Korean American producer Jae Chong calls out TMZ and mainstream media’s racism against Asians
Korean American producer and musician Jae Chong took to Instagram to call out TMZ on their blatantly racist coverage of EXID’s arrival in Los Angeles for the 2015 Korea Times Music Festival.
In his post, he not only addresses the news station but also the subjugation of Asians especially in American mainstream media, closing his statement with, “If you haven’t lived in the US…you might not know what I’m talking about. But this is absolutely disgusting~”
He points out that racism against Asians is often targeted at the mental rather than aesthetic appearance, stating that these jokes were still made while an Asian American was still present in the room. Although his post was lengthy, many commenters agreed with his words.
In his post, he writes, “Racism against Asians is a unique one…cuz it’s usually not physical attacks but psychological that attacks the core of what humans consider sacred~ First, the sense of belonging…Asians are always portrayed as the people who don’t belong in America. Second, they attack the core of manhood…(Asians have small dicks…u know the usual) Third, the sense of significance…They crack Asian jokes while an Asian is in the same room (As seen in this video)…Being perceived as unthreatening, passive, etc. gives people the notion that they can openly make fun of us. Perhaps that’s our fault…cuz most Asians feel they have better things to do like making money and holding a job than to risk having to deal with every ignorant person out there. If you haven’t lived in the US…you might not know what I’m talking about. But this is absolutely disgusting~ #IHateRacismOfAnyKind”
After TMZ made their initial report on May 2nd, netizens were shocked at the unexpected blatant racism that appeared in a broadcast. Soon after, Amber posted a response to the event on Twitter to which both Roy Kim and 2PM’s Taecyeon retweeted her and added their own responses. g.o.d.’s Joon Park also posted a response to the incident on Instagram and echoed the sentiment.
Yedang Entertainment made a formal statement on May 4th saying that they will be contacting TMZ about the incident and revealed that member Junghwa, who was mocked in the clip, felt very hurt about the incident.
What are your thoughts about Jae Chong’s response?
