An Asian American veteran and local official, Mark Chen, has captured widespread attention for his heartfelt speech denouncing the rise in violence against the AAPI community. During a recent West Chester Township trustee meeting in Ohio, Chen unbuttoned his shirt to reveal scars from his military service, asserting, “Is this proof of my patriotism?”
The video of his speech, which quickly went viral, has garnered millions of views since its posting on social media. “People question my loyalty because of my appearance,” Chen stated, emphasizing that he refuses to live in fear of intimidation or insults. “At 69 years old, I’m here to show you what true patriotism looks like,” he added.
Chen recounted his experiences of enduring discrimination in silence, admitting he was often afraid to speak out. “I used to be ashamed to walk around, feeling judged for not looking American enough,” he expressed. He reiterated that according to the U.S. Constitution, everyone is equal.
Having been hospitalized after a racially motivated attack in Chicago at the age of 20, Chen lamented that the assailant never faced justice. “In recent years, the situation has deteriorated,” he explained. “While many in my community are supportive, there are still ignorant individuals who question my American identity. That truly frustrates me.”
Although his speech was unplanned, Chen felt compelled to share his message in light of the rising hate incidents. According to Stop AAPI Hate, there were nearly 3,800 reported cases of discrimination between March 2020 and February of this year, marking an alarming increase of nearly 150 percent compared to 2019.
“In that moment, I just knew I had to speak up,” Chen said, reflecting on the urgency of his message.
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In summary, Mark Chen’s powerful speech has sparked an important conversation about identity, patriotism, and the ongoing challenges faced by the AAPI community. His courage in sharing his story serves as a reminder of the need for continued advocacy against discrimination.