The difference is that this is a random crime. It seem unfair that only Asians gets a backlash when a random crime is committed. Where is the backlash when non-Asians commit a crime?
Since this gunman'd killed indiscriminately, I wonder from where the backlash is going to come first?
You might have missed this story. But seriously, there is a lot of Asian crime out here in California, mostly related to Asian gangs (southeast Asian in my hometown of Stockton, many east Asian gangs in SF).
What is the difference between a crime like this and an act of terrorism? In my book this guy was acting as a terrorist. In fact, in his video he lashes out against Christians apparently, so as a matter of fact both used religious reasons to kill. Also a random crime is generally something like an assault or a mugging. Systematically planning and killing scores of people is not an random crime.
Sadly for you, most Americans can't tell the difference. Remember how Hindu and Sikh men (along with Muslim women wearing head scarves) bore the brunt of the backlash after 9/11? Overall, I don't think there will be a serious backlash against Americans of East Asian heritage. They just haven't been stereotyped in the same negative light that Muslims or Arabs have been for decades, to the point that it's become culturally acceptable to engage in 'Muslim-bashing', at least in some segments of society.
There won't be any serious backlash , unless you see some Koreans celebrating by dancing in the street and firing shots into the air as shown on TV.
Honestly, I would never doubt the stupidity and ignorance of some of my fellow Americans, and therefore I don't want to completely dismiss the possibility of a 'backlash'; I know better than to dismiss the zealous few amongst us. So as I said: although every ethnic minority is stereotyped to some extent -- some more so than others -- it's not always in a negative light. For instance, Blacks have a 'negative' stereotype in our society (worst kept secret in town, I know) . Asians, on the other hand, are stereotyped as hard working, smart, well-educated and industrious peoples, a 'model minority' if you will. It's not the same...
I agree. I don't think it's the Asians' fault for these stereotypes (as you probably don't either), but some I know are guilty of being apathetic to what other minorities face. Even if all Asians aren't apathetic to the negative perceptions of other groups, I'm sure there's resentment building from those groups. Where that leads is beyond my understanding... There is a different angle with the model minority business that has been discussed before. It's a backhanded compliment that divides Asians from other minorities. Again, I hope the Asians who worry over this incident begin to reconsider that status if they had thought it was a good thing before.
This is one thing I was afraid of when I learned the killer was of Asian (Korean) descent. I feel like the majority of people could learn a lot from the Amish community that dealt with a similar tragedy several months ago. If anybody remembers, those family only offered forgiveness to the killer of their daughters, nieces, cousins, and so on. They actually stated that they did not view the killer as evil and they wished to not only reach out to people in their own community but the family of the killer as they were dealing with tragedy themselves. They actually setup a fund for the killer's family and asked the killer's parents if there was anything they could do to help them. Wow. I understand that the killer in the Virginia Tech shooting was extremely disturbed and mentally ill among other things I do not hold any anger against him because anger does no good. This should be a time of healing, hope, remembrance, unity, and love. I'm not saying it's going to be easy or that it won't be a long time coming but we must try. I truly hope people do not target the killer's parents, especially now that their home location has been disclosed, and I also truly hope there is no extreme backlash against Korean people or anybody of Asian descent as that would be just as senseless as the killings that took place.
i don't know about backlash from other people, but how about backlash from the korean community itself against the family? I can see that happening, and if so, i do sincerely hope someone will reach out to yje family
At the risk of generalization, I'll flat out say it right here that I think a lot of Asian Americans identify with their own culture before they do a part of any multi-ethic group or the sentiments of being American. I think it's sad. I think it's unfortunate. And I think that's part of the problem with our society. And yet it's a huge opportunity for coming together in America. Take the apologies from the S. Korean gov't for example. While clearly good intentioned and clearly done in good faith, I do wonder how much was motivated by this "fear" of backlash more so than the sympathies of seeing fellow human beings die in tragedy. For similar reasons of how "guilt" complexes can make people do disingenuous things which aren't sincerely contrite, "shame" can likewise be perverted into something furtherest from true human sentiment. Again, this is not about conspiracy theory. But I do think it highlights the problem of identity and integration and association of Asian Americans in general. The easiest way for Asian Americans to not have to fight the model minority myth or have to experience the "fear of backlash" is simply to get more involved with the greater multi-ethinic community at large. Some do. But many don't imho. For as far back as I can remember (and I'm semi-old), insular cliques among Asians has always been a problem. Add to culture, religion, and you have a quick formula for perceived isolation. Sure, other ethinities may have their own cliques too, but Asian cliques have always been an anomaly to me b/c it can be so inclusive to those who "fit" and yet so exclusive to those who don't - including other Asian Americans. imho, it's no wonder there's this huge divide of understanding and "fear of backlash" between Asian cultures and the greater American society. It's an artificial divide and just plain stupid imo. Do you remember the Wen Ho Lee incident? The race card was introduced there with accusations of espionage and imho, it stirred up some degree of public suspicion against Chinese people in general. Asian Americans have worked into positions of authority in multiple fields, and with respect to sensitive gov't positions, this one event truly stirred something up. And yet who can fault the media? Chinese scientist giving top secret info to China... uh oh! I think with Asian Americans, some degree of backlash is unavoidable. Some do a great job mixing in and integrating. Others... not so much. I find it's almost extreme at times with some people who totally reject their Asian culture and others who couldn't be seen un-immersed with Asians. It pops up even in silly things like basketball courts. Strangely, I do think Asian culture, broadly defined, and American culture are actually very compatible. Both are believed to be generally "peace loving." Other races though, particularly those of the Muslim religious faith have a negative bias associated with them - rightfully or wrongfully I don't know. Whether this recent incident at VTech will color the American public's eyes against Asian Americans or Koreans in particular has yet to be seen. To some, you better believe they'll think twice when they see a "shy" and detached Asian kid sitting in the corner. It all starts with fear imo. theSAGE
There's racial backlash after the Chai Vang shooting, in which six people were killed compared to 32 killed in VT. What makes you think there won't be racial backlash after the VT shooting? It's only been two and a half days since. Give it a few more weeks/months. Anti-Hmong bumper stickers ("Save a hunter, kill a MUNG") http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6709956/ Hmongs targeted in vandalism (word "killers" painted on a Hmong-owned properties) http://www.dunnconnect.com/articles/2004/12/02/news/news02.txt Hmong hunter murdered (his name, "Cha Vang," sounds and spells like "Chai Vang") http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/01/16/huntercharged/ Also, some of the Hmong homes were set on fire. These are just a few of the MANY racial incidences that I can remember off the top of my head.
There's a difference. In this situation, there was already a lot of long standing tension between Hmong and white people in this community that developed through the years. I think if there's gonna be backlash, it's not going to be the kind you can see. It's gonna be like you're an Asian applying for a job and the employer is paranoid and thinks you might be unstable.
i'm more hopeful about this than most of you. i don't think people are going to have the reactions many of you think will happen. i think most people realize there are freak shows from all different races and nationalities. this is NOT akin to discrimination against Islam. with all due respect to those who follow true Islam...radical Islam has declared war on the US. they've suggested that it's righteous to kill Americans. most Americans don't know the difference between true Islam and radical Islam. that's an EXTREMELY different situation than a kid who grew up in the States with a Korean background who lost his mind. the portrait that's being painted of this kid is one of mental instability. that's not the portrait that's painted of the groups behind radial Islam.
