Lesson Plan, Teaching Guide, Video From Outrage to Organizing: The Impact of the Vincent Chin Case
- Grade Level 9th-12th Grade
- Time Period 1970 - 1989
Introduction
This lesson will explore how the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin galvanized the Asian American community, resulting in increased visibility for Asian Americans, an organized response to racism and xenophobia, and the birth of a new generation of activists. In addition, the lesson will explore the legal impact of Vincent Chin’s murder and how it has shaped how we view and define hate crimes today.
Essential Questions
How did the socioeconomic conditions of the United States in 1982 create an environment for anti-Asian violence?
When Ronald Ebens said “It’s because of you [profanity] that we are out of work” how was he stereotyping Asian Americans such as Vincent Chin? What are the effects and consequences on Asian Americans when they are seen in this way? How might this kind of stereotyping impact other communities?
In the words of Vincent Chin, what was “not fair”?
Ebens and Nitz were sentenced to three years’ probation and a $3,000 fine for the murder of Vincent Chin. Do you think this is fair? Why or why not?
How did Vincent Chin’s murder and the movement to seek justice for him impact many Asian Americans?
What parallels are there between Chin’s murder and how Asian Americans have been perceived and treated in other parts of history? What parallels are there to today?