What's wrong with this society?

Given that it is the beginning of Tufts' Asian American Heritage Month, I wanted to address an issue that occurred a month ago -- one that I believe conveys a lot about how our society views Asians and Asian Americans in this country.

Many of you are probably unaware of the blatantly racist remarks made a couple months ago by Jan Stephenson, a professional female golfer on the LPGA tour. In an interview with Golf Magazine, Stephenson said, "This is probably going to get me in trouble, but the Asians are killing our tour. Absolutely killing it. Their lack of emotion, their refusal to speak English when they can speak English." In addition, she suggested that there should be a quota set on the number of Asians allowed to compete.

Some of you might be wondering why we should even take time out of our day to worry about what one ignorant individual said. However, it's not just one person. Consider a weekend poll on MSNBC.com that asked, "Is Jan Stephenson right that Asian players are hurting the LPGA Tour?" Of 8,439 responses as of Oct. 6, 50 percent agreed.

Eric Adelson, a writer for ESPN The Magazine, raises important and thought-provoking questions regarding the result of the poll. "Does half of America think Latinos are hurting baseball? That African-Americans are hurting basketball? That Europeans are hurting hockey?" And why is it that one commentary on ESPN stated, "Jan Stephenson should thank her lucky stars she chose Asians to criticize." Had she made derogatory and racist comments about African-Americans or Latinos, there would have been an immediate backlash from not only the targeted minority groups (African-Americans and Latinos), but from whites too. However, in this circumstance, nothing happened because the comments were directed towards Asians and Asian Americans.

I am not even writing this viewpoint to suggest that Stephenson should be punished, (which, by the way, she was not). There were no repercussions whatsoever. LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw did not speak out and condemn what she said. There was no backlash or protest. This issue is larger than just Stephenson. I am more angry and concerned about society's reaction to her comments. The bottom line is that there was no reaction.

Consider the comments from the outspoken Rush Limbaugh in which he made a racist remark about Donavan McNabb, the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, or comments from a Boston talk show radio host in which he compared an ape to METCO students, who are primarily black students. In my experience and observation, whenever racial comments are directed towards African-Americans, the black community rises up and rectifies the social injustice immediately, helping to raise education and to prevent further discriminatory remarks.

According to Adelson, the reason for the lack of reaction from any group to the Stephenson comment was that in America, "the end result is that racism directed against Asians is not considered as toxic as other forms of racism."

Any form of racism and discrimination is outrageous and we have to realize that it is utterly unacceptable. This is where our problem lies. Unfortunately, our society does not think it is "wrong" to say discriminatory statements about Asians and Asian Americans because, stereotypically, we won't "fight" back. Our society as a whole is numb to Asian discrimination. As long as Asians and Asian Americans are hard working, help the economy, and remain "quiet", nobody in this country will care about what is said. If Asians themselves appear unaffected, why should anyone else stand up and fight for justice?

Unlike other minority groups, Asians and Asian Americans lack political clout in this country and are without a strong influential public figure that is willing to actively protest against Asian/Asian American discrimination. As a result, society acquiesces to discriminatory comments against Asians. Our society expects Asians to be non-confrontational. As an Asian American, I am disturbed by the fact that the Asian American community did not rise up immediately and push for a public apology from Stephenson or the commissioner. We cannot continue to be silenced into acceptance. Without our protest, racism against Asians and Asian Americans will continue to be tolerated and unopposed. We need to put an end to this prevailing view that Asians and Asian Americans are "passive" and "quiet."

It is imperative that Asians and Asian Americans take a stand and end the racism against our community as well as fight for the rights of other perpetually silenced minority groups. However, it's not just the sole responsibility of Asians and Asian Americans to speak out and react. Racism and discrimination affects us all and no one is immune; therefore, it is all our responsibilities to institute change and understanding.

Randall Yee is a junior majoring in Political Science.