When they started reporting that the shooter was an Asian guy, my immediate reaction was: Fuck, it had to be an Asian guy.
This isn’t really about the event itself, which would’ve been horrible no matter who did the shooting. But if you’re a white American, I have a question for you. When was the last time a white guy went on a killin’ spree and you battened down the hatches—’cause you were white too?
I’m betting Asians all over the country are getting ready for the hate.
I’m not defending the media, but maybe it was unusual that the killer wasn’t a white male. (I guess I always think “white male” when I think of killing sprees.)
And I guess it never crossed my mind to retaliate against the Korean community. They, as a whole, can’t be held responsible. Those were the actions of one individual. I would like to think most people feel that way. And I’m sorry if any Korean-Americans are worried that they might feel backlash.
Am I too naive?
I’m Asian, and now I’m nervous. We’ve been the targets of too many hate crimes in this country for me to feel otherwise.
Angry Asian Man has a good roundup of the situation.
And more from Undercover Black Man:
The racist response to the Virginia Tech killings
time for plan b
:D