the campaign
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
WE DID IT!!! Weber Shandwick, a P.R. firm claiming to represent Pinkberry, sent us the following email:
“We at Pinkberry understand the concerns regarding the Alessi juicer and we appreciate that our valued customers have shared their concerns with us. We wanted to let you know that these items are being removed from our stores. They were part of an eclectic collection and we in no way ever intended to offend anyone by displaying them.”
Thanks to all of you who have supported this campaign over the past year and voiced your concerns to Pinkberry. You really made a difference.
Also, in publicizing our grassroots effort, the following have also helped move this campaign forward: gawker.com (Gawker), gothamist.com (Gothamist), nymag.com (New York Magazine), slog.thestranger.com (The Stranger), www.angryasianman.com (Angry Asian Man), slantedtruth.com (Slanted Truth), racked.com (Racked), and abovethelaw.com (Above the Law) Thank you all.
NEXT STEPS:
Hold Pinkberry accountable and let them know if there are any Mandarin Juicers in their stores. Complaints should be sent to the same contact below. We will also be expanding the campaign to other vendors selling the Mandarin Juicer, as well as the manufacturer Alessi (their contact info is below). Look out for more details on the “Juicer Alert.”
A BRIEF RESPONSE TO OUR CRITICS:
If anything, the Drop the Juicer! campaign has spurred an interesting and lively dialogue about what constitutes racism in our country. Although all of us may not agree on what is offensive, we believe that it is important for everyone to continue to speak out (and listen) about race in a manner that is insightful and productive. We’re not saying that the Mandarin Juicer is the biggest problem in the world — it’s not even close. But we were frustrated enough to hear Pinkberry say that no one cared to put up a blog and let the rest of you decide for yourselves. It looks like enough people agreed with us to change Pinkberry’s mind.
One more note: our criticism of the Mandarin Juicer comes from the unique experience of Asian AMERICANS in the United States. It was interesting to read so many references to Asians in other countries, who have their own specific histories and prejudices. We, as Asian Americans, take issue with the coolie stereotype (along with other stereotypes like Fu Manchu) that have historically been used to denigrate Asian people in the United States. We’re not trying to be politically correct or speak on behalf of all Asian people, but instead are expressing genuine outrage at images that make our stomachs churn. You don’t have to agree with us. But if you do, this campaign is proof that you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
THE MANDARIN JUICER . . .WHY DOES PINKBERRY
NEED TO SELL THIS PRODUCT???
TAKE ACTION NOW!!!
Call or write:
Ms. Shelly Hwang and Mr. Young Lee, Founders
Pinkberry, Inc.
2122 West Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 9001
info@pinkberry.com
Main Office: 323-730-9889
NY Regional Office: 212-488-2501
ALESSI USA INC.
(Manufacturer of the Mandarin Juicer)
155 Spring St. – 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012
info@alessi.com
Tel: 212-431-1310
Fax: 212-431-1390
July 3, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Great website, great cause!! I’ll be sending them a letter this weekend!
July 3, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I’m sending a letter this weekend too! And spreading the word on the campaign.
in solidarity -
July 4, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I have written to both companies with the following:
I have recently been alerted by a good friend who is Asian-American that you sell a product that promotes an offensive sterotype. The worst thing is that I am not sure I would have realized how truly offensive it is unless she pointed it out to me. This woman has parents who immigrated to the US and she embodies what the American Dream is. She spends her life serving both internationally and locally, and brings light to the lives of those around her. How dare you diminish her heritage by selling a product that perpetuates a sterotype of a group of people who have given so much to this country and the world??
July 5, 2007 at 2:00 am
they’re ridiculous products.
July 5, 2007 at 11:58 pm
great website and thanks for letting me know! i will be writing to the company this weekend too.
July 6, 2007 at 2:16 am
There is nothing insulting about this product. This is simply a lawyer trying to create anger and resentment so that they can make a lot of money in a class action lawsuit. These little glasses won’t belittle any Asian person, nor will it make any non-Asian person think less of Asian people. The lawyers who are sowing seeds of distrust and unhappiness, on the other hand, certainly do offend my good sensibilities.
