We often speak of ‘loving our neighbors’ but it’s really hard when we don’t even know our neighbors. I see this to be a growing problem – not just in the [C]hurch but our larger society. Why is it so hard to meet and grow with our neighbors?
And how about those who are the “others” in our society? When we’re unable to learn and hear (even for a glimpse) the stories of others who are suffering or enduring through some form of injustice, they only become issues, statistics, and whatever other words we tend to use.
I share this not to incite empathy for issues of racialization but in order to come to a deeper understanding, we really need to hear one another’s stories and collectively, sing the song that God showers over us: “You are created in the image of God”
Watch this clip from last Sunday’s sermon. Two important points & stories: one of a humbling chat with a “I’m a dark skinned African-American brother…”and why I choose to be at times, ‘an angry Asian man’.”
“Two Wongs Make it White”…still ain’t funny.
For those are viewing this via RSS, click here. To see the full sermon: here.
Thought I would give your readers a chance to take action. The Onion is selling a shirt with this on the front “My friend went to Thailand and all I got was this lousy prostitute.” I would just encourage everyone out there to email the Onion and let them know of your outrage. It’s not okay to de-humanize those who can’t even speak up for themselves.
Thanks in advance.
[...] Eugene Cho, angry Asian man Go read/watch/listen to Eugene Cho’s latest, please. [...]
[...] Angry Asian man Go read/watch/listen to Eugene Cho’s latest, please. [...]
Joy–that is downright cruel. thanks so much for the heads up.
That bus seat story used to happen to me every day in Japan. Sometimes pre-socialization-aged kids would sit down next to me and their mothers would tell them (in Japanese, assuming I didn’t understand) to get up and not sit next to me because I was dangerous or strange or foreign.
I was actually confused a bit on Sunday when you told the bus story. I thought you were talking about me since I have experienced that exact thing probably hundreds of times (I’ve been catching the city bus since 6th grade). But I didn’t remember ever telling you about my experience. But when you described the way that the guy told you about his story, I knew it wasn’t me.
I bet if you got a room full of black men who catch the bus regularly and asked them if they can relate to that story (or similar stories, such as being followed around in stores) I bet almost every single one could relate. Even in “progressive” Seattle.
@Joy: wow, really?!? The Onion is usually so sharp! This sounds like a huge misstep.
firstly congrats on launching ODW PE…
second – being an “angry asian man” is that thing which offsets stereotypes of compliant passive asian men.
Thank God for your example to me and others to be righteously – yet peaceably – angry.
This is nothing new. In the years approx. 1978 to 1981, Christian singer Keith Green would ask his audiences how many could name the people who live on either side of their house or apartment.
Very, very few. Can we really love our neighbors if we don’t know them; or don’t even know who they are?
Speaking of things that make me an AngryAsianMan… Halloween is right around the corner:
http://www.angryasianman.com/2009/10/bad-halloween-costumes-2009.html
aiyah. (or for my Korean homies… aigoo).
The bus I understand. That’s the way America has always been – and most “progressives” are still the same way.
The Church is what gets me though. When the bench near you in church is always empty. Or people bound up to similar-skinned visitors and yet somehow “don’t notice” you.
I hate that t-shirt.
Thanks for speaking out, enjoyed the sermon clip.
[...] we don’t shout and at times, be an angry asian man…who will? Remember the Abercrombie & Fitch campaign featuring the infamous Two Wongs can [...]
[...] we don’t shout and at times, be an angry asian man, who will? Remember the Abercrombie & Fitch campaign featuring the infamous Two Wongs can make [...]