Not to beat a dead horse here, but this story is a great example of how prevalent stereotypes are in our society. When the Rockets played at Miami, they had a "Fortune Cookie" night, in 'honor' of Yao Ming. This is basically as ridiculous as what Shaq did, because it was actually done semi-SERIOUSLY. What a joke. At least the things Shaq said, as distasteful as they were, at least was done somewhat in jest. I like what Dan Patrick said on ESPN Radio, which was basically to the extent of: "What if teams had a 'Watermelon Night' when Shaq (or other African Americans) came into town to play?" This is basically a funny, although absurd, stereotype of African-Americans, since we know that not all African-Americans eat watermelon. However, we all could imagine what would happen if such an event occured. This is a pretty silly situation, but there definitely is a double standard when it comes to racial/ethnic jokes. (DUH)
I am pretty sure that Shaq's dad spoke to Yao to thank him for the Christmas card that he sent to Shaq through him. Again, Yao shows us what class is all about. Shaq's dad seems like a very nice man and I am sure he had some words to his step son regarding his misguided attempt at a joke.
Yes, but understanding is key to this issue. And at the beginning of this debacle, most Chinese American's were quick to throw out the "racist" judgment. Now, they are thinking better of this quick judgment. Yao and Shaq respect each other. They've proved it. Tobert was right. We need to stop taking ourselves so seriously and learn to laugh at ourselves a little bit, else we jump to conclusions every time someone in the future talks about culture or race in a humors way. Sensitivity Classes? Please, I propose Conditioning Classes. It teaches you how to a survivor in life and not so, soft, wimpy, touchy-touchy about everything you hear. Else, America will become a land of pansies!
I couldn't agree with Tolbert more, but let's do away with the double standard first. People like Payne Stewart and Fuzzie were also just having some fun and the media (and nice folks like you guys) were quick to fry them. Why is Shaq giving special treatment? Don't tell me that the color of his skin has something to do with it.
Hmm, it's not easy just being me. BTW, I am not calling for a social reform. Life is good for a Rox fan these days. We got the Franchise. We got the Ming Dynasty. We beat the Fakers. I can't complain.
Yes, there is a DOUBLE-STANDARD. But SO WHAT!?!?! You can't change it. It would be idealistic to think that ("We are the world....we are the children...") There is no way that Chinese (or any other race for that matter) will get the same consideration and reparations that Blacks (or Jews), period! The oppression and slavery of those races have endured are far worse than any other race in the last 250 years of American History. This oppression is very close to most Americans' minds and hearts. Double-standard, is right. But there's a reason for it. I mean, why do you think that "Honky" and "White Trash" jokes are funny? Do you see white people complaining about "racism" when they here those jokes? It would be absurd if they did. What about when SLN jokes about Mexicans? Or, the Speedy Gonzollas cartoon? I say, big deal! -- by the way, I'm Mexican. There is a deference between a racist and stereotypes. Some of you lump them together as the same thing. Learn to read between the lines.
DavidS, There is a double standard, but "SO WHAT?" and, we "can't change it?" I find those statements to be just a little suspect. After all, look at the innumerable developments in civil rights and women's rights over the past 50 years. In 1950, an African-American person had very limited rights because of segragation, so I guess they should have sat back and said, "Hey, SO WHAT? WHO CARES! WE CAN'T CHANGE IT!" Great attitude. If not for civil rights and the work of African-American leaders, I wouldn't even want to think about how much more messed up our culture would be right now. The unwillingness to accept unjust cultural norms and standards is what leads to progress towards racial equality.
Uh, again with the black and white thinking... Black and white as in "all or nothing." "Ones and Zeros." See, what you are doing is lumping slavery and oppression that the Blacks and Jews have gotten over the last 100 years to Shaq's humors mimic of Kung Fu or their language. You think that they carry the same weight. Let's see. Someone punches you in the arm... ...act of violence. Someone shoots you with a gun... ...act of violence. Are they the same? You seem to think so. You would say, "They're both acts of violence, thus they deserve the same punishment." Your logic is flawed. It's too idealistic. So, when I say, "So what!?" I'm talking about ignoring the little stuff, but going after the big stuff. If a Senator had said the same thing that Shaq said, and he was white, that would have been a different story. And if you don't know why that's a different story, then you are ignoring the double-standard rule of society and the constant battle of majority in power and minorities. You must pick your battles. Not all are the same.
For what it's worth : Shaq hugged and shook hands with Yao before the game. Shaq hugged and shook hands with Yao after the game. Shaq's dad gave Yao a big hug after the game. Shaq's dad went and hugged Steve Francis, too. This "race-war" between Shaq and Yao has been hashed out in at least 8-10 threads already. Let it rest. If you want to argue Shaq's comments (for the billionth time), take it to the BBS Forum. It's just ruining threads like this one.
