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

Comments

[Paul]

Very similar observation, Henry, to those here in Manila who have Couples for Christ bumper stickers on their vehicles but are very un-Christ-like when they drive and are first to break traffic rules!