As Asian Americans attempt to make sense of back-to-back shootings in California, experts warn against drawing broad cultural conclusions from the tragedies. Gun violence, they say, is symptomatic of a “uniquely American phenomenon.”
As Asian Americans attempt to make sense of two deadly shootings in California targeting the community within a matter of days, experts warn against drawing broad cultural conclusions from the gun violence.
Local officials say that Huu Can Tran, 72, who killed 11 people in Monterey Park on Saturday, may have been targeting his ex-wife in a personal dispute, while Chunli Zhao, 67, who the next day killedat two agricultural businesses in Half Moon Bay, engaged in an instance of “workplace violence.” Though both suspects are older Asian men, experts are making the point gun violence is pervasive and spans race, cultures and identities.
“The problem is, when an Asian American or Asian person does something in the United States, it feels like the whole weight of a community, whether that’s an ethnic community, or an entire race, gets placed on the bodies of people,” Jennifer Ho, professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, told NBC News.“Asian Americans aren’t exempt from mass killings,” Ho added.
“Any mass shooting is lowering the threshold for the next one, so if you were somebody contemplating this type of crime and going through a crisis, there is certainly a chance that witnessing some type of shooting serves as motivation to do your own,” Densley said. According to Densley, mass shooters will often study other mass shooters, but this is usually more common in younger people.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California mass shooting raises anxiety among Asian American communities in New JerseyThe mass shooting in Monterey Park, California is raising anxiety in Asian American communities across the county, including in New Jersey. csloantv reports.
Read more »
'Radicalizing our elders'—California shootings leave Asian Americans aghastChunli Zhao, 67, is suspected of opening fire at two locations, just days after an older Asian man allegedly killed 11 during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Read more »
California shootings come after spike in Asian Americans buying gunsGun ownership among Asian Americans spiked during the COVID pandemic amid a rise in anti-Asian violence.
Read more »
After California massacres, Asian Americans shoulder the griefMore mass killings, more collective grief — and this time, Asian Americans and immigrants are shouldering the bulk of the agony. Instead of Lunar New Year revelry, people are organizing candlelight vigils, memorials and funeral funds.
Read more »
3 California mass shootings force grieving Asian Americans to ask painful questionsAsian Americans across the country are anguishing over the recent mass shootings, in which older Asian men have allegedly opened fire on other Asians.
Read more »
After Shooting, Providing For The Mental Health Needs Of Affected CommunitiesOne LA coalition of groups wants to tailor its outreach toward Asian and Asian American elders.
Read more »