What does a “Canadian” look like? Is it white-skinned, dark-skinned, is it yellow, or is it brown?

(Igor Kyryliuk/Unsplash)

I’m Canadian. But I’m also Filipino.

I look Southeast Asian.

But do I look “Canadian”?

What’s the correct answer for that anyway?

Before moving to Vancouver, I was very excited because I heard how accepting and open-minded Canadians are.

Honestly, now it’s just sad.

Okay, let’s back up. You’re probably asking:

Wait, what is she sad about?

A couple of days ago, I came across a news article about Vancouver having the highest number of anti-Asian hate crimes in North America last year.

According to a VPD report to the Vancouver Police Board, “Anti-Asian hate crime incidents rose by 717% from 2019 (12) to 2020 (98)”.

Let me re-iterate: 12 incidents to 98 incidents of hate crime against Asians in a year.

(Jason Leung/Unsplash)

Bloomberg highlighted this report and began by stating that, “It’s [Vancouver] said to be the most Asian city outside Asia… The kind of place that should be immune to a rise in pandemic-fueled racism. Vancouver has been anything but.”

I was shocked.

Is this Vancouver “now” or has the culture always been like this since the beginning of time?

If I’m being honest, I’d say that I’m lucky that no one has done anything bad to me or my loved ones. (*knocks on wood so I don’t jinx myself)

(Jason Leung/Unsplash)

I’ve seen videos and images where people shove Asians on the street or push them out of the store. When COVID-19 was still fresh, I’ve heard people tell me personally how it was ridiculous that I was wearing a mask, while I watch videos on social media of people verbally assaulting Asians wearing masks to “Go back to China”.

(Jason Leung/Unsplash)

It’s terrifying.

Yesterday, the City of Vancouver responded to the anti-Asian hate crimes and the findings on the extensive and eye-opening Bloomberg report, saying that there is “no place for hate in Vancouver”.

What do you think of their response?

All that aside, I’m thankful for these reports that aim to educate the masses about what’s really happening within our communities.

When it comes to hope, not all is lost because this is a chance for us Canadians, especially Vancouverites, to step up and STOP ASIAN HATE.

Let’s end racism.

You are not a virus. Hate is THE virus.

(Jason Leung/Unsplash)