Manifestations of Anti-Asian Xenophobia in the COVID-19 Era: On a Scale From Avoidance to Discrimination

Abstract

This study delves into the escalation of xenophobia amid the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing data obtained from an online survey conducted with Asians and Asian Americans (n = 333) in Western New York, United States. The findings illustrate that people of Chinese or Asian descent encountered diverse manifestations of xenophobic attitudes during the pandemic and implemented individual and/or collective coping mechanisms. The study introduces a severity scale to understand and classify various xenophobic manifestations and experiences, ranging from subtly biased conduct to more harmful overt actions. The initial phases of xenophobic expressions involve deliberate avoidance of racialized individuals, such as changing seats on the bus, and verbal antagonism, such as making inappropriate jokes. These experiences were prevalent, particularly among Asians within the sample. Subsequent phases of the scale outline progressively severe manifestations of xenophobia, culminating in the denial of fundamental rights like housing and employment, along with instances of physical harassment. Ultimately, the study underscores how these xenophobic encounters may contribute to a diminished sense of belonging within American society for individuals who were subjected to xenophobic expressions. By shedding light on the various forms and intensities of xenophobia experienced by people who are perceived as Asians and attacked during the pandemic, this research enhances our understanding of diverse forms of xenophobic behavior and the implications of such incidents on individuals’ perceptions of their belonging and social inclusion.