Analyzing Anti-Asian Hate Crime Cases: From Vincent Chin’s Murder to Atlanta Spa Shootings

• In Event: Understanding and Addressing Hate Crimes and Discrimination

Abstract

Anti-Asian hate crimes have frequently made national headlines during the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting concerns from criminal justice professionals and politicians, and leading to the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. However, after the peak of the pandemic, public discourse around anti-Asian hate crimes appears to have diminished significantly. These crimes continue to remain largely invisible within the spectrum of race-based hate crimes, primarily due to the reluctance of Asian victims to report their victimization to law enforcement. Consequently, the FBI’s statistics on anti-Asian hate crimes consistently underestimate the true prevalence, as compared to figures reported by Asian-American civil rights groups. This study seeks to analyze anti-Asian hate crime cases to provide valuable insights into this issue. Given the importance of raising awareness about anti-Asian hate crimes, understanding the underlying factors, patterns, and impacts of these crimes is paramount. Through an analysis of anti-Asian hate crime cases and data, the study aims to elucidate the complexities surrounding these offenses, including their effects on victims, communities, and broader societal perceptions.

Author

• Hyesun Kim, Worcester State University