racebending:

Donny Tru wrote:

Hey guys! Not a Tumblr user but I keep up with this blog as often as I can. 

Just wanted to know your thoughts on the K-town reality show. I saw their trailer: http://youtu.be/LqMh0IAJo20

My feelings are still mixed about it but I’m not articulate enough to explain why exactly. I’m really happy for them coming out with their own reality show especially since Angry Asian Man recently tweeted that the Real World has never casted an Asian American male and don’t get me started on the lack of Asian contestants on such shows as The Bachelor/ette. But at the same time, it feels exploited, you know? Perhaps I’ll be wrong once the episodes air this July. Anyhoo, would love to read an educated response to the show and also see other readers’ response on it. Thanks, keep up the good work!

I (Marissa) am not that familiar with K-Town but I know that Mike (who also works on Racebending) has spoken a lot about it with Michael Le, who is one of the producers of the reality series.

I think any time there are going to be depictions of Asian Americans on TV it is totally legit to be nervous, especially after seeing how crappy depictions can do so much damage to the community. There is an entire generation of Asian Americans still reeling from the inaneness of Long Duk Dong, for example. (The Asian American’s glorious contribution, as dictated by white Hollywood, to the John Hughes movies everyone waxes so nostalgic about. Yay?)

It’s also true that Asian Americans are not cast on reality shows as often. People of color aren’t cast as often in general which is why there is currently a lawsuit against the show The Bachelor pointing out all 23 seasons were incredibly white. Things have gotten better for Asian Americans on reality TV since Yul Kwon won “Survivor”. Several years back the Media Action Network for Asian Americans and other groups in the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition asked studios why they were not casting Asians. The studios responded that Asians did not respond to casting calls. The APA groups challenged them to target casting calls to Asian Americans (hence why Angry Asian Man posts them sometimes) and since then they’ve been able to cast Asian Americans if they want to (so there’s almost always Asian Americans on “The Amazing Race”!) But it hasn’t been easy to get Asian Americans on screen, it is something we have had to struggle for…as evidenced by the fact that “K-Town” couldn’t get any networks to distribute the all-APA show and is distributing episodes online instead.

What I find interesting about K-Town is that it challenges not only depictions of nearly all-white reality shows but also challenges depictions of Koreatown in and of itself. In a lot of other television series, especially procedurals, there is always the “Chinatown” episode where the intrepid white heroes go to an Asian ethnic enclave where they run into the only Asians that entire season to troubleshoot some of the Asians’ problems (triad related murders, arranged marriages, snakeheads, prostitutes in sweatshops, honor killings, honor, honor, honor) with a handy helping of Asian American actors forced to affect a heavy accent and scripted to act like pathetic victims or inscrutable, unscrupulous business people. Someone who bases his preconceived notions of Koreatown on that kind of media would, by watching the series or hearing about it, learn that K-town is something different…a diverse area of mid-town LA with a hopping night scene and Asian Americans who can speaka English and are not victims or criminals.

I think all reality shows are exploitative to some degree. The worry would be if “K-Town” is racially exploitative, but I think that speaks more to the limited amount of roles available for Asian Americans in entertainment media more than anything else. White actors are depicted in a broad range of roles ranging from heroes to villains, so when reality shows depict people who are white as say, reckless partygoers with interpersonal drama, no one would ever say “ah, all white people must be like that” or worry if there will be new stereotypes formed or repercussions on how white people are perceived or treated. There are enough other different and nuanced depictions of white people that it isn’t seen as a threat or something that might have sweeping racial repercussions.

The same is not true for Asian Americans because we are not depicted in a way that allows us to showcase our community’s full diversity. There are restrictions imposed on by Hollywood as well as our community’s own—completely understandable and considerable—anxiety over radical depictions of Asian Americans. To me, the issue isn’t that K-Town might depict Asian Americans as _____, ______, and ______ people, so much as that when contrasted against other depictions of Asian Americans in media, it is clear that our full diversity is no where near represented.

Dean Obeidallah for CNN.

This is why I dislike Sacha Cohen. Racist stereotyping isn’t funny. At. All.

If you are going to mock and ridicule us for profit, can you at least cast Arabs and Indians to play us? And while we’re at it, why not include us in the creative process as co-writers and directors?

[…]

Arabs and South Asians have long been ghettoized in Hollywood, playing almost exclusively cab drivers, deli workers, terrorists and the occasional “good” guy who works with law enforcement, and who is usually killed later in the movie by a bad “brown” guy.

Bingo.

