Modern American Isolationism: The Digital Wall of Racism

The Reality of Racism in America

Since 2002, the issue of racism in the United States has been a constant concern for me. As an Arab-American navigating a post-9/11 landscape, I have become all too familiar with the realities of a prejudiced America. Over the years, I have observed the vitriol directed at Arab-Americans, Latinx communities, and African Americans—an unsettling manifestation of a toxic, exclusionary culture. Recently, the Asian-American community has emerged as a new target of this pervasive racism, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the virus has wreaked havoc across the globe, resulting in over 545,000 American deaths, many sought a scapegoat. Unfortunately, this scapegoating targeted Chinese individuals, which has led to widespread prejudice against all Asian-Americans. A notable Washington Post article highlights the ignorance and racism faced by Asian-Americans, particularly in the wake of a tragic mass shooting that struck Asian-American-owned businesses in Atlanta.

The ramifications of such hate-fueled environments are often profound. Post-9/11, I witnessed many Americans cease patronizing Middle Eastern businesses, prompting some owners to abandon the American dream and return to their homelands. Currently, rising American nationalism has fostered a growing anti-China sentiment, which has, by extension, affected attitudes toward the broader Asian community. One must ponder whether this environment will also alter how brand reputations are perceived. With the growing presence of Chinese companies and products, will American consumers eventually turn against these brands, similar to how they have distanced themselves from their Asian-American neighbors?

The Surge of Nationalism

In elementary school, I participated in a pen pal program that connected American students with peers from different countries. My pen pal lived in Brazil, and during our correspondence, I developed a deep appreciation for their culture and an interest in global differences. This experience reinforced my belief that the world was becoming increasingly interconnected. The rise of the internet and instant messaging further fueled this sentiment, suggesting that borders were becoming irrelevant.

While I have managed to connect with like-minded individuals from various parts of the world via social media, the dream of a borderless world has been overshadowed by the resurgence of nationalist politics. Over the past decade, nationalist movements have emerged globally, including in the United States and India, often cloaked in the guise of national pride but underpinned by fear and prejudice.

The Statue of Liberty stands as a powerful symbol of American inclusivity for immigrants, with its inscription inviting the "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Today, however, we find ourselves in a climate where a presidential candidate leveraged racial slurs and advocated for closed borders—and succeeded. This platform resonated with many voters, revealing a troubling undercurrent of racism.

This environment of nationalism fosters hostility and a misguided sense of pride that poses challenges in a global economy. The United States has long viewed China as a rival in the quest for global supremacy. By appealing to national pride and instilling racially-based fears, officials have framed China as an adversary. As China expands rapidly and South Korean brands like Samsung and LG gain traction, the resulting isolationist tactics and shifting consumer preferences have become apparent.

The Decline of American Innovation

Technology has emerged as the epicenter of contemporary business innovation. Yet, many American tech giants have either disappeared or been acquired by Asian firms. In the automotive sector, American brands once dominated, but today, companies like Toyota and Volkswagen have surpassed Ford and General Motors in market share. Chrysler, once a major player, is now part of the German conglomerate Daimler, which ranks as the third-largest automaker globally.

In the consumer electronics arena, American companies have faced fierce competition from Asian firms with greater resources and adaptability. Once leading brands like Motorola, Palm, and BlackBerry have faded, with Apple standing out as the only North American smartphone success story among the top seven manufacturers. The dominance of Chinese companies like Xiaomi and RealMe demonstrates a clear shift in consumer preferences toward value-driven offerings.

The implications are stark: American tech innovation has been in decline for years. Legacy firms like IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell are increasingly overshadowed by emerging Chinese competitors that threaten to render them historical footnotes. As a result, America seems more like a nation of consumers rather than innovators, which partially explains why Apple holds a 21% market share globally, but 65% domestically.

During the Trump administration, efforts were made to support Apple at the expense of Asian competitors. Policies aimed at promoting American companies often included restrictions on Asian firms like Huawei and ZTE, raising questions about whether such government attitudes influence consumer behavior.

The Closed Border Mentality

In 2019, a poll revealed that a majority of American voters expressed trust in companies based in the US and Canada (83% and 81%, respectively), while only 32% trusted Chinese firms—lower than perceptions of companies based in Russia and Saudi Arabia. Despite the fact that a significant portion of manufacturing is conducted in China, 62% of respondents trusted Japanese companies, highlighting a clear bias.

The market share dynamics in the US smartphone sector further illustrate this point. In 2020, while Apple’s market share rose, Samsung’s declined, and no prominent Chinese brands emerged in significant numbers. The pandemic exacerbated anti-Asian sentiment, leading to a perception that linked Asian products with negativity, while American-made goods were viewed more favorably.

The events of 2020 did not merely usher in a health crisis; they also fostered a climate of intolerance toward our Asian-American friends and colleagues, paralleling the long-standing discrimination faced by African Americans. The consequences are visible in both personal and broader societal contexts.

Asian-Americans are increasingly vocal against hate speech and discrimination, while the business landscape reflects a nation of consumers rejecting goods from one of the world’s largest producers due to fear and geopolitical maneuvering.

As a proud son of an immigrant who arrived in New York City in the late 1970s, I lament the loss of the American dream—the vision of an inclusive nation that celebrates its immigrant roots. Embracing fear-based tactics undermines our values and erodes the rich tapestry of our diverse culture. It is disheartening to witness a nation that has turned against its own principles of acceptance and understanding.

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