I hate Whites who make fun of Asian eyes
Stop pulling your eyes, people. It's ridiculous!
I'm usually not someone who likes to blow things out of proportion and make a big fuss out of small things, well, at least that's what I think. But I'm gonna use a seemingly insignificant incident to highlight a bigger issue. Yesterday I've read that the popular American country singer Toby Keith made a silly gesture at a concert in Norway, pulling his eyes back (making his eyes almond-shaped) when hearing the lyircs "yellow" (which stands here for the yellow race).
You can check the video here, the gesture is at 0.24. As usual in America, there will be a group, who will protest immediately, in this case it was Asian American Justice Center, who said:
You can check the video here, the gesture is at 0.24. As usual in America, there will be a group, who will protest immediately, in this case it was Asian American Justice Center, who said:
"Toby Keith embarrassed himself and his country, denigrated the Noble Peace Prize and offended Asians and Asian Americans by using a crude, racist hand gesture." (source)
First I thought: Wow, what was that? Let me see! Then I checked the video and saw that half-second long gesture and thought: It wasn't Toby's finest moment, but is it really worth all the fuss? Yes it was! The thing is: This gesture is annoying! It's just not funny, same as it's not funny, when Asians make gestures, that point to the length of my nose. Then again, are very really that thin-skinned to get upset over these things? It's a very fine line and reactions can go either way and still be justified.
But there were other instances where you can't say it's just silly and careless. The photo on the left above supposedly shows Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers and on the right is Miley Cyrus doing the same gesture a while ago. Not really cute in my opinion, but I would not call it racist either (But I must add that Miley did apologize after that photo was leaked, bigger version below).
And then there were many cases of this silly gesture just before the Beijing Olympics 2008, which caused quite a big uproar. The photos on top show the Spanish men's and women's basketball team [no 1, 2, 3] and the one below shows the Argentinian women's football team [no 4] trying to be funny by making their eyes look Asian. The last photo is a bigger version of Miley Cyrus and her friends again.
In my opinion: This is not cute and not funny anymore. I mean doing it as a group photo? Come on, it's just plain stupid. It's taunting and making fun of a certain physical attribute and I think the people on those photos look very immature and silly. What's the point of adults behaving like that? Who thinks that's funny? Well, I don't.
On a personal note: I remember, when I was in Singapore in 2005 and a group of adult Malay guys made jokes about my nose and laughing, asking me questions like: "How come you Caucasians all have big noses?" "I don't know, I'm born this way, that's how it is," I replied. I felt very uncomfortable. It's not my fault that I was born White and with a big nose and same goes for Asians being born with smaller eyes. It's not their fault either.
In conclusion: I'm not saying all these people are racist, maybe some are, but it's hard to tell based on the gesture, it won't expose them as racists necessarily. In my opinion, this just shows that they're ignorant and silly. I have no other explanation. I have many Asian friends and I'd never do something like that. I know that not every Asian will be offended by this, but some would. Most likely those who lived abroad and suffered real racism and discrimination. I'm sure they won't see this as innocent and cute. I think that, because of the history of racism (especially in Europe and USA), we should be careful how we joke about other races. I've no problem making jokes about my own race, laughing at my own expense. But making jokes about other races is a very fine line to walk, we need to be very careful. Playing with stereotypes is fun, but only to a certain extent.
But there were other instances where you can't say it's just silly and careless. The photo on the left above supposedly shows Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers and on the right is Miley Cyrus doing the same gesture a while ago. Not really cute in my opinion, but I would not call it racist either (But I must add that Miley did apologize after that photo was leaked, bigger version below).
And then there were many cases of this silly gesture just before the Beijing Olympics 2008, which caused quite a big uproar. The photos on top show the Spanish men's and women's basketball team [no 1, 2, 3] and the one below shows the Argentinian women's football team [no 4] trying to be funny by making their eyes look Asian. The last photo is a bigger version of Miley Cyrus and her friends again.In my opinion: This is not cute and not funny anymore. I mean doing it as a group photo? Come on, it's just plain stupid. It's taunting and making fun of a certain physical attribute and I think the people on those photos look very immature and silly. What's the point of adults behaving like that? Who thinks that's funny? Well, I don't.
