This blog is designed for a class at Brigham Young University. Students use this blog to discuss elements of our multicultural society that we learn about in class. Due to the limit in the number of authors allowed, only students will be able to make posts on this blog. We welcome comments to the posts. Our hope is that this blog will foster dialogue about a number of difficult issues regarding diversity, which in turn will help us to better understand other people's diverse perspectives.
Jeremey Lin is being touted by Asian Americans as proof that they can break into sports, something that they haven't been able to do in the past. The funny thing is that Lin embodies many of the stereotypes that people have of Asian Americans. I think Lin has the opportunity to change the minds of America about Asian Americans, about who they are, but right now he is reinforcing those stereotypes.
It was interesting to figure out that Lin was the first Asian American in professional basketball. It was also cool to see that Lin is not letting this burst of fame go to his head. I feel like the stereotypes against Asian Americans are more of an issue of ignorance as well, not necessarily an issue of race. For example, the ESPN news article titled "Chink in the Armor" and the ice cream called "Lin-sanity" both maybe weren't meant to be derogatory, the creators of these products were just trying to be cleaver and as it turns out their racial ignorance came to the surface. Since Lin is a "pioneer" as an Asian American in the NBA, these prejudices are just coming to the surface. I liked the comment in the podcast about Jackie Robinson, who was a pioneer as a black man in Major League Baseball. When Robinson stepped on the field, it started many talks about racism. I believe that in this case as well, it was an issue of ignorance, not so much real hate or racism. It is such a great thing that Lin is doing well in the NBA because it brought up these stereotypes and prejudices that he experienced so that now the nation can become less ignorant and maybe more educated on racial diversity. It also opens the door for all Asian American athletes to see that they too can do it make it in the big leagues.
Jeremey Lin is being touted by Asian Americans as proof that they can break into sports, something that they haven't been able to do in the past. The funny thing is that Lin embodies many of the stereotypes that people have of Asian Americans. I think Lin has the opportunity to change the minds of America about Asian Americans, about who they are, but right now he is reinforcing those stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteAustin Burdge
It was interesting to figure out that Lin was the first Asian American in professional basketball. It was also cool to see that Lin is not letting this burst of fame go to his head. I feel like the stereotypes against Asian Americans are more of an issue of ignorance as well, not necessarily an issue of race. For example, the ESPN news article titled "Chink in the Armor" and the ice cream called "Lin-sanity" both maybe weren't meant to be derogatory, the creators of these products were just trying to be cleaver and as it turns out their racial ignorance came to the surface. Since Lin is a "pioneer" as an Asian American in the NBA, these prejudices are just coming to the surface. I liked the comment in the podcast about Jackie Robinson, who was a pioneer as a black man in Major League Baseball. When Robinson stepped on the field, it started many talks about racism. I believe that in this case as well, it was an issue of ignorance, not so much real hate or racism. It is such a great thing that Lin is doing well in the NBA because it brought up these stereotypes and prejudices that he experienced so that now the nation can become less ignorant and maybe more educated on racial diversity. It also opens the door for all Asian American athletes to see that they too can do it make it in the big leagues.
ReplyDeleteTo Lin-finity and beyond!
Nick Hawes