Dear Peoples:
I learned last week that you, the OCAA, took funding away from the Asian American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) because you decided that you couldn't give money to an event where the keynote speaker was from a band called The Slants (who were also going to be playing the event) because you found the name offensive towards Asian Americans.
Now far be it from me to disagree with such a wise commission as yourself from the great state of Oregon (which I also sometimes refer to as Crazy White Militia Country), but I just don't understand how you came to that conclusion because this is an Asian American band, with Asian American fans, who in addition to playing clubtastic Asian American music, also have a song or two addressing Asian American stereotypes - and haven't they also been written up and interviewed by Asian American media as well as play Asian and Asian American themed shows and events?
I could be wrong on this, but it doesn't really sound like people are all that offended to me (but then again, they probably get that it's about empowerment, pride, and taking it back).
Slanty
P.S.
I'm probably a little biased on this one.
An Quick Letter To The Oregon Commission On Asian Affairs
Tuesday, April 07, 2009Labels: Asian American, Huh?, Music