July 6, 2007 at 3:46 am
i certainly appreciate your comment, hong. but i disagree with you on several points.
it is hard for me to see how there is “nothing insulting” about the juicer. these “mandarin juicers are essentially three-dimensional caricatures of chinese “coolies” or laborers who emigrated to the US well over a century ago. indeed, while most caricatures are harmless and perhaps even amusing, the same is not true for caricatures playing on racial or ethnic stereotypes.
such stereotypes are rarely flattering. these three-dimensional caricatured heads with slanted eyes and rice paddy hats emasculate asian males, reducing them to slit-eyed plastic bowls that become orange or yellow in color as more oranges or lemons are squeezed upon their rice paddy hats. it’s hard to see the humor in that.
moreover, they reinforce the notion of “otherness” or “foreignness” of asians, asian-americans, or americans of asian descent. it is perhaps no wonder why descendants of japanese or korean immigrants remain hyphenated americans, e.g., japanese-american and korean-american, while “white” immigrants to this country become “american” after only a generation. when is the last time you’ve heard a third-generation american of czech descent described as a czech-american?
the message is simple: the “chinaman” will always remain a “chinaman”.
it’s hard to say what’s more disappointing: that the product is designed and marketed presumably by people who are not of asian descent or that they are also sold at at least one retail outfit owned by asian-americans, e.g., pinkberry.
in addition, i resent your statement that “[t]his is simply a lawyer trying to create anger and resentment so that they can make a lot of money in a class action lawsuit.” obviously you’re ignorant to the fact that we work at a non-profit civil rights law organization, and that we’re running this grassroots campaign on our own time. [jin's a lawyer and i'm a law student.] social justice, especially in the area of racial equality, is very important to us. and believe me . . . public interest law is not a money-making field.
so, the fact that you accuse us (and perhaps others) of running this campaign to make money is deeply insulting to us and to others who dedicate their lives to serve the public’s interest.
the purpose of the campaign is get these products that promote racial/ethnic stereotyping off the shelves. simple as that.
August 7, 2007 at 11:48 am
This whole campaign is a total waste of time.
August 7, 2007 at 9:36 pm
lol @ the use of pseudo-Asian names to gain a person of color pass.
I can def see how some people might view these as cute little trinkets, but to pull up a tired response to a repeat offense, how would people feel about similar products with an “African” theme? Coon-style kitchenware. For examples, check out the end credits to Spike Lee’s Bamboozled.
August 7, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Huh, and it seems to be missing a “K” there at the end.
August 9, 2007 at 9:07 am
I am totally outraged by the commenter named Hong who says this is a campaign by lawyers looking for a class action. First of all, any lawsuit requires that there be some sort of damage suffered. Merely being offended is not enough basis a lawsuit. What a feckless attempt at discrediting this campaign Hong. You should learn something about our legal system. As an African American person, I am deeply offended that these racist images and stereotypes persist in this country. The Mandarin Juicer is reminiscent of “Aunt Jemima,” “Uncle Ben,” and other racist caricatures. It’s about time this country learned to celebrate its diversity, not ridicule and belittle ethnic and racial groups just to earn a buck and sell some frozen yogurt. I fully support this campaign and refuse to patronize Pinkberry until they drop the juicer!
August 9, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Veronica, Chai
Good responses, However they would be better were they not cut and pasted from this site’s opening page.
http://dropthejuicer.wordpress.com/2007/06/22/7/
Vanessa:
“The Mandarin Juicer is reminiscent of “Aunt Jemima,” “Uncle Ben,” and other racist caricatures.”
The page above said:
“The Alessi “mandarin juicers” are to Asians what Aunt Jemima is to African-Americans, Frito Bandito is to Latinos, and anti-Semitic caricatures are to Jewish people.”
Hell, I’m deeply offended you couldn’t come up with an opinion of your own and instead spat rhetoric. Way to drink the cool aid. You used the word “feckless” which would indicate that you have at least some grasp of the language and yet all you can do is cite from others? You also said first of all. Where’s the second point you’re going to make?
