Why Is the Media and the U.S. Government Making the Atlanta Shootings About Asian American Hate Crime?

It’s like pulling teeth to get so many agencies to get on board that a crime against African Americans is a hate crime. But, when violence occurs against Asian Americans, immediately “hate crime” is attached to their tragedies to make their tragedies more significant.

I have a few theories for sure. One, when a crime is labeled a “hate crime” versus just a crime committed by a “lone wolf” with mental issues, the case immediately takes on a whole new meaning.

First, there is suddenly more federal resources available to expedite the investigation and a resolution to the case. Everything becomes heightened. The media attention, the stiffer punishments for the perpetrator and the money given to the victims.

As an African American woman who has lived in America my entire life with generations of family members going back to when America was founded, it is difficult for me to watch the stark contrast in how violence against Asian Americans is approached compared to how African American tragedies are handled here in America.

It’s beyond angering.

My ancestors built the country that everyone, but African Americans, profit off of. Yet, the lack of respect and concern for African…