Evan Kail, a 34-year-old American pawnshop owner and TikTok vlogger, recently found himself at the center of a significant historical and cultural controversy. His decision to donate an album containing photos of World War II atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China led to a series of threats, compelling him to take extreme safety measures, including wearing a bulletproof vest. Despite this, Kail remains unwavering in his conviction that his actions were necessary for historical education and discourse.
A year ago, Kail made a noteworthy donation to the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago. This donation was an old collection of over 30 rare photographs documenting the horrific acts of violence committed by Japanese forces in Shanghai and Nanjing. The latter city was the site of the Nanjing Massacre, a tragic chapter where Chinese civilians and soldiers were massacred by Japanese invaders from December 1937 to January 1938.
Kail, who first learned about the Nanjing Massacre during his high school and university education, never anticipated forming such a direct connection to this dark period of history. His TikTok post showcasing some of these photographs unexpectedly led to threats and intimidation, forcing him to take safety precautions. The threats, mostly digital and from anonymous accounts, were suspected to be from Japanese nationalists.
Despite these challenges, Kail received immense support, particularly from the Chinese community, which he found incredibly affirming. He expressed gratitude for the support from individuals he had never met, who respected and stood up for his decision.
The album, which Kail recognized as containing artifacts of inestimable value, was a significant historical record that he believed needed preservation and exposure. He also understood its profound symbolic significance to the Chinese as a representation of a painful period in their history.
After donating the album, Kail did not expect any reward from the Chinese side but was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter of thanks and a beautiful porcelain tea jar. This gesture deeply moved him, becoming a source of pride and reflection during challenging times.
Kail has since become active on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform, sharing his stories with a wider audience and attempting to learn Chinese to improve communication. His experience has also inspired him to contribute to fostering positive relations between the US and China, emphasizing the importance of peace and dismissing rumors labeling him as a spy.
Kail’s journey, marked by his unexpected role in historical preservation and the ensuing controversy, underscores the complex interplay of history, culture, and international relations. His experience not only highlights the enduring impact of historical events but also the personal risks and rewards involved in preserving and sharing controversial aspects of history. Kail plans to author a book about his life and experiences, hoping to further educate and inform people about this critical historical episode and his unique role in it.
READ MORE: