Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence VISIBILITY AND INVISIBILITY ‘Anti Asian sentiments and violence against Asian Americans has «loug history in the United States. An individual racist, hate groups, and xenophobic lawntake crs together created a hostile enviconment during the tate nineteenth and easly 'ssenticth contuties chat served to severely lait dae nambers of immigrant foun Asin and foreed most Asian Americans tu retreat into segregited communi at were out of harm's way. Since the passage of immigration reforms in 14 and che influx of vefuyees ater the Vietnam Wa, the inoveasing sian Anerican population fs become more anid more conspicuous across the nation. This increased visibilicy in recent years has aso created periodic renewals of angry ‘otissian sentiment that is manifested in incidents of violence aguinst Asian Americans. Despite the more pesitive images of Asian American students, pro- fessionals, and business entrepreneurs, tere is growing concern over ‘what many see asn ongoing and ugly trend. Asian American leaders commonly cite the brutal 1982 killing of Vincent Chin in ewok, Micuigan, a3 the crucial nce ent chat raid? thie issue of anth Asin violence to the foretront of public atten. Sion. Chin was a 27yeurold Chinese American wi seas bhudgeoned to death with a baseball bat by evo inea ssho allegedly blamed Japan for problema inthe US. economy and thought Chin was Japanese, The tivo aesilants pled guilty to ranslaughter, but a Michigan judge sentenced them each to just dee years? probation anda fine of $8,780, Shocked by the seasclessness of che Killing and the lenient sentence, Asian Americans saw Chin 282 maryt Whose death galsa nized the Aslan American community and led 1 a nationwide eal for ferecat 183154 CHAPTER 5 Anti-Astan Violence: Breaking the Silence intervention. After intense pressure, the U.S. Department of Justice brought federal chil rights chazges against Ronald Ebens, an auto plant. supervisor, ‘and his am-anployed stepson, Michael Nitz. In June 1984 Nz was acquived of the csi cights chagge, but Ehens wns found guilty and sentenced to bsentyfive jeus in prison, Two years ites, Ehens' conviction was overtumed on appeal. ‘The case was retried in Cincinnati because of the tremendous amount of public ity Ghin’s killing received in Dewoit. The second tial ended in Spril 1987 with anacqpittal for Fons! “The acquival sent chill Uiroughout the Asian American community, For noany, the message was that Asian Amaecicans are second-class clzens—tolerated {slong as they remain a quiet and passive “model minority” but patronized, oF wworse, when theyattempt to exercise ir rights, Since that ime Asian American {ctvists have called for federal, slate, and local fe enforcement authorities to keep statistics on reported cases of hate bias incidents, ane! for las that world carzy stronger petakies for those convicted of haerclated crimes. Recently, the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium (NAPALC), an organization rade up of Asian American legal and chi rights organizations across the Bniced States, begin to decument and monitor incidents ofhate vilence* Tn addon, NAPALC works co educate the Asian Pacifie American conan law enforce ‘ment, and the genera public about the problem of antisAsian violence. NAPALG thas published ar Ali of Wlene Against Asian Pacific Amazes since 1993, and thas come up with sone powerful ndings. “The highest amber of reported sniasian bute incidents vccunved in 1995 with 594 incidents, and the numbers spiked again ia 2001 with, SOL inc dents. NAPALCanifbuited the 2001 rise of hate incidents to Use Backlash aginst pot only Arab Ancericans and Muslins, bu: also agains immigranss in general ‘2nd anyone who looked lke they might be a Mustim or of Middle Bastera her itage. One ofthe first known bias motivated murders ater 9/11 jas Balbi Singh Soul, Sikh American who was mistaken for Muslim because of his turban and beard Whea police arrested the alleged suspect he screamed, "Tam a paciot!™ nteresGngly, tke 2002 nedit saw a dsamatic decline in reported antAsian inci Cents, which NAPALC auribited to law enforcement’s overwhelming focus on terrovism and general hostility to immigrants and anyone who Tooks Hike "a for ceigner” after September L1, 2001. “As 2 whole, undeirepontng is a growing trend that makes it move aiid moze difeutt to get accurate numbers-on hate crimes and incident” said Karen K. Narasak, President and Executive Director SINAPALG. “The combination of dimppearing eeources and immigration and rational security policies that are hostile to immigrants have come together aca panicular point and realy fostered a elinmte where individuals and law enforces nent agencies don't cepors have crimes or can't naponl effectively" An even snore srk example ofthe inaecuracy of teported hate incidents can be seen in the over 1,500 cases of hate elated ineideats reported tote Council of Ames ‘ean Islamic Relations ip 2002 and the mere 185 aniidslumic hateelared inci dlenss reported by the Federal Bureau of favesigation (FBN thatsame year? ‘The issue of antivsian violence is a major concern for Asian Americans, ceca though its met whh considerable ignorance and insensitivity among the Anti-Asian hiate incidents 155 cnr publican enforcement aos, Nov aie her svat ofthe poe Sor bing cia shone Shoe sth ainclheness. This ehaee concoes oa Alainctens, atl empl ofthe pes ofan aan rian, Tenet fakes soe look at foe con Decpelumte atieian ventinentand lence oy whic ‘ssuc of Asian American a1 a Yolence snot ined jak whe ruulracs! ane maltiutue! soc fd among all groups Emnphass il be paced nee confronted by a the concer over antyoniam between Sra al be plc ‘on the high-profile tensions between Korea Aineri- So Mae fr otigan oni mt nen cramploctiene int cial conilict involving Asian Americans, lisconons ‘ANTI-ASIAN HATE INCIDENTS unetlans are becoraing targeted vets of acialy motivated susie and ludeci them in its audit of anti-Asian aie incidents, 198 sen, 0: Perceived, i based on race, ethnicity national arigin, immigration fans, retigon, gender sexe! one ats, rele, gonder sexval efetion, age Despite mare ae Sons there areitatons thar severely hamper teachin tn ‘inst, hate crime repe rewtageacene ore ns colected by ste lav enpremon ate tous obe neonstentandincomplce Dats on hate iuneane nanan on ly raceandatieae not rokea day speciiceinicateg ay Grime incidents by both the FBL and NAPALC itself. Second, dhe mere aera, anvdofilinatacine ent hee ‘have crime requires additional evidence that indicat es bin moon NAPS browns is harrow deh indices bias motivation. NAPALG snes ofthe fal etre () eed 5: (1) taal du ora Uator is a known or affilinted me ps ineont cineae vith hey date Sc ate156 CHAPTERS Anéi-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence Table 5-1 Antcisian Incidents 1895-1999 Year 19951906 199719901999 __2000_2001_2002 Year____ 19851006 _1997_1998__1999_2000_2001_2002, NAPALG ani 507 215 ee ee MNS ee ges rts 826 Ba 27 fel see oer) 2a ma ve a ne “rtm fn sawn ap Comoe 20 ft ra in sree heravmnctedagayeionicr arnt ae Fede Sue of csi Senet te stssnoetmsoene eg, Dees the sunny of te being of Pea Harbors (a tas ln tan ace es pei te lo avg een he NAPA Ge Verbal Assaults weep time nag rb ne sage i To ain ace et ea ral airing the song and suspended Miss Jones, Todd Lynn, and morn- actions here are inexcusable,” Miss Jones vas remmed to the airwaves a mouth AntivAsian Mate Incidents 187 respond aggressively to antes verbal assants, These statements of ignorance and stereotypesare often rellections of deeply held popular sentiments, In 200% pro-football coach Bill Parcells ofthe Dallas Cowboys praised quarterback coach Sean Payton, telling press conference the coach is “going to have afew [pause] Ro discespect for the Orientals, but what we call Jap plays. Okay? Ssupiise things.” After a few moments of awoinrd Silence froin the audience of journal. ists, Parcells ied to recoup. ‘No disrespect to anyone,” he addled. Pateells’ comments were met with a firm response from the Asta American communig, and the Japanese American Citizen's League issued stcongiy worded statement "We are deeply disappointed and highly olfendied by Coil Bill Parcells’ use of the word ‘jap’ during & press appearance yesterd. In this day and age, we find iereprehensible Giatany oxganization—be itamateut or rofessional—would tolerate, Jet alone invoke, racial epithets in any context and use them as standard designations in their operations... We wl he contacting the Dallas Cowboys franchise wo discus this specific incident and t» eneourage them t9 develop policies dhat exbarce racial sensitivity throughout the organiex lion. Further, we welcome the opportunity to educate Mf. Parcells ana the Dalla Cowboys organization about racial slurs suis as ‘Jap’ and offensively outmoded. Janguge such a8‘ Orcental” Although Parcells a the Dallas Cowboys organic 2ation ised apologies, many felt the incident was much more than jus a slip of the tongue. Asien coluannist Emil Guillermo was particularly perturbed, aye ng that in one staersent Parcells showed (1) his gnonwnce, (2) hia region that sat he wasabout to say was wrong andl did't care, and (3) he thought he could getaway with f without any sepeecussions. Guillermo wrote: “He used the word Orientals. Bad. Thats like calling you best players Negroes. I's ontdated, bi ie shows where his uhinking is on APAs, Back in World War f.. Then, ater the pre offense apology, Parcels cetivered the sur wih full gusto... What both ers me the mostis that his preoffense apology showed hie kev ie wes wrong. ly essence he seid, 'm going todo itanyvay, even if jou don't lke i." These incidents may seew: rather innocuous and most certainly would ot have been reported excep that public igures made the srs. Many other incidents may be less publicized but caa be far more vicious, threatening, and unforghing. During the spring 1999 semester, Lane Hirabayashi, professor of Kihnic Studies and Anthropology at the University of Cotorsde, Boulder, received an anonymous death threat oa his campus voice mail, Stating "you're oad! meat," the caller told Hirabayashi he ws going co “trigger your mother fucking uss” and declared “white people rule.” Hirabayashi could also hea: other people laughing in the background as the caller threatened fn, In ‘slmost cventy years of college instruction, he had never received any kind of call or threat like tbis. Wirabayashi’s shock, sadness, ancl outrage over the inet dent was only compounded when the fist eammpus police officer on the scene bolitted the threat and wanted to treat it as simply a prank. “was frustrated,” Hirabayashi recalls. “I found myself having to explain to hima what hate vige {ence was, just as fhe was one of my lowerdivision studenis, Ttseem aylawand and.silly wo me. It took a weck before a senior memaber of the campus peice ‘was assigned the case and the threatening call was taken seriousty."158 CHAPTERS AntivAstan Violence: Breaking the Silence ate ti in all of his classes, and let Uie sas glad he was xperier Giving the lecture was a “unpopular views and views that rise to the level of harassment and violence. nop ft opened fire em aJewish day-care center and Inet killed aBtipine enersean i incidents were ideologically influence haterelated kllings did not god that suum; On Apel 2S, 2000, gunman to swounded two others. Physical Violence st abs the alot of cen of ths wens decrease. bu ie "eal nate” of tes res sineetae NAPA lence particulary alarming, especialy com Ls igh penennge of pp ence par airing, iy com es FB gars the suo only abot 12 preent of reported eno indie vie 8 percent avealmed a. proper. NADA cles wi iS thatsbew howemotiied asaisvend to rau in gests neers of deus snd pest injures than other nomiatomotaied aes Indeed, hoxpae avn cei pret beta a ea ae