On a personal note: I remember, when I was in Singapore in 2005 and a group of adult Malay guys made jokes about my nose and laughing, asking me questions like: "How come you Caucasians all have big noses?" "I don't know, I'm born this way, that's how it is," I replied. I felt very uncomfortable. It's not my fault that I was born White and with a big nose and same goes for Asians being born with smaller eyes. It's not their fault either.
In conclusion: I'm not saying all these people are racist, maybe some are, but it's hard to tell based on the gesture, it won't expose them as racists necessarily. In my opinion, this just shows that they're ignorant and silly. I have no other explanation. I have many Asian friends and I'd never do something like that. I know that not every Asian will be offended by this, but some would. Most likely those who lived abroad and suffered real racism and discrimination. I'm sure they won't see this as innocent and cute. I think that, because of the history of racism (especially in Europe and USA), we should be careful how we joke about other races. I've no problem making jokes about my own race, laughing at my own expense. But making jokes about other races is a very fine line to walk, we need to be very careful. Playing with stereotypes is fun, but only to a certain extent.
Ok, this was my 2 cents on the complex issue, now share your views on these things:
- Can we make a difference between Keith's gesture and the others?
- Do you think these photos are innocent and cute or silly and disturbing?
- Have you ever been taunted, because of the physical attribute of your race?
- When is a ethinc joke or gesture funny and when is it inappropriate?
[Sources: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3 and 6, Photo 4 and 5, Photo 7]
38 KAFKAESQUE COMMENTS:
Hmm, I think that some are innocent and others probably shouldn't be encouraged (like group photos & what not... kinda taking it a bit too far!)
I have to say I am really lucky, I have never been taunted at all because of my race, perhaps because of the country I live in, I'm not sure... but I do think myself lucky!!
And wowww you are from Europe you lucky thing! I just had 2 months in Europe earlier this year and LOVED it! You get to have a white Christmas!!?? Aw that is seriously cool :)
December 17, 2009 6:56 PM
@Sarah: I agree with you, group photos are way too much.
Yes, I'm from good old Europe and yes, it's snowing every day now, it's all white here. Where in Europe have you been?
December 17, 2009 7:00 PM
most of the time, i judge a character by his/her personality more than his/her country of origin/race/religion. like you said, those are very fine lines to walk.
besides, i don't see how a race or religion or country of origin has anything to do with how great a person is. well, maybe up to a certain point, but you know, just because i look like a chinese doesnt mean i'm not awesome as a person.
and sometimes, that's why some people cannot understand how i can be friends with basically everyone. they don't understand how i can be friendly towards the cleaners, the receptionists, the ward clerks, etc. i think they're human and they have feelings, so why cant i be fcuking nice to them?
i dont like miley cyrus and joe jonas full stop.
and i fcuking hate it when people simply assume that i can speak chinese just because i look like one. but i dont blame the caucasians for assuming because those back home freaking assume that im a chinese too.
all in all, i think it's inappropriate to refer to races/religion/country of origins. but.... in fairness, we're human. we just have the tendency to make fun of others, only to make ourselves feel good.
December 17, 2009 7:32 PM
@Ejean: I must say I am also guilty, when I saw your blog some 6month ago, I thought your were Chinese Malaysian. I think that's a minor thing. I usually can distinguish well between Chinese, Malays, Filipinos, Koreans and Japanese, but most Europeans don't. The general rule is: Asian = Chinese. When I was in Asia, many thought I was American... well, I don't expect Asians to figure out I was Slovenian, even half of Europe has no clue about my country, hehe :)
But I don't like taunting based on ethnic attributes. Because it's similar, if you taunt an obese person or a disabled person, maybe not as crass, but still, not funny :(
December 17, 2009 7:49 PM
I'm Chinese and I have almond-shaped eyes. So far, I have never been embarrassed because of my eyes... which I think are kinda cute by the way! Hahaha.
