Addressing history of anti-Asian racism in U.S. key to healing, Courtney McCluney writes in Forbes
April 8, 2021
Center for Positive Organizations (CPO) faculty affiliate Courtney McCluney writes about the history of anti-Asian racism in “The American Way” for Forbes.
Following the horrific slayings of six Asian women and several others March 16 in Georgia, leaders made a slew of statements condemning the violence and labeling it as “un-American.” McCluney examines how these well-meaning sentiments actually “erase the violent, racist, sexist, and xenophobic acts targeting people of Asian descent that is deeply embedded in American society.”
She details how businesses and business policies going back to the mid-1800s have helped to create and maintain anti-Asian racism in the United States.
“History is not always linear and can often repeat itself. In order for us to move forward as a united country, we must first address and reconcile all that seeks to divide us,” McCluney writes. “Beginning with acknowledging and making economic, social, and political amends for Asian people and all groups that have and continue to be disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed in this country.”
McCluney is an Assistant Professor at the Cornell University ILR School.