GENERATIONAL RIPPLES OF HATE:

Introduction:

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, suffering is seemingly the new societal norm the world over. With the entire human race on edge out of fear of an unseen destructive force in our midst, it seems illogical to not be concerned (even if only a little). Every race and nationality have seen its own plethora of challenges. From genetic pre-dispositions to underlying health conditions that lead to an increased susceptibility to a novel new enemy, everyone has suffered in some capacity. Some have been worse off than others, however, and still are exploring their own depths for survival. Whether that be mentally, physically, or economically, the struggle is apparent. Socio-economic status, healthcare infrastructure stability, social class (caste), and even the color of your skin has been analyzed through scientific research. psychological analysis, and sociological input. This has proven that over this past year and a half (depending on global location). Reactance theory and racism has shown us the worst of us all. While those that stepped up when they were needed to go that extra mile have highlighted the best. But what began as an inevitable horror of phylogenetic morphology (the strain varied and changed) of a SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) strain, has evolved into a resurgence of something much more devious. A resurgence of hate against the general population, but specifically crimes against those of Asian Ancestry (BBC America, 2021). Violence against Asian Americans (AA) is not a new phenomenon, it is however making a comeback. Unfortunately, due to ignorance and undereducated masses so are the numbers on Pacific Islanders (PI) statistics. The number of race specific attacks, be them physical or verbal, are on the rise owing to a lack of understanding by those who identify them as ‘Asian’ (Porterfield, 2021). Mostly falling under the category of ignorance of other cultures that is unfortunately an American sociological cliché when viewed through the eyes of the rest of the worlds preconceived notions of the ‘socially ignorant American’. This rise in hate and violence against any group of people, to me, is a problem that needs to be handled quickly, and decisively.

But how do we do that and still hold true to the national ideology of the justice system, morality, or equality for the masses? Fighting hate with hate should not be an answer. Some believe that this is an impossible task with so many individuals possessing generational ideologies deeply rooted in socialized and systemic racism. To some degree I must say that is a true enough statement, and I concur wholeheartedly with the ideas of those fighting to eliminate racism. I do not, however, believe that this predicament is that black and white. I believe that it is a culmination of things that are more complicated than merely stating that this is all mental hygiene based. By doing an analytical breakdown of genetic science, psychology, social psychology, sociology, neuropsychology, and criminal justice foundational practices, I hope to show that in order to achieve long term equality, it must be accomplished on a case-by-case basis with identification, diagnosis, and a few therapeutic notions that I will explain later in detail. This coupled with overt educational materials given to the masses for deviation to establish new norms of equality, care, and opportunity for all; we may be able to make long lasting change, but only if we work together. So, without further ado, I submit my theory on Violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islander populations in modern day American Society suffering through the COVID-19 Pandemic (Angela R. Gover, n.d.).

A Historical Look at Human Behavior:

Going back to Mesopotamia, there are historical patterns of human behavior that are now well established in ‘putting the inferior in their place’. Religious caste systems from such times are still prominent in some countries. Lighter skin men decided the darker skinned people were inferior, and thus social superiority began (Mathews, 2013). This long-standing attitude has survived the ages, even with societal evolutionary changes (which have changed to be more compassionate over the years), demoralizing and diminishing a person’s worth. Religious wars took out millions of Muslims and Christians over a long period (History.com, 2020). Dutch Settlers literally abducted Africans, enslaved them, and sold them all over the world. Again, putting them into their place, and passing on the kind of generational hate that is fighting so vehemently even on this very day in cities all over the world. America is a nation that was founded on tyranny against the Native American populations while, ironically, we were escaping tyranny from the other side of the pond. Dirty dealings, stealing land, murder to the point of tribe extinction, and forced labor from people who were bought at open markets, built America.

All of these things are examples of how the genetically passed on behaviors (pre-dispositions, as well as overall socialization and passed down heritage teachings) have contributed and shaped the world for eons. In fact, pre-dispositions of mental health discrepancies/ short comings can be traced through familial lines like the Tudor line. Historically insane, murderous, power hungry (potential psychopathic tendencies) riddle England’s history (and many other countries attacked in the pursuit of world domination) with blood. Not to mention the atrocities of things like Tuskegee, WWII, etc., etc., on those that were once considered beneath the white man, and in some cases, are still suffering the ripple effects of all of those instances. The pattern has always been the lightest skin reigns supreme in almost any given society. As a child I heard someone put in terms of “white is right”. With America being a major world power (China, Russia, etc.) there has always been the ebb and flow of we can work together as nations to we are enemies. Communistic nations have been a concern for America for generations, but mostly China and Russia. This notion is abundantly prevalent now due COVID and a poor POTUS.

