Comments on: An Eggshell Psyche, Mister Wong, and Why 8A Took a Stand http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/ A blog for Asian Americans Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:44:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: sagat http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-33892 sagat Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:09:03 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-33892 Wow so many comments but on the whole constructive. I won't add anything that has already been said:) i believe everybody's intentions were genuine and honest and the end result came up very differently from what they had intended it to. Wow so many comments but on the whole constructive. I won’t add anything that has already been said:) i believe everybody’s intentions were genuine and honest and the end result came up very differently from what they had intended it to.

]]> By: sagat http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-135707 sagat Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:09:00 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-135707 Wow so many comments but on the whole constructive. I won't add anything that has already been said:) i believe everybody's intentions were genuine and honest and the end result came up very differently from what they had intended it to. Wow so many comments but on the whole constructive. I won’t add anything that has already been said:) i believe everybody’s intentions were genuine and honest and the end result came up very differently from what they had intended it to.

]]> By: Chook http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-31131 Chook Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:44:20 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-31131 I noticed that the last comment on this topic is dated Aug 7th so I hope I'm not too late to post a comment. Any challenge to Asian reactions to perceived racism is a good thing as it should lead to deeper reflection on the East Asian experience in the west. Growing up in ANY western country, East Asian children WILL experience at least one of the following, racial harrassment, name calling, bullying, beatings, playground intimidation, social isolation, being spat on, exclusion and hatred. All of this because of a flap of skin called an epicanthic fold that covers the outer corner of their eyes. For the most part this type of experience will continue for these kids all the way through high school. Often the teachers and adults who are entrusted with the safety and security of these kids will turn a blind eye to the near constant harrassment, furthering the sense of disconnectedness of the victims. The harrassment does not stop when these kids complete their school day. At home watching the television they are treated to sight of "Celebrities" like Rosie O'Donnell offering their ignorant and stupid "impersonations" of " how an Asian person speaks". Then the news comes on informing these kids of how "we" MUST stop the Chinese before they "overwhelm us" and that the rapacious appetites of 1.3 billion Chinese are destroying the environment, conveniently forgetting to remind us that it is the 150 years of European and U.S industrial environmental irresponsibility that have actually caused these problems. In short East Asian children are attacked physically and emotionally at school. They are bombarded with negative and often hateful images of Asians throughout the media that come right into their homes. Asians experience a constant stream hostility in the most mundane ways.In effect Asians are conditioned to think of themselves in very demeaning ways and the western society they are a part of is all too happy to help them with this process. So, to get back to the issue. Are images such as the one under discussion racist? In a healthy society the answer is no. But, we don't live in a healthy society - at least it isn't healthy if you're an East Asian. I cringe at these images because I know that someone somewhere is going to be empowered to harrass, bully or attack one of our kids. And not just our kids, adults aren't excepted. For the German gentleman to suggest that these images are no different than images of blond caucasians in the media is plainly naive. No-one is going look at an image of a blond advertiser and be motivated or given ammunition to attack or harrasss blonds or any other caucasian. It just won't happen. Are these images responsible for the racism experienced in our communities? Well...yes and no. They may not cause people to be xenophobic but they make it acceptable to demean the target group. And that's the main issue. Asians are a target group. Targets of xenophobic fear that strong Asian economies will destroy western economic and military superiority. Targets of xenophobic fear that our work ethic is so potent as to destroy all competition. Targets of envy that Asians are able to succeed economically as a minority in a minority distrustful culture. Targets of every unfunny and uninspired comedian who just has to pick on the East Asians to get the audience on their side. TARGETS. This image and others like it are simply the tip of the ice-berg. What they reflect is a fear and distrust so ingrained that the perpertrators of such images are genuinely surprised when there is a negative reaction to it. What they reflect is a disdain and disregard so ingrained in the culture that to express it in this way is considered normal. Do Asians overreact to this type thing? Again...yes and no. No because the reaction may be a visceral revulsion that this hostility has followed them into adulthood. Yes because this isn't the real battle. The real battle is the fight against our de-humanisation. Much of what is written, shown, discussed and opined about East Asians in the west depicts us as monolithic automatons with no individual characteristics and therefore unlikeable and having nothing in common with "individualistic" humanity of westerners. Because of this Asians are typically shown in movies as being extremely expendable with little value shown for Asian life. As a modern storytelling medium, movies are an important gauge of the mood of a culture, and this culture just does not like Asians and is not afraid to let it be known. I noticed that the last comment on this topic is dated Aug 7th so I hope I’m not too late to post a comment. Any challenge to Asian reactions to perceived racism is a good thing as it should lead to deeper reflection on the East Asian experience in the west. Growing up in ANY western country, East Asian children WILL experience at least one of the following, racial harrassment, name calling, bullying, beatings, playground intimidation, social isolation, being spat on, exclusion and hatred. All of this because of a flap of skin called an epicanthic fold that covers the outer corner of their eyes. For the most part this type of experience will continue for these kids all the way through high school. Often the teachers and adults who are entrusted with the safety and security of these kids will turn a blind eye to the near constant harrassment, furthering the sense of disconnectedness of the victims.