lack only a 7 percent hospitalization rate.!" In short, hate violence is more dan- {evo thin sine sete ote oy hte Te 3002 on oa Shae Paes reored prcet of eins wee soul ser iter 2 percent weve din, 2 pore wor sent. nt 16 prc Anti-Aslan Hate Incidents 159 ‘were threas.? Te following are notable cases of recent haw-motiated violence, and the efforts nade to publicize and monitor indiveal cases ‘The vicious murder of I7yearold Kenneth Chix by a neighbor shocked the small iniddlectass suburb of Laguna Hills, California, and caused an one Pouring of grief from Asian American communities acrass the nation, Chiu was Stabbed sventy-fve times by Cluristophier Hear, 20, with wham Chiu playea video games growing up and knew well. On the niglu of fuly 80, 2001, Flesea saw Chiu ouside his house saying goodbye to a fiend. Hearn went to hic Kitchen, pulled outa knife, and waited for Chin's friend to eave. He then went out to meet Chix and within a few minutes began his senseless attack. Chia's {her lates found his son outside in a pool of bland and desperately called 911 for help, Before he died Chiu identified Heava, who had a history of erratic and siolent behavios, as his asallant. When the police arrested Fearn in bis house they found the murder weapon and antivAsian hate literature. Hearn iow daf mt, bat he was able to communicate terough siga language, Thought aan Snverpreter Hearn confessed to the attack and told investigators he wes provd of what he had done, that he “just hated secing” Chiu beentse “Chinese and blacks have weapons," and that he was acting “like a Marine, like a KKK ie Klux Klan) petson." In the muaths prior to the staying, the Chit faraly jnlured several incicenas of vandalism to theix hore and avacial sir sora et into the family car “Personally 1 feel like there is racial dseriination in thes commoainy ands disuaught Christopher Chin, tase ofthe vicki “Wie anny knew something bad was going to happen. We just never thouglt it would be something this bad."@ ‘Move than two years past between Chiu's killing and the court triah The defense attorney argued that Hear bad tie mentality a thive graces suffered fiom schizophrenia, and heleved he had government orders to kill poopie whom he considered dangerous, The defense also argued that the ‘poles interpreter did not properly inform Hearn of his rights before he was forvall interrogated. On Sepiember 26, 2003, Superior Court Judge Kazuhara Making finaly ruled that Hearn was not gully by reason of insanity forthe illing oF Kenneth Chiu. Recognizing the gravity of his ruling, Judge Makino wit ihe Gourroony “I don't want azyone thinking eis is absolving anyone. The ques fon shag he sano or nxane based on the legal standards we use." The outeaged Chia family zeacced binerly to Use raling and voved to find a nay co overturn tne Judge's decision and find justice for tieirsoa, Unfortunately, hore was na lea Stancling forthe family in a evimizal ease and ne vente for an appeal Rater than a prison sentence, Hearn will soceive treatnient and, if eventually dectaree sancand no longer a danger to sociey he will he released. “Fhe uial voce but fhe outcome sent ont the wrong message,” sid Chisiopher Chi. "Uf you're racist and mentally i, i's O.K. to kik" Jr was the Kenneth Ghiu case that prompted Califoraia Suite Assembly member Judy Clu to sponsor Assembly Bill 2438, known as “Kenny's Lass which wauld among otiier things require that the families of violent haces «rime victims be informed where and when their atiackers are released, eltey from prison or mental institutions, The Chiu family was actively involved with160 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence loucdkehs ponsotal experience with ete vislenee- On September 27, 2004, 5 "Violent hate crimes are overwhelmingly single-bias incidents. That nyse poo ng stag ne pe ore sn Sate ost htc een Saeed srl tienen asthe ing Red Balms cp rate On 0, Santas tngen ng ter ns pic ppt 3Taps leet ain atl oe hog Ba A a eet and found cal ged wrtngs ata) ‘would doubé that the attacks were driven by racial and religious home! isalio Saige Be Ste ng ee datos aa po taps ae nae ages i Bkoer min a Cadi, om ead Know ee cin sd nines ee Sine ca Tak, dere aed Sand Fath, Fo ee ee aieea Tees “Tang Pham Spleen cg teacdiaigunropenyn cel eon tops eS te We oe asta eee fey pa rotenone Sra caoas NAPAUCisueda pees ce the victims and decrying leadets must act o send a clear message to the purveyors of hate before Anti-Asian Hate Incidents 161 the Kenneth Chiu case, however, Baumhammers was convicted of five counts of murder and twenty-three other charges including ethnic intimidation, inst tutional vandalism, attempted homicide, aggravated assaule, reckless endian. werment, and weapons violations. He ceceived the death sentence for the amurdets and essentially life imprisonment (112 to 225 yeats) for the other charges. The life imprisonment would only occur should the death penalty be commuted. Shortly ater the conviction a rally was held in support ot a pro posed Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, whieh wot! allow for harsher penalties for erimes motivated by hate. The fits speaker at the rally ‘was shooting survivor Sandip Patel, who was ina wheelchair, paralyzed from the neck down, "Tam a victim of a hate crime, along with others” Patel tela the audience. “Please support today's cause. feel that God created a yalety of People on this planet and all of them should live in harmony in peace ‘While the community where the killings took place found a was to copes family ‘members of the individual victims also hal to find a way to carry om with the sudden aged and loss. On Father's Day 2001, 7yearold Chris Pham aud Chris's mother Bonnie Ngo seta place atthe dinner table Pham, In Pham's honor his son burned a portion of his meal as an offering. ‘That's how they handled it and itelped Chis deat with another Father's Dey ‘with out Tony (Thao],” explained the family’s attorney, Charles A. Knol, jr" Another incident took place on August 10, 1999, when Filipino American postal worker Joseph Heto, 58, es shot nine dimes and hile ia inet On the streets of Los Angeles. Several of the billet wounds were in the beck of Ueto’ head, as he was shot exeeutiontyle. According to am aff filed. days ‘er the shootings, Buford O. Furrow, 37, admitted he killed Heto because ne ‘was nonvhite, worked for the federal government, andl was a good “target of ®pportniy:” Fuorow, who earlier had burstintoa Jewish commntnis-eente day «amp and fred more than seventy shots, wounding five people, had long bees involved with the neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations and had dreams of killing Jews and minorities." AN Ticto’s funeral, family members and uniformed postal workers toured his oss. Condolences from President Clinton, Viee Present Al Gore, and US. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer were read, That sane day, Richard Butler, head of te Idaho-based Aryan Nations, prised Furrow as “a good soldien”™ For days after the shootings Intemnet chat rooms that serve white supremacist geoups received a flurry of messages, The messages offered Doth praise and damnation for Furrow’s actions, and debated future strategies “What you don’t hears any shred of regret, guilt, or shame,” sid fordan Kesler an Internet monitor forthe AntiDefanation League of Bai rth Furrow eventually timed himself in to authorities after fleeing to Las Vegas, confessed to his crimes, and later pled guilty in court in exehange for a ‘mandatory lfcin-prison sentence. Federal prosecutors decided to drop plans te seek the death penalty for Farrow after learning he had tried for ten years to gen help for his violent behavior. In fact, i 1998 Furrow tried to commit himself Private psychiatric facility in Washington tate, but when he was notaccepted he in memory of Thao162 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence became violent and threatened the staff with a knife. It was only then he was arrested and sent to a mental institution for treatment. He was released on May 1999 for good behavior, ust three months before his shooting rampage in Los ‘Angeles. On March 26, 2001, a Los Angeles federal judge formally sentenced Furtow to five fife terms in prison. “I hold myself responsible for what hap- pened” Furrow said in a statement at his sentencing hearing, “wish I had been Kepe in de (imental hospital I was previously in. think about what happened every day and L will grieve for it every day fr the rest of my life.” Joseph Tleto's mother and siblings were also at the hearing and they, 100, had their say in cout. ‘When he killed my son, he killed part of wne,” explained Lilian Mleto to the hashed courtroom audience. “I was brought up to always forgive, We will never {go down to that evel of hate... pity Buford, He has to wake up every day and aeehis reflection in the mirror” Furrow acknowledged the strength of het words as he nodded his head in agreement. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles (APALC), @ partner organization of NAPALC, has been working closely with the Heto farm iy in rallying community-hased efforts around passing tougher hate erimtes find gun control legislation, as weil as expanding national resources to address ace relations. The Hleto Family and APALC also established the Joseph Het Hate Grime Prevention Fellowship with a goal of establishing @ permanent siaff focused! on aiding victims of hate crimes, educating the public about hate Crimes, aid supporting legislation and policy changes aimed at hate crime prevention, Another tribute to Joseph Teto was the renaming in bis honor of the post office where he worked in Chino Hills "° “There was still another recent mulplebias incident occurring over the Fourth of july weekend that killed wo people anid wounded nine, On Friday evening, July 2, 1999, a man shot wildly at worshipers as they were leaving thelr Synagogue in Chicago, Ilinois. Seven people were wounded in this incident ‘Rbout « halfhour later an African American man, Ricky Birdsong, 43, was shot juice in the back as he was walking with his children. Birdsong died the next lay. That same evening an Asian American couple were fired at, but ncither jyas injured. The follossing morning three African American men were fired lipons one was wounded. Just one halhour Tater group of six Asian American ten were shot at near the University of Tlinois campus. One person was Bit in the leg. On Sunday, July 4, four shots were fired at a crowd im front of the Korean United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana. Won Joon Yoon, Gyearold studentat Indiana University was killed. That evening the suspect, 21 yearold Benjunin Nathaniel Smith shot himself during a high-speed chase ‘vith Illinois Stace police and tater died." ‘Smith was a known white supremacist member of the World Church of the Creator, Smith weote about the beginnings of his racistand anti-Semitic atsinaeles in the church's newsletter, dismissing the history lessons ihe learned in school, The Jew teacher began with the 'slaughtering” ofthe Indians by white pioneers and settlers,” Smith wrote. “He then moved to the ‘evils’ of black slavery; and ended with the ‘murder of 6 million Jews.” ... The entire clas was minds manipulation, pure and simple..." When a student at Indiana University Contributing Factors to Anti-Asian Violence 165 ‘Smith frequently wrote racial biased lettersta the dhatiretate ly biased letters tothe schoo! newspaper editor, Posted in oi and a scholarship in Elly for tudes ni “xempll leranee sed ean ee the G ig iplify tolerance and understanding act are on campus. In July 2005, there was an attempted arson attack against a Ne m. “It was sacl news to see what h enet iichae ‘of room to expand itself." son eiessiss CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE intolerance toward individuals wh ane Tee ee intolerance ls who are physically distinct? Those who focus on Camas n Civil Rights have identified a number of factors that contribt ite anisian violence and hate crimes, Among the mont nnponaae are ly {increase in antimmigrant sentiment, (2) economic competiti and ethnic groups, (3) “movein” Serle, relations. All of these factors play violence, and (4) poor policé=cammunlty ‘ioe Asan Americans, and they are equendyinerteds Anti-immigrant and Perpetual Foreigner Sentiment le« even elimination from programs fre, free school rams such 8 wae, ee school s0 far beyond politcal thetorie and atslury against Ain Americans are quit olen coupled Patel Inels such yo bone and other obvious pes that ‘pore aninuny against others who ae not considered “Americans” The bklash {groups after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and how164 CHAPTER 5 AntivAsian Violence: Breaking de Silence jmumigrant communities have been negatively and violently impacted bave bron wvetl documented. The 200/ Audit of Valence Agains Asian Pacific Americans focused bp biasrelated incidents following 9/11. The American Givil Liberties Union {ACLL) of Northern California and Human Rights Wateh (HRW) both pub- Fished reports also calling astention to cases of hateweiated violence and concerns about human tights. In addition, the antology Avian Amesiaaas On. War @ Peace (2003}, edited by Russell ©. Leong and Don T. Nakanish, looks ar the events fol Towing 9/11 from an Asian Amuerican perspective." “The case of Balbir Singh Sodlai described atthe beginning of this chapter is a jarving reminder of the post2/11 backlash. Sachi was a sicuim of a multiple— bias hate incident, which took place on September 15, 2003, that included shots ‘boing fired into ise home of an Afghan Amevican family as wel as 2 Lebanese ‘American gas attendant. Assillant Fratk Regue went on 2 drunken rage ating hhow be wanted to kill those responsible for the 9/1{ atiacks, according to police reportsin Mesa, Arizona, where the shooting spree took place. His frst victim was Sodhi iho was tending floversin front of the gas station he owned. Over the next several weeks the news media reported several other individuals who may have been nvurder vitims simply because of their ethnic background. They inchude Wagar Hason, 46, a Pakistani American who was shot in his grocery store; Abodo Ali Ahroed, 50, a naluralized American citizen from Yemen who wes shot ata ges ‘sation; and Abdullah Nimer, 58, 2 Palestinian American salesman wao was shot find killed at work. In all three cases friends anc! tamil membecs strongly suspect they were hate crimes beowuse neither cash nor goods were stolen. However, police authorities reported them all as botched robberies. Across the United Baates, more than to hadved incidents of antiikh violence were reported ‘within a month of 9/11, causing slamed Sikh Americans, as wall as others who Luctiewed they may become victims of the violent backlash, to prominently display [American flags outside theis homes, theit workplaces, and places of worship asam. ‘act of bot patriotism and protection, Some newly created Sikh Web sites event recommended people wear "Lam Sikt (Not A Muslin)" placards. “Two years after the murder of Sodhi the etiminal trial began, with the prosecution emphasizing hate as the priniary motisator in the kibing, Frank Roque’s defense claimed he had along history of mental illness and the events of September 11, 2001, caused hun to hear voices telling him to commit the crimes. The prosecution was able (o counter this mental ilisess argument with psychologists who said Roque could distinguish berwecn right and wrong and that he had never sought treatment for his psychological problems before the shooting. On October 9, 2008, a jury conviewed Roque and sentenced him to death. “This jary came with a verdict of the cuth," said Lashwinder Singh Sodhi, brother of the murder victim. "We shoved a whole world this sa cout ey offjustice. Sikhs across the United States and around the world closely fol towed the trial, Dr: Rajwant Singh, the leader of the Sikh Council on Religion, sid he believed the verdict was a strong statement against violent hate crimes, ‘which has cteated an increased amount of fear among Sikh Americans. "We regret the ignorance which prompted Frank Roque to this senscless killing as ichas also caused de cr i : five drunken men in Queens, mi guint Feank Roque, antago b inne Ta te sinner of 9064 Nev York began harasing Seareld Binder rosin. The tal ata nated hte I Sede i urban, which they erred wa aa corti’ KOs reuse a ied & exp he seo aiioes ann {urban Thi men hen auacked him and bet him uncoating Rho cages oe an a Hatred let oe soaker, an coule Hos vou tena Acconing otha nosey. American has filed such a suit, ci ane against Sikh victims, Nn ie Rai" hope despite more than four nd : faut handed bat eines Reeple hon incn tir Sk val ot sue sen forjusdee not ony formyl bata batearine ens Economic Competition sian semtimenc and violence i between racial and eth is and ethnic groups This One way othe veut oF abincey en racing a oe hese nose example tos 4 S5ycaratl wnenpined meat eater mse Cetaring, “What ue fck Tm gon morning Page atackeda Chinese Amer ae oe se {rocery store parking int chase hia into the store and chee bee ae ‘im again in front of shocked Shine Shey poral the gor obec second eee ofthis competition ladonship berugan the U.S. a ay this ype of economic comrolien net: popslaty refered to in the cary Iedoe alk fueled by eo econornic competition competion manites ivelhin onan, in Novemibs 1995 when Robert ‘ih Nowto, Gabon wrote a none related to sbe-econennie andl politica ations, The moe obsows exaraple et spaced host vas seen in what vas Japarsbashing” Trade intatarce Honda, Toyot . ‘secognized Japanese name brand products Dd ae lati, Say Mos end, na Toile heeeal ea Bnd cia gan Aa Ameen The US Common oo Go Hee epew on Aan Americ paca sldose the prioom ease pro conte Maree sd Japanbusting” Hower a Ue New Yous center stage, Accor oe eam ceeOTt ConcetHs over Japanbashi a {ent sage. Acconig Uy Coniston Cannan fata A Rei ak Cahn on thers aso dhs non a thece ae igs it ac Jee (Celoua JaboneseAreseans and other US, redents no wate tee sag ¥ ferent Asan nae increasing wel," The comme166. CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence denen ceonemy ta Japan. This bay-American campagne pore Hares tik employees who purchased 8 neva ea en count t customers who drove American cus. In Gr Ni ee ora vPernsne that wa rade in Japan in favor of a similar piece of equip md ec ant agate Ue egg oe aes aby Nr hs det Ae eS Pout deg atic cloments with Japanese trade ane economic Ci ee Fre ee ge ect ak an ‘raha cae sated i hac ej a cat athe shat i Japa In is bok, He Wok of Ay a itinaguess of ind icate or retrain workers ly com- Mae ina api changin sleba economy and (2) a comntnent ie 1o echicate and prepare young people for che j one eee eepointi imilar theme comes from journalist James Fallow: is boo eee a \merica, Great Again (1989). Fallows is a harsher Fe gc he gee Contributing Factors to Anti-Astan Violence \6? Juul Beedom goes aot farther than complaining about Japan." So why is here {ear and hate mongering against Japan? ‘Asian American and civil rights leaders believe racism is at the core of {08 matter: Would Americans be upset if Canadians prnvehased tho Seats Suu and moved therm to Vancouse:? Does eayone complain that Rupert Murdoch, an Austratian, owns the Pox Television Network and is one ot che east median moguls in the nation? Ia contrast to Arakava's attempt to bes the Seatile Mariuers, very little was stid when Murdoch purchased the tag agi Dodger in 1097, Where are die demonstrations that Feature protese £55 taking sledgehammers wo Volkswagen automobiles ecause Cormnare dank Cy Ausetcan curs: Was anything sid wen Mobil Of and arco wore boughs Cuthy BP (Beiush Petroleurs}é Dennis Hayashi shen national vector af wee -faranate demexican Cten's League in San Francisco, praised the srong sana 2y dhe U:S, Gorimission on Civil Rights against Japan-bashing, (We fel the Sect merican’ campaign that’s spreading acros the nation isthe evtng edge of antisAsian prejudice that leads to artiAsian violenee"™ coupled with the boom in the US. economy rpegthowt the mid-1090s, has reduced the intensity of Japandashing ana » the recent decline in the U.S, economy has Taged texsions once again. On January 2004, NASCAR (National Avsoetntion oF Stock Car Auto Racing) driver Jimmy Spencer complained about ie wane Seder of Toyuus tucks inthe Crafismian Truck competition, sing: “Tees Emo bitches bombed Peas Harbos; don't forget," and added, "T hope Yea Guieelet and Dodge kick their ass" Spencers comments weve reported te she ela but in dhs case Asian American groups did not organises protes, Tea ASCAR officals mecely shrugged olf the ieicent “Jimnay'sposvy uo be inet aad e's going to be Jimmy." said NASCAR spokesman fin Huamees "He's ole-school." \efocunately, Spencer's coments acs far from isolated. According vo TOW columnist Seot Rabalis of the Sot TinayMoming diveeue (Belen AiuSe, beutsiana) If not for dhe fact it would ezeate too much vind restores, XASGAR teams would probably fy an America flag from every car and eck Una kes che wack. .. Rampant ptotin sas much apart of every race as gas and dees... And all dha sits quite well with most people it the seat at the soe Seep tls yon why for mary of dhem the sight of Toyota fielding enue TASCARS Craftsman Truck Series this year isabonnas popular as igh prcere the pump... It was a historic mace consideting that it matked the frat aeae 8 noo’Scased automaker ran a NAS ‘GAR race, but that didn’t make it populia™ Since 3984, NASCAR has banned "foreign cars” Livin lis nalicaad Fee age 2004 Crattsman Truck Sericssporsored by Fovides Dexlge dealers—held at the D: Vtona International Speedway, seven Tota Tundras qualified in the aé-truck fied that all vehicles in Id. The leopbole in the cule is NASCAR races must be “American-made,” What many erties fled t0 recognize “a that the only place in the world that makes Toyota Tundas is Princeton tna ans Will atother plant soon lo open in San Arztonio, Texas. That fact sil docs racing teare owner Jack Roush. “Even though Toyota ha sot satishy inctories168 CHAPTERS Antiensian Violence: Breaking the Silence tn the United States that use Amevican workers, its Japanese capital, and the ‘elunas om the investment and ail ove things dist wind up basiding the econ om and buileing the country go over there,” Roush said I dhink there wil be {significant baeklash from fans who say Poyota shouldn't he here because i's bad forouy economy and people like myself who are more nationalistic than some of ovr populalon and sorne of our fans.” Roush, Spencer, and others who think te them conveniently forget that Dodge, which sponsors the 2004 Crafisman Truck Setie, is ovmed by DaimleaCryster,a company based in Germany. There js far move imerdependence in tie world economy than most people assum. ‘Mest recent anather Asian threat besides Japan fas emerged—China. ‘Phe US aud China governments have a favorable trade relationship, as recog nized bs Congress giting China Mostavored-Nation trade status ip 2000, but the politcal tensions between Uhe U.S. and China are sil apparent. These ten Slows are scen in the 1996 investigations into egal campaign contributions [rom Asian goverumeats, corporations, and individuals described in dhe intro- uciion of this book. The arrest of Dx. Wen Ho Lee in 1999 and allegations of Chinese spies stealing U.S. nuclear weapons secrets described at tse beginning bf igs bool also serve to msntain the generalized image of Asian Americans.as Uisioyal foreigners. The feay of Caina is also manifested ia the publication of wor provocative books. In The Coming Confit With Chena (1888), authors Richard Bemnstcin and Koss Munro argue thatthe U:S, wll face dieect compete tion ivom China for global counoisie control, military superiorigs and diplon falc influence in the ewentyfirst century. A Minyg Offense (1998) by David Tguative 6-4 Rtional account of conniving Chinese officials conspiring with French basinessmen te accuntalate wealth snd weapons of mass destruction to defeat the unsuspecting and overcomplacent United States "Phe fears expressed in these books zousithsianding, the reality is that Chin ins already emerged 2a a maturing player in the global economy and has Inexeased its share of te global marke for goods ranging from textiles co com pavers, Jn 2004, the Lenovo Group, China's op maker of personal computes, paid $1.75 billion co acquire @ majority stake in IBM's PC busines, 2. move that rakes ie the third largest computer maker after Dell and HewlewPacbard, China government-contzolled businesses made unsuccessful bids to purchase appliance giant Maytag, as well ss ofl giant Unocal, both of which created a tir oxtery against what cites saw as an economic unasion.