Internment Camps and Their Sociological Significance for Modern America:

The most atrocious attack on Asian Americans historically, in my opinion, is the internment camps created out of fear of homeland espionage. Marketed as a safety measure (which may have kept them from harm by the masses) they were undeniably a failed sociological experiment, that still affects descendants of the occupants even to this very day. With inadvertent psychological effects on those that were excluded from American society without warning or time to prepare. As well as the sociological effects that it would have for generations to come. Whether that be in the way that generational hate and fear has continued to be taught to unknowing children. Or in the fear of Asian Americans who simply came here to build a better life. The image below reflects the locations of American Internment Camps and the “Exclusion Zones”. This image to me is powerful illustration to the spread of anti- Asian sentiment within our Nation at the Time (Encyclopedia Britannica , 2020). The fear that is now deeply ingrained continues to fun deep in the hearts of the Japanese Americans. I'm sure the feelings/ emotions are similar to those who escaped or survived WWII in Europe as a Jew.

Push-Back for Changing Societal Norms:

After decades of fighting for equal rights for ALL people it seemed that societal trends were on a decline regarding racial inequalities of ALL people in the Americas. But Caucasians (even in a seemingly sufficient decline) still were privileged over others in the sociological/psychological capacity, and this overtime remained a large contributing factor in the current state of systemic racial inequality. Jobs, people, benefits…. all assumed lacking or inferior in nature. Which is seemingly still an overly pertinent (or at least observable) issue that remained so deeply rooted within our modern culture that we are repeating sociological cycles from the days of yore. These are just things nobody wants to talk about, and therefore receives little to no coverage in national and international news sources. This has always been a discussion and a slow evolution towards equality, but it was not until the movement of BLM(black lives matter) that the world stopped to discuss it.. This caused a great divide among Americans but set the world stage for the impending violence that would inevitably ensue against the AAPI population. The repetition of historical racism reappeared as a societal norm. This transpired because of misinformation, sociological conditioning, acceptance of toxic racism and masculinity. Which made resurgence thanks to our former POTUS, generational racism and a ‘blind eye’ by those too afraid to speak up for their fellow men and women. Which ultimately seemed to reign supreme.

In 2020 there were 839 known hate groups in America. Southern Poverty Law Center Launched the “Hate Watch” program where citizens have the ability to report, locate, and avoid areas that might be considered unusually high risk during normal times, but are presumably perceived war zones for anyone that does not fit into their societal boxes of what is acceptable (SPLC, 2020). The map above is nothing compared to what is happening in America now. The map is a breakdown of all States and what groups are where. I see this as the new Megan’s Law website that warns unsuspecting parents of pedophiles within the area. I do not agree with tracking people. To me it seems like a violation of rights. I do however agree with tracking hate groups, criminals, pedophiles, terrorists, etc. West Virginia is predominately full of hate groups towards the southern border, and worth looking into if you are any race that could be construed as unworthy. I say this because I do not want to see anyone attack for merely be there and not white.

Socio-Psychological Implications: Lessons to Learn From

Moving forward there are undeniable sociological and psychological implications that are applicable to every demographic mentioned from here on out. Starting with the ‘Blank Slate Theory’, it will be assumed that every individual was born as a blank slate and socialization parameters are applied through life via primary, secondary, and tertiary social groups. Nurture versus Nature coupled with the consideration of genetic pre-dispositions are important components to consider moving forward, as well. We have learned a great deal in new areas of science (genetics, neuropsychological scans and Identification, etc.), psychology, sociology, historical facts, etc. in the last twenty years. We are more educated now than we have ever been. Well, we have more access to information than ever before anyway. So, bearing in mind the foundational workings laid by Freud, Jung, and all the rest we have our foundational canvas for overall synthesis for this project.