Sometimes some of my friends would joke about Chinese people having slanted eyes and not seeing anything at all when they laugh because their eyes would close completely. I don't think this particular joke was meant to be upsetting or inappropriate.
Actually I think it all depends on the circumstances the jokes and gestures are made.
December 18, 2009 12:45 AM
@Angele: Yes, well said. But if you're a famous person and do that, you can be sure you'll offend someone. If your friends joke is something completely different.
December 18, 2009 12:47 AM
Something like that better stays between friends. You dont have to make the whole video or photos about it, especially if you're a public figure. Big mistake.
December 18, 2009 1:23 AM
@Andhari: Yes, you said it perfectly.
December 18, 2009 1:26 AM
the people concerned may have thought it was "just a bit of fun" at the time but they really should have stopped and thought about it all before posing for these pics.
it's very childish and immature in my view.
December 18, 2009 5:26 AM
@adamantixx: Yes, very well said. I agree.
December 18, 2009 5:28 AM
Lol, the funny thing is that, at least here in the U.S., if someone makes some kind of racist gesture or says something racist, and you have enough evidence to prove that what they're doing is really racist (against your race), then you can take their butt to court and sue their pants off for half a million dollars if you want to. It's happened many times before, lol.
Unfortunately, I don't think suing is an option in other countries so it's kind of sad to know that minorities have to suffer these kinds of immature gestures without some kind of vengeance to teach them a lesson.
As for Keith, I agree with what you said. To me, it looked pretty harmless. He did it for only a split second and plus and ever so slightly. He didn't exaggerate it like the way Cyrus did. I doubt he's a racist also, seeing that he's dancing along with Will Smith, who's black. True racists would refuse to hang with any other race but their own.
As for the other photos, I'm not sure sure whether they're intentionally trying to be racist either (I think a video of them doing it would aid in figuring that out). But I do agree that it's silly and immature. It's something you would expect 5-year-olds to do but certainly not adults. Same goes for the bunch of Malays who asked you about your nose. That's just as stupid and silly of them to ask as it is for the bunch in the photos to do the slant eye thing.
And nope, I've never been taunted at because of the features of my race. But I think that's because I live in a diverse community, where gay marriages are openly accepted let alone people of different races, lol.
Wow, the last question is hard, lol. Honestly, I can't ever imagine an ethnic joke being funny but then again, that's just my personal taste. I guess the only time an ethnic joke can be considered appropriate is if someone jokes about their own race with another person of the same race. I think that would be the only time a racial joke is appropriate. Like I said, this question is hard since you would have to take into consideration that everyone has their own personal tastes when it comes to jokes and that some people are more easily offended then others.
December 18, 2009 9:36 AM
@Van: You said it so well, so I have nothing to add :) Thanks.
December 18, 2009 4:43 PM
miley cyrus is dumb period.
differences should be appreciated, not ridiculed. after all if everyone looked the same, wouldn't that be just boring, and kind of scary too
December 18, 2009 5:37 PM
@Manju: Yeepeee... So true and so well said :)
December 18, 2009 5:42 PM
I think you should be an ambassador for Asia, bro.
I personally don't find racist jokes funny. In fact, any jokes that stereotype a particular race, religion or country of people isn't funny, in my humble opinion.
This is the first time I'm hearing about this Asian eye thingy. I'm not particular offended, after all, I know there's alot of Asian girls with BIG eyes. You will see them when you visit Taiwan next year. ^_^
Hmm... time to change my face icon to 0_0. Big eyes!!! Haha.
December 18, 2009 6:39 PM
@Shingo: Ain't I an ambassador already? :P Connecting West and East, that's what I stand for :P
Yes, racist jokes are not funny. But I meant ethnic jokes, which can make fun of stereotypes, they can be funny. But it's a fine line to walk.
