News and Views

October 13, 2005
Racial Caricatures Perpetuate Stereotypes

A Tufts University student describes a situation on campus-the International Club hosting a bake sale. Innocent enough, right? Maybe, unless, like this student, you looked at the caricature on the announcement-a "stereotypical caricature of a chubby, slit-eyed Asian child smiling dumbly while eating watermelon."

This young woman was furious and complained to anyone who would listen. Ultimately, the International Club apologized and assured the student that the designer meant no harm. This students response: "Unintentional racism is still the perpetuation of oppression." And she is right.

I have been looking at (and stewing over) our town's "Chinese Auction." Tomorrow, I am going to do something about it. Racism is insidious and unless we take some action and responsibility we are as guilty as those that perpetuate negative stereotypes-knowingly or unknowingly.

Read more at: Tufts Daily