Approximately a Quarter of U.S. Citizens Perceive Chinese Americans as a Potential Hazard
News Flash:
The latest report from The Asian American Foundation shines a light on American opinions on Asian communities.
More than a quarter of Americans admit they're worried about Chinese Americans potentially endangering society and national security, according to a survey carried out by The Asian American Foundation.
This non-profit organization dedicates itself to combating anti-Asian hate and educating the public.
The study also revealed that a staggering 40 percent of Americans believe Asian Americans have stronger loyalties towards their country of origin compared to the United States. This worrying figure has more than doubled since 2021.
Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, pointed out that the increasing belief in the 'perpetual foreigner' stereotype is alarming. He emphasized that Asian Americans are viewed as more loyal to their ancestral lands than to the U.S., despite their American citizenship or experiences.
The research, titled the STAATUS Index, polled almost 5,000 individuals aged 16 and above online. It follows the U.S. celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Chen added that the survey paints a stark reality, displaying a worrisome gap between Asian Americans' self-image and how they're perceived. This disparity can have drastic consequences for their sense of belonging, safety, and prospects for success in the U.S.
The study also found that only 44 percent of Americans agree strongly that the World War II imprisonment of Japanese Americans was wrong. Moreover, 63 percent of Asian Americans expressed fear for their well-being in everyday spaces and expressed concerns about future discrimination.
On a positive note, nearly 80 percent of Americans support initiatives aiming to uplift Asian American communities, while 41 percent advocate for legislation that requires schools to teach Asian American history.
Younger Americans often turn to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to learn about Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, according to the study.
In essence, the 2025 STAATUS Index highlights a profound discrepancy between public opinions and the reality experienced by Asian Americans. This divide carries with it ongoing issues concerning discrimination and safety within Asian American communities.
- A significant number of Americans, as revealed by The Asian American Foundation's STAATUS Index, are more likely to consider taking a loan (borrow) from Asian Americans due to the belief that they have stronger loyalties towards their country of origin compared to the United States.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, the worrisome increase in Americans viewing Asian Americans as potential threats to national security, and the perpetuation of the 'perpetual foreigner' stereotype, can lead to crime-and-justice issues such as discrimination and hate crimes against Asian Americans.