Yes, I know Asians can have all kinds of eyes, but the silly image (charicature) of an Asian is with that 'rice hat' and eyes as thin as a line. I don't like that, because it's clearly condescending and ridiculing, to say the least.
And your icon already has big round eyes, do you wanna have eyes like a fly? :P
December 18, 2009 8:16 PM
haha some people have done that to me a few times, I just shrugged and think meh they want a piece of this. cuz who doesn't have yellow fever these days! We're everywhere! HAHAHAHA
December 18, 2009 10:46 PM
@Pop Champagne: That's the best you can do, because people who do that should be embarrassed and ignored. Good job :)
December 18, 2009 10:50 PM
The title of this post grabbed my attention. I thought "What? he's OK with Blacks who make fun of Asian eyes?".
Sometimes when I meet people (usually people who almost never go abroad) back home and tell them I've lived in China, they mention something about the eyes. I don't see it as racist. Its simply the first significant thing that comes to their mind when they think of China. So I see it more as ignorance. Its the same in China when I tell some people I'm from London and they start talking about the fog... Its the same for a dark-skinned friend of mine in China who is often asked about the size of black mens' nobs! These are all stereotypes with varying degrees of truth. Those stereotypes can be seen in a positive or negative light by different people.
But something like the shape of peoples eyes can't really be seen as particularly positive or negative can it!? Its a shape for godsake. No one can deny that exceptionally beautiful people can be found with all sorts of common eye shapes.
Anyway, I'm sorry guys, but I really don't see the problem with people who do this. They're just being ignorant, but let them. They're free to make a fool of themselves. I don't want to give them any of these "They should do this", "they shouldn't offend X, Y and Z" demands. Maybe I'll give them some rope, but only if they ask for it.
December 19, 2009 12:17 AM
I had a great beach trip today :) kinda tired but I like to comment about this racist thingy.
Anyway, no one should make fun of anybody especially the sensitive issues. :)
I teach my employees not being an ass, a racist. This is important because in Malaysia we not only have different religious but we also have many races. Say for example in Sarawak, we have more than 20 different ethnic.
so if you simply say something you will hurt people :)
Great post!
December 19, 2009 12:29 AM
@Mark: LOL. How did you assume I thought if blacks do it, that I was ok with it? I found photos of blacks doing this, but I didn't wanna go there, the post would be too long. Anyway, of course I don't like ANY racially motivated taunts.
And I don't really preach what is right or wrong, I did differentiate and my basic point is: We need to be careful, that's all. You can see, I wasn't really upset over Keith's gesture, so... I let people be and I'm not easily upset. But for me, group photos are just silly and I'm sure they could offend someone.
And in this particula case of Asian eyes, you have to know that the portrayal of East Asians (especially East Asian men) in Western media, can be very condescending and ridiculing, I'm thinking about drawings with the rice hat and small eyes, one can get the impression, that they wanna be portrayed inferior, weak, weird. Maybe less so in 2009, but we have a history of doing this in the West, maybe some 100 years ago... so for me, it's just not an innocent silly gesture.
Thank you for your comment and hope you drop by here again :-)
@netster: Yes, in Malaysia it's very important to be tolerant, you do have so many cultures living and working together. You're a great boss :-)
December 19, 2009 1:41 AM
Sigh,I think I'm mature then them.
I've no idea about the questions because I think Malaysia is just nice. :)
December 19, 2009 2:52 PM
Many races in the world carry a reknown identity. The Chinese for the almond-shape eyes, the Caucasians for their high-bridged nose, the Africans for their dark-skin and so on. There is nothing wrong with this.
It only goes wrong when inconsiderate people start abusing it to make fun of others. I would not call this racism but PLAIN SELFISHNESS & UTTER IGNORANCE!
I live in a multi-racial country and we eat, sleep and breathe racism everyday. The true meaning of racism is very frustrating and depressing when people are not entitled to identical privileges as citizens just because their race or ethnicity are different. I admit I cannot help but am a racist since I am brought up in a world where we are marginalised from redeeming our birthrights. But it stops there!
