Reactions to Jeremy Lin
Here is a list of the type of reactions I am seeing:
1) Dismissive – ok 1 game but can he do it again. Ok 2 games, but can he do it again.
2) Supportive, but racist – he can ball…and [random joke about Asians]. For example, tutoring people’s kids on the side, going back to work at Chinese restaurant, showing that Asians can drive, etc. On that last point, by the way, do you not know the car cultures in the US? A large amount of Asians there.
3) Ignorant – what country is he from? (USA), whoa…he can speak perfect English (born in the USA), he came from nowhere! (tore it up on all levels from high school to college to NBA summer league)
4) Asians not embracing his ethnicity – who cares if he’s Asian…and I’m Asian! US culture can really damage Asian self-esteem…hopefully that is changing.
5) Taiwanese? Chinese? – he is/isn’t Chinese, he is/isn’t Taiwanese! This is politically charged stuff. No comment aside to say it is out there.
6) Supportive – Thank You!
There are others, but this covers a large swath.
A few more comments:
- I was born and raised in the US. I am Asian American, and I have also lived in China for half a year and visited many Asian countries. I have NEVER seen anyone put their fist in another hand and bow! Stop this ridiculousness!
- High expectations – Jeremy has hit dangerous territory where his reputation and expectations are off the charts. I hope it has not outpaced him. He will have bad games as all people do, but hopefully he can sustain long-term solid play.
Watch him play!
New York Knicks Tickets
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