New year, new people to meet. It's the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is crime fighter Pearl Kim.
Who are you?
Assistant District Attorney, Pearl Kim, in the Special Victims and Domestic Violence Division at Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Pennsylvania.
What are you?
A second generation, Korean American named after Pearl S. Buck and proud of it! For those of you who do not already know, Pearl Buck is the renowned author of The Good Earth. She grew up in China but was also active in the Civil Rights movement in America, helped advance women's rights globally, and essentially helped bridge the East and the West. She stood up against oppression and founded the first international adoption agency to help biracial children that were considered un-adoptable. And a shameless plug for Pearl S. Buck International -- please consider sponsoring a child today at www.psbi.org!
Where are you?
In my art studio.
Where are you from?
That, my friend, is a secret. I've put away some bad individuals, so no need to share information about my home base.
What do you do?
Prosecute the gamut of rapists, pedophiles, child pornographers, domestic abusers, human traffickers, etc... need I go on?
And I attempt to build bridges between law enforcement and the local Asian community. I don't have any hard and fast numbers for you, but we continue to combat racially motivated crimes being committed against the Asian community. Past criminal defendants have made admissions that they specifically target Asians based on racial stereotypes -- essentially believing that Asians are less likely to fight back or are more likely to keep cash in their homes. Thanks to AngryAsianMan and other media avenues, these crimes against Asians have garnered national attention.
Sadly, I suspect that our region is no different than other areas across the country regarding the victimization of Asians. The difference is that we truly have some incredible leaders in this area. They have made it a priority to address the issue and dedicate the available resources to solving these crimes and of course a lot of trial and error occurred before our efforts of successfully reaching out to the local Asian communities. Whether an outreach event caters to five people or a hundred -- our top law enforcement officials always make themselves available at any hour of the day and any unconventional place, in order to convey safety tips and encourage participation in our judicial system. But the success of our efforts didn't happen overnight. I think it is fair to say we began to focus our attention on these crimes back in 2008; but our responses are now quicker, and the participation of the Asian community has only grown stronger. We are no longer simply responding to criminal events but aggressively trying to prevent them. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to our local and federal partners in their continued commitment in protecting our community!
Special thanks to: Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Radnor Township Police, Upper Darby Police, Marple Township Police, Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Cheltenham Township Police, Philadelphia Police Department, US Attorney's Office, Philadelphia FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Yuong-Sang Church, Hmart, and last but certainty not least, APABA-PA.
What are you all about?
Trying to figure out creative ways to improve our criminal justice system, being an advocate for survivors of sexual violence, seeking justice for victims of violent crime, and encouraging our fellow Asian Americans to enter into public service.
On a lighter note, bowling nights with my cousins, crashing Princeton Reunions, dinner with my girlfriends, and scrabble are fun too!
What makes you angry?
Injustice.