The harrassment does not stop when these kids complete their school day. At home watching the television they are treated to sight of “Celebrities” like Rosie O’Donnell offering their ignorant and stupid “impersonations” of ” how an Asian person speaks”. Then the news comes on informing these kids of how “we” MUST stop the Chinese before they “overwhelm us” and that the rapacious appetites of 1.3 billion Chinese are destroying the environment, conveniently forgetting to remind us that it is the 150 years of European and U.S industrial environmental irresponsibility that have actually caused these problems.
In short East Asian children are attacked physically and emotionally at school. They are bombarded with negative and often hateful images of Asians throughout the media that come right into their homes. Asians experience a constant stream hostility in the most mundane ways.In effect Asians are conditioned to think of themselves in very demeaning ways and the western society they are a part of is all too happy to help them with this process.
So, to get back to the issue. Are images such as the one under discussion racist? In a healthy society the answer is no. But, we don’t live in a healthy society – at least it isn’t healthy if you’re an East Asian. I cringe at these images because I know that someone somewhere is going to be empowered to harrass, bully or attack one of our kids. And not just our kids, adults aren’t excepted.
For the German gentleman to suggest that these images are no different than images of blond caucasians in the media is plainly naive. No-one is going look at an image of a blond advertiser and be motivated or given ammunition to attack or harrasss blonds or any other caucasian. It just won’t happen.
Are these images responsible for the racism experienced in our communities? Well…yes and no. They may not cause people to be xenophobic but they make it acceptable to demean the target group. And that’s the main issue. Asians are a target group. Targets of xenophobic fear that strong Asian economies will destroy western economic and military superiority. Targets of xenophobic fear that our work ethic is so potent as to destroy all competition. Targets of envy that Asians are able to succeed economically as a minority in a minority distrustful culture. Targets of every unfunny and uninspired comedian who just has to pick on the East Asians to get the audience on their side. TARGETS.
This image and others like it are simply the tip of the ice-berg. What they reflect is a fear and distrust so ingrained that the perpertrators of such images are genuinely surprised when there is a negative reaction to it. What they reflect is a disdain and disregard so ingrained in the culture that to express it in this way is considered normal.
Do Asians overreact to this type thing? Again…yes and no. No because the reaction may be a visceral revulsion that this hostility has followed them into adulthood. Yes because this isn’t the real battle. The real battle is the fight against our de-humanisation. Much of what is written, shown, discussed and opined about East Asians in the west depicts us as monolithic automatons with no individual characteristics and therefore unlikeable and having nothing in common with “individualistic” humanity of westerners. Because of this Asians are typically shown in movies as being extremely expendable with little value shown for Asian life. As a modern storytelling medium, movies are an important gauge of the mood of a culture, and this culture just does not like Asians and is not afraid to let it be known.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-135706 Anonymous Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:44:00 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-135706 I noticed that the last comment on this topic is dated Aug 7th so I hope I'm not too late to post a comment. Any challenge to Asian reactions to perceived racism is a good thing as it should lead to deeper reflection on the East Asian experience in the west. Growing up in ANY western country, East Asian children WILL experience at least one of the following, racial harrassment, name calling, bullying, beatings, playground intimidation, social isolation, being spat on, exclusion and hatred. All of this because of a flap of skin called an epicanthic fold that covers the outer corner of their eyes. For the most part this type of experience will continue for these kids all the way through high school. Often the teachers and adults who are entrusted with the safety and security of these kids will turn a blind eye to the near constant harrassment, furthering the sense of disconnectedness of the victims. The harrassment does not stop when these kids complete their school day. At home watching the television they are treated to sight of "Celebrities" like Rosie O'Donnell offering their ignorant and stupid "impersonations" of " how an Asian person speaks". Then the news comes on informing these kids of how "we" MUST stop the Chinese before they "overwhelm us" and that the rapacious appetites of 1.3 billion Chinese are destroying the environment, conveniently forgetting to remind us that it is the 150 years of European and U.S industrial environmental irresponsibility that have actually caused these problems. In short East Asian children are attacked physically and emotionally at school. They are bombarded with negative and often hateful images of Asians throughout the media that come right into their homes. Asians experience a constant stream hostility in the most mundane ways.In effect Asians are conditioned to think of themselves in very demeaning ways and the western society they are a part of is all too happy to help them with this process. So, to get back to the issue. Are images such as the one under discussion racist? In a healthy society the answer is no. But, we don't live in a healthy society - at least it isn't healthy if you're an East Asian. I cringe at these images because I know that someone somewhere is going to be empowered to harrass, bully or attack one of our kids. And not just our kids, adults