I am glad that you’re willing to stand up for what you believe in. Do you also protest Nintendo for showing plumbers to be overall wearing, fireball throwing, princess saving, mustachioed Italians with an inability to differentiate between their first and last names? Isnt Mario and Luigi a very “Italian” name? Are all Italians plumbers?
Chai AND the other page said
“it is hard for me to see how there is “nothing insulting” about the juicer. these “mandarin juicers are essentially three-dimensional caricatures of chinese “coolies” or laborers who emigrated to the US well over a century ago. indeed, while most caricatures are harmless and perhaps even amusing, the same is not true for caricatures playing on racial or ethnic stereotypes.
such stereotypes are rarely flattering. these three-dimensional caricatured heads with slanted eyes and rice paddy hats emasculate asian males, reducing them to slit-eyed plastic bowls that become orange or yellow in color as more oranges or lemons are squeezed upon their rice paddy hats. it’s hard to see the humor in that.
moreover, they reinforce the notion of “otherness” or “foreignness” of asians, asian-americans, or americans of asian descent. it is perhaps no wonder why descendants of japanese or korean immigrants remain hyphenated americans, e.g., japanese-american and korean-american, while “white” immigrants to this country become “american” after only a generation. when is the last time you’ve heard a third-generation american of czech descent described as a czech-american?
the message is simple: the “chinaman” will always remain a “chinaman”.
it’s hard to say what’s more disappointing: that the product is designed and marketed presumably by people who are not of asian descent or that they are also sold at at least one retail outfit owned by asian-americans, e.g., pinkberry.”
Chai,
Good boy! You managed to copy that page word for word AND managed to screw up basic grammar! (Capitalize the first letter of a sentence. Seriously, It’s fine on the other page, what the hell did you do?)
So you’re one of the people that started this grassroots campaign. Good for you. While I do appreciate what you’re doing, You’re also the reason that people need to worry about being politically correct. This is a fun little item. If I saw it in a store, I’d get it because it makes me laugh. I wouldn’t think twice about my heritage and how it demeans it (if I thought it does, which I don’t)
Are you starting a grassroots protest for movies such as …rush hour(s), War, the One …..Those movies are exploiting our actors and actresses!
And how Zhang Yi Li keeps getting roles, I’ll never know. She’s a beast.
August 9, 2007 at 4:23 pm
mike, thank you for commenting. while i can understand that not everyone will share our views on the subject, i do find your criticisms petty and irrelevant.
why is it so important to you that i chose not to capitalize the first letter of a sentence? do you criticize e. e. cummings in the same way? [not that i'm comparing my writing to his in any way!] seriously, this is a comments section, not some journal article.
and, so you know, i actually wrote that page you mentioned, and i did so quoting (in large part, i concede) my early comment. but so what?
seriously, though, i’m very interested in your views where it concerns the SUBSTANTIVE elements of our campaign. on the other hand, i’m much less interested in your not-so-helpful comments on style and grammar. that said, i look forward to hearing from you again. thank you.
August 10, 2007 at 8:18 am
Chai,
You’re not the same Chai that once dated a Michelle (BTHS?), are you?
Petty and Irrelevant, Yes. It was not meant to be anything else.
Hong expressed a concern and instead of answering him directly, you qouted a work you did early. While it was well written, It does not reflect thought on the subject matter at hand, rather an offhanded “generic” answer that you’ve already posted.
I figured that either you or your lawyer friend (Jin?) wrote that previous work early on, I was just disappointed that you decided to copy and paste (or whatever you did, because if you copy and pasted..the caps would still be there)
However, you’ve managed to focus on the initial point of my “journal” and refered to it as petty and irreverent. How do you respond to the other facets of my “article?”