(via mehreenkasana)

(via mehreenkasana)

sylvie-kim:

On the Ashton Kutcher-Popchips-Brownface debacle, lady-centric gossip site Celebitchy opined:

“Throughout the past… decade or so, I’ve become kind of jaded about this kind of “racism”. While I completely see the critics’ points about “brown-face” and the racism of the stereotype, I’m mostly offended by the stupidity. That’s what bugs me: this is just stupid. This is an awful idea, and I can’t believe someone thought, “Hey, what a great idea! This will be a perfect way to promote chips! Let’s hire Ashton Kutcher and get him do an Indian minstrel show!” How f–king dumb are they?”

here…

…and in several other comments that cited some of my personal neoliberal colorblind bon mots such as “the race card” and “politically correct” and “If we saw eachother[sic] as PEOPLE first, instead of [insert ethnicity here] first…” Though, admittedly, they are not as entertaining as the utterly tangential reverse racism references about President Obama and Mel Brooks’ 1974 film Blazing Saddles. But across the web, they stand in solidarity with similar comments, such as the ones found on the New York Times’ and Time’s own Popchip articles.

What’s confounding is that the writer — under the moniker Kaiser — acknowledges the ad’s racism and then proceeds half a sentence later to openly dismiss criticism of brownface (do you really “get it,” as you say?) and criticism of racist portrayals in general. Her readers, however, go a step further by declaring it so not racist that those who are offended by it are actually made to be the racists! I don’t know what kind of racism continuum structure these ladies have created, but by god is it fascinating.

First, I’m so sorry that this white writer is jaded by racism. Particularly air quote racism, which I imagine creates significantly more oppression in the life of a white lady who gets paid to write about celebrities all day than that other kind of racism that affects those other kind of people. I feel your pain.

Second, attempts to supplant the racism of the Popchips commercial with cries of it simply being stupid and offensive to anyone with a modicum of intelligence or sense of humor — while purposefully eliding the ad’s racism — are too contradictory to hold water.

Let me explain why. If you decry the ad for being insulting to general audiences’ intelligence, then why — in the same breath — underestimate said intelligence by completely disassociating racial and ethnic stereotyping from racism?

If you have never thought or cared to learn about the experiences of non-whites, then perhaps you are unaware that racial or ethnic stereotypes are based on somatic features (skin tone, bone structure, eye shape, stature, weight, and stature) and perceived cultural traits (accents, body movements, personalities) made to reduce real live human beings into easily reproducible generalizations and images. As in they are less than human, less than the nuanced, variegated folks who create such imagery for their own social, political or financial gain. Those folks have historically been white, but can be anyone in a position of power, anyone with the means to produce and disseminate their message broadly to the masses.

So you’ve got 1) an imbalanced power structure on which Popchips and their Hollywood spokesman are sitting atop 2) the reduction of human value based on physical and cultural traits, real or fictive and 3) a situation where #1 uses #2 to turn a profit selling shitty tasting snack chips.

That, my friends, is racism. And nestling close by are stereotypes, as they are wont to do. They are inextricably linked, PC-ness and race cards be damned.

Which leads me to another question: How many bags of racist Popchips do I need to buy in order to get rewards on my race card? I’d prefer to earn some airlines miles, if possible.

feministfilm:

drvy:

“Me love you long time” came into prominence with Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket,” (from 1987) as a Vietnamese prostitute tries to pick up Matthew Modine’s character with broken English. The phrase was then popularly picked up by 2 Live Crew in the song “Me So Horny.”

“It’s so many different kinds of slurs in one,” comedian Margaret Cho said. “It’s instantly putting you in the position of being a foreigner, an outsider and a sexual stereotype. It’s an all-in-one combo.”

~naturallaw for yahoo questions

The popularization by Mariah Carey’s ‘Love You Long Time,’ Fergie’s ‘London Bridge,’ and Nicki Minaj’s ““Muahhhh me love you long time like I’m asian” demonstrates how this exotification of Asian/A.American women is constantly recycled in the media, perpetuated by celebrities to obtain the hyper-sexualized image needed to make it big, especially if you ain’t got the talent.

I would get started on Nicki’s whole hyper-sexualized, Japanese dolled up shit, but racialious says it best. Well researched: here http://www.racialicious.com/2010/11/01/the-orientalism-of-nicki-minaj/

You can degrade yourself, but no, my sisters and I will NOT love you long time. 

I’m sure we’ve posted about this before, but it always bears repeating.

(via kryptoswag)

mehreenkasana:

notasenator:

veri-pageofknowledge:

lizawithazed:

the-milk-eyed-mender:

thedailywhat:

African Stereotype of the Day: Gabriel, Benard, Brian, and Derrik, who live in Kenya, were inspired to poke fun at the way African men are portrayed by Hollywood: “If people believed only what they saw in movies,” they said, “they would think we are all warlords who love violence.” Mama Hope — an organization that partners with African organizations to help transform their communities — was more than happy to hand them a mic as part of a video campaign to “Stop the Pity, Unlock the Potential.”