aren't excepted. For the German gentleman to suggest that these images are no different than images of blond caucasians in the media is plainly naive. No-one is going look at an image of a blond advertiser and be motivated or given ammunition to attack or harrasss blonds or any other caucasian. It just won't happen. Are these images responsible for the racism experienced in our communities? Well...yes and no. They may not cause people to be xenophobic but they make it acceptable to demean the target group. And that's the main issue. Asians are a target group. Targets of xenophobic fear that strong Asian economies will destroy western economic and military superiority. Targets of xenophobic fear that our work ethic is so potent as to destroy all competition. Targets of envy that Asians are able to succeed economically as a minority in a minority distrustful culture. Targets of every unfunny and uninspired comedian who just has to pick on the East Asians to get the audience on their side. TARGETS. This image and others like it are simply the tip of the ice-berg. What they reflect is a fear and distrust so ingrained that the perpertrators of such images are genuinely surprised when there is a negative reaction to it. What they reflect is a disdain and disregard so ingrained in the culture that to express it in this way is considered normal. Do Asians overreact to this type thing? Again...yes and no. No because the reaction may be a visceral revulsion that this hostility has followed them into adulthood. Yes because this isn't the real battle. The real battle is the fight against our de-humanisation. Much of what is written, shown, discussed and opined about East Asians in the west depicts us as monolithic automatons with no individual characteristics and therefore unlikeable and having nothing in common with "individualistic" humanity of westerners. Because of this Asians are typically shown in movies as being extremely expendable with little value shown for Asian life. As a modern storytelling medium, movies are an important gauge of the mood of a culture, and this culture just does not like Asians and is not afraid to let it be known. I noticed that the last comment on this topic is dated Aug 7th so I hope I’m not too late to post a comment. Any challenge to Asian reactions to perceived racism is a good thing as it should lead to deeper reflection on the East Asian experience in the west. Growing up in ANY western country, East Asian children WILL experience at least one of the following, racial harrassment, name calling, bullying, beatings, playground intimidation, social isolation, being spat on, exclusion and hatred. All of this because of a flap of skin called an epicanthic fold that covers the outer corner of their eyes. For the most part this type of experience will continue for these kids all the way through high school. Often the teachers and adults who are entrusted with the safety and security of these kids will turn a blind eye to the near constant harrassment, furthering the sense of disconnectedness of the victims.
The harrassment does not stop when these kids complete their school day. At home watching the television they are treated to sight of “Celebrities” like Rosie O’Donnell offering their ignorant and stupid “impersonations” of ” how an Asian person speaks”. Then the news comes on informing these kids of how “we” MUST stop the Chinese before they “overwhelm us” and that the rapacious appetites of 1.3 billion Chinese are destroying the environment, conveniently forgetting to remind us that it is the 150 years of European and U.S industrial environmental irresponsibility that have actually caused these problems.
In short East Asian children are attacked physically and emotionally at school. They are bombarded with negative and often hateful images of Asians throughout the media that come right into their homes. Asians experience a constant stream hostility in the most mundane ways.In effect Asians are conditioned to think of themselves in very demeaning ways and the western society they are a part of is all too happy to help them with this process.
So, to get back to the issue. Are images such as the one under discussion racist? In a healthy society the answer is no. But, we don’t live in a healthy society – at least it isn’t healthy if you’re an East Asian. I cringe at these images because I know that someone somewhere is going to be empowered to harrass, bully or attack one of our kids. And not just our kids, adults aren’t excepted.
For the German gentleman to suggest that these images are no different than images of blond caucasians in the media is plainly naive. No-one is going look at an image of a blond advertiser and be motivated or given ammunition to attack or harrasss blonds or any other caucasian. It just won’t happen.
Are these images responsible for the racism experienced in our communities? Well…yes and no. They may not cause people to be xenophobic but they make it acceptable to demean the target group. And that’s the main issue. Asians are a target group. Targets of xenophobic fear that strong Asian economies will destroy western economic and military superiority. Targets of xenophobic fear that our work ethic is so potent as to destroy all competition. Targets of envy that Asians are able to succeed economically as a minority in a minority distrustful culture. Targets of every unfunny and uninspired comedian who just has to pick on the East Asians to get the audience on their side. TARGETS.
This image and others like it are simply the tip of the ice-berg. What they reflect is a fear and distrust so ingrained that the perpertrators of such images are genuinely surprised when there is a negative reaction to it. What they reflect is a disdain and disregard so ingrained in the culture that to express it in this way is considered normal.
Do Asians overreact to this type thing? Again…yes and no. No because the reaction may be a visceral revulsion that this hostility has followed them into adulthood. Yes because this isn’t the real battle. The real battle is the fight against our de-humanisation. Much of what is written, shown, discussed and opined about East Asians in the west depicts us as monolithic automatons with no individual characteristics and therefore unlikeable and having nothing in common with “individualistic” humanity of westerners. Because of this Asians are typically shown in movies as being extremely expendable with little value shown for Asian life. As a modern storytelling medium, movies are an important gauge of the mood of a culture, and this culture just does not like Asians and is not afraid to let it be known.

