Module 3: To Do Something or Nothing: The Decision to Take Action
Did the killing of Vincent Chin and the activism it sparked change what it means to be Asian American?
Before the terrible murder of Vincent Chin and the minor sentence of probation for the two white men who killed him, Asian Americans were rarely mentioned in schools, media, business, or government, especially not in relation to anything remotely considered “American.” Because they were so unseen, Asian Americans were even invisible to each other. The different Asian American ethnic groups and their cultures were disconnected except for one annual “Far Eastern Festival” sponsored by the City of Detroit to highlight the food and cultures of different communities. However, at the time, there was no history of joint advocacy or standing together against racism.
All that changed after the injustice of Vincent Chin’s murder. This module explores how the case brought together previously unconnected people to form an organized movement to seek justice for Vincent Chin.
What prompted people to come together when they didn’t know each other, knew little about each other’s backgrounds and cultures, and didn’t even speak the same language at home?
What steps did these previously unconnected people take in order to form an organization, and what were they able to accomplish?
How did people in Vincent Chin’s family and community respond to the perceived injustice of his death? What fears and concerns did people have?
