TEST NOW | This Month in History: 9/11 and the Asian Pacific American Community

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This Month in History: 9/11 and the Asian Pacific American Community

New York, NY, September 17, 2001 — FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams work to clear rubble and search for survivors at the World Trade Center. Photo above by Andrea Booher/ FEMA News Photo

On September 11th, 2001, America was attacked by hijackers who flew planes into two World Trade Center buildings in New York City, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Approximately 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, which have been widely called a defining moment in the country’s history. The attacks of 9/11 sparked a wide range of reactions, from unity and solidarity to frustration and anger. In their aftermath, the attacks have sparked considerable debate and controversy on how to memorialize the event and what is considered appropriate.

Asian Americans were affected by the attacks just as all Americans were. Although the hijackers came from Middle Eastern countries, anti-Muslim fervor has led to strong reactions toward South Asian American Muslims in the past decade. Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have risen dramatically compared to rates prior to 2001. Government policy, too, has affected South Asian Americans. The Special Registration program installed on the first anniversary of September 11th singled out Muslim Americans for special scrutiny by the federal government. South Asian American Muslim youth were also especially affected by the 9/11 attacks, with name-calling and accusations coming from their classmates.

New York’s Chinatown suffered in the wake of 9/11. Because of freezes on transportation and access, many Chinatown businesses lost revenue and were forced to close. In the three months following 9/11, Chinatown restaurants reported losses of up to 70% in revenue. Despite these losses, Chinatown businesses received little assistance as the Small Business Administration granted only $14 million in assistance to a total of 237 businesses.

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