Abstract
ABSTRACT Current scholarship has identified online hate speech as one of the main threats in digital spaces, leading to an ever-heightened marginalization of ethnic minorities. The COVID-19 pandemic has given racist expressions of hate a new momentum, directed particularly at Asian-heritage individuals who were scapegoated as the originators of the virus. This study explores the repercussions of this for Asian-heritage individuals living in Europe, specifically their (1) identity and (2) coping strategies. Using semi-structured interviews with N = 14 Asian-heritage individuals, the study shows how this group was hatefully othered online, with severe consequences for its members’ sense of hybrid belonging and ethnic identity. Initial defense attempts were muted, and individuals surrendered to passive coping strategies, withdrawing from mainstream discourse. The study shows how identity and coping were inextricably intertwined. Taking this case as an example for minority victimization during crises, we discuss potential empowerment perspectives for ethnic minority individuals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
