"We were even asked why Asians spoke in English"
Kpop band BTS has shown their support for #StopAsianHate against the recent violence on Asian Americans.
There has been a recent surge in attacks against Asian Americans across the country.
On Monday, a 65-year-old Asian American woman was attacked in Manhattan.
Last week, Asian American City Council candidate Susan Lee was pushed down the stairs of the New York Subway.
In San Francisco, a 19-year-old Asian hate crime victim was shot in the eye.
Also in San Francisco, an Asian woman was attacked and dragged by a getaway car.
Additionally, a 13-year-old boy was racially attacked in Flushing.
In LA, a 28-year-old Asian mother has died in a fatal shooting in Compton.
Two weeks ago, eight women were shot and killed at three massage parlours in Atlanta.
Expressing their solidarity with the #StopAsianHate movement, BTS posted a statement on their social media.
“We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We feel grief and anger,” statement said.
“We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English.”
“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason. Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away at our self-esteem.”
“What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians,” the South Korean band continued. “It required considerable time for us to discuss this carefully and we contemplated deeply on how we should voice our message. But what our voice must convey is clear.”
“We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”
Earlier this month, a trading card company Topps came under fire for showing BTS beaten up on one of their cards
#StopAsianHate#StopAAPIHate pic.twitter.com/mOmttkOpOt
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) March 30, 2021