Launched in March 2020, #WashTheHate is a digital campaign that aims to raise awareness about COVID-19 related violence against the Asian community.
After the initial campaign in March, a new portion of the project has begun this month in conjunction with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In the midst of celebrating their roots this month, individuals of Asian descent continue to worry about the racially charged situations they have been facing due to the pandemic.
As mentioned in a previous article about the campaign, the onset of the COVID-19 crisis raised a corresponding alarm over the rise of hate incidents made against the Asian community. Celebrities banded together with Asian-American communications agency IW Group to help dispel bigotry and to promote empathy for the community.
A 30-second national public service announcement was released in May, showing Asian celebrities as they share their own stories and thoughts to the camera.
Among these faces is Korean-American actress Catherine Haena Kim who known for her roles in series like “FBI” and “Ballers.” When WTK asked her why she decided to become involved in this project, she responded:
“It’s one thing to hear about it in the news, but for me, it hit too close to home when one of my good friends was attacked in the city I live in, Los Angeles. It was no longer a stranger in a small town in some far away state.” My hope is that others don’t wait until it hits home for them.
We need to remind each other that we’re not alone in this. It is never okay to bully, never okay to judge someone for the way they look, and never ever okay to channel your fears through violence. If we expect children to act in line with this, shouldn’t we at least do the same as adults?
We need community more than ever while we all face feelings of cabin fever and isolation in what seems like a never-ending bubble. If something happens, get or stay safe. If you see something happening to another human being, say something or get help.
At the least, ask them three little words to let them know they’re not alone. ‘Are you okay?’ Together, we will wash the hate and we will get through this.”
Catherine Haena Kim
Other prominent individuals who openly support this cause includes highly-lauded playwright David Henry Hwang (“M. Butterfly”), Panda Express founders Peggy and Andrew Cherng, Opening Ceremony co-founder Carol Lim, actor Ludi Lin (“Aquaman”), actor Osric Chau (“Supernatural”), singer AJ Rafael, actress Amy Hill (“Magnum, P.I.”), recording artist/producer Shawn Wasabi, actor Tzi Ma (“Mulan,” “Rush Hour“) and former Miss America Nina Davaluri. Over two dozen national advocacy organizations have also endorsed the campaign.
Visit the official #WashTheHate site here, and check out their official campaign accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see how you can get involved and support this cause.
Watch the #WashTheHate PSA video below!
Katherine has been an ELF since 2010. She reads just about anything and is raising a pride of demanding cats. She’s learning how to grow food in case of an apocalypse since she saw this happen in zombie movies. #IntrovertsRise #XueYangSexy #WangxianMarriedAndTheyHaveASon
Media: IM Group, #WashTheHate
Featured Image: Paul Smith Photography