™ The Chinese oll Company CNOOC Lid. eventuully withdrew its offer to buy Unocal after Com pros paned legislation te delay the deal, In frustration, CNOOG Lis, backed oft find offeced.a tse statement. “The unprecedented politcal opposian that fol Towed the announcement of out propased transaction wis regrettable and tanjuatifed,” che statement read. “Ele political environment has macle it very dideult for us to accurately astess our chance of success, creating 2 lewe! of ‘incertainty that presents an unaecoptable ssk ro our abiliy co seeuse this vans Jetion.” CNOOE Le, also sad ic would bane raised ie $18.4 billion oer to URo- + fal not for the opposition in Congress Even more confrontation is on the } Tnosuon as it is expected that China will begin exporting economy eass to the Uaied States by 2006, introducing itself to the market, By 2007 Chains wil Contributing Factors ta Anti-Asian Violence 163 ve sling iin urd sede, sors aii etic, and porn ‘econ to Busts tne Chinese SUV oe nea tel sor 5180 and be make at Dlg compare uy toe BN 9 sich sls or $8,000 Tc exten ote allah ni oma tomiccompeon th Chita on dca Amoieans sematte ben, Move-in Violence Herament and vindaisn were the most conmnon forms of what the US, Commision om Cit fights bot elms lence” fore ot violence i intended to uate inciidsisand fais fom ing era neighborhoods or housing projec. The report, Ci ight fan eng san “Arericns in he 1990 cited several examples oF elt Kertare being dr bed in aeighborhoods actos te counuy where Asan Americans ha teeny taken up residence, Thexeneighborioods ranged fom sebrhan comes favored by middlectas and profesional Asian Americas to lowincome seat thae recent Southean sian cefugees have found afordable,Yoom there, nee den eae 0 stl no og raring nos mh cs Bg anda meseseunas os re obs, pe se PaliaaesPatk, New Jerse, is a small coxamoni located ju fe trom New oe iy that as Poeiy wee oe of ee Tndeed tis etiated 90 pescen ofthe basins in hess ap. conmaertl thoroughfare are owaed and operated by Korean Americans, Korean Language Sisines sigs easbe under auack in 1906 when the Paleades Park ey eae passed nega all oes ign writen in a eign guage oa ace exiled ston n Eng He youl gee Raean bosses thar mayed open all ght By pas an ordinance requiring all Buen to owe at 3A, but alowed one “Aneticanstle recaurant to remain open wvengsfour ours, Korean Amestean merebuats fought back aginst Uece ‘cons and eveatualy both were overturned in court. Sines Dat tone Koreas owned aad operated businesses have canfionted numerous cases ol grain other forms of vandalism, Ie October 199, the Asim Amevienn Lega Deleane and Edveaton Fund (RALDEF) hed apres conference to denounce the gra fi, Te Hn of aul Ua sme bye feng ane sen Sey i ARLDET program decree were gag To aman sant the eed ni of Ken Anas tho "sock jocks on rao sation WARP PAE in New Jey hogan dang agg Have Aran mira dis om no, Noy ton. The April 25, 206, eptode Began wth Carton wing te Roecing audience, "Weld you realy ote for sonaeoue nant Jun Chol" aed quied escalated Yo complains abot too many Asians ov to New Jetey, pone aued with mimicking Asian accents und steeoupes of Aslan Amerean«Breaking dhe Silence 170 CHAPTERS AntivAsian Violence: Breaking the S tn ic minority group or foreign group shoutd ever dict hs auton usdraple the last year, Chinese should never dictate the out oe _ 1 «d out of Fidison because of what has happened in ie pant 30 yee fentals are all along, the whole com Se es Dien ee CTheyarelabovingts the eM ae Caller ie png no yA a ea ere ey Sa ta cag te Sere Stace ame ea comiemporny Contributing Factors to Anti-Asten Violence 171 SegHishinitative on the cuunicipal bao, In adktion, socal nevspaper pred an anicle accusing dhe Chinese of being bad drivers, andl bumper siekers began Peeing aig Wil the Last American to Leave Monterey Park Please Bring the Tag? By 1986 the Monterey Park city couned passed a broad mornioriues ea nes construction that many believed was aimed at stopping the growth of the Chinese immigrant population and Chinese-nanced developments, Bu it tra the tection of plans proposed by a Tewanese group to bt a senios housing Project shat prompted a rare display of public protest. Four hundred peoples mostly eldecly Chinese, marched 9 Giy Hall eanying American Digs and pits fending, “Stop Racism," "We Ave Americans Too," and “End Monterey Park Apartheid." Zhe deadly nature of move‘n violence was seen in the shooting of ISyearold Nuyen Nguyen in front of his hamae on September 18, 1990. Phe incident demonstrated the ougoing dangers faced by many Southeast Asan plese fans ip several of San Francisco's lorsincome housing projects FL sa It coming.” Nguyen's mother told a reporter trom the Sen Preece, Exantine “I think we were attacked because we are Vietnaniese.” She wen cg to describe several othet incidents of violence ard hostility the family quietly Sdured, Inching one youth who came to their frout door and screened ‘Move! Move! Move!” Other Sontheast sian refugee tenants reported ther children were repeatedly harassed and attacked on theit way to and stom School, Despite these incidents, the Ena Fraacisce Housing Authoriy (SEPA) Senied that refugees were victims of raciallyanotivated intimidation. "We'ng concetned about the possibility of Asian families being targeted, but in feck hoes mot what we have in Groet of us right now" expliined ene housing authoriy official. “The problem, as see i, is increasing rime.” Honing and police officials also adsnitted thav Southeast Astans were repestedly tctnized because they had a reputation of not reporting eximes ‘The Asian Lay Caucus (ALG) of San Francisco viewed the ismtes and feqquence of events very differently. Firs, itis important to note dae Stee $egan randomly assigning Southeast Asian fans into predominantly Afkean Auwerican housing projects as pan of a "Voluntary Compliance Agrecivent fol joving allegations of racial segregation mised by the Federal deperament of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Second this response “integrate” the projects was done without any explanation to the esablished residene who saw Southeast Asians as “intruders” and intexpreted their sudden aiviat as one Plya displacement of needy Afsiean Americans, Third, Southeast Asian tenamo who were timited-English speakers found the lack of bilingual housing salt peur renforced an enironstent of lation and alionaton. within the projects Fourth, ALC began: receiving complaints from Southeast Asian tenuis io tho Projects, and took about a year to gather enough information to shows ditinee Pattern of racially motivated harassment and violence. Fifth, even when Souths Gist Asian cenants dit com forth to compiain to the housiog authority abous {heir situation ancl conditions, cheir necdls were ignored. Fer example meee diately after their son was killed, the Nguyens requested a taney om oF ‘heir housing unit, but they received no response. Even u lelte: Lom the Son172 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence anton the Ngujen’s behalf sent the dct te an Hance Howsing Autos ale eli a espns TREARGat he Sap iy wa ret ne move expe Hog dhl ot ash ACC reine the tonal rots and poly Mone sr tna grance sd prec, worked ogre ZAgn ate ston Tn ene eet of is atemp oiegate pubic teasing actually resulted i’ Tewer needy Southeast Asian families i the Vaan area! Pei led a Cseacton bouton elf of the Soest Asian tans ho Sg seal tee sul Ung, a inproved asigiment and Chegey uur pies th woud beet al ede raion, he sought language assistance and increased support services for new vl sa 1oRenen in ui ene he SY a HUD yan eh net 198, ‘ifn red pe heang om tegration sates and ace ean ares Catone te SPHA fled to enforce te semen ag Pentand the percentage of Asian Americans in the city’s largest pobi honing belong rama -ause of continued harassment and violence. developments el dramatcaly beat sonal 1 go Tem Lewasatacked i broad dayight vith roekeand bo aaa poecthe ALG along itn the Vietnamese American Chil Rights Coal Toni parte te comping he SHE alleging th agency as 1 nsive to racial violence against Asian Americans, which denies them a ect sear outing tn the ly. Ta July 1999 dhe SEH goed ta coment decree tat els for fo cmunih-based programs t0 {utc temnt complains abot ail rnin and asi fies te “Stings fr plea Te programs are weneen by sie en CSPI con usb 0 ayer Te moa resonable fr ty Thi cancebae a eondvee and seve hat the SFA must maintain ae eee ane tne eavould be te return ofthe orginal euitand The poly ofan expensive and eng court al Poor Police-Community Relations iesCaneted reich ou he going Asan American popula, bat ustained efforts are rare, Confronting police misconduct against Asian ened of improvement. Hi ment and abuse by : ‘ea involves the fatal shooting of Kuan Chung Kao, a 33-year-old comput eee si a pace one wuld expec: denen. Atapprosnath Aimericans is one area in police is commonly seen as an Contributing Factors to Anti-Asian Violence 173 at the time, waving a broomstick in what they said was a “martial arts fashion Officers Jack Shields and Mike Lynch drew their guns andl instructed Kao to drop the stick. Rao refused and began striking the police cars with the stick. By time Kao’s wife was outside and offered to talk to her husband and take the stick from nim. The officers ordered her to say back. Shields felt his safety ‘was in jeopardy and fired one shot striking Kao in the chest. Kao’s wife, a regis: tered nurse, ried to help her husband but was physically kept away by the offi cers. Kao was handcuifed and left face down and bleeding for about ten minutes before help arrive, He died at the scene,” Asian American civil rights activists called for an immediate investigation into the case. Kao had no martial arts training, but officers perceived Kao 3s ‘more of a threat than the average intoxicated man and may have acted with excessive force, An administrative review by the Rohnert Park Police Depart- ‘ment later cleared Shields and Lynch of any wrongdoing, saying the two olf cers complied with department policy and procedures in the use of deadly foree. However, Victor Hwang, a staff attorney at the ALC examined the report and found several inconsistencies. For example, Hwang found that the paliee officers sped toward Kao in their patrol cars pretending to try to rua him over when they first arrived, This may have provoked the dazed and agitated Kao into striking the vehicles. In addition, officer Shields claimed that Ko was only about three feet away with the stick raised when the fatal shot was fired. Hwang could not find a witness who could testify how far Kao was fram the officer ‘when he was shot, but there were witnesses who said Kao was holding the stick parallel