Sa-i-gu

Even though I read in “Strangers From A Different Shore” that “the human toll was high: 58 deaths, 2,400 injuries, and 12,000 arrests” (Takaki 494), the full impact of the tragedy didn’t hit me until I saw how hurt the mother of Edward Song was. I can’t get her words out of my head: “I’m still waiting for my son.” The numbers didn’t make much sense until I realize there are 58 mothers out there mourning and that thousands and thousands of families are affected deeply by this unfortunate event.

Unfortunate, but not accidental! Sa-i-gu happened for a host of reaso

ns. It has to do with the social ladder in which African Americans occupy the bottom rung and Asian Americans perceived as the middlemen. It has to do with the gap between the rich and poor. It has to do with cultural differences and misunderstandings. It has to do with injustice.

When such tension erupted, as it did on April 29, 1992, the result was destruction and violence. For the Korean community, who suffered half of the $800 million damage, it was more than the destruction of properties, it was the destruction of dreams. The hard work described by the business owners was incredible. Some of these people worked days and nights for almost twenty years only to have it all burned to ashes. Many people were shocked and confused. A woman on the film “Sa-I-gu” spoke of a huge hole in America, an imperfection in the supposedly beautiful country. Thes

Some topics in this essay:
Ja Du, Sa-i-gu April, Edward Song, Asian Americans, Latasha Harlings, African American, Korean American, African Americans, korean community, takaki 494, injustice korean, differences misunderstandings, april 29, community suffered, korean community suffered, american community,