I believe that you’re too sensitive towards the subject and I doubt your motives to be pure. Do you get offended, as I do, when people toss around the words Nigga(er), Chink, Spic and the ilk? How about “Bitches and Ho’s”
Do you realized that recently the word “chink” is being used among teen aged Chinese males as a way of referencing to themselves? I wont fall into the argument that there’s something bigger and worse that’s happening and you’re wasting your time on this, I’m sure you get plenty of that.
Im curious, how do you feel about the book “American Born Chinese.” It does have a section specifically dedicated towards “chin kee”, the chinese cousin.
August 10, 2007 at 9:31 am
hey, mike.
thanks for writing again. i really appreciate it. that said, i have to make this brief since i’m taking an exam in two hours or so. . . .
first, i’m not the same chai that dated a michelle. i think you have me confused with someone else. btw, i’m female, in case you’re wondering.
and to your point about my response to hong’s comments. . . i actually think my response (especially when it’s considered in light of veronica’s comment) is pretty comprehensive. and if you or hong still don’t see why we’re offended by the juicer, then maybe you never will.
also, just to be clear, i think you misunderstood me; i never called your comment a “journal article.” that statement was actually a reference to your numerous criticisms of my grammar and style. [fyi, journal article editors tend to be very unforgiving on that front.]
as to your criticism that maybe i’m being too sensitive to the subject: indeed, it annoys and offends me to no end when i hear those words you’d mentioned. but what’s different with the juicer example is that this is a racist product/”statement” that is being marketed, i.e., distributed to make a buck. words do hurt, but, in some ways, hurtful words/products when they’re used to make a buck sting more.
so, just as how i usually “call people out” when they use those nasty words you’d mentioned, i think it’s proper for us to “call out” manufacturers of products that denigrate racial/ethnic groups.
as to your last point, i’ve never read the book you’ve mentioned. perhaps i’ll check it out the next time i’m in a bookstore. was it a good read? thanks.
August 10, 2007 at 10:22 am
I am here via The Thin Black Duke’s post on this issue (you can view it here). I am not Asian but I am a woman of color and this item deeply offends me. I think that people like Mike believe this is a zero-sum issue; If you’re against Asian stereotypes, then you can’t possibly also be against the stereotypical depictions of other groups as well. Well, guess what? There are plenty of people who are able to see that the struggles of other people of color are inextricably connected to their own. Today it’s “Mr. Chin juicers”. Tomorrow it may be an item depicting whatever ethnicity Mike happens to be. The day after that, it may be my own ethnic group that’s targeted in the same way.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that there are people in the world who see what’s wrong with selling a product like this.
August 10, 2007 at 11:08 am
Hey Mike,
Do you really think that you are in a position to complain about someone’s grammar here? In the Bible, there is a scripture that mentions those who seek to remove the splinter from their brother’s eye while ignoring the rafter in their own eye. Do you understand what that means? If not, here’s a hint: Perhaps you ought to have paid more attention to your own words before you attempted to play “Grammar Police”. If you had, then you might have noticed the following errors:
Way to drink the cool aid.
This is an incomplete sentence and you mis-spelt the name “Kool-Aid”
…cite from others?
This is improper phrasing. The “from” shouldn’t be there.
Chai AND the other page said “it is hard for me to see how there is “nothing insulting” about the juicer.
The comment above has subject/verb agreement problems and features an incorrect usage of parentheses. Pages don’t “say” anything.
(Capitalize the first letter of a sentence. Seriously, It’s fine on the other page, what the hell did you do?)
That snippet contains improper capitalization and it’s a run-on sentence
*Isn’t it ironic that in a complaint about Chai’s lack of word-capitalization, you yourself also failed to exhibit proficiency in this skill?*
So you’re one of the people that started this grassroots campaign.
There’s a missing comma after “so”.
Good for you.
You used the wrong end-mark. It was an exclamatory sentence. It should, therefore, have ended in an exclamation point.
While I do appreciate what you’re doing, You’re also the reason that people need to worry about being politically correct.
Once again you have used improper capitalization. “You’re” should not be capitalized in that statement.
Need I go on? I could also tear into the problematic reasoning in your posts but I think you should get the point. Anyone can play grammar police.