to the ground and not over his head ready to strike, “Kao didn’t have to ie,” Hwang said, “We have to stay committed to ensure that justice wll be done for his family.” One thing that was agreed upon was that only thirty seconds passed becween the time the police arrived and the time Kao ywas shot. Itshould be noted why Kao was drunk and screaming outside his home on ‘that fatefsl moming. According to news accounts, Kao was celebtating a new job at his favorite bar the night before his death. The celebration was spoiled, how ‘ver, when another cusiomer referred to Kao as Japanese. When Kao said that he ‘was Chinese, the customer responded: “You all look alike to me.” The bartender quickly intervened and separated the two men. After a eouple of hours and sev eral drinks later, the customer apparently confronted Kao again. Witnesses said Kao shouted, “I'm sick and tired of being put dasn because I'm Chinese. Ifyou ‘want 10 challenge me, now's the time to do i.” A scuffle broke out ancl the police were called, The bartender was able to stop the fight and talked police out of taking Kao into custody. Kao was livid over the incident" In February 1998, Kao’s widow, Avling Wu, filed a $50 million federal law suit charging Rohnert Park, its police department, and the two officers with ‘wrongful death, negligence, and violating the civil rights of Kuan Chung Kao. “Twill fight all the way through to make sure people know that my husband was ‘wrongfully killed,” Wu said. “Ic shouldn't have happened." She also described how her bycar-old daughter was traumatized seeing her futher dead in theie driveway. Wu also had Lyearold twins. “It’s been a lonely New Year for myself and my kids,” Wu said. The civil lawsuit was filed days alter the U.S, Department174 CHAPTERS AnthAsian Violence: Breaking the Silence ere was 110 ackmission af liability or guilt the United States Commission on Civil Rights, which initiated an investiga- So eee cia nbutsea prneeecforhaacling complaints, and the fered scvere internal injuries.” At the same time, there have been examples of Contributing Factors to AntivAstar Violence 175 suffered a stroke two days after the incident. In September 1998, the Manhaeta district atomey’s office dropped its investigation into charges of police brutality due to insufficient evidence. The district atcorney slo stated that it could not be established that Huang’s stroke was a result of the encounter with the office: Jack Litman, one of Huang’s atiomeys promised 10 condnue with a lansnit against the NYPD. "We are sadden by she D.A.'s decision,” Litman stid, “Tt really ‘snotright whew a police officer chokes a 78year-old man." Another New York, case involved Korean American grocery store owners who ealfed the police alter a dispute with a customer, but wound up being the ones who got arvested. The ‘vo brothers, Kevin and Scott Yu, are sting the NYPD for false arrest and allege ‘hat their apartment above the store was burglarized because officers failed lock the doo after taking them into custody. "We were the ones who called 931," explained Scomt Yu. "But ...my brother and I were arrested and our home was burglarized. What kine of justice is thag” Elizabeth OuYang, an attorney with the Asian American Lega! Defense and Education Fund, complained that this was not te first time Asian American business owners have been wethmized by police, “This ease underscores how New York City police do not treat Asian ‘American store owners seriously or fairly” she said. The incident with the Yus is ‘liar to a case where an NYPD offcer was convicted of attempted assault on a Korean American store owner and his brother. During the incitlent, che officer allegeddiy called the two brothers “facking Orientals" and den aceused them oF resisting arrest, In this case there were wimeste« who saw the polive officer bra talize the two Korean Americans and coneradicied the officer's story.” in still another incident, an Asian American offduty police offcer approached a driver who had been sittinys in his car for a long while, The drier sereanied. "Fin a Fucking cop, Tl blow your fucking head off, gook!” When the driver Iearned that the man who approached him was alsy a cop, he apologized but com: plained thar the Asian American should have identified himself Rest” A recent incident of wolence against Asian Ameticansat the hands ofthe police occurred on July 18, 2003, when police officers in San Jose, Califorsia, shot ana Silled Bich Cau Thi Tran, 25, a Viemamese immigrant and the mathe of two young children, The police were responding to a domestic violence call and when they aztived they heard a woman screaming. Police say the frefoot, ninetypound woman threatened thera with a tervinch knife andl one of the officers responded by shooting her once in the chest. Tran had a history uf ‘mental illness and her boyfriend, Dang Bui, who was a witness to the shooting, told police that she was acting *crazy.” Howeves, Bui said she pulled ont a we. ctabic pecler and nota knife or cleaver as the police reported. The police off« cers said they ordered Tran to drop the weapon, but Bui heard them say only. “Hey! Hey’ Hley™ Within cays Vietnamese American community leaders erganized a rally ‘outside she San Jose ity Hall and Police Department to protest the killing Some participanis carried signs reading, *SJPD: Seop Killing Innocent Women" and "Police/DA Whitewash.” They also demanded w know why one of the ovcntyeight Viewamesespeaking officers was not called to Ute scene. Te respense, Police Chief William Lansdowne addcessed the crower but could ony176 CHAPTER S Anti-Aslan Violence: Brevking the Silence promise“ fal and chorongh investigation.” Ata San Jose Gity Counctl mcesing the following month, several speakers expresed their anger atthe incident dna aceused officials of withholding inforeation on the case. Others said the Vietnamese American cominuuity was now affaid and mistusted che pofice. In fan attempt to ease the (ension and quell the fears, grand jury hearing about the case Was held in open const rather than bebiad typically closed doors in drdor "to fet the public know the seth,” said Distie Attorney Karyn Siano ™ ‘The sand jary heating was held in October 2008 and i took a week to present allie evidence anc testimony. Inthe ene the grand jury cleared the officer who ‘Shocand killed Bich Cau Thi Tran of any wrongdoing. The attorneys, jury and court spectators left die courtrvom in eerie silence, Wife there was no imamns- Gate demonscration of anges or protest, this wan marked as a crucial event for many in tie Vietnamese American community and would be seen as the beginning of a new poliial actxinn, particularly among younger Vietnamese Americans, “A dialogue started civcalating in the community about the protec: tion af our community and the need for a strong political wiee,” explained Madison Nguyen, a local San Jose school district Board member and the first Vietnamese Ameciean woman to hold elecuve ollice in Catiornia.® The shoot jing also was a bridge to olier communities 9 San Jose's Asean American, Asian “Aneriean, and Muslim American citizens formed the Cotiion for Justice and “Accountability. Tae San Jose Potice Department worked with this organization to sebue erin the community and to initiate new reforms. “Within a year of Tran death, new San Jose Police Chet Rob Davis bad met vith Vietnamese eomamaunisy leaders raore than Tortytntes and the department thnd organized eiticen’s police aeadenies for dhe Vietnaruexe community i Viet yramese, equipped and trained officers in dhe use of nonlethal Tasers, ana made plans to hire move Vietnamese American officers, among many auhker reforms, Fite cleatly have lenmed more about the Viewamese American commanity than we may have understood a year ago,” Davis said. “Buc T abso bsliowe the revere is true; they understand move about ws. Davis also believes the depart: snont'sefforis have belped to recapture the Vietnamese American community's ‘wustand the process is ongoing: “Taken togetier, these examples show the aged for better fav enforee- ment and Asian American community relations, Strategies for oursach and networking directly with che Asian Aniesican communities, along with impor tant iostiutional changes and legal refocins, must be implemented and sup- ported The specific iste of antiAsian violence cannot be directly addressed Unless comprehensive statistical data are gathered andl assessed. As tate in the beginning of this chapter, tbe 1990 Federal Hate Crime Statistics Act passed by Congress was intended to serve this purpose, but itis heavily reliant Jn state and local law enforcement agencies to provide the necessary ry data Relaively few police departments have speci units that deal specifically with ideniiying, investigating, and reporting hate crimes, This eaves wemencdous discretion tothe beat officer who ios likely has no traning in or sensi to this lsue. “Incidents of aatidsian violence cannot be fully adkdzessed unless every crime is documented and complete information is available frem every Asian American and Aftiean American Relations 177 sate" wtes NAPALC in their 2002 audit “Ty sum, tae union ¢ ‘poms provide an inseerns pictus of hae lence ages Asan pct Aves bee flange ape nse loon ponies cat ee eter informa ratte UCR on efrenet genes ae vased organizations (CBOs), we can only prox set © ye ire 0, iy produce & mapa of seg t® 0 sto dessted In Os scion hight te eet of ni Asin sitet and hatonelatedvsence The Comoe Ce Rights and NAFALG hate called thin enaona problems” and both ages we ate: ore ie td inp he emma isconcepton, nisrns and miplaced allsaguite keene eee Goninon ad NAFALCala chatied tessa onset oat usenet ofhosty aut inmprant nd nate boc oe heen vee and tte erines 1 anergy Das saletng presen eet yoy ba feamaionetfco otin ehes ease ad eoirey limited by widespread undersepordng, Decree Cee anti-Asian violence will continue to be a major anna lence to bea major issue confronting Asian Amero ASIAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN, AMERICAN RELATIONS pia ‘f sad loward greater verbal, physical, and legislative actacks: against se bier minor groups ia the United States. These groups inchide immie » the poor, and others, It is these groups wlio ure the targets in e poli tuarginalized “ouniders” trom the “mainstream” At the sie tone gee acknowledged that hate sentiment and have viol Tuite te ee =i ence ure not lied te ja ites on onvhites. Indeed in een year thee a bech neat cee efoa ately after a jury acquitted four white Los Angeles police office " California National Guard, U5, Army soldiers, and specially wained Marines) halted and schools were closed in many parts of days that many see asa178 CHAPTERS Anti-Aslan Violence: Breaking the Silence atonal Brketbat League pao games, Acconting oro ne Fors peop veri ts £100 weird ort 00 we ean Perse asrnge estate ftom shes an clove the St sillon mack Aa Pees 1000 mover in Las Angles were atleast partly damned or Seed Pareles hued titonre the more than 2:00 bacmenes ood By Rovcamamercsts hose eonbised propery ese aene sed upto Peay hatte te Soe Renn een ased tee aesedn thuh ops for due to pecsen Tones en coming int ther store oso those metehams compe shy sere fore to dele sir owe Busines se ettne pote did or sepond tothe als forbs Beene al Ieee unree ggeres sale wpb in several es ches nung Sun Fane, Aaa, Seat, Eas Veg, 4 a Thee tage oe fot maa’ etn onthe conn Sa ep nti he Has es nd er pogo sie heeds Chang profesor of Sihnie sede av the Unter 0 cima Bere ee writen emensiey om blckeorean Ameri: ee tonsa ted thatthe 1902 orn oe Angles ta erage oe ere cee none in Ameren. At tie ae Ges Changeset Sidiutne Riou” (104), lols bron the gy esate sees of sacs Detscen Avian Americana un Koveen Americans a scopes sie enetat soot of nega Chang makes importactcomaseone an ie dee yeee ie nd Los Angee se set the 198 Wate not The seep pn Wate uoelon af Lon Angeles bo began yh a pote eigen eats isk means and resulted sr eseral da of lence, a9, (ua the ler people cea move than 000 injured, snd. 3800 sansced Bond Tene bse fac, Chang aera the slaies Setee ie ‘wo largest incidents of urban unvestcod.