There’s a harmful myth that tries to pit Black and Asian communities against each other, by claiming the one is responsible for the detriment of the other. Bad actors push this narrative to create division, not to solve real problems. In reality, these communities have a long history of solidarity in the fight against racism. It’s meant to distract from addressing the real issues we all face.
Some push the idea that election results should be immediate, but that’s designed to create distrust in our voting systems. Bad actors want to question and reject legitimate results, all while scoring political points. Their goal isn’t to strengthen democracy but to undermine it, putting a target on immigrant and marginalized communities.
When election denialists and other conspiracy theorists do not like election results, they spread false or misleading narratives to challenge the results for political gain. To achieve this goal, they often scapegoat minorities like Asians and Pacific Islanders by claiming non-citizens are voting and otherwise unlawfully influencing elections. The goal is to make people feel excluded from democracy, discouraging full participation from communities that should feel empowered to vote.
Narratives demonizing Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs seek to downplay the experiences of marginalized communities, overlook important historical perspectives, and resist efforts to address inequality. Critics portraying CRT and DEI as unnecessary or divisive may hinder progress in areas like education, workplaces, and public life, limiting opportunities and participation for Asians and Pacific Islanders in society. These perspectives may impact efforts to incorporate AAPI history into school curriculums, recognize holidays like Lunar New Year, or have open discussions about identity at work.
The “Model Minority Myth” is a common stereotype that simplifies the experiences of Asian Americans, depicting them as “financially successful,” “smart,” and “obedient.” This stereotype is often used to create divisions between different groups, suggesting that Asian Americans are more better immigrants or citizens than others. However, this view is based on misleading information, erases the challenges the community faces, and makes it harder for different communities to come together and address common issues.
Immigration rhetoric is often shaped by false or misleading stories that target vulnerable communities, including Asians and Pacific Islanders, casting them as the source of societal problems. These distorted and exploitative messages are crafted for political gain, and divert attention from real issues. They can also increase discrimination and violence towards people of color, including Asians and Pacific Islanders, regardless of their immigration status. As a result, communities become more divided, and efforts to address shared struggles, such as economic inequality, healthcare access, education, and the immigration system itself, are weakened.
If the info sounds like a dream come true or an absolute nightmare, pause for a second. If it contradicts other sources, lacks solid evidence, or feels overblown, you’re likely dealing with misinformation.
Before you trust it, check the outlet or account. Tools like MediaBiasFactcheck or AllSides will help you assess its credibility. If it’s an individual, dig into their profile—does it have real photos of themselves? Was the account created recently? These could be red flags for bots or hyperpartisan actors.
Keep these fact-checking heroes handy:
Spot all-caps, spelling errors, or grammar fails? Over-sensationalized headlines? Yeah, that’s sketchy. Harmful propaganda thrives on shock value, distorting facts to spark outrage or fear. The wilder the language, the more likely it’s unreliable.
Does the post make your blood boil or bring you to tears? Mal-information often preys on strong emotional responses to spread like wildfire. If it provokes, double-check those facts.
Reputable sources like national news outlets, government sites, or nonpartisan fact-checkers (like the ones in tip #3) should also be talking about it. If they’re silent, that’s a bad sign.
We all have biases, but when a story fits too perfectly with your pre-existing beliefs, it’s time to ask: am I just believing this because I want it to be true? Always challenge your assumptions to avoid falling for disinfo.
There you have it! Stay sharp, stay skeptical, and keep harmful propaganda from fooling you!
Building on the monitoring capacity that APIAVote established in 2020, we have expanded our capacity to monitor and analyze emerging narratives that impact AAPI communities and our democracy at-large.
APIAVote has put together a guide to help our partners and volunteers with this task, and other helpful resources and responses for confronting and combating disinformation, misinformation, and other harmful narratives that arise.
Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is the nation’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to strengthen their voices and create impact. For over 15 years, APIAVote has been at the forefront of a rising movement to ensure AAPIs are represented and heard, leading to historic voter turnout and advancing equity for AAPI communities.
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