RE: SEVEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT ASIANS

Original Article by Lali Ha

Responses by Michael Messina

A few years ago, Lali Ha, a Binghamton student, published an article in Asian Outlook entitled: “Seven Things I Hate About Asians.” Though we love amplifying voices across the spectrum of opinions, we felt a need to publish a response. Unfortunately, we only had room to respond to a few of the items she listed. Below, you will find some of Lali’s original points followed by our responses to each. You can find the rest of the original article in Vol. XX, Issue 3. Enjoy!

Lali's #1: Slutty Asian Girls

"THIS REFERS TO THE GIRLS WITH BAD EYE MAKE-UP (USUALLY BLACK EYE LINER), COLORED CONTACTS, BOOBS POPPING OUT OF THEIR TURTLENECKS, SHORT MINIS (THEY CAN’T HANDLE ‘EM ), AND STRIPPER HEELS. They usually come with a full range of personalities from ghetto to white-washed. I find that most ugly girls with hot bodies are victims of this category because they show too much skin. I hate that it’s usually the really fugly ones who try too hard to look hot. Is it because they can’t get any attention from wasted frat guys unless they show a little preview of what they can offer in bed?

There is no need to validate yourself by showing a lot of skin. It stereotypes Asian girls as sex objects. At Asian Night, I saw a slim girl who had the body of a model (I don’t have a problem admitting when someone has good looks). However, she was more orange than an Oompa Loompa, and quite frankly, her face looked like a car crash. I could tell she was trying so hard to look like an import model. She dressed up like she just came back from a low budget hip hop video shoot -- only she looked like an overcooked turkey leg... or a discolored cadaver. I still can’t tell.

To those in this category, I am advising you girls to stop wearing clear (stripper) heels, and to get a good old-fashioned Asian ass beating by your mamas.

Our Response

RE: Umm… how do boobs pop out of turtlenecks? Or maybe that was the point of the joke… anyway, back to the reply. You mention many “slutty Asian girls” being victims of said categorization. A categorization which you, ironically, have thrust upon them. While women ARE without a doubt subject to over sexualization in modern society, American society in particular, the more damaging stereotype is that of the slut. If a female wishes to signal her sexuality, so be it. Even MORE damaging than both the sexualized stereotype and slut stereotype is that of the victim. Assuming that any girl flaunting her looks is a result of some psychological flaw or sexual insecurity is not okay. Generally speaking, these girls are CHOOSING to dress the way they want to. Perhaps it improves their confidence, perhaps they just think it's *gasp* fun.

With that said… are there some, even many, girls who engage in promiscuity because of mild-severe mental issues? Sure. But assuming that to be the default reasoning is damaging to the view of the female… far more damaging than any mini skirt will ever be.

As a rule of thumb, one should not describe a girl as a “discolored cadaver” when attempting to empower their demographic.

Lali's #2: FOBs

I’m not talking about the ones who’ve just made it to the U.S. to pursue their Masters or PhD degrees. This category is for you guys and gals who have been living in America, or were born and raised here and still, by choice, refuse to adapt to American culture. Well, it is tricky to define American culture since it is a melting pot of various cultures. However, I’m talking about the ones who have been living here for at least eight years, refuse to learn or speak English, and only hang out with people of their heritage. This category also includes the ones who avoid speaking to non-Asians. Don’t get me wrong, being proud of your cultures is a beautiful thing but if your requirement for being friends is an Asian last name, it has got to go. This “problem” is most blatantly seen in the Korean population.

Our Response

RE: Change is scary. Being different is scary. Branching out to radically foreign populations is scary. Today, the championing of diversity has lead to much criticism of Caucasian communities being too uniform in racial makeup and thought. However, these harsh criticisms seem to forget the fact that evolution favors those who stick to tribes, literal tribes, of like-minded individuals who will watch each other’s backs. Of course, present day offers a much different context, one that demands a human population that reaches across the aisle and considers other points of view, despite the difficulty and discomfort in doing so. Still, to trivialize the bravery required to take that initial step to the outside, inherently labelling oneself an outsider, is to discourage the act entirely. As for the bit about assimilating to lingual and cultural differences, I believe the former to be a logistical necessity to be encouraged in all coming to the States. As for the latter, I am all for someone deciding not to assimilate to our culture whatsoever. Besides, isn’t the freedom to decide against assimilation to American culture ironically a decidedly American notion?

Lali's #4: White-Washed Asians

This is for those who put LC from The Hills and those other dumb bitches from the OC to shame. I see more girls than guys who look lost in their sad identity crises. First of all, since when did white girls talk like valley-girls? White girls don’t even give much respect to other white girls with valley-girl accents. Second of all, what is with the blond hair and really bad tan? I don’t know who you girls are trying to scare in broad daylight by looking like an Oompa Loompa, but the blond hair and black eyebrows have got to go. Have a backbone and be proud of your Asian roots. If you refuse to hang out with Asians, what kind of image are you putting out there? What are you saying about yourself ? You can try to wrap yourselves in Abercrombie and Hollister all you want but you still look and are (quite unfortunately for you) Asian. Idolizing bitches from television shows isn’t going to cut it in the real world. And stop denying yourself of delicious Asian men (just not mine). Having sex with only white guys isn’t going to make your eyes and nose any bigger. Asians are good for you. Get some!

Our Response

So you told FOBs to talk to more white people, but now you’re telling white washed Asians to talk to more Asian people. I think we really need to remind ourselves that we are in no position to define the social tendencies of others. ESPECIALLY when you are putting an arbitrary cap to the portion of Asian friends AND the portion of white friends one can have. I realize you’re simply arguing that one shouldn’t be racially exclusive, but the additional assumptions you attach to any of these groups are, in my opinion, ignorant at best. An Asian in a white crowd doesn’t always mean “sad identity crisis” as you stated above. One can still be proud of their Asian roots and indulge in the culture permeating around them. ESPECIALLY if it is the culture that a given individual was born and raised in, which is the case for many an Asian American. There is no way to tell who any given person idolizes by comparing their skin color to that of their friend group. And no, Asians are not necessarily “good for you.” Toxic people come in all flavors: White, brown, Asian, and more.

Lali's #5: Single Asian Guys Who Hate on Yellow Fever...

... and blame all their sexual frustration on White men. For those unaware of this deadly syndrome, symptoms of yellow fever include a non-Asian man (most likely white since white men are the majority at [Binghamton University]) dating exclusively Asian women, having a fetish for Asian women, and succeeding in getting Asian girlfriends or one night stands with a hot Asian. As a result, a lot of sad and lonely Asian guys curse white men for stealing all of their fine women (I know, we are pretty damn hot).

Why do guys in this category complain so much? Get up off your passive-aggressive asses and do something about it. Look at yourselves in the mirror and ask, “If I were a girl, would I want to tap this?” If you feel even the slightest hesitation, hit the mall and start charging plastic. Get a different wardrobe, go out and start flirting! Oh, and be confident. Nothing’s sexier than a guy who knows how to present himself in public.

It’s about time people tell you that it’s not that Asian girls always fantasize about a white dude with blond hair and blue eyes. You just absolutely, without a doubt, have no game. Most Asian girls I know love dating other Asians (I also love my Asian boyfriend), so don’t say that Asian girls are more attracted to white dudes. White guys and Asian girls should not be blamed for being attracted to each other.

I’m not saying that you have to change yourself but there is always room for improvement. If you want that special somebody, you have to work for it.

Our Response

RE: Agreed. Except for the charging plastic part… be financially responsible. Chicks dig financial responsibility.