August 10, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Racist! Drop the juicer!
September 8, 2007 at 4:20 pm
This is my first post
just saying HI
October 11, 2007 at 9:39 am
you people have way too much time to be correcting people’s grammar.
mike made some great points about asian americans being the perpetual foreigner. the main issue is that this juicer is not funny, it may not offend you, or the next person, but it does offend a large group of people. what happened to common decency? there are many other innovative ways to make money that do not play off of others misfortunes. it’s sad that people have resorted to this offensive, invention just to make a dollar out of fifteen cents.
October 20, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Last year one of my colleagues moved to our Shanghai office (from San Francisco). She is Chinese from the OC. At her large going away party, which was at least 90% Asian, she received the orange Alessi ‘Mandarin’ juicer as a gift. It brought down the house, and I mean that in a classic people screaming with laughter and trying to steal it kind of way. Everyone was laughing and demanding to know where they could buy if for themself, it was definitely a ‘moment’. One of the white people asked her Asian friend if the item was racist, and she was ridiculed, that’s as far as it went.
October 20, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Just took a peek at quite a few of the comments, wow, my first reaction is that it simply seems that most of the notes are coming from people who’ve not spent enough time in Asia and Europe, and if they have, I can’t fathom how they could become so insulated from humanity. Additionally, attacking the grammar of postings invalidates the discussion, it’s not necessary in this kind of forum.
December 17, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I’m offended by your being offended. Shoot your self in the face and get off the planet. Any one who thinks this product is insulting is an IDIOT! That statement probably offends you so you can suck it. Real Asian people in the real world wear real hats that look just like that. Seeing real Asian people wearing hats like that offended you? Drop dead you ignorant bastards. I’ts just a kitchen toy that has no social, economical, or racial bias. It’s just a TOOL like you. I am 100% Asain and I bought one for every female elder in my family and guess what, they all loved it.
December 17, 2007 at 1:09 pm
[quote= bint alshamsa]…I am not Asian but I am a woman of color and this item deeply offends me. I think that people like Mike believe this is a zero-sum issue…[/quote]
bint alshamsa, I am outraged by your lack of sensitivity to the Asian community by using hate language in your post. You think your clever with your comments but your not. You tried to hide you racial analogy “this is a ZERO- SUM issue” but it just screamed out loud exposing you. You mock us Asians because we eat / love “DIM SUM”. Your no better than the company that makes the juicer.
March 29, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Did it occur to anyone that some people still wear this style of hat in Eastern Asia and other parts of the world? I fail to see why anyone would be offended by this image. It doesn’t depict anything even remotely racist. To those who are offended; rise above it – you have the power to not take offense. Good luck!
April 14, 2008 at 12:44 pm
They, should make a juicer that belittles Mexican people.
July 22, 2008 at 4:52 pm
You can complain to Disney too, since these things look just like the Merletons from 1940’s “Fantasia” ’s Nutcracker Suite sequence. They turned into mushrooms. And Disney will of course go edit out that entire sequence for you on any future copies of “Fantasia” and confiscate all existing public copies for you, as well.
July 22, 2008 at 5:31 pm
O M G……. where can i buy one? i need one. to all of you complaining….. try unclenching for a bit.
July 22, 2008 at 5:54 pm
OK, what if they had round circles for eyes? Who would that be offensive to? No one, that’s who. This is just annoying.
July 22, 2008 at 6:25 pm
THEIR HATS HAVE A POINT TO THEM?! THEIR EYES ARE IN A TIGHT SQUINT!? THEY DON’T HAVE REAL BODIES, HAIR, OR ANY ACCURATE PORTRAYAL OF A PERSON?! how racist. but im sure shelly hwang and young lee enjoy everyone being so concerned about these, uh, juicers.
July 23, 2008 at 2:46 pm
This campaign is absolutely ridiculous!
Acting like closed-minded fascists, promoting censorship and focusing on such petty issues won’t end racism in this country. If you don’t like the “coolie” juicer, don’t buy it. Period.
