Colext/Macondo
Cantina virtual de los COLombianos en el EXTerior
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From: Jenny Yang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Yes. Word is getting out about the anti-Chinese/Asian/Asian
American/Chinese American backlash that is occurring because of the
"standoff" with China. Below is a statement by the Organization of
Chinese Americans (OCA) in response to the situation.
OCA STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF AMERICAN CREWMEN
For Imediate Release APRIL 11, 2001
Contact: GEORGE M. ONG OCA NATIONAL PRESIDENT
The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) is
delighted to hear word this morning that China will
soon release the 24 American crewmen.
Unfortunately, for Chinese Americans the problem
does not end with the release of the crewmen. Despite
the fact that we are U.S. citizens and permanent
residents, we continue to be beset with false
characterizations and, when circumstances like
this incident arise, our loyalty and patriotism
are questioned.
During the past week:
* a national talk show host allegedly called for all
Chinese Americans to be interned--reminiscent
of the fate of the 120,000 Japanese Americans
interned during World War II.
* a host at Fox News & Friends declared support
for the firing of "Chinese national laboratory employees"
in retaliation for China's insistence on an apology.
* an April 16, 2001 Business Week article says that a
Gallup survey found that more than 80% of Americans
believe that China is "dangerous".
* in Springfield, IL a local radio talk show host
said that people should boycott all Chinese restaurants
and that all Chinese should be sent home to "their country".
Another commentator suggested a Chinese camp for Chinese.
This comment was followed by the phoning of people with
Chinese last names and harassing them.
We are deeply concerned about the potential negative
repercussions this heated rhetoric will have on Chinese
Americans and Asian Pacific Americans.
Like the 1996 campaign finance controversy and last
year's Wen Ho Lee case, when controversial incidents
occur involving the U.S. and China, Chinese Americans
and Asian Pacific Americans often become the victims
of racial profiling and scapegoating.
As a national educational and civil rights advocacy group,
OCA's purpose is to fight against these misperceptions and
promote Chinese Americans and Asian Pacific Americans as
equal partners in America and as loyal Americans.
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