Anti-Asian racism in Canada: Protests, progress, and perspectives

• In Event: Politics, Protest and Educators

Proposal

This presentation aims to provide a brief overview of the historical context of anti-Asian racism, examine recorded protests and their outcomes, explore different perspectives on model minorities, discuss the right to be considered an equity-worthy group, and delve into the phenomenon of reverse brain drain in the post COVID era and in the context of accelerating Sino-US rivalry. The author argues that Canada needs to take a balanced stance in its policies regarding researchers and students in higher education in order to curb brain drain and create a more inclusive society.

The history of anti-Asian racism in Canada is deeply rooted in discriminatory policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Japanese Internment during World War II. The initial wave of Asian immigrants to Canada consisted mainly of Chinese workers who came to Canada in the mid-1800s to work on projects such as the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. This wave faced various challenges, including discriminatory policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act. (Chan, 2014). After World War II, Canada experienced another wave of Asian immigration primarily from Japan, influenced by political and economic factors, as well as the forced internment of Japanese-Canadians during the war (Adachi, 1979).

The 1960s marked a turning point in Canadian immigration policy, with the introduction of a more inclusive approach. This led to increased Asian immigration, particularly from countries like India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Canada continues to welcome Asian immigrants, contributing to the country's multicultural fabric. Notable recent waves include immigrants from South Korea, China, the Philippines, and India (Kelley & Trebilcock, 2010).

Over the years, there have been various protests in Canada against anti-Asian racism. Notable examples include the Chinese Canadian Head Tax Redress Movement and the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance. These protests have played a central role in raising awareness, demanding justice, and pushing for policy changes. A few examples in literature addressing such issues include Chan (1983), Tchen and Yeats (2014), and Takaki (1998), which explore the history of anti-Asian racism in North America and examine how Asian communities organized protests and advocacy movements to challenge discriminatory practices. Similarly, Harrison (2015) and Joshi and Desai (2015) explore various instances of xenophobia, and highlight the resistance movements that have emerged in response to these injustices. As a result, the Chinese Head Tax was officially apologized for in 2006, and compensation was offered to affected families. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to address ongoing racism.

The concept of model minorities, which suggests that certain ethnic groups, particularly Asians, are seen as reticent, resilient, and high-achieving, has been both praised and criticized. While some argue that being perceived as hardworking and successful can be advantageous, others argue that this stereotype erases the struggles and challenges faced by Asian communities (e.g., Cheng, et al., 2017; Prasso, 2006). Additionally, the expectation for Asian individuals to remain quiet about their experiences of racism and discrimination can further perpetuate the marginalization of their voices. The surge of anti-Asian racism during and after the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a good example.

In the field of education, the treatment of Asian students has been problematic. For example, Warikoo (2016) examines the role of race and ethnicity in college admissions, including how Asians are sometimes treated as a monolithic group. It raises important questions about equity, highlighting the need to consider Asians as an equity-worthy group within educational institutions. Although the situation in Canada is not as dramatic as in the US, Asian communities in Canada consider such a recognition crucial in addressing the unique struggles and disparities faced by Asian communities, including barriers to education, employment, and healthcare, in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The phenomenon of brain drain, where talented individuals emigrate from their home countries to seek better opportunities abroad, has affected Asian countries for decades. Canada has been a popular destination for highly skilled Asian professionals seeking economic and educational opportunities. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of reverse brain drain, where individuals return to their home countries. Canada now has not only a problem of “brain waste” due to its systemic barriers such as devaluation of foreign credentials and non-recognition of foreign work experience for professional Chinese immigrants (Zong & Lu, 2017), but also a brain drain problem due to political alliance with the US against China. The situation could be further aggravated in the coming years, discouraging future research students from Asian countries and compelling more researchers to leave Canada. This shift highlights the changing dynamics and aspirations of the Asian diaspora, as well as the potential for knowledge and resource sharing between Canada and Asian nations.

Anti-Asian racism continues to be a significant issue in Canada, impacting the lives of many individuals and communities. Through recorded protests, advocacy for equity and recognition, and the exploration of different perspectives, progress has been made. However, there is still much work to be done to eradicate racism and create a truly inclusive society. By embracing diversity, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting understanding, Canadians can work towards a future where all individuals are respected, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

Author

• Xuemei Li, Memorial University of Newfoundland