Who is the Enemy?

Sa-I-gu was an unfair attack on people who had nothing to do with white power. The blacks were angry at the whites and wanted revenge so they attacked the Koreans because the Koreans were taken care of and educated by the whites. Some Koreans felt like they had a bond with black people because a woman said " I felt betrayed by black kids," implying that because they were minorities they could relate to each other and struggle through white oppression and overcome it. But another person stated that Koreans did not try to understand black people. Many Koreans felt upset that the blacks were mad at them and not the white people. The Koreans lost everything in that unlawful riot because they were not the ones who betrayed the black people; they only wanted to start a new life. Perhaps the black people were jealous that the whites liked the Koreans or that they wanted to take their anger out on other people and the Koreans happened to be an easy target. I feel like the blacks should have been more understanding towards the Koreans who had nothing when they came to this country and now they have destroyed everything that they had worked for. Surly the blacks would understand the feeling when people persecute you because of your skin color. If the blacks had sympathized over them and tried to work together, could they have overcome white power? Why does this war against the white society have to be against other minorities? I believe that even though someone is not a Korean, to some extent they can sympathize with all the hate that they have felt and all of the hardships. If we take the time to talk to one another and listen to what they have to say, imagining us in their shoes, how far will we go? Is it possible for the white people to change and make up for the past? Once we all start communicating, we can try to understand each other then we will become stronger as a nation and truly live up to the American Dream. 

Equally Represented

If minorities had more politicians and leaders in America, how would it affect the public and certain minority groups? The quote “Queens had seen a drop in violent crime since his election. The latest school test scores were you. You could think wise John Kwang was responsible,” explores the question. (lee,84). If there were numerous politicians representing every race, would minority groups be less tempted to steal because they felt like someone of their own race will look out for their needs? Would a minority being in power inspire others that they can over come the white system if they try hard enough? If there is only one minority group in power, there will be competition from all of the other minorities to get someone to represent them. There would also be more racial tension between other minorities rather then just the whites. Obama for example could represent the black community but how effectively can he represent the Asian American community or the Hispanic community? Some black people had problems with Obama because he was not “black enough”. What defines racial representation if a race will not accept him? Would the crime rate go down in communities if they did have someone to represent them? I believe that in order for minorities to feel like they have a voice in America, more minorities need to be elected meaning that there is a possibility for minorities to be accepted in America rather then being told what is best for them by a group of people who do not understand them. Minorities need a person who can stand up for them to level the playing field. The white politics have taken advantage of the cheap labor from immigrants but if they had been represented then they could more easily stand up for themselves. In having a variety of politicians, America will truly belong to the people with the political representatives seeing to the fair treatment of everyone instilling a sense of belonging in America rather then being dictated by the white society.