Gothamist reports that anti-Chinese flyers in Brooklyn are being replaced with anti-racism posters.
Police are currently investigating racist flyers that were plastered on lampposts in Bay Ridge in Brooklyn.
The flyers target Chinese people, blaming them for prostitution and Coronavirus.
“Chinese are destroying Bay Ridge,” the title of the flyer reads.
“Illegal conversions – ruining house stock of Bay Ridge resulting in a flight of middle class homeowners,” the flyer continues. “Junk stores: massage parlors (prostitution); nail salons; 99 cent stores; dirty Chinese restaurants.”
“Corona Virus spread by Chinese immigration.”
Hate crimes towards Asians have been rising since the outbreak of the pandemic. A report by the Human Rights Watch has shown that Coronavirus is fuelling anti-Asian hate.
A Singaporean resident said she noticed the flyer on a lamppost near the Bay Ridge Avenue subway.
“This was horrible. It was disgusting,” said Kwok of the flyer. “I only been in the US for just under two years because I got married to an American, and I’ll be honest I haven’t felt welcomed here.”
NYPD’s latest crime report showed that crimes against Asian Americans were on the rise in April.
Whilst the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force are investigating who is behind the creation and distribution of the posters, communities have taken it upon themselves to respond.
Pinning up their own flyers, activists are spreading the message of diversity and inclusion.
“Bay Ridge does not welcome racists,” the new flyers read. “We honor all of our community members & love each other. There is no place for hate in the community!”
New York City is launching a $100,000 campaign to combat Coronavirus racism towards Asians.
In related news, a Virginia Councilman Paul Riddick has stated that Chinese restaurants don’t deserve Coronavirus aid.
Flooding positive message response from Bay Ridge! #HateHasNoPlaceHere #StopTheHate #StopAAPIRacism #NewYorkLove @JustinBrannan @AndrewGounardes @FrontusforNY @MaxRose4NY pic.twitter.com/b3iYIQGoyM
— Chung Seto (@setochungster) June 5, 2020
