Standing Together Against Anti-Asian Racism
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) stands in solidarity with Asian communities in Durham Region, across Canada and around the world. We recognize that anti-Asian racism, discrimination, stereotyping and hate have deep historical roots and continue to affect individuals, families and communities today.
Our Commitment to Challenging Anti-Asian Racism
CDCD condemns racism, hate and violence directed toward people of Asian descent and recognizes the harm caused by both individual acts of discrimination and systemic barriers.
Increased incidents of anti-Asian hate and violence in Canada and internationally have brought renewed attention to experiences that Asian communities have faced for generations.
We remember those whose lives have been affected or lost as a result of racism and hate, and we stand with survivors, families, communities and allies who continue to challenge discrimination and advocate for safety, dignity and justice.
Understanding Anti-Asian Racism
Anti-Asian racism can take many forms, including racial slurs, stereotyping, harassment, exclusion, discrimination, microaggressions, violence and systemic practices that create unequal opportunities or outcomes for people of Asian descent.
It can also be reinforced by assumptions that treat Asian communities as a single group or overlook the significant diversity of cultures, languages, histories, religions, migration experiences and identities represented within them.
Racism may appear through direct acts of hostility, but it can also be reflected in policies, institutions, decision-making processes and social attitudes that create barriers or unequal treatment.
Recognizing Canada's History
Anti-Asian racism is not only an issue that exists outside Canada. It has a long and painful history within our own country.
Canada's history includes discriminatory laws, policies and practices directed toward people of Asian descent, including the Chinese head tax and restrictions on Chinese immigration, as well as the forced removal, dispossession and internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
These historical injustices remind us that racism can become embedded in laws, institutions and public attitudes, and that acknowledging history is an important part of preventing its repetition.
History Matters
Understanding the history of anti-Asian discrimination in Canada helps us better recognize how stereotypes, exclusion and systemic barriers can continue to influence people's experiences today.
Racism, Scapegoating and Public Crises
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly fear, misinformation and harmful stereotypes can contribute to racism and scapegoating.
Asian individuals and communities experienced increased discrimination, verbal harassment and violence during this period, reinforcing the importance of challenging narratives that associate race, ethnicity or nationality with blame, disease or social threat.
CDCD rejects language and behaviour that stigmatize communities during times of crisis and recognizes the importance of accurate information, responsible communication and community solidarity.
Recognizing the Diversity of Asian Communities
Asian communities are diverse and should never be treated as a single or homogeneous population.
People may identify with East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Central Asian, West Asian or other cultural, national, ethnic, linguistic and religious identities.
Experiences of racism and discrimination may also differ based on gender, religion, immigration status, language, disability, socioeconomic circumstances and other intersecting identities.
CDCD is committed to avoiding generalizations and to recognizing the distinct experiences, histories and contributions represented across Asian communities.
How We Can Advocate for Change
Challenging anti-Asian racism requires both individual and collective action. There are many practical ways we can help create safer and more inclusive communities.
- Listen to Asian friends, neighbours, colleagues and community members when they share experiences of racism or discrimination.
- Avoid dismissing, minimizing or questioning people's lived experiences of racism.
- Learn about the history of anti-Asian racism and discrimination in Canada.
- Challenge racial stereotypes, jokes, slurs and discriminatory behaviour when they occur.
- Learn safe and appropriate bystander intervention strategies for situations involving harassment or hate.
- Be mindful of language, assumptions and questions that may make people feel singled out or treated as though they do not belong.
- Support Asian-led organizations, community initiatives, businesses and cultural organizations.
- Create space for Asian voices and experiences within community conversations and decision-making.
- Speak up for human rights, dignity, safety and inclusion.
Language, Stereotypes and Microaggressions
Racism is not always expressed through overt hostility. Everyday comments, assumptions and questions can also communicate exclusion or reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Questions about someone's background or heritage may be asked with curiosity, but repeated questioning such as asking where someone is "really from" can communicate that they are viewed as an outsider regardless of where they were born, live or consider home.
Respectful communication requires us to consider the impact of our words, remain open to feedback and avoid assumptions about another person's identity, culture, language or citizenship.
Our Organizational Commitments
As a community-serving not-for-profit organization, CDCD recognizes that addressing racism must also be reflected in the way we work.
Respectful Services
We will work to provide programs and services where Asian clients and community members are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Inclusive Workplace
We will support a workplace culture where employees, applicants, volunteers and students are free from discrimination, racial harassment and harmful stereotypes.
Community Voice
We will seek opportunities to listen to Asian residents, community organizations, partners and service users and consider their experiences in our work.
Learning & Awareness
We will encourage ongoing learning about anti-Asian racism, Canadian history, unconscious bias, stereotypes and culturally responsive service.
Addressing Barriers
We will remain attentive to policies, practices and processes that may create unintended barriers or unequal outcomes for people from Asian communities.
Accountability
We recognize that meaningful anti-racism work requires ongoing reflection and a willingness to change practices when barriers, inequities or concerns are identified.
Building Communities of Belonging
Belonging means more than being welcomed into a community. It means being respected, valued and able to participate without having one's identity questioned or diminished.
CDCD is committed to helping build communities where diversity is recognized as a strength and where people of all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds can participate fully in community life.
This requires us to challenge racism when we encounter it and to work collectively to create environments rooted in respect, inclusion and human dignity.
From Solidarity to Action
Expressions of solidarity are meaningful, but lasting change requires action.
CDCD recognizes that challenging anti-Asian racism requires continued attention to our services, organizational culture, partnerships, community engagement and decision-making.
It also requires each of us to listen, learn, challenge harmful assumptions and speak out when racism or discrimination occurs.
Standing Together
CDCD stands in solidarity with Asian residents, families, communities and allies in Durham Region and beyond.
We recognize and celebrate the many contributions of Asian communities to the social, cultural, economic and civic life of Durham Region and Canada.
We remain committed to listening, learning and working alongside our communities to challenge racism, strengthen belonging and contribute to a safer and more equitable society.