The photo above of teen pop sensation Miley Cyrus (3rd from left) recently emerged showing her and some of her pals posing with an Asian friend and pulling their eyes sideways. In response to the photo, the OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) issued the following statement on February 2nd:The photograph of Miley Cyrus and other individuals slanting their eyes currently circulating the Internet is offensive to the Asian Pacific American community and sets a terrible example for her many young fans. 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 legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans," said George Wu, executive director of OCA. "The inclusion of an Asian Pacific American individual in the photo does not make it acceptable."
"OCA hopes that Miley Cyrus will apologize to her fans and the APA community for this lapse in judgment and takes the opportunity to better understand why the gesture is offensive."
OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
Miley responded with the following on her official fansite:
"Ive also been told there are some people upset about some pictures taken of me with friends making goofy faces! Well, Im sorry if those people looked at those pics and took them wrong and out of context!
In NO way was I making fun of any ethnicity! I was simply making a goofy face. When did that become newsworthy? It seems someone is trying to make something out of nothing to me. If that would of been anyone else, it would of been overlooked! I definitely feel like the press is trying to make me out as the new 'BAD GIRL'!"
I feel like now that Britney is back on top of her game again, they need someone to pick on! Lucky me! haha Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know what is on my heart. You guys know me and have been by my side every step of the way!
You guys know my heart and know the most important things to me are my friends, family, fans, and GOD! In NO WAY do I want to disappoint any of you! But, when I have made mistakes in the past, I feel like Ive owned up to them and apologized.
Anyway, I really wish everyone would stop focusing on my personal life and get back to focusing on what I love! Music and Acting! Hopefully, I will be touring again this fall! Yayy! =] It will be a nice change to be back out on the road again!
xoxo Blessings.. Miley =)"
The intentions of Miley and her friends may not have been racist, but I can understand why some would be offended by the photo. Although it's not as bad as Mickey Rooney's stereotyped portrayal of "Mr. Yunioshi" in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany's, I think that Miley and her friends made a bad move by posing that way in the photo.
Miley didn't really help her case with the above "apology". She basically tried to blame the media for covering this story. I don't feel that members of the media should go digging through a celeb's trash or follow their every move, but being famous does mean that your missteps will be publicized for all the world to see.
Miley's slant eyed pose wasn't the worst thing she could have done so I'm not calling for The Disney Channel to yank Hannah Montana off the air or that the public boycotts her CDs. As those who read my pop culture blog know, I watch Hannah Montana on a regular basis and will continue to do so. Miley's slant eyed pose may have been nothing more than a 16 yr old making a "goofy face". However, if Miley and her other friends who pulled their eyes sideways don't feel they did anything wrong, they should at least acknowledge that their actions could be deemed offensive.
11 comments:
I'm fresh off a heated debate about this very topic. The Spanish Basketball team made the same gesture in their team photo during the Olympics.
Not everyone has the same sense of political correctness. Does it make them racist? Of course not. Insensitive? Probably.
It's hard to say what went on in that room over the course of the night. Hypothetically, what if it was the Asian guy's idea for his friends to do that? It doesn't make it "OK," I guess, but it adds another level of interest to the debate.
IMO, it's just kids being kids. Maybe this is offensive to some Asian people, but what's to be done?
Kids are always going to act like idiots, and along the spectrum of what idiotic things kids sometimes do, i.e. drunk driving, drug use, blatant hate crimes, widespread unprotected sex, etc, this ordeal is at the low end of "matter."
Just a question here: Do you think people sometimes need thicker skin? I watched a Chris Rock special the other month where he bashed white people for 15 minutes.
To date, I've yet to see any white folks issuing press releases saying that the content was offensive. Maybe it's out there -- but not in my immediate vicinity.
I think we - all of us - need to lighten up a touch. Have a sense of humor about some things "racial."
There are sporadic offices all over the world where people are thumbing through content at a breakneck pace, just searching for something they can label "offensive." Before long, the less offensive takes the place of the overtly, and so on and so forth until the slightest tick causes panic.
This was offensive hands down I dont see how some one could think that all Asian people would be cool with this. Despite the Asain dude in the pic.
And than the arrogance in her response!
It was a complete dismissal of the feelings of an other ethinic group.
And if the Asian guy cosigning that behavior made it alright, she is sadly mistaken.
I recall a coworker of mine who had a white friend who occaisionally used the word n#$ga when they spoke among their friends.
He felt since he grew up around blacks and that his friends were black it was alright.
I had to explain to him that what you and your friends thought and what me and my friends thought were two different things and something would have to be handled if it was done in our presence.
@Josh,
No it isnt right when black comics make fun of whites cause it opens up a two way street that can not be justified.
I find the Google ads that appear in the sidebar here more offensive than a bunch of teenagers goofing off in front of a camera. "Hook Up With Sexy Asians" etc. etc. etc.
Now if these kids were wearing t-shirts with photos of Hiroshima on the front or something like that AND making the faces it would be a different story.
