After AP exams, I try to connect my AP Human Geography students to future social studies classes with an emphasis on political science and human rights. The video The Crime That Fueled an Asian American Civil Rights Movement was a perfect combination of both issues and set us up for deeper conversations on federalism and state law vs. federal law. It also really resonated with my ninth-grade students. I have almost never seen my class as disgusted as they were after watching this video. They have learned about a lot of injustices in the world and at home, but the video was made in such a way that you didn’t have the othering effect.
The video recounts the killing of 27-year-old Vincent Chin, beaten to death with a baseball bat in Detroit in 1982. He was a victim of rising anti-Asian sentiment that became rampant again during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students were able to easily identify and empathize with Vincent and his mom. The interview with the man who killed Chin made my students so outraged that we had to find an article on him to see what he’s doing now. They were so curious.
Sign up to instantly access
free resources for teachers
With 300+ short-form documentaries and dozens of educator-approved lesson plans, Retro Report brings history to life in your classroom.
Register for free to access classroom materials and student activities.
Already have an account? Sign In.
Thank you for registering!
