Well, you can understand why people would be a little sensitive about a comment like that in a historically racist sport. giddyup, it mentions in the article a quote by a Mets' source saying there's no way he's going to keep his job, hence the thread title. As far as the rest, I don't think this would be a big deal if Ng didn't believe he was being confrontational. I'm not so sure he should lose his job, but I completely understand why the Mets would want him gone. People can cry about the perceived double standard all day long, but that doesn't come close to changing the fact that what this guy did was wrong.
im glad you asked this because some people will take offense and some will not. When you ask someone and they say a place in the US, then they are from there, end of question. it is impolite to ask "Where are you really from?". what the 2nd Q implies is that they are a foreigner and NOT an American. The difficulty a lot of minorities have in the US is that even after several generations, they are still not accepted to be Americans, only citizens at most. They do not like to always be associated with their ancestral country. Its great to be curious of other countries, but one must not make immediate assumptions and associate that with the individual. Think of this scenario between person A and Caucasian person B A: Where are you from? B:New York A:No, where are you really from B: Uh, Manhattan. A: I mean, where are you from originally? B: I was born here A: No, where did your parents come from? B: Vermont actually. A: and before that? B: I think they've been there for a while A: what about your ancestors? where did they come from? B: Well, i guess since the colonies A: ok, so where were they before that? B: I think Scotland A: So, do you wear kilts? I don't think this happens with white people, but it does to some minorities pretty often. Does it sound ridiculous happening to a caucasian? Yes, and it sounds equally ridiculous to other Americans who can be classified in a minority group. I think a faulty assumption that some people have is that they associate ethnicity with allegiance and cultural characteristics to another country. Most caucasians wouldn't like to be held up to such standards, why should other ethnic groups feel differently? I would ask if they are obviously not American (Accent, different gestures, mentioning that they arent american etc) but never on looks alone. Again, it depends on the individual, some 2nd generation americans can be really offended by the "where are you really from?" question because sometimes, ones ethnicity or heritage has nothing to do with the person as an individual. If you are interested in a persons background, say, "I am interested in people's backgrounds, do you have any family history that is particularly interesting?" As I mentione above, there are some people that will always be offended by such questions because they have got them before in a negative context. If anything, respect is key and never make assumptions that the individuals characteristics match where they might have been from (many assumptions are wrong to begin with). Treat others as you would treat yourself and you can't do any wrong.
just to be clear...i agree with you. nevertheless, i agree with the idea that we can laugh off what Shaq said as "harmless" but we're willing to fire this guy.
True. However, Shaq did his in public and there was an outcry. I have a feeling that if Ng had felt that what this guy did was harmless, she wouldn't have said anything.
Also, had Shaq been suspended, waived, or had any other punishment thrown his way, I would've completely understood why the NBA or the Lakers felt they needed to do that.
I think that Fuzzy lost some endorsement deals but I don't remember the PGA getting on his case. Anybody?
Maybe if he were a conservative radio talk show host he could get away with it for another 20 years or so.
Rocker wasn't fired either, I don't get the comparison. Not only that, his comments were meant to degrade the city of New York. That's why he was constantly booed there. The reason he isn't around anymore isn't because of what he said, it's because he sucks.
It was clear the Singer made his comments to attack Ng. First, he kept repeating "where are you from" after it was clear she's American. As a Chinese-American, when asked where I'm from, I generally answer that I was born and raised in the U.S. I've never had a problem if someone follows up with, "where is your family from?" However, there's no other explanation for repeating the question "where are you from" after you clearly state that you're American, other than to deride the person. This wasn't even a poor attempt at a joke (a la Shaq). It was simply to attack Ng because of her heritage. Also, a big part of what he said was his tone. The original LA times article (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers15nov15,1,4114939.story) states that Singer made his comments "sarcastically." You add that to the nonsensical mock Chinese (a la Shaq) and we have a problem. There's no legitimate use of mock Chinese. Regardless of what I say or feel, what saddens me the most is that there are still people out there who say..."what's the big deal with the mock Chinese?"
"Where are you live?" I love the combination of a "low-carb" diet with high-carb beer. That's just freaking hilarious. It reminds me of the infamous "twinkie defense" of Dan White 25 years ago. (This year is, by the way, the 25th anniversary of Dan White slaying the mayor of San Francisco and, minutes later, a fellow councilman, Harvey Milk).
Those remarks are stupid no matter who says them. I have never defended idiotic statements racial or otherwise.
I don't want to get into this, and I'm trying to tread more lightly now... but... Is it just me or did John Rocker rule? I always loved the energy he brought to the game. I loved how he ran out on to the mound, I loved how he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, I loved how he was an amazingly dominant left handed relief pitcher the likes of which I have never personally seen this side of Billy "The Kid" Wagner. Besides, his epileptic delivery was hilarious. And let's face it. I also share no great love for the city of New York. Maybe I just like relief pitchers too much.