Initial Impact of Lunacy: American Leaders and Their Misguided “Education”:

In the early days of the pandemic nations the world over were trying their best to use social media platforms to spread the word on the seriousness of this virus. My first experience with it was a man in Italy who had used Facebook to plea for help. He was on Andrew Cuomo on CNN Primetime sitting on the edge of a bed that contained the body of his late sister. He had called the officials in his city and after repeated attempts received no help. It had been three days since she died of the novel virus that had ravaged his entire country in a mere matter of weeks. He was imploring anyone who would listen to prepare for what was to come. He said that they had scoffed it off and were losing thousands of lives every day. Some countries listened and prepared for the worst while others followed suit in the footsteps of a misguided Italy. The image of all of those Italian military vehicles filled to the brim with bodies will be seared into my mind forever. Early November 2019 was unkind to Europe, and many countries had not heeded the warnings of that poor desperate man. Little by little, and then all at once the strongest nations in the world crumbled in many ways, due to ignorance, lack of action, denial, and political (not science based) propaganda spreading like wildfire via the world wide web adding to the already strained situation ahead (Cherry, n.d.).

Scientists begged and implored the masses to trust them in their findings, ideas, safety advice, etc., but the power of the press for the former POTUS waged a war like America has not seen since Lincoln held office. The damaging rhetoric spewed from the presidential podium created an uprising (or coming out of hiding) scenario that attempted to re-normalize racial hate, xenophobia, and white supremacy in American society once more (Porterfield, 2021). Some believe this is the effect of consistent exposure. One study I considered for this piece mention those who went to rallies/ followed social media platforms/ etc. (those who had more exposure to the fallacies put forth) were more likely to be participants in hate crimes and the storming of the capital. (Ph.D., 2018)

What was previously perceived as a small number of Americans turned out to be more extensive and dangerous that anyone could have imagined. Demographics for those groups are more often than not, white Americans. Under-educated, lower on the socio-economic scales (except for most of the 1%), and die-hard supporters of an unqualified, morally reprehensible leader. These are excellent conditions for manipulation through gaslighting (Stern). Most participants and supporters of Trumps never even stopped to question the validity of anything. Adding blind faith to the list of things adding to the over inflation of his ego. Which in turn led to more despicable behavior in a sick cycle of shock and awe that unfurled daily on National news channels for the pandemic briefings. Which more often than not had nothing to do with disaster response, mitigation, plan of action, or anything actually useful. Or, for that matter, anything actually having to do with the pandemic. Daily press briefings and an overactive Twitter account put him at the center of News sources the world over. This certainly Contributed to herd mentality, group mentality, reactance theory, and the overall mentality of the masses. With the goal being to lead his minions in an organized effort to hate, to harm, to belittle, diminish, to attack those who are different (Nakamura, 2021), and to besiege the capitol. The horrible hashtags our former president concocted and spewed out (“kung flu” “china flu”, etc.) all contributed to an up rise in Asian violence in America (Angela R. Gover, n.d.). I think it has in some way contributed to a rise in the same statistics worldwide, but there is no way for me to prove that theory at this juncture (Covid 'hate crimes' against Asian Americans on rise, 2021).

There are a number of articles that give analytical breakdown of his followers, and other than low income and a lack of formal higher education, they all had excessive exposure to the baseless ramblings of a madman in a suit in common.(Ph.D., 2018) I believe if we could scan a majority of them there will also be evidence of 0neuro psychological issue that can be proven unquestionably through brain scans. Psychopathic tendencies vary in a Kinsey scale like fashion (as does sociopathy) and can be visibly seen the world over in the masses like never before (BLOG, SPECIAL EDITION ON NEUROTECHNOLOGY, 2016). It is a modern dark age for our nation and the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that are suffering in the wake of a positional leader (Maxwell, 2015). The implications of this period on future generations seems bleak if we fail to learn from this experience moving forward.

Discussions for Change:

Although the hate has been out there brewing beneath the surface, disguised as a civilized society, the hate against Asian Americans has ebbed and flowed growing more prominent during times of crisis, like the crisis we find ourselves in now (BBC America, 2021). This has been ever so apparent as of late, illustrating how little we have actually accomplished in regard to social equality within our borders (Samuels, 2021). But it is not just the traditional sentiment of hate that is disconcerting to millions of people worldwide. It is the level of horrors that are being inflicted publicly to (mostly elderly/elderly female Asian Americans in the streets of our cities (Russell Jeung Ph.D., 3/19/20 – 2/28/21). One man was attacked walking home, a woman was literally set on fire, another woman was beaten into a comma while walking home with her groceries (Nakamura, 2021) People are being spit on, beaten, dragged, bullied by children in the streets. Their businesses are being broken into. Homes are being burgled and damaged, all while the new generation watches and absorbs the socialized behavior of hatred passed on through generations of socio/psychopathic abnormalities (By Dr. Saul McLeod, 2007) and apparent genetic pre-disposition which is then amplified and compounded through what they are taught by their parents (R. James R. Blair, 2013).

