A press release from the Asian American Psychological Association
Asian American Psychological Association Mourns Virginia Tech Tragedy
San Francisco -The Asian American Psychological Association joins with the rest of the nation in mourning the tragic loss of the members of the Virginia Tech community. In particular, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have suffered a personal loss and our deepest hopes for the healing of those who were injured and bore witness to this horrific event.
As psychologists and counselors, we understand the complexities of this incident and the multiple needs and emotions that are now pulling at us...as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. First and foremost among these, are the needs of those individuals who have been directly affected by this tragedy. So, as a community we will, in whatever way is available to each of us, honor and contribute to the healing of students, staff, faculty, their families, the community of Blacksburg, Virginia, and others across the nation who have been affected by this tragedy.
We also join with the nation as we struggle and search to find explanations for this tragedy. As we grapple with what happened, it is clear that in the search for simple answers and even simpler sound-bites, the spotlight may swing towards the issues of race, ethnicity and culture. We caution against simplifying the situation in this way. Although the alleged perpetrator has been identified as a Korean American immigrant, it is important to remember that no person’s actions are solely related to their race and/or culture. We know that race and culture do affect individual’s actions and social relationships in a way that contributes to stress and psychological difficulties. However, it is vital that our understanding of this tragedy not be reduced to and grounded in simplistic and stereotypic assumptions about Asian Americans in general or Korean Americans in particular. Psychological research has indicated that beliefs about and experiences with specific individuals of color have the clear potential to be generalized to the community as a whole – to the detriment of the community and the shared goal of justice and equality. Therefore, we caution against the assumption that this tragedy is representative of Asian Americans. Given the historical precedents, we also caution against retaliation directed at members of the Asian American community and call attention to the injustice and inappropriateness of such possible responses in the hope of preventing them.
As mental health professionals, we believe that this incident highlights the critical value of mental health services both as a step towards prevention and in response to tragedies such as this. Thus, during this time of shock and grief, it is our hope that mental health professionals will contribute to the healing that is to come.
The Asian American Psychological Association is the primary, national organization dedicated to the advancement of the psychological well-being of Asian Americans.
Posted by richlee at April 19, 2007 09:50 AM