President Trump weaponized racism and xenophobia in 2020 by calling COVID-19 the 'Kung Flu Virus' and we are still witnessing increased hate speech and violence as a result. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
President Trump weaponized racism and xenophobia in 2020 by calling COVID-19 the 'Kung Flu Virus' and we are still witnessing increased hate speech and violence as a result. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
A new study has linked the rise in anti-Asian online hate speech with President Donald Trump's COVID-19 rhetoric
  • The Anti-Defamation League said online hate speech aimed at Asian Americans rose last year.
  • Rhetoric from President Donald Trump and other leaders fueled the rise, a study said.
  • ADL saw an "85% increase in anti-Asian sentiment on Twitter" after Trump got COVID-19.
"The spike in physical violence against Asian-Americans across the nation was whipped up in large part by bigotry and conspiracy theories that grew online, fanned by national leaders," including Trump, the study said.

... "Although technology companies insist they have taken robust action to address users' safety and remove harmful content throughout the past year, this report finds scant difference in the number of Americans who experienced online hate and harassment," said the study released this week.

Since Trump departed office, there's been an uptick in leaders voicing concern about hate speech and violence toward Asian Americans.

On January 26, a few days after Biden took office, he issued a memo condemning hate speech against Asian Americans. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he commended President Joe Biden for taking a stance against xenophobia toward Asian Americans.

"President Trump weaponized racism and xenophobia in 2020 by calling COVID-19 the 'Kung Flu Virus' and we are still witnessing increased hate speech and violence as a result," Krishnamoorthi said.
Read the full article: https://www.businessinsider.com/anti-defamation-league-study-donald-trump-anti-asian-hate-speech-2021-3