Deep down inside, I still respect each and everyone of my countrymen and anyone else in the world based on their own individuality. We earn respect, not demand for it!
December 19, 2009 4:49 PM
@Stefanie: Great :)
@Wenny: Wow, you said it so well, I have nothing to add. Thanks :)
December 19, 2009 7:51 PM
regardless of the intention, i think one should not make fun of one's attributes when it comes to race.
strange though... i have big eyes... and double eyelids... gasp!! i am not asian!!! :P
December 19, 2009 9:25 PM
I was shown that gesture when I was travelling in Indonesia few weeks ago. But I treated it as a joke though. IMO, if one were a celebrity or a public figure, he or she should refrain from doing so even though his intention is purely for amusement. People judge and they normally expect celebs to be role models for the society.
Nice blog you have here. I always think Slovenia as a hidden gem of Europe, being overshadowed by its giant neighbours. Would love to visit Lake Bled someday. It looks gorgeous in pics! :)
December 20, 2009 1:20 AM
depending on the time and place it is used I don't think it is "racism" but as an African maybe I am used to that kind of treatment as my ancestors have been through far worse
December 20, 2009 1:33 AM
@zewt: I agree. You are not Asian. You are from Mars, haha :P
@kyh: Thanks for dropping by and I agree with regarding celebrities. Thanks for your compliments and you are right. Slovenia is beautiful, not only Bled, hehe. But it is one of our main places we promote. You'll be more amazed when you see Postojna caves and Predjama castle, I think. Don't know :) You're always welcome to visit.
@Jamaipanese: Yes, I think so. It can be racism, but not here. I think it's just immature and ignorant. Yes, there's far worse things indeed.
December 20, 2009 1:48 AM
Wow, I can't believe that these people did that gesture yet took photos as proof that they are racists!! Shame on them.
But then, let's think of it as they are jealous that they don't have the "dragon" or "phoenix" eyes haha!
December 21, 2009 6:34 AM
@Ai Shiang: Shame on these people, yea. Thanks for the strong message :)
December 21, 2009 7:49 AM
You should've replied to those Malay blokes "Why are Malay's born so short?"
Idiots I tell you these stupid racists.
December 22, 2009 6:49 AM
@Izso: They were visitors at Hari raya, I was at my ex's house... I was just quiet and let them have their fun -_-
December 22, 2009 7:02 AM
Its funny that they make fun of our eyes but there is something else which we make fun of in regards to western dudes. I hope you take no offense. :P
According to Darwin's theory, the shorter the tail of an ape, the more advanced it is in evolution. So we humans are rather ahead (having visible tail). There was one thing Darwin never mentioned for fear of controversy. The lesser the hair there is on the less prime areas of the body (prime means the normal areas like ur scalp), the further along you are. So those who have hairy bodies, darwin says "Ur one big ape".
This is something I don't use unless necessary coz it's rather racial and discriminating.
December 23, 2009 5:46 AM
@Pinkpurplelizard: I don't take offence and I hope no one needs to use racial taunts, because it doesn't make you look good, even if you succeed in hurting a person. I hope all of us would focus more on the qualities of individuals.
December 23, 2009 6:35 AM
I think some were just innocent and others werent. But you know when you are public figure and there are millions of people watching you.. you need to be very careful. Not every one would take it the way you want then to.
And coming to this whole racist thing. I hate it when people come to a judgement based on person nation or religion or caste. A person should be judged on his qualities not on the above mentioned things. I hate Racism and discrimination based on nation, religion and stuff.
January 2, 2010 2:16 PM
@Harini: You said it very well and I totally agree with you. :)
January 2, 2010 6:53 PM
Miley never apologized. I think Keith's gesture was racist. Even if it was for a second. They rehearse it beforehand, so it was planned.
November 15, 2010 10:34 PM
@jstele: Thanks for your comment.
November 15, 2010 10:40 PM
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