According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, reported anti-Asian hate crimes increased 339% last year, after rising 124% in 2020. Some cities saw more significant spikes, such as San Francisco, where 2021 saw a 567% rise in anti-AAPI hate crimes. According to Pew Research Center, half of Asian Americans sometimes worry about being attacked because of their race or ethnicity.

This continued increase in anti-AAPI hate crimes inspired agency Anchor Worldwide to create a guerilla campaign. Proposed by Anchor art director Kevin Bae, “Cure for Racism” aims to raise awareness of anti-Asian racism, including placing boxes of “Cure for Racism” in pharmacies and drug stores and mock outdoor advertising with slogans like “Feel less racist, fast!”