THE SAN MARINO TRAGEDY : Answering a Bloody Wake-Up Call

After the bullets fly and young people die, the question usually asked is: “How could it happen here in our community?” Understandably, there is considerable shock and outrage after the shootings in San Marino. However, this is only the most recent wake-up call for the Asian Pacific American community in the San Gabriel Valley.

Young people have been dying from violence in the San Gabriel Valley for some time, but media attention to these deaths has usually been limited to the local crime blotters, allowing residents in some communities to console themselves that it’s a problem belonging to other communities.

It shouldn’t happen in any community. It shouldn’t happen to anyone. The tragedy, loss and pain suffered by the wounded, grieving friends and family are no less than that suffered when children die in any other community. It has happened in other places, and it will continue to happen here if we simply turn away from the dark realities of gang violence.

Eight years ago, we at Pacific Clinics’ Asian Pacific Family Center began to provide outreach and consultation services to San Gabriel Valley schools with large numbers of Asian Pacific youths. Asian Pacific Islander people typically do not call for outside help and the children tend to follow the same cultural pattern of reluctance to show distress and to seek help.

However, such school-based services are only one small piece of what is needed to reduce gang violence. And we must address the frightening specter of often-ignored racial conflicts.

Recently, I have been hearing seventh- and eighth-grade Asian Pacific students say that they feel it has become necessary to join gangs in order to stay safe from members of other racial groups. Whether they need this protection in reality or not, in the minds of youngsters (and unfortunately many adults), the perception of danger can be just as powerful as reality.

Meanwhile, many students who do not perpetuate racial stereotypes and conflict have in fact felt pressured by their peers not to associate with other racial groups. “Why are you with them?” is a common question posed to those who dare to cross racial lines.

There are things we can do to help keep all of our children safe. But in order to help, we need to become aware and recognize when there is a problem. Here is a partial list of danger signs to watch for in your children and at their schools.

* Age: The time to prevent gang involvement is no later than age 12.

* Clothing: Gang attire/music/culture is very much in style for youth. Although students should have a voice in their clothing choices, because of the potential for violence for “looking” a certain way, it should be monitored at home and school.

* Parties: As was tragically learned from the party in San Marino, it is important for parents of both the host and guests to know exactly how guests are invited, how the party is promoted and who else is involved in the planning.

* Racial conflicts: Racial and cultural misunderstandings can start in our homes as well as our schools. Countering racial stereotypes and learning to resolve conflicts without violence can also be learned at home.

* Unauthorized absences: Make sure your school has a policy that checks with parents whenever students are absent. Many Asian students who get into trouble have a history of truancies.

I am constantly seeing kids who are in great need of help with problems such as substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts and often just the inability to cope. Joining gangs, like other forms of self-destructive behavior, is a futile effort to cope.

Finally, there is a tremendous lack of positive role models. My fear is that if these youths do not find those role models, the gangs will provide them, eagerly.

I am concerned about the parents who aren’t reading this, or who read it but feel it has little to do with them.

Gang violence and racial conflicts that occur in other areas and to other people must concern all of us. The violence will continue as long as we continue to hide and view these problems as coming from “those people,” whoever they might be. It is too easy to forget that we are “those people” when we become the next victims of senseless violence.