I’m not sure how people are so sure of Curtis’ intent. Either way, as reference to her nipples or her ethnicity, it’s out of bounds. The term, as reference to a Japanese person was very much alive in my childhood. Frankly, McHales Navy was part of my childhood, and the term was used in the show regularly. People who grew up in the 60’s were aware that the term was a negative reference to Japanese people. Obviously I can’t speak for everyone, but there’s no chance my known contemporaries (friends; family) are unaware of the term. Sorry to say it, but we used the term as kids - and in inappropriate joking ways as young adults.
I think it’s equally likely that Curtis used the term as a lewd objectification of a woman than as a racial reference. And because I usually take people at their word, I believe him if that’s what he says. That said, I don’t think it’s wrong to question whether it may have been a racial reference or to point out that our political climate has become one in which people feel emboldened to deny racism and defend subtle forms of racial stereotyping and bias as harmless. You can now be labeled ‘woke’ and mocked for pointing out a racial reference.
That said, I prefer to label America, rather than Boston, as a place where racial biases and stereotyping still exist while extreme forms of racism are practiced by a small minority. I have no idea how Boston compares to other American cities in that regard. But to suggest that, in Boston, ideas about people aren’t influenced by race is a denial of reality in my opinion. Doesn’t mean I think we’re active racists by any means - or that 99% wouldn’t use the n-word - that I do believe. I just think most of us, myself included, are wrongly influenced by race (among many other physical/observable characteristics) and sometimes our notions, in knee-jerk ways often as attempts at humor or to ‘belong’ find their way to the surface.
Topic: The narrative is back: Boston is racist (Read 14572 times)