I recommend you spend your time championing serious causes and trying to make a real impact in the world. And please stop with this nonsense it just shows your own lack awareness and narrow grasp on the race-related issues we face in this country.
July 23, 2008 at 3:15 pm
You know at first, when I saw the Pinkberry juicers, I was all, “ADORABLE!” and didn’t get the insult. I figure it’s an original design for a juicer, based mostly on the hat. I didn’t think “coolies” were the only ones that wore them. I actually see many Asian Americans wear them to do their gardening in my neighborhood.
Then I really thought about how I would feel if it was a big lipped, afro wearing cotton ball holder. (I’m African American). And I thought about how I feel about non-blacks having black lawn jockeys or mami salt and pepper shakers. Jeez, I even hate it when my own people have those!
So I feel you my Asian friends! I may not get it, but I don’t have to. I’m not Asian.
So all you non-Asians, who don’t get it: You don’t have to get it. You aren’t Asian. Of course YOU’RE not offended.
You think this is a nothing issue, but every little bit counts towards changing the perspective of people like you commenters. Tell me, can you name 5 Asian actresses starring in LEADING roles in US films today? Exactly.
Don’t cloud the issue with criticizing grammar, MIKE.
And C.H., if you don’t like the “Drop the Juicer!” campaign, don’t comment on the page. You’re actually scolding people to pick a better cause, yet you’re a part of this cause my spending your time commenting. As long as there are people like you, racism will always exist.
Chai, you are a marvel for not putting your verbal foot up some of the bums of these commenters!
July 23, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Chai:
regarding your comment:
“so, just as how i usually “call people out” when they use those nasty words you’d mentioned, i think it’s proper for us to “call out” manufacturers of products that denigrate racial/ethnic groups.”
I hope you realize Pinkberry are not the manufacturers of these products, they merely carry them. And these particular juicers, as well as 95% of “coolie” design products are MADE IN CHINA.
I can understand how you can be offended by these but Asian and non-Asian people still wear these hats, they are a beautiful part of Asian folklore and tradition and as an Asian -American I see it more as quirky and fun celebration than as an offense. We have to rise above it. I feel proud of my heritage and culture and if I feel there are companies which distribute products I don’t agree with, then it is my choice not to support them.
July 23, 2008 at 8:20 pm
what about the slanted eyes? I suppose that’s an accurate image of Asians.
let me take out my level.
they wouldn’t have round eyes for this item, you try marketing it and see how far it will go.
July 24, 2008 at 1:21 pm
You all need to grow up. Instead of complaining to Pinkberry about something they sell that has “slanted eyes”, try writing a letter to President Bush complaining about gas prices and the fact that people are still dying for a pointless war…GROW UP! It was probably Asian people who desinged it in the first place.
July 24, 2008 at 6:12 pm
YOU need to grow up, the world has changed,
you’re not the big man on campus anymore.
proud Asian and proud of our history.
July 24, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I don’t see how these juicers are offensive.
Rice paddy hats are just a part of East Asian tradition and many people, especially the Vietnamese, are still wearing those hats.
It is you, Park and Lee, who are being racist and who look down your noses at Asian culture. I am totally offended by how you two and your followers took Asian culture as an insult
July 24, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I’m offended by your post ken.
I commend mr. Park and Mr. Lee, we all need to stand up for something.
we are not second class citizens. are you going to complain to the right wing blogs, sir? and, use your favorite term Get Over It?
well we are not going to get over it, not now, not ever.
July 25, 2008 at 1:30 am
I love it when Non-Asian people tell Asians when they are allowed to be offended.
I love it even more when Asians defend stereotypical caricatures and imagery- its like a self fulfilling prophecy of the stereotypical complacent Asian that kisses whyte ass.
July 25, 2008 at 9:59 am
Thanks Jin & Chai and everyone else who support the eradication of racial stereotypes. Also, I want to say to Dolemite, RIGHT ON!
July 25, 2008 at 11:34 am
Don’t you guys have other things to do?
As a Taiwanese, I think these juicers are cute!!!!
