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Racism Is Un-American (And Evil Too)

It is ironic enough that our first term wartime president received the Nobel Peace Prize even as he opted to increase troop levels in Afghanistan.  In comparison, it is not as surprising that Toby Keith, a country singer known for his pro-war anthem, performed in a concert also during the Oslo festivities. ^[1]

“If President Obama has to send (more) troops into Afghanistan to fight evil, I’ll pull for our guys to win, and I won’t apologize for it,” Keith said. “I’m an American, and I do pull for our team to fight evil.”

However, it is the singer’s petulance that unsurprisingly caught the ire of more than just his anti-war critics.  Performing onstage with other musicians at an after party in Olso, Toby Keith made an unequivocally racist gesture, albeit brief.  Essentially, he pulled back his eyes to symbolize “yellow”.

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) ^[2] has taken the lead in condemning Mr. Keith’s actions and demanding that he apologizes for such racist behavior.  It’s been weeks since the incident, but no word from Toby thus far.  Still reminiscing his patriotic, anti-evil moment in Oslo?

This type of attitude underlies a pervasive stereotype of Asian Americans, where physical differences imply a foreignness that hinders an acceptance of being considered as true "Americans."

As an American country singer at an international venue, Mr. Keith was representing our American ideals and values.  He embarrassed himself and offended the Asian American community by his crude behavior. ^[2]

After 9-11, there was an upsurge in the public display of patriotism.  No surprise, I was caught in it too.  I thought about getting one of those American flags on bumper stickers—very popular at the time.  What stopped me?  For one thing, I felt I didn’t have to prove myself, especially to those who thought I was a foreigner regardless.  And, yes, there was this bastard who cut into my lane, drove past the red light, and almost side-swept an unsuspecting pedestrian; the evil-doer had his patriotic spirit emblazoned all over his potential murder vehicle.

^[1] The Associated Press, “Toby Keith in Oslo stands by ‘Peace’ winner president”, Boston Herald, Dec. 11, 2009
^[2] JACL.org

God versus Gov

According to a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life^[1], seventy percent of the people in the world live in countries where there are heavy religious restrictions or hostilities.

Such restrictions or hostilities come from:

• The country’s governments via direct actions, policies and laws;
• Private individuals, organizations and social groups; or
• Both

Of the twenty-five most populous countries in the world, the following Asian countries land in different groups in terms of the weight and source of such religious restrictions and hostilities.

• India, Pakistan, and Indonesia have both very high or high government restrictions and very high social hostilities.
• China and Vietnam have very high or high government restrictions but low or moderate social hostilities.
• The Philippines enjoys low government restrictions but suffers from high social hostilities.
• Myanmar has very high government restrictions and high social hostilities.
• Thailand has both moderate government restrictions and social hostilities.
• Japan has the least restrictions or hostilities from both government and private sources.

According to the study, the brunt of restrictions falls on religious minorities.  Here’s an overview of the religious majorities and minorities in each of those countries.^[2]

Peace on earth, good will toward men!

^[1] pewresearch.org
^[2] cia.gov

Hapa, Meet Korasian. Korasian, Hapa.

It is refreshing to know that Americans of mixed racial background are celebrating their identity more than ever before. ^[1] Still, one does not have to look too far back in time to see how ignorance and hate still fan stubborn resistance towards interracial relationships.

Just a month ago, a Louisiana justice of the peace has refused to officiate an interracial marriage.  The judge rejects that he is a racist and says he is merely concerned that the couple would produce a biracial offspring.  His belief is that their children would suffer by not being accepted by either side of the family. ^[2]

Regardless of the various pockets in today’s society that still believe it is unconscionable for races to mix, we have come a long way.  Think about the response you would have elicited last Thanksgiving if the dinner guest you may have brought home with you were of a different skin color.  Would it have carried the same punch as when Sidney Poitier walked in on that scene in “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” half a century ago? ^[3] In contrast, broad ethnic violence continues to split countries and families around the world.

In these times of mounting deficits, it is good to know that the spirit of racial tolerance and appreciation can be a valuable American export.  Yet, we still have much to learn from other societies who are just now experiencing the growing pains of dealing with interracial relationships and the soul searching as a result of the new generation of Korasians.  For example, South Korea is currently experiencing a baby boom from mixed marriages. In the last three years, their government has opened 119 multicultural family support centers across the land to offer help in education and vocational training to address the stigma associated with it. ^[4] In the spirit of free trade, can we have one of those centers installed in Louisiana, please?

