Challenging Racialized and Gendered Violence Against Asian Americans

The faculty in the Department of Sociology at Mississippi State University condemn the racialized and gendered violence that took place last week when eight people, six of whom were Asian American women, were murdered in three Atlanta spas. We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who were murdered. 

We also condemn the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans that have occurred across the United States over the past year. We recognize that these recent incidents, as well as the murders in Atlanta, are connected to a longstanding history of anti-Asian American racism as well as racialized misogyny in the United States. This history of white violence continues today in our everyday interactions and social institutions.  This recent shooting also demonstrates the legacy of harm stemming from the intersection of racism and sexism, including stereotypes that sexualize and objectify Asian American women.

We support all of those who have endured continued racist harassment and fear during an already difficult time, including members of the Asian and Asian American community here at Mississippi State University.