Chink’s Steaks?!?! Are you joking?
Not too long ago, the Washington Post ran an article about a steak house which opened in 1949 called Chink’s Steaks. Note that the origin of the name is due to the founder who was nicknamed “chink” because he supposedly had slanted, Asian-looking eyes. Owner Joseph Groh wants to keep the name due to “tradition” as he claims.
Once again, this is a classic example of a double-standard. You think that if someone opened a restaurant called N*****’s Steaks because he grew up with dark skin would keep a name like that today? And yet, they’re getting away with it when making fun of Asians. We really need to take a page from the African Americans to expedite change. Or how about asking for some help from outside the Asian community from others who want equality?
Interestingly enough, the person who decided to fight is Susannah Park who is actually an adopted daughter of white parents. It even got mocked by a magazine: “Philadelphia magazine in its “Best of Philly” edition mocked Park and called her effort “the worst complaint” of 2004.” Wow! Not even do we not get respect, when we fight for it, we just get more trodden on. Militancy is not endorsed in my book, but I can’t disregard the fact that fear causes change as well. There must be a way for peaceful change as well. Anyhow, much respect to Susannah and the others she will inspire.
I know we can fight for change. If you want to reach the restaurant to voice your complaints, here is the number: (215) 535-9405. I woudn’t recommend taking it out on the host or hostess necessarily though. It’s really the owner who has full responsibility for the actions so it would be best to direct complaints directly to him.
Here is the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/14/ST2008041403097.html
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