40% of Asians face discrimination, survey finds
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Demonstrators gather in Seattle's Chinatown-International District for a 2021 rally and march against anti-Asian hate and bias. Photo: David Ryder/Getty Images
Nearly 40% of Asians surveyed in the Seattle area reported experiencing an anti-Asian incident within the past year, according to a recent study.
Why it matters: Asians represent the largest minority group in the Seattle metro area, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Asians, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders numbered around 661,000 in 2023, or about 17% of the total population.
Driving the news: Many of the 1,000 Asians, Asian Americans and Native Islanders in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties who were surveyed between May 30 and June 10 this year said they felt unsafe on public transit, in neighborhood stores and in their workplaces, according to the recent report by The Asian American Foundation.
- 54% said that "public safety" was either a "major problem" or "somewhat of a problem" that needed to be addressed and about a third said they personally fear being attacked.
- 72% reported that they changed some of their habits and behaviors out of fear of being targeted for their race or ethnicity.
Stunning stats: About 40% of respondents said they encountered racial discrimination or violence in the past year and 20% reported race-related physical attacks.
- And one in five reported being physically attacked, per the report.
- Only 46% of respondents who experienced an anti-Asian incident said they reported it to anyone at all.
Catch up quick: The nation saw a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes driven by xenophobia, economic fears and political rhetoric during the pandemic.
What they're saying: "Seattle's AANHPI and immigrant communities are an essential part of what makes our city so vibrant, and they deserve to feel safe and welcome in every part of our city," Mayor Bruce Harrell told Axios in an emailed statement.
The bottom line: A large majority of survey respondents (76%) said better communications with police would improve reporting and 61% expressed a desire to learn more about reporting bias crimes.
- Respondents also felt that boosting mental health funding and increasing public activity would help, with 44% suggesting that better lighting and walking paths would make public spaces safer.
What we're watching: Harrell said the city is addressing many of the concerns raised by survey respondents, including increasing funding for behavioral health and addressing safety features such as the lighting fixtures at Hing Hay Park and on Third Avenue.