Good stuff.

[boingboing]

we hate smiling

smiling is stupid

WE’RE TALKING TO YOU, SHIRTLESS MATHEW MCCANAUGHEY!

I love it. Perfection, sheer perfection.

I love this.

Can we all take a moment to appreciate this? Excellent.

veganparty:

So why can’t I wear it?

• Headdresses promote stereotyping of Native cultures.
The image of a warbonnet and warpaint wearing Indian is one that has been created and perpetuated by Hollywood  and only bears minimal resemblance to traditional regalia of Plains tribes. It furthers the stereotype that Native peoples are one monolithic culture, when in fact there are 500+ distinct tribes with their own cultures. It also places Native people in the historic past, as something that cannot exist in modern society. We don’t walk around in ceremonial attire everyday, but we still exist and are still Native.

• Headdresses, feathers, and warbonnets have deep spiritual significance.
  The wearing of feathers and warbonnets in Native communities is not a fashion choice. Eagle feathers are presented as symbols of honor and respect and have to be earned. Some communities give them to children when they become adults through special ceremonies, others present the feathers as a way of commemorating an act or event of deep significance. Warbonnets especially are reserved for respected figures of power. The other issue is that warbonnets are reserved for men in Native communities, and nearly all of these pictures show women sporting the headdresses. I can’t read it as an act of feminism or subverting the patriarchal society, it’s an act of utter disrespect for the origins of the practice. (see my post on sweatlodges for more on the misinterpretation of the role of women). This is just as bad as running around in a pope hat and a bikini, or a Sikh turban cause it’s “cute”.  

• It’s just like wearing blackface.
  “Playing Indian” has a long history in the United States, all the way back to those original tea partiers in Boston, and in no way is it better than minstral shows or dressing up in blackface. You are pretending to be a race that you are not, and are drawing upon stereotypes to do so. Like my first point said, you’re collapsing distinct cultures, and in doing so, you’re asserting your power over them. Which leads me to the next issue.

• There is a history of genocide and colonialism involved that continues today.
  By the sheer fact that you live in the United States you are benefiting from the history of genocide and continued colonialism of Native peoples. That land you’re standing on? Indian land. Taken illegally so your ancestor who came to the US could buy it and live off it, gaining valuable capital (both monetary and cultural) that passed down through the generations to you. Have I benefited as well, given I was raised in a white, suburban community? yes. absolutely. but by dismissing and minimizing the continued subordination and oppression of Natives in the US by donning your headdress, you are contributing to the culture of power that continues the cycle today.

But I don’t mean it in that way, I just think it’s cute!

• Well hopefully I’ve illuminated that there’s more at play here than just a “cute” fashion choice. Sorry for taking away your ignorance defense. 

But I consider it honoring to Native Americans!

• I think that this cartoon is a proper answer, but I’ll add that having a drunken girl wearing a headdress and a bikini dancing at an outdoor concert does not honor me. I remember reading somewhere that it was also “honoring the fine craftsmanship of Native Americans”. Those costume shop chicken feather headdresses aren’t honoring Native craftsmanship. And you will be very hard pressed to find a Native artist who is closely tied to their community making headdresses for sale. See the point about their sacredness and significance.

I’m just wearing it because it’s “ironic”!

• I’m all for irony. Finger mustaches, PBR, kanye glasses, old timey facial hair, 80’s spandex—fine, funny, a bit over-played, but ironic, I guess. Appropriating someone’s culture and cavorting around town in your skinny jeans with a feathered headdress, moccasins, and turquoise jewelry in an attempt to be ‘counterculture’? Not ironic. If you’re okay with being a walking representative of 500+ years of colonialism and racism, or don’t mind perpetuating the stereotypes that we as Native people have been fighting against for just as long, by all means, go for it. But by embracing the current tribal trends you aren’t asserting yourself as an individual, you are situating yourself in a culture of power that continues to oppress Native peoples in the US. And really, if everyone is doing it, doesn’t that take away from the irony? am I missing the point on the irony? maybe. how is this even ironic? I’m starting to confuse myself. but it’s still not a defense.

Stop getting so defensive, it’s seriously just fashion!

• Did you read anything I just wrote? It’s not “just” fashion. There is a lot more at play here. This is a matter of power and who has the right to represent my culture. (I also enjoy asking myself questions that elicit snarky answers.) 

What about the bigger issues in Indian Country? Poverty, suicide rates, lack of resources, disease, etc? Aren’t those more important that hipster headdresses?

