida State University

• Marin R. Wenger, Florida State University

• Jack M. Mills, Florida State University