• MEMBERS

One Year Later: Diversity as a Core Value

Across the nation, American Muslims, Sikhs, and people who merely look Middle Eastern or South Asian, are singled out for harassment, threats, and assaults. According to the Sikhnet.com website, 16 hate crime deaths have affected the Sikh community since September 11, 2001. These deaths are no less tragic than those of the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

For Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), these senseless acts of violence and continued racial profiling are all too familiar. APAs have been victims of scapegoating, hate crimes and – in the case of the internment camps of WWII – government-sanctioned discrimination, simply because they have too often looked like “the enemy.” From Pearl Harbor to Korea to Vietnam, Asian Pacific Americans have personified the “other” and are often innocent targets of misplaced anger and violence.

The United States is a nation of immigrants who have come seeking freedom and opportunity. The true challenge for the American people is to honor our diversity and avert the real tragedy of allowing these radicals to destroy our collective sense of unity and trust. The feelings of grief, fear, and anger must be overcome; these emotions should not and cannot cloud sound reasoning and judgment when remembering the terrorist attacks.

While the United States has started the healing process, we must continue to be vigilant in the struggle to end hate-motivated incidents and racial profiling. It is crucial that Americans do not become complacent and allow the passing of time to fade our memories. Only through education and raising awareness can we truly move forward. Let us not allow the terrible events of September 11, 2001, to divide us as a nation. Let us prove to the world that our diversity truly is our greatest source of strength.

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Founded in Los Angeles, CA, in 1982, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP) offers leadership training, publishes original public policy research, and conducts community education to advance a comprehensive strategy of Asian Pacific American empowerment.

Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP)
tel 213-485-1422 | fax 213-485-0050 | www.leap.org