* fa the 19 acs pak mas contin inthe wsneame ares ef soni Covel ow Anglos in sdich percent ofthe vest ere Alien ‘onan aie tne The 192 Le Angels ts sl enere 0 Sat Seba ihepopuiaton faa shies abou 59 pewcene Antcan Aste Cad nsie ban pecem Lev. The Aten Smertean popuionn Su Te halen deci preeptoasy since 1965, inca 920 eters se teaneen 1080 and 680. Te 1802siot a nore aespesd then he toh Ware ge: The chit eorder i 2998 qucky spend to other pa of (sec einng midecias negvo.onde Journals ave paved up thelie emuctte long witb tncverte Korean ng but lesion cen went mary Eatin foes ack ies oot Korean sore Renesas sects stoning ose p15. prcenc os thease Se ep assccupanea it perce bles and 11. poem ees sre aaneccoporkedt seis of peal inciies con nena saute ne ve yea tic weer en te 1988 Keser CSnusinion pon. The commision cmc thatthe Unied Sete Spumtez io to tins one lack 2nd one mite Chang's ales ofthe ‘Woy es angeles ot fund he ipenone went bejond back aod we dnabojood bafta erelaonsond ncagonisn = / Aslan American aud African American Relations 179 Second, Chang looked at the broader Inctors behind the 1942 urian unrest. He describes pressures. created by the ecouomic downsizing, or eindustalization, of South Central Los igeles that saw handeeds of buss ‘esses closing, manefactuiing leaving the area, and thousands of jobs icing lost. Chang also asserts that the steucturally created economic depression i ‘he area is further heightened with the emergence af a popuar *negeonservae tive" ideology throughout the 1980sand inia the 1999s. This ideology assumes that all groups have been, or will eventually be, accepted into the American ‘ainstveama and will enjoy the fruits of equal opportanity. But this wll happen only if they are willing to work hard and pull themselves up by their own hoot straps. In aller wor, this siewsees the persistence of joblessness and poverty found among certain groups as evidence ofa lack of individual character and initiative raché* thin critical social problems often beyond individual contol ‘The shifling of blame solely on the vitims of structurally created inequality leads only to greater frustration ane anger among the most disenfranchised people of the Nation. At the satne time, Korean immigrants, lke other Asian neriéins, ave often held up as examples of the "model minority” and ave used tc: show chat the “American Dream” of economic prosperity ean be achieved through hard work and sacrifice, The question is often asked, if Korean Americans can succeed, why can’t other gtoups? Invercity residents both cesent and envy Korean immigrant entreprencuis because of their "“sc- cen” But as disenseed in Guapiet 1, Korean Ameticans often see themselves a8 mete economic "survivors." Indeed, for many Kerean immigcants, owniny small business is major step down ia social and economic status! Lasty, Chang acknowledges police department abuses snd mistsust in the judicial system as two more areas of brewing discontent, especially within. the 1.08 Angeles Alvican American community, The savage beating of Rodney King by four white police officers, which took place on the evening of March 5, 1991, was captured om videotape and shown on national television. Just twa seeks later, on March 16, 1991, a store security camera recorded the fat! shooting of 15yearold Latasha Hains by a Korean American grocer afte a Gispute over a §1.79 bottle of orauge juice. This videotape was also widely Droacieast actoss the country—sornetimcs in tandem with the Rodney King bbeating—andl appeared io be yet another piece of clear evidence of the vicr lence inflicced against Afiican Americans, “Well, at last they see we're not 'ying.” said South Central merehant Art Washington. “Now the world sees that this staff actually happens." Unforumately, African American hopes for Justice based on seetaingly irrefutable evidence were quickly and unceremont ously dashed. On Noveraber 16, 1991, Korean Amtericin storcorsnes, Sun Ja Du, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, and sentenced to ve years of probation for kiting Latasha Harlias® Aseican American leaders wove shocked by what they cousidered a fenient sentence, and demanded the cesige nation of the presiding superior courejudge, Joyce A. Kaslin. Theicanger had barely enough time to cool when on April 29, 1992, «jury came outwith the ot guilky verdicts against the four police officers accused of beating Radney King. [cas then that the bubbting cauldron finally exploded.180 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Silence ‘African American community had long bistorical roots, and Sha oveans ae ss based nature of the struggle has remained consistent,” Chang eoitenc eee reore stag Sve, bua cass soe ivobeng smal bane aiid residens*** Chang does not deny individual confict and racial antago: History of Korean-Black Tensions cvcarowmed businesses began opening eginningi the early 1960, Asian Arava sonopetig is proturzly Ukek meghbesnd ole nes eo he aN Shims ottongbetoe elated meen a weer Alou Shs ie mois steton hs fone on at -Koven eatin, oe of sve repre nee tok pace 1086 wen Sera Carte gt ito 20 stunt Chung Hy Chan, he oer ofa Chinee iro seucane he predominantly Black Anacosin weighed of Washingion ape ses mort mio ove a fd exert eded wth Chan chs inp Caner ou af is rsaant while woving a SSles rele Cae ramen thon ats hye she ape ih Re Wie se tnd tess os ps eet ne aide ie eat voring © Bike Can and wer Aan Aaernormed Beno a of we Re Shon ie piss Ame ens ees ein a lini groups that have come into onr cominunity, diespected us, taped is economically, disimnedou eto espenaeThe byenary ert own apa pointed to dhe ne or mote blaleowaed bates inthe a ‘The episode was A prominent news item and seemed to strike a tesponsive cn Mens bemacen Koreas Ameicans avg Ala Anois Were expe city tn Ne Yrs ego ie 18RD, where on oer ened a i Seonguied boc cor, och ing eget or ere Bye he snob legen ben cers ge noms 16808 he Posh fst of rok, New Yon ns ae crested in he Re Ape Shvket when eustemer Chislaoe Fala, a Hatton Aoneican, sa she Avian Amorican and Aftican American Relations 181 srabbed around the neck bya store employee, knocked to the ground, slapped, Wicked, and verbally abused. The store employecs, tewever, denied Felisiats claimns and told a very different story. According to their accounts, Pelissaint was searching through her purse for an extra dollar to pay for her food, and then became Delligerent and discupiive when the cashier began helping another eus tomer. The store manager then came oul to uy and calm Fefisaint down, The manager admitted ho put his hancs on Folisaint’s shoulders as he wied to cecort hhex out, When he did s0, Felissaint fell the ground and refused to move. The Police anc. an ambulance weve calcd to the store and Felisaint demauced hat More owner, Bong Jae Jang, be arrested. By this Um, an agitated crowed had gate red and the employees quickly closed te stare, When one of the emspleyees astempted to leave the store, he was pelted wiih rocks, botdes, and fruits The employee ran for sfery across dhe size to the Chueh Street Fruitand Vegetable Store, which happened to be another Korean American-owned business A rally began early the following morning in front of both the Red Apple and the Church Sweet Frait and Vegetable stores. The protesters called fre a boycott of the two stoves and demanded they be closed pesmanently The crore! vicky grew larger and more hostite, Protesters shouted at customers 35 they centered the stores and handed out leaflets wich raels shetoric to passersby: the pregnant wife of one of the stote owners repovtedly had t undergo a medical abortion after site was aticked by demonstrators? mers vowed 10 H fon May 10, 1990 t0 Keep pro eater al least ily fect away frown thc busivoas entusnces The Ney York City Police initially fused co enforce the oreles, aing that resent spent frou the community would create an even greater public saety concern Tensions fromm the boscoit were by now extremely iniense and spreading On May 18, three Vietnarmose American men in Flatbush were auacked by a group of Affican American: youths who allegedly shouted, "Korean Mother fuckers and “Koreans, what are you doing here?” One of the Vietnamese Americans was in ctitieal condition with a facared sll after he was beaten with a claw hans mise" Finally, on September 17, the New York State appellate court led thet the police hnd no dlseretion in chs maizer and that they were not cuted szals apbilfry decisions whether or not io obey the county courts authori. As soonas the police begun enfoteing the court order, thirteen demonstiators were arrested Zor disorder'y conduct. New York Mayor David inking tnade a highly publicized visic wo both stores « few days lauet, and ie was not long before fs tomers began returning to the markets, Cs for contiwuing the boycott becaue mote and more med, although they did continue far several move ingnts anti one of the storcowners sold to another Korean American” In Los Angeles, there were tense relations between Atican American cus: tomers and Korean American shopkeepers throughout the 1980s, Unlike New York, Lines of communication between African Americans and Korcan Amevicans were kept open thanks to the work of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, which was instrumental in helping to establich the Black-Korean Alliance (BRA) in 1985. All efforts to keep the peace were shaicered by the fatal skooting of Latasha Hatlins in April 1991. Two months482. CHAPTERS Anti-Astan Violence: Breaking the Silence tates, @ boycott effort begat to grow alter another Affican American, Lee ‘Authur Mitchel, was shot to death by a Korean American duting @ robbery tempt The Doycott was led by Danny Bakewell and bis group, the Brother hnood Crussd, “The basis on which we take ismte with Korean bmeticans «is “what has been a blatant disregard for Afsiean American life as evidenced by Some Koreans)” said Bakewell He also complained that Kevean American tore owners sold inferior goo, HBIeWUAly followed cistomeis sod tae tore, weaied customers radely at the checkout eounter, aid charged exces fives high prices. Bakewel) also continued (© propagate the commonly Held belief that Korean Americans succeed because they reeeived wofair ad vanéages im obvaining bank loans that were uavalable to Aftican Americans. ‘Korean American merchants responded to Bakewell’s cages by saying tac they in fac, were the ones in most Ganger and pointed to numerous ine: denis ia which the Korean store owners were vobbed, assavlied, and Elfed. x the eighteen months prior to the 1992 L.A, rot twelve Korean merchants hack Sow killed sshile working in their sieres, “BUC WHS eviés for these victims?” ssked Tae Samm Park, the liquor sire owner who shot Mitchell Park, who suf Jered tree broken ribs in his scale with Mitclelh during the robbery attempt, added sharply, "T have done nothing other than defend my wife and my bus hres” Korean Americans als argue they are not rude people but ace aware “hgt cultural differences may present Uscrnselves as rudeness fo stoners Pole belutor anivugg Koreans wncdudca maintaining 2 reieT%0a Gaueunor rot looking people in the eyes, al placing change on the counter rather tha inthe cwsuomner’s hand. In addition, Koeean Americans acknowiedge tet heir lack of fvency in English can cause miscommunications and unintentional problems, Most importatly, Korean American merchants do not see Grea Selves as exploiters of the cominunity, bats hardworking imanigrants trying o ult a stall family business. They