v115qrmf@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Lixin Shao) (02/13/91)
(The five point reflections refer to Mr. Kifner's special report which appeared on New York Times, Jan. 6, 1991. See also my comment "New Knowledge about the Asian Immigrant, Especially the Chinese . . ." Lixin Shao) Five point reflections on Kifner's "New knowledge" 1. Racial bias inevitably lead to racial discrimination. Kifner's report is not a report containing only some unpleasant misinformation about Chinese culture, the whole report-its titles, its photos and its text-is so painstakingly designed as to kindle anti-Chinese, anti- Asian, anti-immigrant sentiments. The appearance of Kif- ner's report on one of the nation's leading newspaper is a threatening sign. 2. If such undisguised racist slanders are allowed to cir- culate in our major newspapers, Asian immigrants, and other ethnic minorities are going to be increasingly victimized. History tells us that racial discrimination could reach appalling intensity if there were grave economic problems or other crises. 3. Racism against ethnic minority appeals to ignorance and hatred when when reason and tolerance are most needed: it is the hotbed of anti-democratic demogues, either from the left or from the right, and it endangers American democracy. 4. In their effort to liberalize and democratize their own societies, Asian people have been inspired by social and political practices of the United States and other demo- cratic countries. Racism, if unchecked here, could exert negative influences over democratic future of China and other Asian countries. 5. Other ethnic minorities have vigorously protested against racial bias and discrimination. The fact that there are less and less racially biased articles agaist these minorities in major newspapers of this nation shows that their efforts have not been in vain. We have to ask our- selves: Is keeping silence when insulted by apparent racial slander realy an Asian (Chinese) virtue?