In class we discussed the article by Barker and the idea that the "Asianization" of America has becoming a new phenomenon that has been sneaking up on us for several years. We made a list in class of several influences of Asian Americans in our culture and in sport. Personally, I think this is great. I really don't understand why it's made a big deal of. We are supposed to be "the melting pot," a country with blended cultures and pasts. I never realized the impact that Asian culture has actually had on the United States. It is everywhere, from candy to movies to food.
When it comes to Yao Ming, it seems like everything we have discussed has been so ready to focus on stereotypes of commercials or magazine covers and everything else that sets Yao apart from Americans. Yao has become what is referred to as a "model minority" and a contributor to globalization of the NBA. To me, the term "model minority" is equivalent to "model citizen" and that is just something that society views as what is right and proper. I don't feel like that is something positive as all. It is an expectation that you at societal standards and should be made an example of. Well, no one is perfect and that seems like an awful lot of pressure to put on someone.
The last thing I wanted to mention was the video we watched where Shaq did an interview and made a somewhat racist comment that was more of an act really. Even though he claims to have been joking, it could almost be seem as taunting. Also, if that was indeed a joke to Yao Ming, it should have been something that was said between them and that way it would not have offended any other person.
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Many people said that Shaq was just joking, but I wonder if that is really an excuse for saying something that is racially insensitive. I know that the seriousness of what Jan Stephenson said about Korean women on the LPGA Tour was more problematic, but both cases reveal that U.S. athletes have a long way to go to become more globally aware.
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