Tuesday, February 3, 2009
National Skyline PC Panties In a Wad: Another Miley Cyrus Photo Scandal
Posted by Tracy Moore on Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 11:34 AM
First, Miley Cyrus was photographed looking all freshly romped in Vanity Fair. At least now she's acting a little more her 16 years by pulling back the corners of her eyes, in this latest photo that's causing an Internet ruckus. An Asian-American advocacy group has issued a response:
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.
They've asked Cyrus for an apology. But what do we think? The Asian-American male in the picture makes it all OK, right? Because if he was cool with it, we should be too! But seriously, it's certainly unsophisticated redneckery, and in poor taste. Add it to the list of all the dumb shit in the world marginalized folks are forever being bombarded with.
As a woman, I sympathize. There is an endless barrage of implications in our language and gestures that constantly reinforce the otherness of anyone who isn't a dude or white in this country. As a person on earth, I am also constantly aware of the need to lighten up about what will always be a painstakingly slow educational process for said majority. This never stops me from ranting about my own pet peeves, so I'm not suggesting that the advocacy group is a bunch of histrionic finger-waggers. They have a point.
Still, these are teenagers with underdeveloped brains, and we know at least one of them is from the don't-see-a-whole-lot-of-other-kinds-of-people-growing-up-in-Franklin part of the country. It doesn't excuse juvenile stupidity, but I don't think that makes it intentionally racist. Thoughts?
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"Still, these are teenagers with underdeveloped brains, and we know at least one of them is from the don't-see-a-whole-lot-of-other-kinds-of-people-growing-up-in-Franklin part of the country. It doesn't excuse juvenile stupidity, but I don't think that makes it intentionally racist."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Stupid, yes, but definitely not intentionally racist.
unfortunately, i think often times, things such as this are often made into a much bigger deal than they are so that these little groups can attempt to glom onto something with national attention.
I think that "UNCLE TONG" in the photo needs to go back to school and learn a little something about Asian bigotry. As for "HANOI MONTANA I hope the wrath of one-billion plus people wreak havoc on future earnings!!!
"Uncle Tong." That's very clever.
And I never thought dudes with dogtags, cross necklaces and pinky rings could be such racist-y dipshits. Really changes my perspective on things. Maybe Miley should have a sip of old Jerk-Off Jones' wine there and chill the fuck out.
Maybe she's just having trouble seeing because she's full of shit and it's clouding her vision. Don't be so quick to judge, guys.
Maybe I read too many gadget blogs, but I totally thought the headline was saying that there were decorative knickers for my computer...
I'm Asian and find nothing offensive in this. These are just teenagers joking around with an Asian friend. This isn't even news and it's certainly not racist.
My brother calls his white wife "little round eye" and I don't think any whites have been offended. I don't know any other Asians who are offended by Miley's goofing off either.
What is truly offensive are liberal special interest groups that can find offense in anything if it will further their puritanical agenda and keep the money coming in.
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize that she grew up in a Privileged conservative suburb that was a prime target of white flight. That makes it ALL BETTER. And you're right, Kids will be kids, you know. It's not like it actuallyhurts anybody. Intentional or not, this is still racism, and it still matters. It's not like they are asking for her to be tarred and feathered, they just wanted an apology.
intentinally or not, it is still a derogatory pose towards the asian community, and just because they have an asian friend there and he is okay with it, DOES NOT mean he speaks for the rest of the asian community. And please quit with the whole "well, I am Asian/My friend is Asian..." bull, it is still offensive. if these teenagers with underdeveloped brains are going to act like children then they should be treated like one, the first thing they would teach you in kindergarten is to RESPECT ONE ANOTHER and if you wronged someone you should APOLOGIZE to that person.
I'm Asian Ana, and I do find the picture very offensive. I find it kind of sad that as an Asian American you can't see the social implications of a celebrated teen singer/actress making racist gestures in a photo that is now circulated web-wide. But then again, I don't think too highly of your intelligence.
Think, just for a moment, of all the young fans who see her as a role model (and there are many)and her mis-characterization of Asian Americans. Now think of Asian American history and popular depictions in the media and culture. Think Avatar: the Last Airbender, and no East Asian actors. Keep pondering...ponder a little longer.