• Yes, absolutely. But, I’ll paraphrase Jess Yee in this post, and say these are very real issues and challenges in our communities, but when the only images of Natives that Americans see are incorrect, and place Natives in the historic past, it erases our current presence, and makes it impossible for the current issues to exist in the collective American consciousness. Our cultures and lives are something that only exist in movies or in the past, not today. So it’s a cycle, and in order to break that cycle, we need to question and interrogate the stereotypes and images that erase our current presence—while we simultaneously tackle the pressing issues in Indian Country. They’re closely linked, and at least this is a place to start.   

Well then, Miss Cultural Appropriation Police, what CAN I wear?

• If you choose to wear something Native, buy it from a Native. There are federal laws that protect Native artists and craftspeople who make genuine jewelry, art, etc. (see info here about The Indian Arts and Crafts Act). Anything you buy should have a label that says “Indian made” or “Native made”. Talk to the artist. find out where they’re from. Be diligent. Don’t go out in a full “costume”. It’s ok to have on some beaded earrings or a turquoise ring, but don’t march down the street wearing a feather, with loaded on jewelry, and a ribbon shirt. Ask yourself: if you ran into a Native person, would you feel embarrassed or feel the need to justify yourself? As commenter Bree pointed out, it’s ok to own a shirt with kimono sleeves, but you wouldn’t go out wearing full kabuki makeup to a bar. Just take a minute to question your sartorial choices before you go out.       

…and an editorial comment:  I should also note that I have absolutely nothing against hipsters. In fact, some would argue I have hipster-leaning tendencies. In my former San Francisco life, had been known to have a drink or two in the clouds of smoke outside at Zeitgeist, and enjoyed shopping on Haight street. I enjoy drinking PBR out of the can when I go to the dive bars near my apartment where I throw darts and talk about sticking it to ‘The Man’. I own several fringed hipster scarves, more than one pair of ironic fake ray-ban wayfarers, and two plaid button downs. I’m also not trying to stereotype and say that all hipsters do/wear the above, just like not every hipster thinks it’s cool to wear a headdress. So, I don’t hate hipsters, I hate ignorance and cultural appropriation. There is a difference. Just thought I should clear that up.

nomoretexasgovernorsforpresident:

“Jeremy Lin has galvanized a vocal and sharply politicized Asian America which is going directly to bat on anti-Asian slurs, stereotyping and racist frameworks that have marginalized our community. The fact that Lin doesn’t shy away from talking about anti-Asian stereotypes that have impacted his career has driven home the impact of such stereotypes in a deeply personal way. As much as I’m in awe of Jeremy Lin in both his on- and off-court actions, I am just as proud of a new generation of Asian-Americans that has not only rallied around Lin but is articulating a distinct Asian-American experience and identity and shifting the discussion toward a more multiracial understanding of this country. And although there have been shocking instances of racial prejudice and ignorance, I’ve been far more encouraged about a multiracial outpouring of support and consciousness-building that is just inspiring.” - Helen Gym

Fortunately for now, most of America just sees Asian-Americans as cute little socially awkward entertainers or one possible exotic choice in sex partners. (The wise, inscrutable stereotype usually only goes to foreign-born Asians. It’s hard to sound wise with a California accent.)

I say “fortunately” because I guess I’d rather be patronized than worry about getting beaten, in the same sense that I’d rather have my wallet stolen than get my kidneys stolen. But the existence of kidney thieves doesn’t make pickpocketing OK, and it doesn’t mean people being pickpocketed should shut up and stop whining and be grateful they still have all their organs.

Read more: 4 Things The Jeremy Lin Story Reveals About Modern Racism | Cracked.com http://www.cracked.com/blog/4-things-jeremy-lin-story-reveals-about-modern-racism/#ixzz1ngyjlzDx

“You can really see the creaky, rusty wheels turning as people struggle to make Jeremy Lin puns and race-related jokes. You can see the panic in people’s eyes, going “Oh shit, I forgot these people even existed. I am really going to have to scramble to remember what stereotypes we are supposed to have about them.”

“All they end up showing is that Americans have about 10 Asian jokes that they play over and over again on repeat like songs on a Clear Channel radio station: small penis, yellow puns, pidgin accent (love you long time), slanty eyes, eating dogs/cats, weird food, good at math, martial arts, bad drivers and owning laundries, which is particularly sad because apparently Americans haven’t gathered enough new jokes since the 1800s to bump the laundry joke off the list.”

Read the whole article!

(Source: lightspeedsound)

Jeff Yang on ESPN’s Terrible Headline

Seriously, if you have an Asian wife, and you published “Chink” on a huge media frontier, that is a DOUBLE shame on you.