"Underlying this equal-opportunity offensiveness is the notion that "teasing" an entire racial group by invoking some of its most pernicious stereotypes is no different from making fun of people who like to ski--a notion that willfully ignores the fact that racism and sexism are still very much a part of American culture. The line of defense--"We're all treated equally now, so we had no idea people would be offended!"--is in some ways more insulting that outright bigotry, which at least doesn't hide behind a pretense of equality" (Rachel Fudge, Bitchfest).
Is it just overreacting for Asians to get mad at shirts like this? A lot of people answered yes when the Abercrombie & Fitch controversy was underway. I think its very important for white critics to remember our place in society. Some claim that "we should all be equal. Anybody can make fun of white people, so we should in turn get to play with the stereotypes of others." These people need to wake up and realize that we are not equal and even though political rights are becoming more equal, societal rights aren't. Even after generations of races interacting on a more equal plain in our modern society, there will still always be a legacy of racism that can never be erased. People try to use the justification of how much progress we've made to print and sell t-shirts like this. This progress and illusion of equality are just that--illusions--excuses to be just as racist as ever and an attempt to use "equality" against those who have suffered from inequality for so long. Its a low blow and the White Man of America just needs to man up, stop playing games, and begin to give everyone "else" the equality they deserve.
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