Cambodian Refugees and Aoki Documentary

Melissa Chow
ASA 004- A04
2^nd May, 2017

            

                The documentary, “Aoki” was about Richard Aoki, a civil rights activist. Most Asians are often characterized as being more shy and reserved, but Aoki was more out-spoken and naturally became a leader. He joined both the Black Panthers, and he led Asian American marches at UC Berkeley. I was shocked at this documentary because I had never heard of Aoki before. I live in the Bay Area, and I’m Asian American. Isn’t what he did as a civil rights activist particularly relevant? I looked up information on Aoki right after lecture, and I was confused but what I found. Apparently there are reports that Aoki was an undercover FBI agent, and he reported a lot of the inner information about Black Panthers and Asian groups for a number of years. The FBI even released official documentation to prove it. I read that his friends say the information he released wasn’t damning, and that when it came down to the nitty and gritty, Aoki chose the movement over the FBI. Still, I couldn’t brush it off from my mind. Why would he collaborate with the FBI in the first place? I don’t personally know what he did for the Asian American movement, but I still can’t help but feel betrayed. Is he a hero? A spy? I don’t know how to feel about Aoki now. He probably did more good than bad, but it’s hard not to feel disappointed.

              

                 This week’s reading on “Deporting Refugees” reminds me a lot of what’s happening in the U.S. now. Except I think that nowadays, many groups are able to stand up against the deportation of Muslim refugees, and the only ones who helped Cambodian refugees were other Cambodians. That’s why it was particularly important that groups were organized to bring about change and civil rights for them. Then again, I think Trump’s new reign will likely reverse it all, and bring us back to a fearful time. AYPAL’s struggle to get the IIRIPA repealed was frustrating to read. People are quick to use their words, but it’s a lot more difficult to see actions.