Former U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak speaks to the unique challenges of prosecuting hate crimes aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- [Sandra Oh] The shootings in Atlanta revealed
that prosecuting hate crimes aimed at Asian Americans
presents unique challenges
compared to other targeted groups.
- [Byung J. Pak] We had a lot of instances where there
were nooses found in a workplace.
We know what that means.
It was geared towards intimidating Black workers.
In the Jewish community, there is the Nazi symbol,
but towards Asian American community,
we don't have one symbol or multiple symbols
that really solidify the ideology against Asian Americans,
so it makes it a little bit tougher.
So you have to really look
and dig to find evidence of that motive.
(dramatic orchestral rock music)