Call for Legislation to Condemn Protests … Atlanta Shootings Sparked Racist Public Debate



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Citizens march in the streets and demonstrate on the 20th to condemn the hatred of Asian Americans in front of the Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia, where a series of shootings took place. Atlanta = EPA Yonhap News

In the wake of the Atlanta, Georgia shooting incident where six Asian women, including four Korean-Americans, were murdered by whites, the deeply ingrained issue of hate crimes against racial discrimination in the United States is in the public eye. public. . President Joe Biden’s cautious attitude changed prospectively as protests spread across the United States, urging an end to racism and crime. The focus of the investigation, which appeared to be shifting to personal mental health, is also narrowing to hate crimes.

Atlanta wasn’t the only area where the rally took place on the 20th (local time) on the weekend. The slogan “Stop Asian Hate” was broadcast in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, New York and Chicago. They are the aftermath of the Atlanta incident. Korean actress Sandra Oh also appeared at the Pittsburgh rally. As a speaker, he said: “I am proud to be Asian.”

The protests, which began the day after the incident (17), continue day after day. On the 19th, Korean Americans in Los Angeles (LA) shared hate crimes against Asians while traveling through Koreatown in about 100 vehicles. Hispanic residents heard a sign saying ‘Stay Strong Atlanta’.

The anger spread outside the United States and even into the internet space. On the occasion of the World Week for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the opening speech of the event held in front of the Girl of Peace in Berlin, Germany, included a request to “stop racism and gender discrimination against Asians” . in the form of ‘# StopAsianHate’.

This strong current moved President Biden. In a statement on the 19th, President Biden, who was in the position of “ I know the Asian concerns, ” said in a statement on the 19th that he shares the national sadness and anger over the incident and promotes the government’s quick response. to hate crimes, a new coronavirus infection (coronavirus) .19) He called on Congress to speed up the ‘Hate Crimes Act’. He then went directly to Atlanta to interview Asian leaders and condemned violence against Asians in a speech. “Hate and racism is an ugly poison,” he emphasized. The first woman, black and Asian vice president, Kamala Harris, also helped “the president and we will not shut up.”

World Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is the 21st. United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a black woman, said: “I know the ugly face of racial discrimination because I am a descendant of slaves” at the meeting. of the UN General Assembly held on the 19th under the theme “Abolish racism, xenophobia and related intolerance.” He called on member states to dismantle attention and ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

US President Joe Biden (front) is calling for an end to hatred against Asians at Emery University in Atlanta, Georgia, where the recent serial shootings took place on the 19th. Atlanta = AP Newsis

Even the threads of the investigation are leading to hate crimes. Immediately after the incident, the police, who appeared to be weighing the hypothesis that ‘sex addiction’ is the motive for the crime, by revealing the shooter’s confession, could not overcome public opinion that they ‘cover up the suspect’. The media (CNN Broadcasting) also noted that sex addiction is not recognized as a medical illness.

But there is a long way to go. The biggest obstacle is the evidence. Federal investigators are seeking evidence to apply hate crimes to the Atlanta shooters, but the Associated Press reported on the 20th. Text messages, online posts, or testimonies revealing allegations of racial profiling are generally considered clear evidence.

In the case of Asians, claims that they have been targets of hatred are difficult to prove. According to the New York Times from the USA and Japan on the 18th, there are many cases where hate crime charges do not apply to crimes against Asians. Above all, a common pattern or symbol for crimes against Asians rather than blacks, Jews and homosexuality, experts argue is because there is none.

Another limitation is the lack of preparation of Asian American leaders. The Washington Post reported on the 20th that they did not have many concrete ideas in talks with the government, and that they also exposed disagreements on future goals.

Still, it is true that an opportunity arose through the crisis. About 180 organizations led by Asia Pacific Community Groups (AAPI) in the United States delivered a letter requesting a budget of $ 300 million (about 390 billion won) at a meeting with President Biden, who visited Atlanta. the 19. government be more active.

Kwon Gyeong-seong reporter

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