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Monday, 09 February 2009

miley cyrus


The recent racial controversy surrounding the young Hollywood star, Miley Cyrus has been in the media in the past few weeks. An unearthed photo displays the star portraying a ‘racially offensive’ facial stance. The star was also slammed by the Asian Pacific American society, the OCA as being ‘offensive’ and ‘setting a terrible example to many of her young fans.’ OCA’s executive director George Wu further states that:

"This image falls within a long and unfortunate history of people mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian descent... Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimised the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans."

In the past week, Miley Cyrus has also issued an apology for her actions by pointing out she was no way racist and it was just a picture of her being ‘goofy’ around her friends and she was ‘sorry’ for anyone who looked at the pictures and took them ‘wrong’ and ‘out of context.’ Clearly a sincere apology!

With this current news, many have argued both sides, but with a clearly racially offensive pose, how can some people argue that it is not racist? Clearly there are racist actions, however unintentional. Personally, I, as a reader, am not impressed with Miley’s actions and I think that its wonderful there is a society that supports the American Asian-Pacific community so strongly. With this in mind, I feel that British Asian organizations would benefit from seeing this strong stance and being more structured in their efforts. (Which, might I add, they are doing wonderfully so far anyways.)

How did you interpret Cyrus’s actions?
Do you think what she did was considered offensive?

Yinnie Chung

 
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Kwok Y Chan - Miley Cyrus Posted 18:24 on 9 February 2009
She is being racist and ignorant. I'm sure many of us have grown up in a country where people have made these gestures to directly to chinese/oriental people. Even though we live in a multi cultural society ignorance can be bliss to some.

Hopefully she has learnt her lesson and as a role model to her fans she can behave like a adult even though she's clearly not!! I am very glad she has been pulled up and she is emabaressed by her actions.
Anonymous Posted 21:52 on 9 February 2009
Imagine if the person directed at was Black or Jewish? There would be a bigger outcry or less likely to occur? I was on a train recently, and I saw a poor chinese school kid being bullied with similar gestures by his pupils from the same school, what can or should I do?
Edwina Lee Posted 0:51 on 10 February 2009
The west is a christian/post-christian society, so it ought to embrace the concept of forgiveness as its core value.

If this young girl apologised sincerely for past wrong, society ought to show complete forgiveness true to its christian roots.

The way private conversations and photos and every scrap of information are interpreted amount to a 1984 Big Brother society of a horrible kind.

This is an occasion worth taking a stand in public to show how ridiculous our political values and processes have become.

It is an occasion to lead a different direction towards tackling racism.

Forgiveness and genuine apology rather than condemnation by picky syntactic misinterpretaion devoid of context.
pensggs - racism Posted 12:20 on 10 February 2009
Two days ago, I caught a brief glimpse of a programme on 'Racism in Hong Kong' by TVB

It was 'enlightening' to hear a man whose family was formerly from the Pakistan; but was born in Hong Kong; detailing the racism he suffered in HK.

When asked a question if he would retaliate when he was being abused by a racist, he replied 'If I hit or punish a person who was being racist to me, would I have taught this racist to like or respect me?'. This person works with children of other ethnicity in HK and tried to build a bridge of respect and understanding between the host culture with that of the immigration cultures.

HK has just brought in the Race discrimination laws!!!!!

Instead of 'nit picking' with the ultimate results of 'ridicuing and undermining ' the race equality laws and the discrimination laws, is it not more productive to work towards mutual respect between the different cultures by doing something positive in the community you live.

Each of us have the responsibility to promote mutual respect and understanding to pave the way for our decendents in UK.
kickass Posted 19:27 on 10 February 2009
I think it is good of the press to publish the photos. People in the media often does not realise how hurtful their action can be, and their behaviour is often copied by others. Every now and than people need to be reminded of their wider responsibility.
Hot Chinese Chips - issues for stupid people Posted 5:21 on 11 February 2009
Judging by the photo, it looks as if they are attempting to 'parody' an east asian photo, with everyone doing the slitty eye look. Not necessarily a sign of race hatred - oh look! - there is an oriental guy in the photo - I don't see any bruises on him!