My sense is that it still comes down to context, perception, and intent. To be clear, I don't accept blatant or insensitive comments in my presence, but there I personally can assess the situation. I too am concerned that the focus on the more trivial or a perception of the intent might eventually prevent the overtly racial from being taken as seriously and getting the attention that it will deserve.
One of the reasons I like a particular song/book/movie/art is that there is something there I relate to on an emotional or gut level. As someone who has been in a Chris Rock audience, I relate because I know most of what he is saying about white people is true. Just like a lot of what he says about women is true. To me, that is what makes it so funny. I believe that the history one takes with them into that theater is going to determine one's response.
Again, that said, I do agree with clnmike about it opening up a two-way street that can't be justified; that is something questioned often in my world.
I don't know what happened in that room that resulted in the picture. Maybe they were wondering how women could see who'd had too many face lifts. For me, there is always room for benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
Barbara (aka Layla) I just saw your post. I agree, without a doubt.
@ Mike
A two-way street it may open, but when you're talking about intent, a lot gets left out.
I have a quick story similar to the one you've shared:
The first bit of racial violence I've seen in my life came when I was in 7th grade. A white kid was listening to a rap record on his state-of-the-art Sony Walkman (they're dinosaurs already! I'm old lol). Not thinking anything was wrong with it, he dropped the N-bomb while singin' along out of tune.
A few of my friends from the hill, all black, proceeded to whip this dude's @$$ for the next 15 minutes. They were going off about how that word is racist and doesn't belong to him.
Looking back on the incident, I don't rightly see what they knew about it at that age either.
Some found it offensive, but the dude who said it surely didn't mean anything by it. Judging from his obvious attempt to be "hip-hop," you can conclude he was anything but racist.
Race issues are volitile even still in today's climate, but I'm willing to make an assumption that 99.9% of them don't have to be.
My point being that if some of us could lighten up and judge a situation as a whole; judge people for who they are and not a brief moment of context - a lot of things can be corrected without going to extremes.
Chris Rock's grossly overused line in that comic special I watched was "Cracker ass cracker." I don't like it, but I understand that he's catering to his audience and going with what works. There's no malicious intent behind it.
I know I'm longwinded (writer < can't help it!), but I guess I'm just making the point that things like this aren't a big deal until someone blows it out of proportion.
I saw this and really had to laugh. Okay I am a fan of Miley's, but I am not red crossing (defending her). I really don't believe the kids were making any kind of racist statement. I think some news reporter got a hold of the picture and exploited the situation, plain and simple.
I thought it was interesting that Miley's explanation contained no real insight into the photo's context. Why were they all making similar gestures with their eyes? Why isn't the Asian guy in the picture doing the same? Was this a skit? A comedy routine?
All we can go on is what she says, what we see and how it makes us feel.
A goofy face? A youthful prank? Okay. But also insensitive and mocking.
If Milely's response followed her review of the statement issued by the OCA, then I'd say she's being incredibly insensitive and needs to be called on it.
Do I think the incident was newsworthy? Not really. Do I think she needs to suffer some serious repercussions in light of her actions. No.
But if someone were to produce a picture of Miley sitting around with her friends wearing black face and with their lips painted red or white, I'd be pissed and offended. And I'd expect her to offer an apology if not an explanation for her actions.
Humor is intended to push buttons and make us all slightly uncomfortable. But as David Chappelle learned, it's one thing when folks are laughing with you and another when they are laughing at you. Context is everything.
Josh: Yes, sometimes a thicker skin is in order. However, I wouldn't say that to those offended by the photo. I'm not sure if any whites issued press releases saying they were upset by the photo either. However, if they didn't that wouldn't mean that what Miley and her friends did was OK.
Clnmike: The presence of the Asian friend in the photo makes it even more problematic. I'd love to hear what his thoughts are on the photo.
Barbara: As you probably know, the Google ads are an unfortunate byproduct of keywords used in the post itself. When time permits, I will see if I can play around with the settings so it doesn't happen in the future.
I think that Miley's response to the controversy was worse than the photo itself. However, I can understand how others (both Asians and non-Asians) would be offended by the photo.
Judi: To me, the difference between the Miley Cyrus photo and a Chris Rock stand-up routine is that the latter is definitely for entertainment purposes. As you said, there is a lot of truth to Chris Rock's routine. I feel the same way about Lisa Lampanelli's stand-up act. A good part of it deals with race and sexuality (particularly, her relationships with black men).
Pjazzy: I wonder how the media got hold of the photo. Did an associate of Miley's leak the photo in order to damage her career or was it some other way?
Lori: Based on Miley's response, it sounds as if it came after the OCA made their statement. When I first read this story, I too was playing the "what if" game and wondering what would happen if Miley and her friends had on afro wigs and fake lips. It would be different and worse because that would be a concerted effort to offend and couldn't easily be explained away as a "goofy face". I'd feel the same way if the photo was of Miley and her friends not only pulling their eyes sideways, but wearing fake buck teeth because that would be an obvious attempt at mocking Asians.
The press release comment was meant for the Chris Rock thing -- not the Miley thing...
I heard on the news today (I didn't watch the full story, so I don't know if I'm reporting it correctly) that one of those ultra-PC organizations is planning to file a lawsuit against Miley for $4-billion. 4,000,000,000. Umm ... !
