The extent and context of media coverage of anti-Asian/American hate crime (2019-2021)

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

Abstract

Media narratives surrounding violence against Asian communities, and the public awareness it facilitated, were likely a large factor in the recent passing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Further, media narratives have the potential to directly impact communities targeted by hate crime because the psychological impact of that violence extends to those who share similar characteristics. Despite the relevance and impact of media on Asian communities and public policy in the United States (U.S.), very few studies have examined media narratives of Asian/Americans beyond examining the “model minority” stereotype. This study examines the media narratives surrounding anti-Asian hate crime in the U.S. over a three-year period (2019-2021). We consider a wide range of factors including the extent of coverage, which incidents are covered, if and how incidents are discussed related to other incidents, portrayals of victims and perpetrators, how the incidents are situated in a larger context of violence against racial minorities, and the degree to which the media fosters solidarity with Asian communities compared to “othering” them.

Authors

• Ráchael Powers, University of South Florida

• Kacy Bleeker, University of South Florida

• Crystal Katherine Alcalde, Florida State University