In 1992, during the upheaval following the Rodney King verdict, a young Korean-American named Tony Moon took to the streets of Los Angeles to protect his community from violent rioters. This spontaneous response from local business owners, now referred to as “rooftop Koreans,” emerged as a powerful movement during a turbulent time when the city faced immense violence and destruction, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Moon recalls the chaos and fear that surged through the city as he joined others to defend their livelihoods and communities amidst rioting sparked by the acquittal of police officers involved in King’s brutal treatment.
Moon highlights the pivotal role of Radio Korea during the 1992 riots, which became a crucial information hub for Korean-Americans, alerting them to impending threats. Friends called upon Moon to assist in protecting local businesses under threat of looting, profoundly impacting him and echoing the complexities of community relationships at that time. He notes the pre-existing tensions between the Black and Korean communities, stemming from a tragic incident the prior year. This backdrop of inter-community strife framed the civil unrest as a consequential response rather than a manufactured one, contrasting sharply with today’s climate.
In a modern reflection on current unrest, Moon expresses concern that today’s riots are politically driven rather than arising from grassroots activism. He perceives a lack of genuine community support akin to what was seen during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, arguing that today’s demonstrations are more engineered than organic. He suggests that the current discontent seeks a new martyr, reminiscent of the past but lacking the resonance and urgency that characterized earlier protests. This commentary results in a call to understand the nature of contemporary unrest, framing it as a continuation of past social movements.
Despite his support for peaceful protests, Moon draws a line at property destruction and violence, encouraging individuals who feel unsafe to take proactive measures for their defense. He advocates self-arming, referencing the empowerment he and his community found during past crises. Emphasizing Second Amendment rights, he suggests that individuals learn to handle firearms for protection, marking a shift in community resilience strategies and reflecting contemporary fears around safety and crime.
Recent riots in Los Angeles were ignited by a series of ICE sweeps, leading to clashes between federal law enforcement and protesters. These events showcased the city as a flashpoint for debates surrounding immigration policies, with tensions further inflamed by political blame directed towards the Trump administration. Mayor Karen Bass’s accusations against Trump for exacerbating unrest exemplify the charged political landscape that alters community dynamics and influences public safety perceptions.
As these issues unfold, Moon’s perspective acts as a lens on the evolving nature of civil unrest in Los Angeles. He expresses nostalgia for a time when community action had a grassroots foundation, contrasting it with today’s politically driven narratives. His insights advocate for proactive community defense while underscoring the need for authentic grassroots support in social movements, ultimately urging individuals to empower themselves amid growing societal tensions.