^[1] See related post, “Hapa”
^[2] Associated Press, “Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License By Louisiana Justice Of The Peace”, The Huffington Post, Oct. 15, 2009
^[3] http://www.imdb.com
^[4] Martin Fackler, “Baby Boom of Mixed Children Tests South Korea”, The New York Times, Nov. 28, 2009

Let Blind Pigs Fly

“Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly” opens today at MOMA’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters in New York City as part of their ongoing film exhibition, “Contemporasian”.¹ The movie, written and directed by a one-named Indonesian filmmaker, Edwin, portrays the lives of several loosely related characters in a series of vignettes. The backdrop is last year in Jakarta when it was commemorating the 10th anniversary of the ethnic violence that rocked the city in 1998. According to film critic Mike Hale in his New York Times column today:²

American audiences may find “Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly,” the debut feature of the one-named Indonesian director Edwin, a bit slow and cryptic for a dark comedy about feeling out of place in one’s own country. But given censorship — relaxed since the 1990s, but still there — and a national reluctance to confront the ethnic scapegoating that occasionally results in the murders of large numbers of Indonesian Chinese, it’s a sign of changing times that the film could be made at all.

Consider the setting and how these characters seek to be someone or somewhere else: a young ethnic Chinese woman who has started calling his grandpa by a Dutch word instead of Indonesian; a friend who wishes he were Japanese instead, having been beaten up as child for being a “Chinese brat”; and, an affluent gay Indonesian who wants to engage in a particular sex act with his apprehensive lover. The theme of the film should resonate as strongly here as in Jakarta, even if the ethnic and cultural background of the characters may be altogether different.

Here is the trailer of the movie when it was first released by Filmmuseum Distribution last July:

¹Museum of Modern Art, New York City
²Mike Hale, “Feeling Like Aliens in Their Own Land”, The New York Times

Of Racist Scene in “The Goods”, Paramount Says, “Our Bad”

The protest against the racist scene in the move “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard” drew a positive outcome with Paramount Studios apologizing. According to protest organizer, Guy Aoki, at least 43 people showed up in support of this outcry. A few hours before the protest, the president of Paramount sent the apology via email to the president of the JACL, and offered to meet with him and with representatives of other API groups also denouncing the scene. Paramount also said they will pull the trailers from movie theatres—but not from the movie itself, which is already showing.

With this, Mr. Aoki questions the significance of the gesture. “That didn't make sense,” he says, “the movie's already out so why would you show its trailers in a theatre?” What Paramount can do if they are seriously contrite is remove the scene altogether in the movie. But, Leanne Suter of KABC reports that it may be the funniest scene in the movie, in which case it’s a red flag to all that the film won’t be delivering the goods. You’ll probably get a better laugh elsewhere!

See related post, “The Bad: Live Free, Sell Hard”

Protest Mounts Against “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard”

The Examiner reports several media advocacy groups will take action today Friday, August 21st, to protest the racist scene in the Paramount Pictures movie “The Goods:  Live Hard, Sell Hard” on Friday, August 21st.

Let your voice be heard!

Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Avenue, LA, CA 90038

4:30 PM

For details, contact The Japanese American Citizens League, Imada Wong Communications Group, or Media Action Network for Asian Americans.

See related post, “The Bad: Live Hard, Sell Hard”

The Bad: Live Hard, Sell Hard

In their press release yesterday, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has officially expressed their outrage over a scene in the movie “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard” where the main character (Jeremy Piven) uses a racial slur that precipitates a hate crime directed at an Asian character.

'The scene in question shows the Piven character giving a pep talk to his sales team.  The members of the sales team include an Asian American and a man who views the Asian character skeptically.  The Piven character says, "Don't get me started on Pearl Harbor -- the Japs flying in low and fast.  We are Americans and they are the enemy!  Never again!"  A man looks at the discomfited Asian and says, "Let's get him!" which results in the beating of the Asian.  The Piven character then says, "Alright, stop!  We have all just participated in a hate crime.  Let's get our stories straight.  Dang came at us with a samurai sword, fire extinguisher and Chinese throwing stars."'

The producers, Paramount Vantage, call the film a satirical comedy and see nothing wrong with the scene described above.  However, JACL sees nothing funny in it and cautions us to what viewers may take away from this, including disseminating that the use of racial slur is acceptable.  JACL calls for an apology from the producers because “they crossed a line in thinking they could use a racial slur simply for the sake of a laugh”.

I agree.  It’s despicable regardless of motive.  I hope the apology comes more quickly than the box office returns the producers expect from their deliberate irresponsibility.

Hate Crimes Law Update: People first!

The Washington Post reported last Thursday the broadening of federal hate crime laws to include those motivated by “gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability”.  Before the expansion of the law, hate crimes cover only those motivated by race, color, national origin, or religion.  (See related post:  “Calling All Hate Crime Victims”)

The vote passed with a wide margin (63-28) overcoming efforts from Republicans to block the legislation.  Asian American groups support the new law, including the Asian American Justice Center who rallied for its passage.  Senators Akaka and Inouye of Hawaii voted yea.  Nevada Senator John Ensign voted nay.  (See related post:  “First Chinese American Woman in Congress”)

John Ensign, a veterinarian, pursues his animal advocacy as a U.S. Senator, particularly on federal legislature for the protection of animals against mistreatment.  Animals first, people second, Senator?

