As many small businesses across the country continue to feel the economic misery stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, Vuong is among the growing number of Asian Americans facing a one-two punch of historic unemployment and discrimination. The national coalition of community-based organizations tracks hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and has received more than 2,500 reports of violence and harassment between March and August. In a recent report, United Nations experts expressed concern over the "alarming level" of racially motivated incidents against Asian Americans and "and the contribution of the President of the United States in seemingly legitimizing these violations." Unemployment among Asian Americans skyrocketsThe pandemic has taken a heavy economic toll on Asian Americans, who've experienced unemployment rates spike by more than 450%, from 2.5% in February to 13.8% in June, according to the U.S Department of Labor. Model minority myth overshadows strugglesDespite the hardships burdening Asian Americans, Kim says Asian stereotypes are preventing many from taking notice.

Source: CNN October 24, 2020 17:15 UTC