Racism will and always exist. Photos like this will always be taken. That's a fact. But this photo was not intended for public consumption, and we can all admit that we've been silly in our private lives with friends and family.

It's dangerous to introduce laws that limit our freedom to expression.

The media by publishing this photo, has actually done more harm than good. No doubt, a journalist was jealous of Miley Cyrus success.

I'm surprised that all the 'British' Chinese have commented so vehemently. Adopting the over-the-top American 'political correctness', is not a solution.

Ask yourself, why does someone pulling 'slitty eyes' offend you that much? Are you that insecure about being Chinese?

We should all be mature enough to deal with childish ridicule!
kickass Posted 13:35 on 11 February 2009
The issue is not about insecurity and have much wider implications. It might be a protest against a singular western concept of beauty and civic advancement.
Anonymous Posted 21:43 on 11 February 2009
It depends on the context and intention. The reason why doing the slitty eye gesture can be offensive in jest, is that it is one way for people who are not oriential to say you (beautiful oriental/chinese people) are different from us white folks, you don't look like us, or worst I am superior to you and like to humiliate you. I ve been there in the receiving end of such people. I m hasten to add many people are not like that, but it does exists one should not to deny it and take a stronger stand when the intention is racist. I m not at all suggesting that there should be a witchhunt but rather making others know what is insulting.
ken nyc - comment Posted 0:28 on 15 February 2009
not necessarily racist; maybe just not realizing that this could be considered offensive to some Asians. Now that she knows if she does it again then there may be grounds for the charge. My family is Chinese and I know we can be insensitive toward other races and Asians too (anyone in your family every called anyone white or black devil?)
vanity - reverse-racism? Posted 18:49 on 15 February 2009
So hang on, is it racist when (in China) Chinese students mimic having a big nose and shout out 'da bi zi' in english classes taught by foreign English teachers? Because that's happened to 90% of the English teachers I know in China and they never seem that bothered about it.
views Posted 22:20 on 17 February 2009
Racism is a very difficult issue to debate because alot of people have been victims by it and some still are, but rather conceal it which is fair enough as long as you know what your truth is. Everyone can be racist or not racist. I prefer to see more non-racist Chinese people that more able to stick up and stand-up for themselves and some do thank goodness! Denial and silence is how my some of the early chinese generations dealt with it because they didn't how to. Things are different now but matters won't change if people don't say what is wrong. There was a time when being Gay was taboo, that view has changed albeit slow.
pensggs - Racism Posted 12:53 on 18 February 2009
Racism exists and will continue to exists. This is ingrained into our survival instinct.

Racism should be challenged whenever one comes across it. If not for our own satisfaction, then for ourselves.
Hot Chinese Chips - Upon Closer Inspection... Posted 14:36 on 22 February 2009
Upon closer inspection with a high resolution pixel scanner, it looks like the oriental male was added AFTER the photograph was shot...

Just my two cents.
Maureen - Upon closer inspection Posted 14:56 on 1 March 2009
You have got to be kidding me!!!The only way that you would be able to make that statement a fact is if you had the original photo. As to your claim, the kid in question would look superimposed into the picture and not interlaced within the other subjects. If everyone notices the kid to his left, his arm is over his waist but under the rest of his arm; and Miley's arm is over the kid's shoulder. And also, why would there be a gap between the kids, if all of them are meshing together to be able to fit in the photo? I think that people like you just love to put out statements like this just to incite more hatred. [b]So, aren't you the one who is doing more harm?
[/b]
And as one last comment that does not have to do with doctoring of pictures. While all of this is being blown out of proportion, since it is obviously being taken out of context, has anyone bothered to ask the Asian kid in the picture for his opinion? Did he feel that he was being mocked? Or for all you know, it could have been some kind of inside joke that only all of them know about?

So I think all of you need to reserve such harsh judgment until you have all the facts and not jump to such quick conclusions. Especially since doing so can have more of an adverse effect than the one originally intended.