The OCA, Lighting The Course

The Westchester and Hudson Valley Chapter of the OCA (OCA-WHV) culminated Asian American Heritage Month with festivities last Saturday, May 30th.  More than 25 similar OCA-sponsored activities were held nationwide, starting off with events in Chicago first day of May.  The OCA-WHV festival commemorated the 11th anniversary of when they first organized such an event.

Held at park grounds in Valhalla NY, just below the imposing backdrop of the Kensico Dam, the local event drew thousands of spectators to relish captivating performances that highlighted the unique, rich, and diverse Asian culture.  Chapter president Xiaochun Luo beamed with pride as she oversaw her volunteers’ zealous efforts.  By mid-afternoon, Joan Jia, organizer of the event, was already signaling success; she confirmed a much larger turnout compared to last year.

More than a hundred vendors, including business and non-profit groups, participated in the festival to promote their various products, services and charities.  The overall mood gleaned from both participants and attendees confirmed Ms. Jia’s assessment of success.  People formed queues to partake of cold sago shakes.  Many strolled the grounds clasping a heavy assortment of flyers, brochures, giveaways and product purchases.  Volunteer medical students led by Carol Pak, chapter president of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), acknowledged considerable crowd interest and participation to their cause.  The young volunteers obtained on-the-spot donor registration and HLA typing for the National Marrow Donor Program. 

Pursuing this year’s theme, “Lighting the Past, the Present, and the Future”, OCA was on focus.  The WHV chapter made its mark hosting a festival that catered to old and young alike.  A lion dance opened the festival leading a parade of kids.  Traditional music and folk dance followed, wowing spectators throughout the afternoon.  A heavy metal band befittingly capped the day’s celebrations.

For the OCA however, it is not just all fun and celebration.  Founded in 1973 with a sizeable following from over 80 chapters nationwide, the first Asian Pacific American civil rights organization to be based in Washington D.C. is tasked with a more important mission:  to secure the rights and better the lives of Asian Pacific Americans.

To exemplify its more serious side, the organization actively promotes education and community action to fight hate crime, among others.  A comprehensive hate crime manual with gripping sample cases is available for download in their website.  The OC charges a powerful call and lights the path to action.  Hopefully, the recent festivities have charged everyone enough to answer this call.

Calling All Hate Crime Victims

In his New York Times op-ed “Rogues, Robes and Racists” (May 30, 2009), Charles M. Blow shares some riveting government statistics on hate crime, particularly the number of offenses committed in 2007 broken down by motivation of bias.  Highlights the fact that anti-Hispanic hate crime has risen continuously over the past four years, he exhibits how difficult it would be for critics of Sonia Sotomayor to portray the victims, as personified by the Supreme Court nominee herself, as offenders.  “Oh, the hypocrisy”, Mr. Blow decries.

The FBI data itself is quite revealing.  The rise in hate crimes directed at Hispanics is indeed higher than those directed at other groups, blacks, gays, whites, Jewish, and Asians/Pacific Islanders.  It is difficult to ignore that hate crimes against blacks remain to be the highest and that is has also risen in the time period.  And, of course, it is hard to miss equivalent statistics related to Asian Americans.

Anti-Asian/Pacific Islander hate crimes appear at the bottom of the list.  In fact, it shows a downtrend over the past four years with only 219 offenses reported in 2007 (down from 277 in 2003).  The numbers suggest that hate crimes committed against Asians/Pacific Islanders hardly exist considering their estimated population in 2007 exceeds 14 million.  That does not make sense!  Looking back at the number of hate crimes relative to the size of each population group victimized, I could only guess all these statistics are under-reported.

There are many factors why victims do not report a crime, such fear of retaliation, shame, distrust of authorities, inconvenience, among others.  It could also very well be a cultural trait.  C.N. Le, a sociology professor, shares in his blog called Asian-Nation a recent study by the Department of Justice.  It finds that “Asian Americans are the least likely to report violent crimes committed against themselves to the police.”  Such finding holds a lot of ground particularly for this minority’s particularly distinct disposition to lie under the radar. This is exemplified by a Chinese proverb, one of many pertaining to a similar message:  “Beat your drum inside the house to spare the neighbors.”

In this merry month of May, we beat our drums in celebration of our heritage, along with our compatriots from other tribes who remain proud of their own background, yet like Asian Americans, are still waiting to sound their rhythm in this ever-evolving orchestral masterpiece called the USA.  Everyone, louder please!