Photo: NBC/YouTube
Asian Americans are speaking out amid a recent wave of hate crimes across the United States.
Recently, a video of Ohio politician Lee Wong went viral after he removed his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt at a meeting of the West Chester Board of Trustees to make a powerful statement. The 69-year-old explained that he came to the U.S. when he was 18 years old, right out of high school, and served 20 years as an active duty member of the Army.
“People question my patriotism, that I don’t look American enough,” Wong said, pointing to his face. “I want to show you something. Because I’m not afraid. I don’t have to live in fear, intimidation or insults.”
Then, Wong revealed a long scar across his chest. “Here is my proof. This is sustained through my service in the U.S. military. Now is this patriot enough?” he said.
NBC/YouTube
“Prejudice is hate,” Wong said as he buttoned his dress shirt back up. “And that hate can be changed. We are human. We need to be kinder, gentler to one another. Because we are all the same. We are one human being on this Earth.”
He later spoke toThe Cincinnati Enquireraboutwhy he decided to bare his scars and speak on the topic. “The timing was right in light of what’s happening in this country. In that moment, I don’t know what came over me,” Wong said. “I just knew I had to say something.”
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Wong’s speech was publicly shared amid therise of racist incidents against Asians.
If you’ve been attacked or have witnessed an attack, please contact your local authorities. You can also report your incidenthere. / To learn more and to report crimes, go to:Asian Americans Advancing Justice,Stop the AAPI Hate,National Council of Asian Pacific Americans,Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, andAsian Pacific Policy & Planning Council.
source: people.com
