Korean-American's response to Virginia Tech incident ?

Question

I sorta feel that a slight, or maybe moderate, air of hostility is coming between Americans and Koreans.
It's pretty sure that Cho Seung-Hui, a South Korean, was responsible for the shootings, and being a South Korean myself, I just feel a little insecure and even sorta embaressed/ashamed. Let's just hope that tensions do not escalate any further.

Is it okay for me to feel this way?

Answer 1

You have no cause to be embarrassed/ashamed. This is no more a mark against you than the fact that I don't like squash is a mark against me. Feel grief for his victims and their families, feel grief for his family. But, DO NOT feel shame for who you are. First he was a killer, second he just happened to be Korean. No one in his right mind would even remotely hold this action of a single sick man against you and your whole nationality.

Answer 2

I dont understand why South Koreans are ashamed, embarassed, or apologetic (even the Korean government is apologizing!) for the actions of Mr. Cho. This is not a race issue as some people would want to make it out to be. Mr. Cho's action does not make all Koreans or Asians murderers. Mr. Cho was a mentally disturbed young man, regardless if he was Korean or not. He just happened to be Korean.
People should not focus on his being Korean. Instead the focus should be on why he was not apprehended earlier, or why no adequate action was made earlier when there had been numerous warning signs about his mental instability. Or why the school did not take appropriate actions to protect their students in the 2-hour window between the first and second shootings. Or why it is so horribly easy to procure a gun.

Answer 3

Hey, I'm half Korean/half Irish and I can sympathize with you. It's a shame that Cho was Korean, which unfortuantely brings shame to an entire nationality.And Cho Seung Hui is bonafide coward who committed a horrible, heinous act. You can't blame an entire race for that.

HOWEVER. This matter is NOT one of race, just one particular idiot who couldn't handle the weight of the world. Any comments of supposed "racial backlash" can be easily ignored - and I for one welcome anyone to make such comments as it'll show their fallacious reasoning. You have to EXPECT These kinds of comments - honestly, I'd be confused if an ignorant minority didn't make it a race issue.

This is not a race issue and let's not focus on it. True there will be hate from ignorant people to Korean-Americans, but they are not the victims in this case. If it does come to people hating on you just because you are a Korean-American, just hold your head up high. You did nothing wrong. Imagine what the victim's families are going through right now.Pray for the lives lost/families/friends of those viciously killed at Virginia Tech. RIP. <3

Answer 4

America as a whole I think has been very supportive of the korean community and the Korean community where I live in Centreville, VA has been very supportive of V-Tech. They set up a fund for V-tech and have been out in public showing support for the school by holding and going to vigils and memorial services. Some V-tech students have shown support by going to Korean businesses and giving them a letter saying that the V-tech students support korean businesses. Of course there is always an exception. I'm sure therer are racists out there with any excuse to show their true colors without any real reason. Through this tragedy I think Americans and Koreans have shown very mature and graceful behavior. I am proud to call myself Korean American.

Koreans have apologized for something they had no responsibility or control over because Korea is a very collective culture. We think in terms of we and not I. There are positives and negatives to that for sure

Answer 5

It's not even about race. It's excessive to even bring up race as an issue. The fact that "Korean communities" are coming out and saying they are "embarassed" or "ashamed" just makes this whole incident a matter of race. Mr. Hui is a man on his own and does not embody the Korean community just because he may be the same race.

And anyway, I may be Asian. But, I'm an American... not a Korean. And I'm proud to be an American.

Answer 6

I suppose it is natural to feel this way, and it is best to be honest with yourself about your feelings.
I have trouble imagining that many people would be hostile to Koreans because of this event. However, it is a national trauma and some people may react irrationally for a little while. But, the stereotype of Asians in the US is studious, smart, not involved in crime. This stereotype will tend to counteract the traumatic associations with Cho. On Yahoo Answers, I notice people seem shocked that an Asian, of all people, would do such a thing!
Anybody who thinks about it will know that race and nationality have nothing to do with this kind of crime.
The great majority of mass murderers in the US have been white, just because most of the people are white.
Just keep being yourself, and welcome to the US!

Answer 7

I am 23, Korean American female and I too was very disappointed to learn the killer was Korean and dreaded the racist comments or jokes the following days. This killer killed everybody one of his victims were asian

I also understand the reasons why South Korea apologized, if you study the culture, native Koreans tend to link themselves as a "whole" and "togetherness", so this whole incident felt like a reflection on themselves , which explains why.

Answer 8

yes, im korean also, and im feeling that way. When i heard on the news that the shooter was an asian, in my mind i said to myself, 'i hope he's not a korean'. But, i dont think that anything will happen to us korean-americans. I think that everyone will forget about this incident in few days. Plus, i live in the bay area where there are alot of koreans, so we just need to come more close together at church, family, friends, etc.

Answer 9

As a Korean I feel terrible. I was shock when the killer was revealed as a Korean. I'm praying to the victims, their families, and to every Va tECH community. Everyone of any races commit crime.

Answer 10

No, I don't think there is or will be any hostility between Americans and Koreans. You have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. You did nothing wrong. Cho Sueng-Hui was obviously a very disturbed young man. It has nothing to do with his nationality.

Take care, be well.