Just my two cents.
Anonymous Posted 22:02 on 23 February 2009
Not wishing to undermine other peoples' views, racism, is not an instinctive response, but is learnt and legitimised by cultural institutions. For example I believe one is not born to be a "racist" if you have studied German 30s cultural history it begins in the classroom with cartoons demeaning certain cultures. The point I am alluding is, fair protest and compassion for other people is a better way of human affairs. If there are social choices I always prefer to shake hands and be friends with well meaning good people, even foes who want to change.
Yawning - Political correctness gone mad Posted 15:32 on 24 February 2009
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy. Most of you people are.

You wasn't there and you don't know the context it was used in.

Take it as a form of flattery, I actually think oriental women with their eyes are one of the most beutiful. I've done this mimik before and most certainly never intended it to be racist.

There is a fine line between racism and over sensitivity and ulitmately it is your the reader and view whom decides how it is taken.

Now if it was used to taunt someone while being bullied, then thats a different case and some should step in and handle the matter if the individual is not capable of doing it themselves.
Edwina Lee - PC gone mad & headline gen Posted 16:25 on 24 February 2009
I would say these headlines are generating opportunity to draw attention to what is insulting and what isn't. This is constructive.

Celebrity news often fall into this category.

We the readers are not meant to agree that the actress involved need to apologise. We are meant to understand that there was no ill intent nor harm done.

The important thing is to point out that these chinese mimicks are insulting, and the general public should refrain from doing such things.
Hot Chinese Chips - Miley Cyrus = HOT! Posted 9:47 on 25 February 2009
I dunno, I don't find it insulting - in fact, it makes me want her more! Oh baby, give it to me Miley, ooh baby yeah! Uh... Uhhh... Oh yesssssssssss!

Time for a shower now :)
Maureen - Miley Cyrus = HOT! and doctori Posted 15:11 on 1 March 2009
As I was saying earlier, with this statement, [b]you just proved my point!!!
[/b]
Putting out a statement like the one above about the doctoring of pictures is nothing more but your attempt to ..."put out statements like this just to incite more hatred."

And of course as an attention grabber. People like you seriously need some psychological help and end up tainting everything with your filth!!!
Cindy - Miley Cyrus Posted 14:02 on 25 February 2009
Can we take this article off the top slot now? Miley Cyrus is an idiot and offends me.
yamchafan - "Yawning"s comments Posted 22:38 on 1 March 2009
I think the poster called Yawning is a racist thru and thru. I dont need to be lectured to by someone who cannot string a sentence together properly to tell me what is and is not racist.

I think its abundantly clear that with your comments "Yawning" you show us all what type of person you are and guess what? You are as dumb as you sound.
Hot Chinese Chips - yamchafan has got a point... Posted 6:21 on 2 March 2009
We should set up a society to eliminate such people as Miley Cyrus with secret Chinese assassins. Such behaviour will not be tolerated, and thus perpetrators should be eliminated.
yamchafan - secret chinese assassins Posted 15:50 on 2 March 2009
I agree with hot chinese chips and i think all here would agree that the first client should be Hot Chinese Chips.
Hot Chinese Chips Posted 8:25 on 3 March 2009
I don't think I could afford to pay for the service of Chinese assassins.
Yinnie - Updates on this story Posted 20:36 on 4 March 2009
apparently a woman has allegedly demanded $4 billion US dollars for miley cyrus's actions:

quote:
A Los Angeles woman has filed a class action suit against Miley Cyrus, claiming she mocked Asians in a recent photo by slanting her eyes. Price tag: $4 billion.

Lucie J. Kim claims to represent more than 1 million Asian Pacific Islanders who live in L.A. County. Kim claims when Cyrus posed for the photo, she "knew or should have known that her image would be publicly disseminated via the media, which Cyrus knew focused on her private life, specifically TMZ."

Kim says in the suit, filed Wednesday in L.A. County Superior Court, that each Asian Pacific Islander is entitled to the minimum damages for a civil rights violation -- $4,000. Add it up -- $4 billion!