chasge high prices relative to supermarkes, they sy, because they cannot buy izems in, the volume needed to keep prices tower Finally, there BTE1y Uke crigence that Korean spall business owners {ecelve speeial ueatment from government or corporations to start their sores jn lowincome neighborhoods. Several studies have mestioned, however, that osean Americans do save large amouns of capital by borvewing from friends or relatives, which does give tem a sigaificant advantage when applying for a governmtent of comnmercial smalf business Joam (see Chapter 2) Im this envsonment of violence and mistrust, relations between Afiicat, “Americans and Korean Aovericans quickly went srom bad to worse. Tensions became especially high following the release of the song "Black Korea" by pop- IMar rap atist le Cube that included sneendiary Ici and a tacit warning to Koreas! American shop owners: "Pay tespectio the Black st, or well burn your store right Gown to a ernp.” The fight sentence given to Soon Ja Du for killing [Lstasha Herlinsserved only to rane aimiosities between the two groups to even ‘greater heights. On the aitemioon of Apsit 29, 1992, the siot in Los Angeles began, I. became immediately clear that Asian American basinesses, pactcw= lanky Korean Amnerican businesses, were ihe targets of much of the mob unger and violence, The Asian Pacific Legal Center, «Los Angelesbased civil ights Asian Amertean and African American Relations 193 and downplayed the racial antagonism ara downplayed 1 antagonism ebveen the two groups. “think chats Young Ys reso he Korean anesoon ter at California State University, Los Angeles. ae “ Sesies Cane Buon the suce of Soh Conta te : outs Conia Loe Anglos a denen being told. "We weat after the Ovientl stores, «Teac were tie on reall burned fst” expaied Yornon Lengo Tepe out of anges enced Techs tere Kea te garg) tide Toe Pane ae "hey mane ne Koes aee e say te Rosa merchant wed pope. Thats vhs ie baa auc ol tat Le yeara il" Te ong and desuantons shew ey sot linsted 19 AfseanArsatiane, One Lal wos wha aly Ken oe were being targeted, and he blunt aie em, Ereqbory spect, and he lands "Beense a hate em, eran fo then Merb tue the et ew ays Ronen Arey never soslone, sated and ost Novonipren ds ct ere the ct fa pehey igsot undeaatd bt deport also he police andre depatutont Sep sei banca wen ened, Nay Sean yl hyve Being seeiced while emergonsy ern woh Siete wo prota te ee aflienors prdarinanip tarpon icy Ronee near ‘noticed utr Hered oy athe had rlieed eter sytem chit would protect lf, liberty and properg,” wrexe laine im, poten *0r of Asian Amercan stalics athe Unter of Calista Bekok oy se sloquen voice to whe she hae anny Koren Sateen a atin 4 moving pesonl edo pushed in Nae shordy ale tie ot. “te Sholege ha ed te gommente pte he neg fn se tn ashe nll ome tolnow nb si pea eee halfcenanyagortht the Anersan Dien nen ineoeer eee +» Those were the only ones - a 8S.yearold local resident, uld have happened a long time ago The Aftermath aye after the riot came an uneasy cain, but residents of South Centeal Los geles began to realize they were unable wo get even the tost basic of necess ties such as diapers for abies and food Sor thelr children. These were items that had esx: provided by the Konan American omed stores, Peopte filed to realize that the relative success of Korean merchanes was becatse they Billed an emiy commescal gap inthe commen Ironical usiness ow Theme mony ot cee ssounerinSonthConsal os Angeles aie Un ee ibs tie paamge oF the 186 Inagracon Retinn A aces Oa ae Sighs movement tat helpes eeate is Hamnsk epadcs age ea pened the doors for lange nurnbers of Asian immnigeants o enter thiscouniey One afthe consequences orthe not isthat sams inthe Keven ee snunity now realize Uney can no longer sari by islatng dictates fog the broads communi “The fon sgh net aos cae aes en184 CHAPTERS Anti-Asion Violence: Breaking she Silence said Ky Chnoen Kim, an economist aux! president of the Korean American Management Association, The unexpected result ofthis ealization has been fp increase of interest among Korean Americans, especialy fal] business ‘ners, to take organized cultural sensitivity classes." ‘atthough Profesor Edvard Chang has argued that chere are couch broader seruetural concerns tac need to be addressed, in the meantime, he agrees that Korean inunigrans need to know they aze living in a multicueeral United States and not moaoculturel Korea, Indeed, Chang has taught African, “American and Latixo history in the United States in sensitivity seminars. He thas alo published a book on African American history written in Korean that has been svidely read in te United States and in Korea, At the same time, Chang adés, cross-cultural understanding goes both ways, Noting that there are more tan 800,000 Korean Americans in the United States today, Chang polieves it is iinperative that people understand who they are, “In. the American coplext, Asian Americans hgve alvays been defined. primarily as Ghhinese asl Japanese,” te explains, “The [L.A] riot put Koreans officially on the map, has since Become our tsk to inform the American public ho we fre, where we stand, and Witt is our place." “Through eckzention, many have found important similarities especially pemcen Korean and African Americans, Los Angeles writer Kabari Nett described how Koreans have faced subjagation under Japanese colonial re, slong wth the “day-to-day scalities of and Asian prgjudice,” while African ‘Aumeticans ot only carry the historic memory of slavery but also the status of “Amerien's most suigmatized minority." Another similarity that many were ‘ynanare of vas the fact that lioth Konvans and African Americans are over Nhchingly Chessdan, and that bot are strongly faith-based communities. 8 result, many attempts have beew made by church leaders wy bridge the gaps benvcen the we grotps. For exumple, Kaia Niambi Shivers was selected to rep~ resent Afsican American Catholic youth during a wso-veek tip «9 Korea in the pring of 1992 as patt ofa Kerean/Afvican American Dialogue program. The Chit “atored” her life and sie wrote 2 prize-winning essay about her positive experiences in Korea. “I can admit that Fvasn' too fond of Korean Americans jp ny communi,” wrote Shivers, a resident of Los Angeles. “T now unde Stand that it was lack of communication and exltaral ignorance. Koreans ate not mean and nasty, and Affican Americans are not cflminals 1 eas misun- Gorstanding of both groups that widened the gaps between us.""* Lastly, Korean American organizations have sponsored programs intended to pro- side cultural exchange and improve race relations. In 19.4, five Afptean Amer Jean college studeuts were awarded scholarships to attend Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, "I'm looking forward to involving myself in the culture,” said Angela Rene Crasford, a enior majoring in economies ac UC-Berkeley, wiv sisted she plans create workshops on cultural tolerance in dhe Future *(Fyhuis i ust the beginning ofa long, long drive." "These goodwill gestures may be paying dividends as Koswan American: oumed businesses are slowly returning to South Central Los Angeles. inthe past Several years, the number of Korean American businesses has been edging Conclusion 185 clove co the pre962 lel Not alo the same KotcanArsercan mse ave returned, as many ave eweomier to ee area. Sul tere ave sovte that have aebuit fom the ashes. Frank Vim i one exauple. Ms sore wos noted ding the riots but he tas retucned and i malting efforts to each ot toes tome. He remembers buthda, wedding end fam nea ose patrons by stading Mowers and food. Viti correlates improved business with his Kirt atentveuess, Shopkeepers re also conversing mote in Spanish bechuse of We increasing munber af Spanahapesiing casomers. Ny casomers somite act a Topeak Spa othe sd Eben. She 2 her nuband aed cued @ sks in antes part of Souther Caton fore aut nes-venture fn South Cantal Los Anges, The major essen why Korean Ameticne ate retining io Such Cena ste se reson hy hey are inital propery lor and sentsarceacaper or Koren nes ses Hite capt i sat st nese, South Cetra viable opportunity. The lessons learned from the riots hi ibbed off © We oper. Th ate subbed fon tie Morean Ameren merchant, as well a these wo Ave ip the cement Accidng 0 Joe R Hicks executes ofthe Ls Angeles Kaa Rel ious Comanision, Koreas Americans are ding more to snk into the come aly” and residemis are more aware tat the merchants sere atl funeion” inthe fos, He eps that what har ova happening a eo jeanne ‘the beuter stories of improving human relations that hasn't been told," CONCLUSION ‘This chapter descibes the sxfous problem of victece against Asian Ameticans Jat dhe United Stes. The root eaanes for these antisian ventimen’s aud violent scene both acta andl nna, Ae ue te, here f ‘easily identifiable factors highlighted in this chapter that ave lightening oss t seme to exacerbate tensions between Asian Americans and other groups, These four fctors are (2) increased antismmigrant sentiment, (2) econoinie compet ton between racial and ethnic groups, (8) “mowein” violence, and (4) poor etc come sions ee hroxghout hb capes al eet layan important role in haterclated activities agait sian Amex . are frequently imerrelated. Hpossin Asses ane thee sak tines ocasions, pli an com ars have spoken ut sues sometimes even eonsioush—usng energenraations rad sacially tinged rhetoric to fan the fies of anti-Asian hastiliy, Those who promote dihavinony ad rca vives at be challenged nel the pe trust be deste think beyond the splits sinended ste ‘a incite and scapegoat. Organizations such as the National Asian Pacific Amercsa Lega Consotom have done an xcven job som ean to the problem of antiasian violence and helping bring commonites logs change the imac of hat, ignorance, andinifernce, Unorie snail if these atiuudes are left unchecked for too long, they wil only fester and explode in ways that cannot be controlled, This was the cove in ran486 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking tte Silence 190 yet Hoenn resin Ne oS el ain she dose the Ler Angee 198m sete a ate iene canoe Desi nines yah ot ors Ao sete Vee fr more sed pa vl hse ng on iat aforaieade ono tis most sosstpatiem Gace tenon lee of na lense ba 2 ce ret sg ofa Anes, bi Ea he ng Siem pm ane a 2 one 3 208 win bro Thong Dn Hangs Noh Due Hog. aon Mend we gee fond a a consenience store in Ocean Shores, Washingion, « popula tons location. Outside of the store about We yung nln paore ond in Sng sss se te tht etc: Te tor Tee dicele gwd beatae ayn ero Mn ng ol en reo pret me. eo sole ut the sire thes eres wth = barrage of tun and Wee Not, Hang Hong tanned and confronted the apparent tee of ea, ‘Gistopher Kinison, who immediately punched Fong, in the face. Min Re RAT Ai brother but wes ate seek by Rikon. Minh Tong then vate a nang cig ne he sean Minh Hoag wa ter arested ad charged sae 1 cna goal eel wp gh ya po St Saline amet saomeage tt Kons wuoasoee cane Hl he Se i Hanger ng ha Ch side aod uss tng ielefnse Te jy was moa Steer eb ans on at ein eh ded tng «igo Romp ieet anno ener eed ‘om Stace, the Japanese American Citizen's Leagan te Organization nf ea ASancle cntyTallowed thease 0 highihs i Fata tls tong be oe a Dai pen, eet te Se see en ee ope Hong proseeuted fora hate crime againsta white person, “Our organization s trcmipesred abu ine cae an ete heb rope eg vised Jenseits On Deceznbor 13, 2000, an allots jy of sx ea a Gpewomien declared they'were hopelesaly deadlocked and could not come co Stones te ho ican, Spur Ca uge Dave Hee cleclared a misial in this highSy Shed ead Sh ng ned ial pdngs deen tea case pms” ‘Ene dnc at vetted but Jory evenly asp Hang ag be ct i Rito A book tne pve dp sens ited ro eit a pein Ds Nene ‘uti iff en novestng rasa eae racing og Aenean ny hn hse, cone Ueno faces rer The Fook pa ene