]]> By: Hmm http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-25960 Hmm Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:30:59 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-25960 It is my understanding that it may also be applied to recover damages for severe emotional distress, manifest as the "eggshell psyche" rule. Recovery isn't granted often, but in really horrific situations, a court may. There are a few very recent cases in which damages were granted under some semblance of the "eggshell psyche" rule. It is my understanding that it may also be applied to recover damages for severe emotional distress, manifest as the “eggshell psyche” rule. Recovery isn’t granted often, but in really horrific situations, a court may. There are a few very recent cases in which damages were granted under some semblance of the “eggshell psyche” rule.

]]> By: Hmm http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-135705 Hmm Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:30:00 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-135705 It is my understanding that it may also be applied to recover damages for severe emotional distress, manifest as the "eggshell psyche" rule. Recovery isn't granted often, but in really horrific situations, a court may. There are a few very recent cases in which damages were granted under some semblance of the "eggshell psyche" rule. It is my understanding that it may also be applied to recover damages for severe emotional distress, manifest as the “eggshell psyche” rule. Recovery isn’t granted often, but in really horrific situations, a court may. There are a few very recent cases in which damages were granted under some semblance of the “eggshell psyche” rule.

]]> By: Bertie http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-25915 Bertie Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:46:20 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-25915 Doesn't the eggshell skull rule only apply in cases of battery? Emotional distress, not so much... Okay, I'm nitpicking. Ugh. So. Long. Ago. Doesn’t the eggshell skull rule only apply in cases of battery? Emotional distress, not so much…

Okay, I’m nitpicking.

Ugh. So. Long. Ago.

]]> By: Bertie http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/comment-page-1/#comment-135704 Bertie Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:46:00 +0000 http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/01/an-eggshell-psyche-mister-wong-and-why-8a-took-a-stand/#comment-135704 Doesn't the eggshell skull rule only apply in cases of battery? Emotional distress, not so much... Okay, I'm nitpicking. Ugh. So. Long. Ago. Doesn’t the eggshell skull rule only apply in cases of battery? Emotional distress, not so much…

Okay, I’m nitpicking.

Ugh. So. Long. Ago.

]]>