Internalized Racism? A Study of Christian Nationalism and Perceptions of Asian Hate and White Privilege Among Asians and Asian Americans.

This study examines the impact of Christian nationalism—an ideology combining Christian and American identities—on Asians and Asian Americans' perceptions of anti-Asian racism and White privilege during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveying 356 Asian and Asian American adults in the US, the research found that stronger Christian nationalist beliefs were associated with a lower likelihood of perceiving an increase in anti-Asian racism and a greater tendency to deny White privilege. Notably, this effect was more pronounced among those who valued Asian solidarity, suggesting that Christian nationalism may contribute to internalized racism and a diminished awareness of racial injustices within this group. The findings highlight the complex interplay between religion, race, and identity among Asian Americans and suggest that Christian nationalism may reinforce racial hierarchies and false consciousness despite rising anti-Asian hate crimes.