People always want to fool themselves into thinking America is a non-racist, all-accepting country. And once again, an event occurs and changes all of that.
Recently, a South Korean student killed 32 people in what became the deadliest incident of its kind. Shock was my initial reaction, and then a feeling of dread: He was South Korean? Oh, brother. I knew what was coming my way. Still, I am appalled by some of the comments I am seeing and hearing.
One person messes up and suddenly his entire race is under attack. Case in point: the comments left on the “Fighting Asian Backlash (VT)” wall on Facebook. Here’s one comment that stung particularly: “look. Koreans are a daner [sic] to society. this Cho thing is just ONE example. There are also other dangers…what good has come to this country because of Koreans? (other than their food and women and movies…).” I read this and couldn’t believe my eyes. How could he generalize all Koreans as a “daner [sic] to society?”
I’m South Korean, and I don’t believe myself to be any sort of danger to society. As far as I know, my people are hard-working and diligent. Sure, that seems like a stereotypical description of Asians, but it is true. My parents work hard, toiling long hours to send me to school and to support me in all my endeavors. Many Koreans are in the service business, working at dry cleaners, doughnut shops and car repair. Unless I’m mistaken, service is giving back and helping out society.
Koreans are good people overall, and it really bothers me that one person can muddy up our reputation. But come on, people, don’t let one incident turn you into a racist. Besides, isn’t this a time where our country should unite and reach out to console those who were involved in this tragedy? Point your passions elsewhere, and stop making racist comments. Open up your mind and stop trying to blame innocent people.
How unfair is it to blame one person’s behavior on an entire group of people? Since when was race that important? It bothers me that the news continues to emphasize that Cho was a “South Korean student.” Is there really a need to emphasize it so much? Let’s look at it this way. I’m not trying to make a racist comment, just a thought. If the killer had turned out to be Caucasian, would the news continuously call him a “Caucasian” or “white” student? I really don’t think so. Why then, is it really relevant that he’s South Korean, or if he was African, or Cuban?
If anything should be emphasized, it should be the fact that Cho seemed mentally disturbed. He wrote disturbing stories, and was even evaluated at a mental hospital. These, if anything, would be the things that drove him to commit such a horrendous crime. Not because he was South Korean.
It’s cliché, I know, but it seems appropriate: If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. There were enough people hurt in this incident. There’s no point in continuing that hurt by making stinging remarks. Even jokes should be avoided. You might think it’s funny, but you could end up really offending somebody else…like me. So please, stop.
About the writer:
Mari Park is a junior journalism major. She can be reached at [email protected].