Stor shen Chai Vang tea ona eer ning tip. Vang clan ce seer coe es tlds he wea on patie prope nn had 10 ' Conclusion yer Vang said he began watking away When the hunter called on his walkietalkic for other humers to join hisn. Wh: ent a group of five ot six hunters arrived, dhey begun threatening Vang wich racial tans ike “Chink” and "Cook" hecosding to Vang’s account, one ofthe hunters shot at him as he was trying co heave the Confrontation. What happened after that became a chaotie melee in which Mang. # US. Army veteran, shot aud killed six men and wounded another too Some of the men who were shot were unarmed und at least one was shotin the back When asked why he kept shooting ater the hunters scattered aiid san, Nang said ine thought they would get guns and come after his. Susvivors of ihe shooting spree testified that the auch was unprovoked and that Vong fired frst! Conflicts between white hunters and Hmong Americas hunters were poEsBcomuon in the area, and many Blame Hmong Americans for ignoring the local customs and Iaws of hunting. The iragic incident created weme «lous polarization throughout the stale even after Vanig's conviction. Mane of those who consider themselves te hunters see the Hmong Americas uly Sutsiders who don't know theie place. "if Vang had not trespassed, none of thie ‘would have happened,” wrote Nathan Weber in a letter ta the Wisconsin Siac foumal. “Stick together, hunters—ve Gan sae our sport. Now that justice has been served, let i zest” Another humter contended that the victine were sn ibe right co harass Vang witen he sas caught trespassing. ‘Deer heiting land becomes gomehow sacst aid only people who have been ott here fans wrote Don Ward. “The whole dag comle have been uvvided if the simple ‘les of hunting had teen observed.""" These tensions are represenaive uf the broader marginalization fele by many Hmong Americans ho are mewreony S35 w the atea andl have never felt welcomed despite the fact their population bias increased dramatically over the past decade. In 1990, Wisconsin wes hosne {for just over 16,000 Hmong Americans, By 2060, chat number more than dog Hd to alist 3,000. Other letters wo the Wives Slae fal were spas {Rote the plight ofthc Hmong Americans the stats. I'm nocatrprsed by the verdict fm Chai Vang's uial in the deaths of six imnters ia northern Wie consin, Pn nnt surprised, either, chat the incident took place,” wrote Tamme Bleberstcin, “ve wimessed the harassment of anc prejudice toward Poodle @ novthern Wscousin, The igncrance of my fellow human betnge breaks my heart sometimes. Tcan imagine the fear Vang. felt when he was sur Jpunded by @ mob of angry white people who were threatening him with Cecogarory names, ina lund wheve mast ofthe white people are iguovany ot Mi he Bimong ase here inthe fast place." A leer by Irving Chung ciety Gtallenged the ancagonism faced by wany Hmong Ametieuns “It key thee Raps has dealt with mci prejudice for mcs of his fe. Thus day he wee pros Voked by an angry group of eighe white, guastoting haters nino sureoumticd him, screanicd racial srs and made threatening gestures te de plsical oom bis may have foveot! him to veact the way he Gig, Had he net reacted in lk Sattase, Would he have been badly beaten or even killed? Or were these ust ‘dle threats dhat minorities are expested to tolerate smd ignores" Hmong188 CHAPTER 5 Anti-Asian Viofence: Breaking the Silence NOTES. "Real rei ttt em em Pee open Jal conde inlided references by Une rows permis hea catenin contac ne lace oth ee et npn as aa el Be ee Me | Astan Packie hanged the RSS hipaa cee gata een napa ong War ad ough eo a econ ME Andie of Vieloee Agninst Asian ejector. Tai toe AA aap One jchal Acun Pacific American Legal Consortium cd ene Sis ts hd at S20 ln on SCE sits mn th lt nN 2c fees ie at is wim, 22 Bective Se ‘see [ulp://www.cairactorg/asp/excestms a Meee as Pa 2002 Audit of Violence Agaiest Asian Se ite Aneran Lega Conoen, i © Negras Aaa So 1 Chote nap Shows Sut Fudd Goer Thre Pavay Song” San Fn Bae ones Sl LARS, Ste ey ent oe ee Me pada whys ee see alten = 12. Bill Gullermo,"Slue Ay, Peal ame OE IO sy Part once nected cue Sule” Snide Ms utc, Nay 1, 00, p. DIS > Senate 13, Simstavon and Gay Deo, "Woe ecg Seon WU" Sere ae ills Five,” Sacramento Ber, Apri] 29, tn, Ene teyand ic Sic “Rac! Shooting Rm ih Pee Saenent eg 500 1%, Heder Beaw of Iveigalon, 2002 Gnas te PaaS, p 9, £6 tp / some gov Olconkn ee ee 18, See Rn eli esican Hap! Coons, £98 As of ne ec to, SAESATIos Bette american Ley Consort, 202 of ence Ao 29, Queed in Den ters Ye Rea cu Renal Helly” Ls jd Th Spent 2.208 Be See xa Kosaredl, “Cvs Bill Artis to Protect Victims,” Stam Ccadeia! Vel ri cy 200%, Skee i ey Cine a sa ee an ang cate pe Fes i te Uiited Seater, pod, see buapi/’ fev 26 Feel Burcu of Teton, 2508 Cie te ’ 6, Quetedin amet oobi, *Sanioal Ranting Reah Aer Rampaye™ USA Fey, ay 000, Notes 183 ¥. Reseoal Asin Fate Avian Layal Const, Call Rghis Grong Moni ip eae ine of Hate Crimes Agen Asan Pact dusesnans is Cslnades Ren ee ay 2, 200, 88 Jim MecKinno, ‘Death for Bauman: Jury Vesdiee Bring ear and Cheen, ‘Piety esr Ce, ay 18,3003 2% Quoted Catmen J Lt, “Bethel Rally Pus Maud on Ht Lise? Piaduagh Per Gai gust #8, 2003, 58 Qeotl n im BMeKinnon “Baumer: To Be Seated: Judge Ai furs May Dectee of Death," Ptriegh Pa Cusng Sepiember6 a) 31 Haaitend Notnes Zamichow, Yay Shoosag Suspect Surender, Cone Los gi Tey og 18 1298, 2. Mic ce Gon tree sown Gren ion Tene ag 3, Sapien Braun al John Boinm, “On Peete Mel Ge a Suhel Rendon" nage Re eee 8) 3 oncom Seay Hen tana Fase Fae ey, 2 ion Fanen Ga teers ge ee es ch 7 00 ©, Nan An fe Aten Ln Comond 8 hale of Tes Porc tneen pp soe 97. Wah Cyr ie i Seat "idee Ga See Spe Mikami $8, Ene Site and ean, Tae oye 29. Ship ion t/a yonichlasin 4. Ran Chom Tana Surin, Cat Repo Ha ies hana Day Sona jis 41, Raton es Pete ea Leg events, 201 dey ee, Areva nets Ciba no ean te ‘Ha Nan atone ie Pena Cx SO oe iH Miten ihe ch We Ne Les addon Ne Bee ee honor reporn/202/ant ai) wal O2p ind Man ere ceh oe e ‘tes Sno Ox Werf Pease Ls Angels, Che UCLA fan Reson Sed eee rem 2000) 2 Alan Cooperman, “Sept. 11 Backlash Muses and the Sate of Sate; Janse 282002 98 (any Summer Tashan Make Ss iy ages, “Lesa Tay Sper 3, 200), and Jo Becher snd! Phuong Ly. "Sih Campin again a” adyte Pas eae 00) “$8 Quote sing an Man Sentence Death ing Skh inigran.” Aca hey, Seg, G8 ae Jan Bone, Septaine 11 ecenge es ic Sheatog SIM." The Guortiog Oriaber 288 8, Tuner EbGhomae, Sikh Pes Sue Sia Ds Au Mare sforonsion ain thi ce ant ets bine sine 9/ Lat hap //amsesiicoaliton dg 96 Nao) Aon Pic Amaccan Coy Consonum, 195 Au Using dg Aen Sigh Anocans, p. 9 at hips atancingesisliy.ongrdem ange asia Micton, "Quiet Matin Confronts Hate Crzues Say Faerie Conc never de ae ES Cummntsen on Cio Rigs, Gn gts Ins Fusing Ann Koons ea he pp 18-2 $8: Quoted in Lye Dike, “Pane ks Japan Bashing, Violen,” ishing Po, Febery 29, Tres. 1200 Gait Get Song Wang Fe July 9, 1999, and Et st Man Shot Himself, Basing Police Sap "Shonter Citvated is Rac Views in Cllege,” Lardner 2 Wasnt on, ach" Now Yr Daily Nr aly 18,205, lated nett ages Sib nea Bh Rags Seante, pan Basing onthe Canpaig ll Png brary 0198p 25-4 ober Renbold "Buying Arerican Us No Gael, US, Ronnie Sey" ee Sek he fanear 21 1002; Te Pi to Buy Ameria,” Sennen earaty SE pee Lance Moet. span in the Sing of Ancien To, Febrany 1h WHE pe a Stele “Rsclan Gharge Over Astin Sale" Sn Ponca Chm Erhby hk ins (Nem York Alia A. Koop, 1901; aa james alo, ite taking Avia Gr goin ons Noughaon Veit, ey 5 Quota a Sam Tolood i “apuotnsing Goris by Rigs Bal” as Ange Fone Bebra 8, WOE190 6 2, a ve os, 2 m 1. = oo. re vs oo 5 CHAPTERS Anti-Asian Violence: Breaking the Sitence ‘ote in Richard Othe "Spencer Slams Roya Bary Veteran Diey Uses Peal Hasbor ‘teenie in Hs Ror,” Soe noni xfnsedNes, Jnr 29, 2003 [Scot bali "Soyo Teles Om Arserieat Spor” Sai Pome/ Arig deca (Baio Rouge, Loin, Februsry 4, 2008. (Quad in Linsey Noung, "NASCAR Sere by Toyota's Eau” Ghatenoega Pine Fe Fei etary 13,2008 See Frutk i, “China Te New Scapegoat" Asien We, May 6, 1982, an Helen Zin "LAM ‘Nats Sayre Vou,” Asner, ae 10, 1900. ‘lchard erncn and Rowe H. Nive, The Coming Conf 1h Ghna New York Vintage nok, IBS) and David Ign, tg Ofe New orks Random Hore, 1898 et tans hin Showing Baer Teves 8," Lee gles Pe, fone 2, 2008 aval € Takes "China lls aay San anon Chote eg 2, 2008, Prin Bremner Sad atldeen Karn, “Here Come Chine Cho,” Buses Mah Jie G, 08, Jason My “Hate Was There ll The Time dren Me, Novesnber 1,108, 8 “anes rem the progam ca be found at hup//wrwastanmeitch se jeeygurd aid Porter "Ason Amtescan Gop Cal fer Boyeat ove “Bigoine’ Revears." aes ‘Pn pil 28, 2058 Choice in "Radin Howe Apologize for Remarks stout Asien Americar Candie” ‘cit Pes May 36, 2005. Shmvonny fs Fong Fe ae Scburbam Chien: Ne Reman of Monies Pk, Califia (nade Terple Universit Pres 204) Quad s2 Steen Chin, "Asians Terovized in Howsng Pees” See Stet Cheah, Frmvnry 17 1098, Riioral Asa Facile American Legal Cantor, 1903 Aut of Viele Agoins Asan Pace cscs pp. HOt; Coin, eta Tesvorieel”Janusey 17 1992 ‘Soe ne Irna,"S Basing Agency Settles Asian Bas Sui" San Fini ovens ly 28, O05, um: ikon, "Cousent Decree Ende dsiane Slousng Bas Seu rence Creal {hip 18,180; ane fone Dang, san Law Cancun Seen Hoc Sit” Asan ck July 22, ts otimert Park Ran Fly Shot by Caps” San Franeoy Comey, April 80, $7, on Joie (Cao, "Cnteget Kili Conn Noth Boy” Sam Prise nis ay 21,1957 {Gove aie Bjera, “Police Cleae Occ a Kao Shoot an‘sk August 15,1997 ‘Guoven fie Chao “Asian Man's Soting by Police SpurThie Probes Sen voi pane Ray, 100 Eielgn Crus La, "Widow les Lawsuit tn Rohnert Pash Death,” in Prac ee ebay 9, 1908, ya Kin, "$1 bliin Seulement in Saving by Robert Pack Police,’ Sax Frocties Choice Aug 18 201 ‘Gtllraia Adv ury Commitee forthe United Sites Commision on Cv Rigs, "Comoe si Ganeen Att a ere in eno Cn” deer IRB 4-5 he {cl eepor aig wep son erergecuny review commision hus See Heat E. Con and Bal Hatehinson, "Diapoointea Loviea Ropes tis Cove Wi) Ghomgesyicun Sr Ik Dy New, ne 8, 1980, ond Wiliam Besos “Sarees Protest Dn Verdi Taunting Police Along the Nap An Ht Tiawy February 26, 200 ‘orm Gevon, APA Aetan, New York Spi” Aianek Apri 3, 1996, Qeotee in Healner Hava, “NYE Preset Nzope Clngrs Agsinet Cop.” Asanti September 10, 1995, ‘Ghee ti Hen Hartn, “SRorcoumers Ste NYPD Ovce Ar" Aint, oe 4 88, ‘Temio Geron, "NYPD, Seles APA Complin's,” Ananda, ae 1 026, ANatonal Asin Poeie Ameria Legal Canons, 2002 Au gf Veloce Ans Asian Dreamers 9 Eran oon Khai, “In Shooting, Posto Dean the Desh” Sen fe cay Nas ay reais ‘Alot Gatirigh, Viewsmnese Carenanity Kalle," SuFrunric Cnais fay 17, 2008, Quoted in Hogney too,“ leinanten Hind Unig, Voice in Nake of Fac. Shooting, Sav BB Boer Neo, 1, 2008 ‘isd National Asian Puclhic American Legal Consuiia, 1998 da of WalsrAyeat Auto Pacer, pp. 19-22 Fevaed Change ede’ Fist tetnieBot” fm Karn Aur J el), Te See Asin Aaa Aaa nd Rsenee (Bescon Sous Bus Pres, 1), pp 1k ® a % ss oe . 10. 0, ee. 8, 108 ee, 16. Ww. 18 109, a, My ug, na Notes 181 “esi (Nena, 190), Nan Aran nfo els Da as Siig Ramco ceeds oi Fensspecial separ May 11, 1982, p. T10. ™ = Review 24 (1990): 136455, ™ mei Pete Hom "New Hace nt aqui Sepieee Mpp.7F8b an kp. 30 ee Min, Call ae Seon Rountree Tovess Bhwsy © Cena See Eee aed Reariat Stecies 14 (1991). 225-2M2, ~ (Rtn Rt ing Pg tng eck ad Laos Rasy, a ‘Quotes Daniel B. Wood, "As Koreas Americans Becouie Vale, They Seek Undersa ‘Beni ne 1 a pSsspiens bape ‘Times, April 25, 2000, * teres Quoted in “After due Gudy Version” Biommin Sae tram Section, September 2 S “ Powys ‘September 20, 2005. Pena, Ov See Intemational MigrationTHIRD EDITION The Contemporary Asian American Experience Beyond the Medel Minority Timothy P. Fong California State University Socramento ‘Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458