Racial violence changes student — and school

[The Northerner]

PHILADELPHIA – Duong Nghe Ly can't wait to begin his senior year at South Philadelphia High School. A day of violence there last year changed his life, and he wants to learn if his school has been transformed as well.

Last Dec. 3, after years of attacks on Asian immigrant students, something finally snapped.

Fueled by rumors, a group of students roamed the halls searching for Asian victims until one was attacked in a classroom. Later, about 70 students stormed the cafeteria, where several Asians were beaten. About 35 students pushed past a police officer onto the so-called "Asian floor," but were turned back. After school, Asians being escorted home were attacked anyway by a mob of youths.

...

Dec. 3 was a turning point. He realized the system must change — and that he and his fellow immigrants were the ones to make that happen.

Their method? Guided by local activists, and despite reservations from some parents, about 50 Asian students boycotted school for a week.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100905/ap_on_re_us/us_a_student_s_journey

[spin]

1. Interesting story. (n/t)

[PDJane]

2. We've had violence against Asians here, too.......

Fishermen. It's taken work to do something about it, but it's helping. We've had imams tell parents that FGM isn't an islamic OR a Canadian practice, and Islamic doctors to tell them about the health problems, which seems to work better than an official telling them it's illegal. Every culture goes through an assimilation period. It's better if you can speed that process with guidance, however.