I have to wonder if people are really upset or just playing upset to get a payday. I mean, seriously. A lawsuit?
And depending on where the trial is going to be held, it will be probably be settled to the tune of a 7-figure apology.
Is this where we're at?
I don't know if racism will ever go away if it's opening these robust doorways for greed-stricken opportunists to drive a bus through.
If there's a payday in it for someone, everything will be deemed offensive. And once we teach our children that giving a thumbs up to a Mexican is racist or that waving at an Indian is offensive (eg), we're going to completely be separated!
This is why I cling firmly to laughing things off at times. Going the other route and pushing so extremely hard for sensitivity is causing the scales to not only tip, but collapse.
Firstly, people instinctively imitate others, starting with small children imitating animals. As we grow older, our lives focus more on people, and less on animals - unless you're name is Jack Hanna or something... anyway, so we slowly begin to imitate people (even to the extent of over time, as in the case of "becoming" your parents) if the "right" thing prompts us to. But the interpretations are left up to vocabulary, and with vocabulary comes the scrutiny, and thereby goes the innocence.
The truth of the matter is, we all do it. Whether it's us imitating our kids or parents, siblings or friends, teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, other races, religions or ethnicities, hobos and rich bastards, wrestlers, actors, models, animals, foes or even superheroes - whatever! it is - we all do it in one way or the other if something prompts us to, and we do it naturally (if you deny it, I hereby declare you a liar and bonehead). Just because you imitate someone doesn't mean you're prejudiced toward them. Again, it's the vocabulary used in the interpretation (see "taunt", "mock", and "misstep").
It's humanly impossible to be completely and utterly "yourself" at all times, in my not-so-humble opinion. Obviously, sometimes there's ill meaning and sometimes there's flattery - sometimes it's for effect and sometimes there's no reason at all. But it's hard to determine the reason in a fraction of a second in time.
Second, when it comes to the picture, notice how the Asian kid is right there with him? I might be a Simpleton, but this is my best "guess" at the pic because to me, there's an inside joke going on because of what I'll tell the reader in two paragraphs (now, you're hooked lol).
Here's something that it could be, emphasis on COULD, only to show that things aren't always what they seem:
Sometimes, just for jokes, I'll introduce my best friend; "Have you met my big, dumb friend, Andrea?" ...It's affectionate (though maybe weird to some people) and it's because she's an Amazonian woman who fumbles stuff a lot. She knows it and she doesn't get all bent out of shape. Yes, I imitate her sometimes, too! And do I have anything personal against hot, tall women or clumsy people?, I ask rhetorically. And of course I can take what I dish; I'm her "school marm" friend because of my conservative-ism and lack of anything flashy to wear lol - doesn't mean she hates school marms, either!
Back to my 'theory'... Assuming, they're pretend Asians, maybe just MAYBE, the Asian kid is COMFORTABLE enough with himself to be the "small, slanty-eyed Asian friend, Li.", and embracing his obvious uniqueness from the group. And maybe, just MAYBE they were having jokes, as Andrea and I do.
And, maybe, just MAYBE, they were having stoner jokes. They're teenagers after all.
And, maybe, just MAYBE, the cameraman said "OK everybody, gimme your best Miagi!"
And, maybe, yes just MAYBE, it was sabotage by the girl who got dumped for Miley. MAYBE it was Miley herself, who just wanted something to bring herself into the headlines. "Bad press is good press", as they say.
Maybe... ah well, point is, it's pretty unlikely they were sitting around discussing how they hate Asians and planning on how to keep them back or anything else that would be reason to throw a hissy fit. I mean, it would be different if they imitating DEAD "Asians" with their fingers (i.e. Lindsay Lohan imitates dead white girl with knife to her throat, which could actually be interpreted as "disturbing" - unlike this photo of Miley)
If anyone wants to look at that picture and see "taunting," they will.
If anyone wants to look at that picture and see "goofy, inappropriate teenagers," they will.
If anyone wants to look at that picture and see some kind of "racism," they will.
If anyone wants to look at that picture and see "imitation" (which I've proven we're all guilty of, and by basic definition, doesn't imply any kind of ill meaning) - they will.
If someone wants to look at this picture and shrug and say, "Yeah, so?" while they unpause their Playstation, they will. (Think hard about that one)
There isn't a photo out there that SOMEBODY couldn't find SOMETHING wrong with and everyone sees what they wanna see (and the sky has no color, maaan)
Josh: Thanks for clarifying your comment about press releases. The woman responsible for the 4 billion dollar lawsuit is Lucie Kim. From the stories I've read, it looks as if Kim is flying solo and isn't filing this suit on behalf of any organization. Having said that, the lawsuit is silly in my opinion. I hope that the suit gets thrown out. Otherwise, the courts will be inundated even more with cases that have little or no merit.
Druther: Thanks for chiming in on this controversial topic. As you and many others (including me) have said, there are a lot of "maybes" to the Miley Cyrus photo incident. The person I'd like to hear from is the young Asian man in the photo.
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