Virginia: Korean Perspective

I’ve been trying to put my thoughts together about the massacre in Virginia, but think that I still need time. Nevertheless, I will discuss briefly the Korean perspective and concern.
First, I must say that this is extremely tragic. 32 great minds were horrifically taken from this Earth. It shows how sickly confused individuals can be. The situation also shows how bravely selfless humans can be, as seen in the case of Professor Lebrescu. This is a huge occurrence for American history.
However, this is understandably not huge news internationally. For many countries, this is a minor occurrence and simply the result of our crazy gun laws that permitted Cho to obtain two guns and within two months. (I’m speaking for many Western and East Asian nations. Though I don’t want a gun, I personally am in favor of the American right to bear arms. It’s just hard for others to understand this level of individualism). In most of the world people are more concerned with the +190 people that died today from attacks in Iraq.
However, the news of the massacre at Virginia Tech has dominated the front pages in America as well as Korea. Koreans are greatly concerned about what has happened. Those that I am surrounded by are even more concerned. Many plan to study in America or have sons and daughters currently in the States. Many people have asked me what I think about the occurrence and how will Americans react. Many have expressed shame for the country. Most American’s would also feel shame, but the level of guilt is stronger here. In a small homogeneous country that has strong communal values, the Koreans feel that they, in some round about way, could be to blame for this. All are shocked and many fear reprisal.
I tell them the same thing: that Americans are also shocked. We are shocked not only because of the massacre but because it was a Korean just as Koreans are shocked. White Americans are usually the one’s to lash out violently and illogically. People here will still fear an increase in racism, damage to Korean homes and businesses, and riots. I assure them that American citizens, especially college students, understand that this is an isolated incident, and that there is a much greater reason to fear white Americans. It’s difficult to explain the situation and reactions of the American people further than that. The language barrier is too thick to have a deep sociological discussion.For now, I will leave it at this. Koreans share some of the American concern. They feel disgrace and also fear for the safety of Koreans living in America. Later today, I will write about cultural differences that affect the perception of the massacre by Koreans compared to the American perspective.