Yellow peril rhetoric

Definition

Yellow peril rhetoric refers to a xenophobic discourse that portrays people of Asian descent as a threat to Western civilization, often inciting fear and suspicion. This discourse has historical roots and has been revived during times of crisis, especially in response to perceived threats from Asia, contributing to discrimination and violence against Asian communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yellow peril rhetoric gained significant traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with increased immigration from Asia and fears about economic competition.
2. The term was often used in political cartoons and media to depict Asian immigrants as dangerous and unassimilable, which intensified anti-Asian laws and policies.
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, yellow peril rhetoric resurfaced as some leaders and media outlets blamed Asian communities for the virus's spread, resulting in a spike in hate crimes and discrimination.
4. This rhetoric exploits existing stereotypes about Asians being 'disease carriers' or 'economic threats', reinforcing harmful narratives that have persisted for over a century.
5. Activism against yellow peril rhetoric emphasizes the need for solidarity among marginalized groups and challenges the systemic racism that allows such harmful ideologies to flourish.

Review Questions

• How has yellow peril rhetoric evolved over time and what historical events contributed to its resurgence?
  • Yellow peril rhetoric has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 19th century, initially fueled by fears of economic competition from Asian immigrants. Major events like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 exemplified how this rhetoric informed immigration policy. The resurgence of this rhetoric during crises, such as World War II and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates its cyclical nature as societal fears are redirected toward Asian communities as scapegoats.
• Analyze the impact of yellow peril rhetoric on Asian American communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, yellow peril rhetoric had a devastating impact on Asian American communities, leading to increased incidents of racism and violence. Public figures and media often associated the virus with China, which intensified existing prejudices. This resulted in a sharp rise in hate crimes against Asians, creating a climate of fear and insecurity within these communities while highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention against such harmful narratives.
• Evaluate the role of media in perpetuating or challenging yellow peril rhetoric within society today.
  • Media plays a crucial role in either perpetuating or challenging yellow peril rhetoric in today's society. Sensationalist reporting and biased portrayals can reinforce negative stereotypes about Asians as threats, while responsible journalism can counteract these narratives by highlighting positive contributions of Asian communities. The rise of social media also allows marginalized voices to challenge harmful rhetoric directly, creating spaces for solidarity and education that can help dismantle systemic racism rooted in historical fears.

Related terms

Xenophobia: A fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers, often leading to discriminatory practices and attitudes.

Anti-Asian sentiment: Negative attitudes, beliefs, or actions directed against individuals of Asian descent, often fueled by stereotypes and historical prejudices.

Scapegoating: The practice of blaming an individual or group for problems or negative outcomes, diverting attention away from the actual causes.