NAAAP and Next Generation Voices Unite to Fight Anti-Asian Hate Article

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MARCH 25, 2008 Cincinnati--Almost one month after the overtly racist and Anti-Asian article "If It's War That the Asians Want, It's War That They'll Get," was published by University of Colorado's student newspaper, rallying cries for change have transformed into conciliatory action. As Asian American organizations launch campaigns to take a stand against racial intolerance across the nation, various professional and non-profit groups are offering a helping hand.

"Enough is enough," states Next Generation Voices, an organization created in response to student editor Max Karson's inflammatory article, "We want to make a statement: that we are unified in our mission to spread not only cultural awareness but respect." 

Karson's article dubbed by University of Colorado's Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson and Campus Press editors as "satire gone horribly wrong," is filled with descriptions of "hog tying" and "captured Asians," being "dragged" to engage in demeaning and stereotypically "Asian" activities.  Beginning with a "hunt for the "Asians," the article is complete with three phases to "break the Asian Spirit," and "start a war," said Karson's article.

In the days and weeks following the publishing of Karson's article, the article was passed across the United States via  email, social networks, TV news, and word of mouth; sparking a movement that would only gain momentum.

As part of an ongoing effort for awareness and tolerance, Next Generation Voices and various organizations such as the National Asian American Association of Professionals have joined together to execute the InSolidarity Campaign.  Created by Next Generation Voices, the campaign will take place on Friday, May 2, 2008 as a way to be a voice for human rights and social justice and to work for the accurate inclusion of APA culture and history.    The In Solidarity campaign is an extremely easy way to get involved and has the current participation of various Asian American organizations including NAAAP Colorado and Cincinnati.  It is our hope as NAAAP Cincinnati to spread their mission and help foster understanding of all racial/cultural backgrounds by participating in the campaign.

Participation is easy; simply buy a t shirt, wear it on Friday, May 2, 2008, and make a statement that the safety and acceptance of our Asian American cultures and individuals from all cultures and ethnicities matters to you.  Please spread the awareness and tell your friends, coworkers, parents, etc.  Anyone can participate.

If you have any questions please email Angela Yang, Membership co-coordinator at Angelayang08@gmail.com. 

To check out NAAAP Colorado's response to the article visit: http://www.in-solidarity.com/responses/naaap_2-22.htm

To read the article, "If It's War That the Asians Want, It's War They'll Get," visit: http://media.www.thecampuspress.com/media/storage/paper1098/news/2008/02/18/Opinion/If.Its.War.The.Asians.Want-3216954.shtml

Time and Location for Friday, May 2, 2008 is TBD.  Please check your emails for an updated email. 

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