Following Last Week’s Hate Crimes, Hundreds of AAPI Women in California Sign Letter Demanding Action for Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

Date: March 22, 2021

Contact: Elizabeth Wells, (916) 233-3760, [email protected]

Effort led by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President & CEO Jodi Hicks calls for a stop against racism, hypersexualization and fetishization of AAPI women

SACRAMENTO - In response to the heinous hate crime that killed mostly Asian women last week in Atlanta, Georgia, hundreds of Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander women have spoken out, signing a letter demanding action. The effort, led by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) President & CEO Jodi Hicks outlines a legacy of hypersexualization and fetishization of Asian American and Pacific Islander women, which has only been exacerbated in the last year. 

“Enough is enough. For too long, Asian women have not only been subjected to the hateful racist attacks like what we saw last week, but have also been hypersexualized and fetishized for centuries,” said Hicks. “AAPI women are not ‘China Dolls’ or ‘Dragon Ladies’ and for too long, society has laughed at these stereotypes, perpetuating the kind of inherent racism that has brought us to this moment.”

The letter, found here, boasts some of California’s most outspoken advocates, including statewide elected officials, local mayors, and councilmembers from across the state and CEOs representing business and non-profit sectors alike. 

“I’m proud to stand with these women, and my hope is that our voices bring awareness to what some may not have even realized was racist behavior,” added Hicks. “We have a chance to educate and take action and if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that we must stand up for those who are not heard.” 

The letter asks for readers to call out hate when it is seen: 

“We’re calling what happened in Georgia, and what happens every day in America, what it is — racist violence with roots in white supremacy. And it can no longer be ignored or tolerated.

We’re calling out the hypersexualization of Asian women in movies. We’re calling out harmful stereotypes in our schools. We’re calling out racist jokes in our workplaces. We’re calling out the headlines in the media that dismiss racist behavior against Asian women.

We’re calling out for our friends, families, and colleagues to join us in our anti-racism work. We’re calling out for help in fighting back against a patriarchal, misogynist system and societal mentality that exploits and victimizes our communities. We’re calling for an end to the rhetoric that spurs violent acts of hate.”