"Daniel Dae Kim statement to the U.S. House Committee"

Question

by Daniel Dae Kim

(1) We cannot simply be painted with the broad brush of assumption that the most successful of us represent the totality of us. (2) Within ourselves we are a proud and diverse diaspora, (3) but to those who believe the foolish rhetoric of terms like the “China virus” or the “kung flu,” which some of the members of this very body have been heard to utter, all that matters is that we look different – different enough to attack. (4) And attack regardless of where in Asia our ancestry may be from, or more discouragingly, whether we may even be fellow Americans.

Daniel Dae Kim written statement to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, March 18, 2021

Answer 1

In his statement to the U.S. House Committee, Daniel Dae Kim emphasizes several key points regarding the experiences and challenges faced by the Asian American community.

1. Representation and Diversity: He advocates against generalizations that suggest the achievements of some individuals reflect the entire group, highlighting the internal diversity within the Asian diaspora.

2. Racism and Discrimination: Kim addresses the harmful impact of derogatory terms related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as “China virus” and “kung flu.” He notes that these terms fuel discrimination against Asian Americans, leading to physical attacks and broader animosity based solely on their appearance.

3. Identity and Belonging: He underscores the frustrating reality that despite being fellow Americans, individuals of Asian descent are often unfairly targeted and treated as outsiders due to their ethnic background.

Kim's statement calls for a recognition of the complexities of the Asian American identity, and it serves as a reminder of the need for solidarity and understanding in combating prejudice and xenophobia.