Over the last few months, more and more stories have come out of Asian Americans experiencing hate crimes and attacks because of their race. A lot of this hate has come from the COVID-19 virus with many people blaming Asians for the virus.
Lee Wong, an Asian American, finally had enough of seeing this discrimination and hate over race. During a town hall meeting in Ohio on March 23rd, Wong would lift his shirt to reveal scars that he received during his service in the US military. The 69-year-old man asked those in attendance “Is this patriot enough?”. The scars and wounds on his body were from his 20 years of service in the US military. This powerful display was meant as a plea to stop Asian hate in the US.
Wong for a long time has dealt with people questioning his loyalty to the US because he is an Asian man. He explained his story of how he has lived in the States since he was 18 and served in the army for 20 years. His beaten and battered body is the cause of protecting the country. He expressed how in his time in the country he had to deal with plenty of hate and prejudice because of his race. Wong spoke to CNN after his powerful display and had this to say in regards to prejudice in America, “We need to be kinder, gentler to one another because we are all the same. We are one human being on this earth.”
Wong’s story and statement at this town hall deserve to be echoed as loud as possible. The injustices of racial discrimination need to end. It is unfair that judgments are made to individuals who are not even given a chance to tell their stories. Wong’s story is an example of many and goes to show how you cannot judge a book by its cover. His bravery to speak up on this matter and to make such a powerful statement will hopefully cause others to speak out on injustices. (Image from ABC News)
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