According to the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)‘Stop the hate campaign, there has been a significant increase in violence statistics since the pandemic began. The statistics are as shocking as they are varied. The AAPI foundation states that “from 2003 to 2007, UCR data indicate that there were 6241 hate crimes motivated by racial/ethnic prejudice” while from 2018 to 2021 “NCVS data demonstrate that 177,946 hate crimes involved racial/ethnic bias motivation” which is an increase of “186%” (Angela R. Gover, n.d.). The fear that they face everyday is undoubtedly taxing. Psychological implications of these statistics are PTSD, future need for Cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma-based incidents, mistrust of fellow citizens, depression, anxiety, fear, indecision, etc. This cannot be helped until we stop the hate.

Statistics:

According to data gathered by the AAPI campaign: 68% of those attacked in the past year (data set ended on 3/16/2021) were women, with 2% being transgender or non-binary, 1%refused to specify gender, and the rest were men. With the vilest crimes occurring amongst the female population. With the largest age range being 26-35. Presumably owing to the lackadaisical approach of generation “z” being misconstrued as actions taken by millennials. With so many young people participating in spring break by the boatload during a worldwide lockdown, it is logical to conclude the reason for 26-35 year old’s being attacked. California and New York are in competition for the highest number of violent attacks (CA=1,691 individuals blatantly attacked for their lineage. These numbers are just the cases that were actually reported. These numbers are horrifying on their best day and will only go up from here. (AAPI, 2021). Whether the statistics come from AAPI or Fox News the one thing they have in common is hate. Uncalled for, unabashed, unwavering hate.

Conclusion:

The evolutionary façade in American tales paint a picture of the American Dream. We are supposed to be a land for the poor huddled masses that yearn for freedom to simply fulfill their own destinies and create a better life for future generations. Unfortunately, as we have seen in the past year specifically, this is a lie. “otherisms” and related theories create a dangerous world on the brink of ethnic cleansing and white washing of the “great American melting pot”. Institutional injustices and outdated precedence in the law help keep our nation chained to antiquated ideologies that affect/affect us all. This may be our greatest historical battle yet. The battle against ignorance, hate, misogyny, violence, undereducated unquestioning masses that sway us back to the early days of our nation’s history when the three fifths rule was established perpetuating the nonsensical notion that only white men where able to lead, build, create, contribute to a fashion they dubbed sufficient and civilized. But this is all codswallop.

We must stand together to fight for the conclusion of systemic racism, sexism, xenophobia, hate and violence in our fair nation. We must be willing to be the first white guy off the bus (even when the Klan nearly beats him to death). We need to offer assistance to the little Asian lady who got slammed face first into the sidewalk in New York before locking the doors to our offices. We need to speak up as peer educators and leaders of the free world. Advocacy for a cause you’re passionate about, speaking up to bullies who are spreading misinformation, being strong in the face of adversity, hate, and change are they ways we will end this madness for all people. We need to get politically involved in order to keep real politicians in office instead of idling by while the old southern boys club runs the GOP into oblivion taking us all with them in the fall. America was once a beacon of hope and example of humanity. We have veered off course due to all of the reasons I have mentioned in this paper, and it is up to us to correct the direction in which we all head. If we stand by and watch this injustice occur, we may as well be smacking little old Asian ladies with our own handbags. We have to fight back (not physically), but with our word, our actions, our ideas, etc. This is the only way we can move forward. I personally think breaking the social stigma traditionally associated with mental health would be a good place to start. It no longer matters what your political/ social/ or religious orientation you possess or identify as. What matters is what side of the hate line you fall on, because if you are not with us you are against us (another example of other-isms). Me and mine stand against hate in ALL capacities, and we intend to fight. Not with guns and mudslinging, but with our minds and our leadership capabilities. Can you say the same? We did not draw this line, but we will defend the boundaries of acceptable human behavior within the confines of our country. We are the future, we are bright, bold, and ready to work towards positive effective long term evolutionary change. I still believe in an America where hate is unwelcome. That could be a pipe dream. Or that could be the catalyst of the emergence of the greatest generation yet. Its up to us. I know where I stand.

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