Hopefully, that changes your opinion on things. It probably won't, and I laughed at your "puritanical liberal agenda" garbage. Cute. And I'm a moderate Republican.
And TRACY, please explain how the picture isn't INTENTIONALLY RACIST. Granted there are different levels of severity in acts of racism, it's pretty clear here, that it is intentional. Please spare us the excuse-making.
haha,ppl are getting dumber and dumber each day,what's so offensive about the picture?it looks like its an inside joke,the asian guy open wide his eyes as if he was making fun of ppl with round eyes,and if shes trully a racist then y would she even consider have asian friend or get near an asian guy? i thought using derogatory words and discriminating was racism! now ppl who try to act black are racist? what about ppl who said asian eat dogs? ppl get ur head out of ur ass,or just stop hating
you know what?
after i saw this i thought miley was a really mean person. why would she even do this??
even thought the asian guy is in the pic, it doesnt matter. i am asian me and all my friends (even thought they arent asian) think its just so rude and offensive.
and AHA- asians dont eat dogs u are more offensive then miley herself
MILEY IS DEFINITELY RACIST AND A BULLY.
If it is okay for Miley to show this picture. I think Disney Channel has lack of response.
What is next?
It is not cool to see a star, an Idol, or a model for children and teenager to behave like this. BAD CHOICE... I will definitely stop my children of watching her show and I have not doubt to trash every single souvenir toys, or anything related to Miley because I do not want my kids to be RACIST.
Miley thinks she is beautiful. She think she has perfect eyes, perfect feature and etc...
I do not think so...
WAKE UP KID?
There is more than your face...
We need (IQ) brain and emotional intelligence.
That's the picture? Oh come on, we don't have more to worry about? I have not read much on this, but what is the context of this? Their is a guy drinking wine-and Miley is how old? That might be more of a consideration than the eye pulling.
Insane, all of you.
i dont think these kids are intentionally racist, but they are considerably stupid
to be honest i would feel really shit if i was that guy, it just shows how unrespectful these 'friends' of his are
Um... hello? Who cares? Kids will be kids. Clearly the Asian friend was in on it, does this make Miley a bad person? No. It makes her a kid who finds stupid things funny. Why is everyone getting worked up over this, when there are people on TV who really are racist, and say things that really are offensive?
People need to get a life. I dont care if they had on rice picking hats and were eating with chop sticks. This is just a bunch of kids messing around. America is way too happy to sue anyone with money.
Asians arent going after all those offensive movies made in the 50's and 60's where white men were playing offensive asian characters. This is simply stupid.
I think these "scandals" that people come up with are just bullshit. I am 12 years old and i see nothing wrong with that photo. It does not make me want to be racist. These Asian people are possibly trying to get an excuse to sue her so they can get money. These damn scandals are posted because overly-obsessive people have nothing better to do. This is not a rumour, but the fact that these shit-heads are gonna sue her is just stupid. Stupid paparazzi and those damn money hungry photographers are just nasty. How did this dumb photo even get posted anyway. Poor Miley, people just have given her grief and i feel sorry for her! Let her be a normal teenager and get on with your life! Geez!
@polerin
LOL, please get a dictionary, I'll help you: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racism
This is a photo of several people making stupid faces. The only people who might get offended are those trying to find context there there is none.
Perhaps some people relate that to making "Asian faces", perhaps others it's simply something you can do to make your face look different.
Unless there's something on that photo that says "Asians are dumb" or there's an accompanying press release or blog post stating this, then it's pure speculation on people looking for trouble and are overly sensitized to your idiotic belief system.
@"Miley is a racist!!!"
Dog is eaten in some parts of the world, often in the Asia continent. Don't believe me? Learn to read...
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=china+not+to+serve+dog+at+olympics&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f
You know, Americans eat cow and pig. Animals that are considered pets and sacred in some parts of the world, who are equally scared at the fact we eat this meat.
You're clearly not Asia. Just an Asian-wannabe. You're American. Get over it.
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