Kim says Miley's "just a kid" defense doesn't fly. She says it's like Paris Hilton claiming to be just a kid. Ouch.

Miley's peeps could not immediately be reached for comment.

credit:tmz.com

...i dont agree with cyrus's actions but this is ridiculous.
Hot Chinese Chips - $4000 Posted 6:51 on 5 March 2009
Hi Yinnie,

sometimes, I wonder if people such as Lucie J.Kim are working for US white supremacists - a case like this is as embarrassing for East Asians, as when a woman tried to sue McDonalds for her obesity. The first thing that people think when they hear about something like this, is not, 'oh she's just out for justice!' but rather, 'it's obvious she's trying exploit and make a fast buck from it!'

As Chinese, we already have a reputation for being penny pinching and money oriented, cases like this in the mainstream media only contribute towards the stereotype.

Stay safe.
Edwina Lee - Publiciy stunt? Posted 20:45 on 5 March 2009
What's going on? Are people trying to create publicity stunts for financial benefits?
All this of course make Miley Cyrus more and more famous.
Now I'm going to remember her for quite a long time!
soapbox Posted 21:40 on 5 March 2009
Most A celebs have a PR team where there is a bigger picture about self-marketing, I used to work for one :-). For me the the bottom line are Chinese people aware of the issues about race and identity that concern Chinese people living in the UK. Rupert Murdock done something very unusual last week he publicly said it was a mistake to publish a cartoon likening a black person to a monkey in the NYT. Good on him he s married to someone with beautiful eyes aswell.
thanks Yinnie Posted 22:00 on 5 March 2009
Thanks Yinnie for this piece, would it be possible to provide a link about the "OCA" or "APAS" about what they stand for I can't google them. Peace.
Jeff Minter Posted 1:58 on 6 March 2009
The Chinese community has to really look at why, despite being a far smaller percentage of the UK and US than other races, we seem to be getting just as many incidents. Other communities have protection in the form of groups, established societies, and even a "protection group" (Jews). We have none of that - the Chinese communities are spread too thinly, disconnected.

It's to do with respect - or lack of. Some of the more placid members of the Chinese community may fob it off as water off a duck's back - but I can tell you, it hurts It affects your confidence, your mental wellbeing. They know it too, they just don't want the bother. The question is, how do you gain respect in a white society when other minorities (blacks, asians) have only done so through violence, intimidation, "street cred"? We're not exactly the most physical lot, nor do we hold political, economical or power in the media. How exactly do we change the hearts and minds of racists?
Yinnie Posted 12:07 on 6 March 2009
google is your friend
http://www.ocanational.org/

I totally agree, Jeff Minter. There isn't enough influence from chinese people in the UK. But with chinese coming from various places, its not really a surprise that the community is spread so thinly.

At this current point in time, it doesn't seem like anything we can do, the current chinese mindset in Britain is not coherent nor bothered about anything but the effects of the economy.
Anonymous Posted 20:24 on 11 March 2009
I agree its not going to happen if people afar not living in the UK discredit and mock community matters of concern, and go on (allegedly) how great not living in the UK is.
Jeff Minter Posted 4:33 on 28 March 2009
Community Security Trust, is what it's called.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Security_Trust

