I am writing in response to a prejudicial comment made by Ellen Conser (“Stereotype contains factual information,” SN 2/11). Conser not only suggested that no negative stereotyping was presented on a racially biased flier, she went further to state that Asian American students are “just aching to seek personal advantage or the spotlight,” referring to an incident which took place at Meridian Mall.

Furthermore, she stated “media and popular culture make fun of minority or subculture groups’ behaviors all the time,” and they should “grow a spine and accept it.” Even though there is a truth to the dog meat consumption in some Asian cultures, what is dangerous in this case is the generalization of all Asians and Asian Americans.

The flier did not simply represent an Asian character, it reflected on everyone who is identified as “one of them.” The flier was indeed filled with negative stereotypes against Asian Americans.

Racial prejudice is inherited in our society. The students who protested against the racially biased flier or the group of students who stood against their treatment at Meridian Mall did not take actions because of their own benefits. They were concerned about how they have been mistreated by the society and they took actions to alert others on the issues.

Members of subordinate groups suffer from prejudicial attitude of the society one way or the other on a daily basis. It has been known that the media has been a great influence in bringing and spreading stereotypes against subordinate groups. However, it is not appropriate in any way to make an assumption that it should be accepted as it is.

As a member of the Asian American community, I would rather waste my time protesting for what needs to be changed than accepting racially biased opinions.

Soh Suzuki
studio art and interdisciplinary humanities senior