Contact: Holly Chang, Executive Director
media@committee100.org or 212-371-6565

(New York, NY, Oct. 6, 2016) — The Committee of 100 (C100) urges Asian American leaders to work with African American and other ethnic group leaders, as well as law enforcement, to address targeted violence against Asian Americans. A rap song “Meet the Flockers” by artist YG, released in 2014 but only attracting attention recently, contains an explicit message calling for home invasion burglaries of Chinese perceived to be vulnerable. All of us who care about our shared ideals in a diverse democracy should condemn this suggestion of criminal violence, regardless of who is the perpetrator and who is the victim. The targeting of a specific ethnic minority group, however, is egregious. Recently, there have been numerous confirmed reports of Asian Americans, especially immigrants, being singled out by race as robbery targets, whether on the street, while shopping, or in their homes. These are hate crimes and should be recognized as such.

The Committee of 100 appreciates that criminal justice reforms are needed, and there is much work to be done cooperatively to ensure that stereotyping does not affect appropriate law enforcement activity. Asian Americans can and should report crime, work with local police departments, participate in neighborhood watch, community policing, or local community crime prevention activities to be better prepared to protect ourselves. Those inspired to serve and protect should also consider careers in the field. In addition, Asian Americans should always feel empowered to participate in rallies and protests and to speak up against hate crimes and injustices.

These issues, which affect public safety in general, can be addressed effectively only through joint efforts that bring together leaders of all different ethnic communities and civic groups that care about equal protection. It is impossible for Asian Americans alone to be effective in fighting this form of prejudicial wrongdoing. C100 is eager to partner with other stakeholders to make good on a vision of a society that embraces and respects all of us as equals.

---

The Committee of 100 is a non-partisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. For over 25 years, the Committee has been committed to a dual mission of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all fields of American life, and encouraging constructive relations between the peoples of the United States and Greater China. Learn more: Committee100.org.

###