the Chinese need to set something up like that, with nationwide outreach. It would certainly go some way against police discrimination.
James Posted 19:00 on 3 May 2009
I don't even know who these people are. But anyway, here is my view on this. It is rather offensive.
Caveman - be strong Posted 17:25 on 15 May 2009
I have just read all the above comments and a few different articles in this wonderful website for the 1st time. I have been in the UK for more than 20 yrs and I must make a few things very crystal clear.
1) Most of the people I know are from different races and religions. They are just as racist as I am (or not racist) but that changes once they get to know me.
2) Unfortunately we judge people visually but once we get to know them their entire lifelong opinions take a different dimension. I always behave appropriately as I am an ambassador for the Chinese race like all of us here!
3) Appropriate behave means treat others like the way you wished to be treated. This also means that they should know that you have as much rights as they have.
4) I am not advocating that we become militant. However, I feel that we should just behave like a human being. That means that we will defend ourselves and fight back when challenged but rational in behaviour.
I am in my late 30s and living just everyone else and forgetting that maybe people are picking on me because I am Chinese has helped me work with all sections of the population. On the other hand, those that know me also know that I am just as capable as them when it comes to standing up for my rights!!!! As Snoop Dog says in one of his songs,'I am the man you think you are!'
So my advise is, be strong but be like everyone else. Being Chinese is no more special than being White or Black; we are all the same. AND above all don't take crap because we all have the same entitlement as human beings...IN UK anyway.
BBC Posted 20:04 on 10 June 2009
I agree with caveman, the point is that a lot of chinese people DO have similar commonsensical sentiments BUT there is a difference is what can be said and what ACTUALLY happens in incidents like these in minority social setting. A slave can rationalised he is happy because there are loads of other slaves. One way to defeat racism is also to show that racism also doesn't exist by chinese and non-chinese people, that we are friend most of the time. Sorry but I not like those strong people I like to be because I am a human being capable of deep feelings of rejection when it is spoken with such brutal honesty.
HL - Miley not racist Posted 10:23 on 8 July 2009
If Orientals have slanting eyes, they have slanting eyes. It is more due to racial inferiority that we find that offensive. It is as if to say "slanting eyes is a weakness, so anyone makes fun of it is racist".

If Miley had said "Orientals are ugly and stupid", then she would be racist.

But what's wrong with slanting eyes?
Anonymous - re_HL Posted 20:42 on 13 July 2009
Nothing wrong with having slanted eyes its to do with generalising, stereotyping and racism. The same way Jew and Blacks etc have been mocked.
john - amis Posted 22:57 on 3 September 2009
we are all born i into the world with no control over what we look like and to make fun of somebody for their appearance is unacceptable. Nobody is better than anybody else, since we are equally products of nature and science says we all have intelligence levels similar to one another in each race group. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, ethnic eyes can sometimes be nice on a person, but mocking them should be taken as seriously as making fun of someones skin colour.
anon Posted 23:03 on 3 September 2009
If making fun of someones skin color is
acceptable then why is making fun of someones eyes. they are ethnic traits and the making fun of them is like asserting a sense of superiority of yourself from not having them, this is what leads to a racism that can be toxic, feeling superior to someone who is also human can lead to hatred, which could lead to violence in the wider culture where looking different is an alienating experience in itself. it is the vulnerable feeling that you get from feeling uncomfortable in your old skin because of the way you look, being ill treated, being underestimated, all contributes to the angst and depression for being alive.... this is why making fun of slanty eyes is not acceptable. you must place your self in the others shoes... until you do, then dont judge.
anonymous 2 Posted 23:07 on 3 September 2009
I have been suffering from depression from being made fun of at school, i was bullied violently at school, the teachers didnt do anything. I didn't ask to look this way, this life is a complete lottery, what we look like, who our family is, every thing in my life is complete fluke. It is a fluke i have a face the way it is, and thus consequently, not only do i have no luck in love but also not very good socially, people treat you better if you are good looking, so again how you are treated, whether you are liked is fluke. if you have none of my troubles, then do not feel to proud of yourself, since what you have is euqally a fluke.have a nice life.
trinny Posted 23:11 on 3 September 2009
anonymous 2, please don't be too down about yourself, I am not sure what to say to you to help... I hope you are ok there...people can be FLIPPANT and this can be very hurtful if it has been something longstanding at school, its this kind of flippancy that people do not understand is offensive to peoples mental health...i really hope you are ok.. bye.
itchy scratchy Posted 23:13 on 3 September 2009
yeah, anonymous 2, dont be too down on yourself, I can see how it can affect your mental health, please, talk to a counseller or something, yeah.... peace out.
huu Posted 8:13 on 17 July 2010
http://www.chanels.cc
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