April 13, 2009

Ching Chong . . .

OK. . . so, have you heard about Texas Representative Betty Brown who said that Asian-American's should change their names so that they were "easier for Americans to deal with"? I'm guessing so that they were easier to pronounce?

She later apologized - but I think she misses the point. Asians - and fuck off! I am one . . . - Asians are all too ready to cow-tow to what a White American asks them to do. Seriously.

You want call me Mista Kim? That ok . . . but my name is Mrs. Choi. . . .pronounced Chae. We take it on the chin cause . . . well that's what our mothers teach us. "Be humble, be quiet, be subservient." "listen, don't speak up." Please.

Obviously, something got lost in the translation with me. . . I blame it on my white parent *snicker.*

But a representative suggesting that Asians should change their names because American's can't pronounce them? Seriously? Has anyone told Shaniquaniqua that she should change her name cause I can't pronounce . . . or let's face it . . . spell it? And don't even get me started on my mama . . . she can't pronounce those names - plus . . . seriously . . . she calls Uzi's "woozies" so pronounciation isn't her strong suite. No one has told Uniquashantiskazi that she should change her name - No. Cause she's black. Yep! I said it.

My mama changed her name when she became a U.S. citizen for two reasons - everyone either mispronounced her name or they called her Kim - her family name. Oh, and then there were those that just called her Kim because they think everyone from Korea is named Kim. So, she changed her name to . .. wait for it! . . . Kim.

Easier no? So, I have this to say to Ms. Betty Brown. . . it is easy to stand on a stool and preach prejudice while blinking innocently and claiming misunderstanding. . . especially with a white-bread name like Betty Brown. Oh, and sweetheart - a little less make-up does wonders . . .Wouldn't you like to have nice skin like us Asians, Ms. Brown? Trust me . . . a little goes a long way . . . Have a nice day, and don't choke on that eggroll I'm sure you'll eat for a "see I love Asians" photo-op.

And for the love of all that is holy - Republicans - shut up! you are just proving the points libtards have been trying to make about you . . .I'm almost ashamed to call myself conservative . . . of course I've never asked someone to White-up their name so I can pronounce it either . . . so there's that . . .

Posted by Oddybobo at April 13, 2009 09:01 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Oddy - I can pronounce that :)
So glad you are back! I had literally just found you when you disappeared for a while. My hubby is a recovering attorney (now wears a "black dress")
I love to show him your blog and say "see, some attorneys have a sense of humor!"

Posted by: patti at April 13, 2009 09:30 AM

Bias at that level is almost unimaginable in 2009! And certainly ludicrous.

I'm with you in the not being able to pronounce a lot of black names; honestly I think they're simply trying to be 'different' by adding extra vowels.

But not once have I wondered 'why don't they change their names to make it easier for ME?' That's the height of pettiness. An entire generation of Jews, Italians... really, people from all over the globe coming through Ellis Island were told to change their names to make it 'easier'... so family histories were rendered mute.

This takes the cake.

Posted by: Pam at April 13, 2009 10:34 AM

I'm all for immigrants doing their part to assimilate into American society. Like such things as learning English, getting jobs, and paying taxes. But changing their last name because some dumb Americans can't pronounce it? FOAD. You're right, people like Betty Brown tend to reinforce the negative stereotypes of Republicans and are just going to make it harder for the rest of us to take back the reigns of government that is going out of control with the current administration.

Posted by: diamond dave at April 13, 2009 02:52 PM

Well, I know it's awkward when you're introduced to someone with a difficult name, but the thing is, the tough-named people KNOW they have a tough name, and if you take the time to get it right, they always appreciate the effort. But if you can't, well, it's par for the course.

Like when I tried to teach pretty Asian girls my name back in my Navy days.

"Harvey"

"ah-bee?"

*sigh* "close enough"

Posted by: Harvey at April 15, 2009 12:18 AM

Hell...if my classroom full of 7-year old students can learn to pronounce each other's names...then stupid adults can, too.

Stupid Betty Brown-Cow.

Posted by: Mrs. Who at April 19, 2009 10:37 PM