News that a Mankato store is selling bumper stickers promoting violence against the Hmong is highly offensive to say the least.

We won’t repeat the phrase on the bumper sticker, which comes in the wake of last month’s tragic shooting in Wisconsin that left six deer hunters dead after an apparent dispute over a deer stand.

Instead, we’d like to take the opportunity to focus on the positive steps that have been taken in the wake of the tragedy.

Whatever the legal outcome of the Wisconsin case &045; in which St. Paul resident Chai Soua Vang faces murder charges &045; it should not be used as an excuse to prejudge an entire population.

The danger involved in this case is that it will create general suspicion toward Hmong people, including those who hunt.

It’s important to try to head-off racial tensions associated with the incident.

A Wisconsin governor’s task force on Hmong resettlement recently called for more Hmong, who have a long tradition of hunting, to join outdoor groups. That sounds like a good idea.

One-on-one interaction is often the best way to dispel discriminatory notions about one group of people.

Working toward good conservation efforts would be a fine way to heal divisions between Hmong and other hunters.

A spokesman for Wisconsin’s Whitetails Unlimited has indicated any ethnic group is welcome to join their outfit, with the only provision being that they love the outdoors.

For its part, Minnesota has hired several Hmong conservation officers in an attempt to bridge the cultural divide and help explain regulations. Hmong people are estimated to be the largest minority hunting group in Minnesota.

It’s also worth recalling that the Hmong fought in the Vietnam war alongside U.S. forces. Many of those former allies have chosen to resettle with their families in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

A love of the outdoors and hunting is an important part of Minnesota’s heritage. That heritage should be openly extended to all who live here regardless of race.

&045; The Daily Journal (International Falls)