1 in 3 Asian Americans report being subject of hate: Survey

One in three Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) have been faced hate over their identity within the past year, according to a new poll. 

The STAATUS survey, conducted by Savanta Research, found that more than 30 percent of Asian Americans reported being called a slur and 29 percent said they were physically or verbally abused over the last year. 

“Anti-Asian sentiment is deeply rooted in the country, spanning beyond today’s political rhetoric and the cloud of COVID-19,” the poll says. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian American hate surged in the U.S. But according to the survey, only about one-third of Americans believe anti-Asian American hate has increased since. 

But Asian Americans disagree. 

Forty-one percent of Asian Americans in the survey think they are likely to be the victim of a physical attack, and 59 percent think it is at least somewhat likely they will be a victim of discrimination in the next 5 years. 

But differences crop up in political affiliation. Asian Americans who identify as Democrats are more likely than Asian Americans who identify as Republicans to feel discrimination is likely. 

This disparity persists between generations as well. 

Though 38 percent of Asian Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 think it is very or extremely likely they will be discriminated against, only 17 percent of those over 75 agree.

The survey offers several solutions for addressing anti-Asian America racism, including better education of AANHPI contributions to and relations with America.

According to the survey, 55 percent of Americans are unable to name a single event or policy related to Asian Americans. 

The survey also calls for increased visibility of Asian Americans in society. Fifty-two percent of Americans were unable to name a famous Asian American. 

Jackie Chan, who is not American, was named 9 percent of the time, while Bruce Lee, who died over 50 years ago, was named 5 percent of the time. Vice President Harris was named 2 percent of the time. 

Though half of Americans are unable to name a favorite movie with an Asian American character, 59 percent want to see more Asian Americans in dramas and 60 percent want to see more in comedies.

But the survey found that a majority of Black, white and Hispanic Americans said they are interested in more opportunities to interact with Asian Americans. 

“Unless we understand and continue to struggle against these deeply rooted views, they will persist and threaten the wellbeing of AANHPls when the next crisis emerges,” said Paul Watanabe, professor of political science and director of the institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. 

The STAATUS survey was conducted through an online panel  from Jan. 30 to March 13, 2024 on a sample of 6,272 U.S.-based respondents 16 and older. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 1.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level, for results based on the entire sample.