I know that racism is bad. And believe me, I know that feeling when people judge you only by the color of your skin!
I really admire your spirit fighting for the rights of every mankind.
But it’s only a f**king juicer!
I think You guys should put your energy in other action which is really effective to stop racism!
July 25, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I feel sorry for you exclusionactor. While you were shouting out that you were not a second class citizen, what you were really doing was you were admitting that you’re a second class citizen.
Although you said you were not going to get over it, I really don’t see what you need to get over with. I don’t think the juicers are offensive, cuz I simply don’t think slanted eyes or rice paddy hats are bad. I love rice paddy hats, I think they are adorable. I like people who have small and slanted eyes, I think they are beautiful. However, some people, on the other hands, found those juicers to be offensive. Why? Because they think rice paddy hats, which is a beautiful part of asian tradition, are horrible and they hate small and slanted eyes, which many asian people have. Those are the ones who are racists, but strangely enough, those are also the ones who are accusing other people being racist.
Let me ask you one thing, would you find it offensive and start a campaign if, instead of rice paddy hats and small and slanted eyes, those juicers have santa’s hats and big and round eyes? The answer is probably no, and moreover you will probably find it cute. Why? Cuz you admire western culture and love things with western elements but you look down your nose at your own Asian tradition. You find your Asian culture offensive and you don’t want to see anything that has Asian culture elements in.
Trust me, if you quit thinking you are a second class citizen, if you stop taking your culture and tradition as an insult, you will realize that you were never a second class citizen and you were never being looked down by anyone. It’s what’s inside your mind that has made you have all these weird feelings and act like a racist.
This campaign is being reported by the press in Asia, and guess what, 95% of the Asians in Asia think Park and Lee are just trying to become famous and this campaign is totally meaningless. Seriously, if you really want to do something that is helpful to mankind, then let me tell you something. There are still 20 million of your North Korean neighbours who are living in a horrible condition, and there are still hundreds of millions of people over the world that don’t have enough food and water to consume. There are way more things that you can do then asking people to toss away their juicers.
July 25, 2008 at 11:37 pm
ok, I apologize for my previous post. After I posted it, I realized that I was maybe too radical and my words may have hurt some people. I have to say hurting anyone’s feeling was by all mean not what I intended to do. Instead, I was trying to make those people who started this campaign feel good about themselves and proud of their culture or maybe I should say OUR culture since I am from Asia too.
A rice paddy hat is one of the many symbols of our culture. Our ancestors invented them and wore them for hundreds of years, even today, there are still many people who are wearing them and I believe the future generations in Asia will keep wearing them. Rice paddy hats represent our past, our present and maybe our future. It’s a symbol of our tradition. They are not offensive but wonderful. Please feel proud of them, or maybe I should say please feel proud of our culture and who we are. Please don’t look at rice paddy hats or our traditions in general as an offensive or disturbing thing. We should feel happy that some non-asian people are interested in those juicers that have something so traditional and so close related to our culture. Cuz if we accuse those people who find the juicers interesting and adorable of being racist, we might scare them. We might make them feel that they should also toss away their LG phones, Acer laptops or Sony Wii because those things have asian elements and they don’t want to be accused of being racists again because they use them. We don’t want them to get the wrong ideas, do we? Well….at least most of the non-Korean Asians (I know the people who started this campaign are Koreans, so maybe Koreans feel differently on this issue, so I will just exclude the Koreans here and say most of the non-Korean Asians) are actually happy that people are interesting in things that have asian tradition in.
So anyway, if my previous post has hurt anyone’s feeling, I sincerely apologize. All I wanted to do was just to make those people feel proud of their culture and stop looking at their culture as a disturbing and offensive thing; however, hurting anyone’s feeling was by all mean not what I wanted to do.
March 17, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Thanks to your site, i now realize how racist my sony playstations were. I smashed them to bits so no one else can be racist with them.
March 17, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hello. I referred my Mini Maids group to this site. We will be organizing against the makers of the Dora the Explorer. Thank you