Argumentative Essay On Hate Crimes in the U.S.

Hate crimes against marginalized communities in recent years within New York City is a never-ending, ever-growing issue within all 5 boroughs of the City. Being half Chinese, I have seen my very own people be attacked on the streets, in the city, and outside their homes. I have watched people close to the age of my peers, and others close to the age of my grandparents be stabbed, spit on, harassed and assaulted for simply being asian. This subject is very sensitive to me as these issues on this matter hit very close to my heart and my home as I watch relatives and friends be harassed right outside of my backyard in Flushing, Queens, and as I write this essay, I hope to mention and instate multiple imperative points that would help not only my community, but to all those who have felt oppressed and harassed, no matter their race, gender, religion, ethnicity or orientation.

According to the official CNN website, “The city reported 85 hate crimes through the first two months of 2022, a significant increase from the 35 hate crimes reported during the same period last year, NYPD data shows”. That is a notable increase in only a year, and truly demonstrates the expansion in hate crime against marginalized communities in barely a year. Conversely, we have no one else to blame but those who are allowing us to remain oppressed and discriminated against. New York City is an incredibly biased city and the issue of tackling this problem is not as simple as bolstering police activity, but portraying them as activists and ensuring the line of communication to those who can fight for us are transparent and available.

Simply writing a letter to your local congressman won’t change the tide on the hate crimes within New York City. That is a much bigger issue in which we must attack through rallying with local neighborhood leaders, borough mayors, police precinct captains, and faculty within all schools within New York City. As the once great John Dickinson stated, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”, and I stand by this saying as separated, we are not as nearly strong as we could be in union. Hate Crime laws within the United States are flawed, and there is no way you can go around without saying so. I stand with Mayor Adams in the usage and activation of the New York Police Department, New York Corrections, and the Judiciary of New York State to put the people who hurt us behind bars rightfully so. In accordance with the justice.gov website, that mentions many great points, I would also hope to see within the NYPD, prioritization of Hate Crimes within the department, and standardized training for all NYPD officers on hate crimes and their related topics, and how to properly investigate and document hate crimes when they occur.

Moreover, the burden does not sit on those who must enforce the law, but those who abide by it as well. Public Awareness is the one of the most important ways we can spread awareness for the hate crimes placed against marginalized communities. I hope to see community activists formulating campaigns which allow for developing recognition for bias activities. Many of these hate crimes are occuring in school and public areas within the city, so additions of increased security could never hurt in the protection of the marginalized communities. By formulating organizations that could assist those affected by these crimes, and those who commit it, similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous, could deter future hate crimes within New York City. Through partnerships within the community, in which we can introduce other campaigns such as the hate crime advocate program, where we introduce victims to communities where hate crimes may occur, to share their stories. We must also reach out to the media, faith-organizations (churchs, mosques, etc), civic leaders and organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, about how they can combat hate crimes within their communities.

New Yorkers, I understand not all of you are affected as deeply as I may be to this topic, but I do ask you; if you see something, say something. To my Chinese-American friends, you are not alone in the fight for justice and equality, and I will continue to find ways to protect my loved ones, and those around me who are affected by the heinous destruction of others. And to the countless others, your prayers are not silenced, whether you are black, white, asian, hispanic, jewish, buddhist, catholic, chrisitan, muslim, gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, or no orientation. The list goes on and on, and I promise you, I will find ways to fight for your equality and to get justice for those who have committed crimes against you.

Thank you for such an opportunity to write, and speak my mind on such an enduring issue within my great city. I appreciate the chance to be able to speak as an activist, friend, and leader within my community and continue to fight for the many of those affected by hate crimes.