This Activist Wants to Stop Anti-Asian Violence Through Dialogue
Growing up, oncologist Dr. Paul Song, M.D., was one of few Asian Americans in his community. He often bared the brunt of harassment because of it. "I got in a fair amount of fights just to protect myself."
Worse, since the pandemic began, Song's wife (journalist Lisa Ling) and his kids have also been the targets of racist comments. "Never did I think my own kids would be facing similar types of things," he said.
For the latest Friday Sessions, Dr. Gregory Scott Brown, M.D., spoke with Dr. Song to discuss his experience as an Asian American in the U.S. amid the alarming spike in anti-Asian violence. "I have an elderly mom who's in her late 80s and we would never have thought to to tell her that she can't walk home by herself anymore, but we really feel that way now," he said.
But for change to happen requires keeping the conversation going, and speaking up for all people of color. "People want to divide us and make this go away but in reality we have to keep speaking about it," Dr. Song said.
Similarly, Song also stressed the importance for the Asian community to work together, rather than apart. A combined effort will make movements like Stop Asian Hate stronger. "I think this is the first time where if you go to rallies, you see all of these Asians from various ethnic groups really coming together for the first time."
For more on the Stop Asian Hate movement, as well as discussion on healthcare inequality in America, check out the full conversation below.
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