Alan Yang's partners with Ad Council to create powerful PSA: 'Fight the Virus. Fight the Bias'

ASAM NEWS

Fed up with anti-Asian harassment, Master of None co-creator and Tigertail director Alan Yang and the Ad Council have teamed up to release the video, "Fight the Virus, Fight the Bias."

The public service announcement features Asian Americans from all walks of life talking about how they’ve personally experienced anti-Asian hate during the pandemic.

“I’m honored to be part of this campaign and to help tell real stories of API experiences in America, especially during a time that’s difficult for so many people across the country,” said Yang. “I hope to do my best to represent our community and show that we’re stronger when we support each other and share our experiences honestly and compassionately with others.”

AsAmNews has documented the surge in hateful and racist incidents faced by Asian Americans during the surge in coronavirus. References by the White House to the virus as the kung flu, the Wuhan virus and the China virus have only added fuel to the fire, according to many Asian American community leaders.

The current pandemic has triggered an increase in racism, scapegoating and bigotry, particularly towards AAPI populations, perpetuating the harmful stereotypes that the community has fought for so long to dismantle. According to a new survey conducted by Pew Research Center, Asian Americans are among one of the marginalized groups who are more likely to face racial bias and discrimination during the pandemic. 

Close to one-in-three Asian adults (31%) report being victim to slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity since the outbreak began and a majority of Asian Americans (58%) admit it is happening more frequently now than before the pandemic.
“At a time when hateful rhetoric and racially-fueled discrimination are plaguing the API community, it’s critical that we all play a role in dispelling the racist misconceptions and actions pervading our country,” said Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman. 

“Amid this pandemic and the stresses associated, nobody should have to also endure the added layer of fear that comes from this surge in racial violence and harassment. We hope this film will inspire Americans to rethink their biases and help put an end to the wave of racism facing the API community."