"So, just to be clear, TeN is wrong when he describes your (Eros') description of Chinese people as "yellow" as a humorous representation of an ignorant and confused young man?"
notice the question mark, Haus.
I cannot speak on Eros' behalf, but I think by interpreting his statements as literal and entirely serious you are missing the point. it seems to me that he is just having a bit of fun arguing for arguments sake. and obviously, he must be doing something right, as plenty of you seem to have your panties in a bundle over this.
I'm not so much defending Eros (as I don't know his intentions for sure) as I am criticising the likes of you for your overblown response on this matter. Even if Eros is serious (and given the context, I'd wager his tongue is at least somewhat planted in his cheek) I don't think the comment is any grave offense.
The United Nations defines "racist discrimination" as "...any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life." (source) Because the thing in question is merely a written statement, and not an action, we can rule out the "exclusion" and "restriction" parts, and focus on whether or not Eros' comment shows any racial "distinction" or "preference." As Eros stated himself, "The vast majority of Chinese people are a colour which is usually described as yellow." Now, while that is true, I realize that many of you will point to the history of the term "yellow" when applied to people of asian origin, which is needless to say, generally a discriminatory one. This argument cannot be ignored, and it is for this reason that we may not be able to truly settle this debate. However, looking at the second part of the definition, we see that it does not necesarilly apply. In what way does saying Chinese people are yellow "[nullify] or [impair] the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life[?]" I see no racism in Eros' statement. In fact, I don't see how what OVE has written would do any harm besides offending some over-sensitive message board members.
Also, in response to Spatula Clarke's edit: regardless of what you may think, I am in no way a "conservative." Not even close. If having a single differing opinion from a fellow leftist classifies me as right-wing, I fear greatly for the future of free-thinking. |
