Harvard University has come under fire for telling its students “you may wish you weren’t Asian.”
The now-removed remarks appeared on the college’s ‘Anti-Asian Racism Resources’ web page in a response to the recent surge in anti-Asian violence.
“When you experience racism, you can feel shame,” the website read. “You may wish that you weren’t Asian, but remember that your ancestors likely went through similar or even worse incidents.”
Harvard cited over 3,700 hate crimes against the Asian American community, referencing Stop AAPI Hate.
The school offered a list of resources to “help manage”, such as Harvard’s Asian Caucus.
“Although most individuals are not racist and these events are infrequent, these incidents can often be stressful and traumatic,” the school added.
Resources also included three tools “most helpful in coping with racial discrimination,” including “find pride in your community,” “seek out support” and “process your feelings.”
Harvard student Matteo Wong vented his frustration at the school’s message.
“WHAT? Please tell me who wrote “you may wish that you weren’t Asian” on the mental health resources page, why they thought it would be helpful, and how telling me this is supposed to help me feel any sort of racial “pride.” at that, pride in what, exactly?” Wong tweeted.
“Another lovely gem: ‘Permit yourself to take care of you.’ Thank you for the permission, Harvard,” Wong continued, quoting the school’s resources. “Too bad I can’t take advantage of it because every time I see a statement like this I have an aneurysm.”
Stanford psychologist Helen Hsu echoed Wong’s frustration and replied, “ouch. This is almost willfully terrible – from the stock photo tea/bamboo to the WTH does ‘wish you weren’t Asian’ mean?! It’s angering to read as it demonstrates lack of empathy & dedication to #AsianAmerican students.”
In 2019, Harvard was accused of discriminating against Asian American applicants. However, the court ruled in favour of the Ivy League school.
Last year, Fresh Off the Boat star Hudson Yang shared a video of the moment he found out he was accepted to Harvard.
Recent attacks against Asians include a 19-year-old Asian hate crime victim being shot in the eye.
Also in San Francisco, an Asian woman was attacked and dragged by a getaway car.
In New York, Asian American City Council candidate Susan Lee was pushed down the stairs of the New York Subway.
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.
Most recently, a suspect who repeatedly kicked an elderly Asian American woman in the face was already on parole of killing his mother.
