Silicon Valley API Leaders Express Dismay At Racist Remarks Printed In Asianweek
The Asian Pacific Islander Justice Coalition of the Silicon Valley (APIJC) strongly condemns AsianWeek’s decision to print Kenneth Eng’s column “Why I Hate Blacks” in its February 23rd edition.
APIJC joins the Asian American Justice Center, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Asian Law Caucus, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans, Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area and the Equal Justice Society in calling for AsianWeek to fire columnist Kenneth Eng and hold the editor responsible for allowing Eng’s column to be published.
“It is reprehensible for AsianWeek to print such a hateful and ignorant article. AsianWeek’s publication of the article dishonors the work and efforts of many African Americans whose struggles for civil rights and justice improved the lives of all Asian Americans,” said Thanh Ngo, President of the Asian Pacific Bar Association of the Silicon Valley and APIJC member. “Clearly, AsianWeek is not the ‘voice of the Asian American community.’”
“We disagree with all the points raised in this article, which is not reflective of the Asian American community’s sentiments. I am disturbed by the remarks of Kenneth Eng and by the fact that AsianWeek published it,” said Anne Im, Director of Community Programs and Advocacy at Asian Americans for Community Involvement and APIJC member. “There was absolutely no value added to community dialogue as a result its publication.”
APIJC reiterates that the views expressed by Eng do not reflect the sentiments of the API community in the Silicon Valley. APIJC encourages all community members to express their concern and hold AsianWeek accountable on this matter.
The Asian Pacific Islander Justice Coalition of the Silicon Valley (APIJC) is a newly formed network of organizations whose mission is to advocate for social justice and unite and empower the Asian Pacific Islander community in the Silicon Valley.
OCA Finds Kenneth Eng’s Racist Views Offensive
OCA, a national Asian Pacific American (APA) organization dedicated to ensuring social justice for Asian Pacific Americans, Feb. 28 strongly criticized AsianWeek columnist Kenneth Eng’s recent article, “Why I Hate Blacks.” The short column used inflammatory language to convey the author’s racist opinions towards African Americans.
“This column is shameful for its blatant bigotry and hate speech, and only serves to build barriers between communities that should be working together for a free, fair, and equitable society,” said Michael Lin, Executive Director. “Mr. Eng owes an apology, not only to the black community, but also to the readership of AsianWeek and those who support a hate-free America.”
“The APA civil rights movement recognizes crucial strides made by the African American community and its struggles, and the two have a long and fruitful history of collaboration and cooperation,” said Ginny Gong, National President. “We sincerely hope Kenneth Eng’s article and the regrettable decision on the part of AsianWeek to publish his column will not damage our relationship with those to whom we owe so much and with whom we have so much to gain.”
“Mr. Eng’s article is contemptible in its derogatory views on blacks,” said Stephanie Kao, Hate Crime Prevention Program Manager. “For years, OCA has worked with groups such as the NAACP and National Council of La Raza to achieve greater understanding between APA and other communities of color. We will continue to work with civil rights leaders around the country to further the dialogue between all of our communities.”
Pelosi Denounces Hateful Views in AsianWeek Column
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement Feb. 28 denouncing a column by Kenneth Eng published in the February 23 edition of AsianWeek:
“The hateful views expressed in Kenneth Eng’s column must not be tolerated and AsianWeek’s decision to print them was irresponsible. Eng’s words were not only offensive to African Americans, but to all Americans.
“AsianWeek, a publication known for promoting diversity and civil rights, has now issued an apology and has decided to no longer run material by Mr. Eng. These are steps in the right direction.
“I am proud to represent a city that prides itself on its diversity as its strength. Speech that promotes hate has no place in San Francisco or anywhere in our country. We must continue the fight to end racism and promote social justice for all.”
US Civil Rights Commissioner Michael Yaki
“I am disappointed and disgusted that Asian Week would publish this thoughtless, bigoted screed. At the national level, we are fighting just to maintain the gains that Asian Americans and African Americans and Hispanic Americans stood side-by-side to achieve. To give voice to hateful lies is irresponsible journalism at its worst, and reminds us of the time when mainstream papers printed bigoted, jingoistic columns as ‘fact’ against the Asian Americans. We cannot return to those days.” — US Civil Rights Commissioner Michael Yaki, former San Francisco Supervisor and former chief of staff to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
“Inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance of diversity among all people are hallmarks of our way of life in San Francisco. While I recognize free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, hate speech in any form is totally unacceptable in our community. Such statements have no place in a city that is known around the world for civil rights and equality for all people. I am deeply concerned, both for the opinions expressed in the column and the fact that these opinions were published in a local ewspaper. Both actions demand explanation and accountability.”
AsianWeek contributor Julie D. Soo
“I think I share the shock and dismay over the racist column by Kenneth Eng that AsianWeek decided to print. I intend to have a very frank talk with the publishers and the editorial staff. I have dedicated my personal time in contributing to AsianWeek to give our communities a constructive voice. This lapse in good judgment by AsianWeek has eroded years of hardwork from those who of us present stories in a balanced manner and look for ways of bringing communities together.
“I think many of the writers at AsianWeek will continue to let their dissatisfaction be known. Kenneth Eng’s views are nothing but inflamatory spew and dilutes the hard work of thoughtful writers in covering legitimate news. I cannot imagine anything constructive from printing Eng’s columns. At least AsianWeek has agreed to co-sponsor a town hall on race relations. But, I am not sure how that will be received, given that the damage has already run deep.
“Keep up the heat. I am just appalled and disappointed.
“While I will not apologize for the Fang’s and AsianWeek, you have my word that I will not let this issue go lightly. I feel that my reputation has been harmed as well.”
– AsianWeek contributor Julie D. Soo
CAPAC Criticizes AsianWeek for Printing Racist “Why I Hate Blacks” Column
Washington, DC – Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) criticizes AsianWeek and expresses outrage concerning its printing of Kenneth Eng’s column “Why I Hate Blacks” in its February 23rd edition. Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of CAPAC, issued the following statement:
“Mr. Eng’s views are based upon ignorance and stereotypes of the worst kind. The racist views expressed in his column and AsianWeek’s publishing of his article undermine the efforts of communities of color working collaboratively to promote equity and justice for everyone in the United States.
“Members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community work tirelessly to fight against stereotypes that have caused tremendous harm to AAPIs. The AAPI community, along with all Americans, owes a great debt to the great African American trailblazers who have helped us frame our American notion of equality for all. As a prominent AAPI publication whose own mission includes community empowerment, AsianWeek should have known better than to publish such harmful views.
“CAPAC calls on AsianWeek to issue an unequivocal apology, review its editorial policy and process, and take appropriate action to hold accountable all those responsible for this egregious mistake.”