|
Shaq's comments on Yao Ming
For those of you who follow the NBA, I'm sure by now you're aware of Shaq's insensitive comments toward Yao Ming.
Shaq was recently interviewed at a press conference on the much-hyped matchup this Friday between the Lakers and Rockets, where Yao and Shaq would be matched up for the first time since Yao has enered the NBA.
This is a much anticipated matchup between the two most dominant players at their position...center matchups get more publicity because of their playstyle, being raw and physical with a hint of finesse, and that is why the spot light is on these two. Shaq, the unquestioned most dominant player in the NBA, and Yao, the rookie sensation that's conquering the league. With this comes media exploitation, a common problem in the world of sports often fueling he fire for rivalries and such. This is no exception.
Shaq was recently interviewed and asked what he thought of Yao...he responded saying, "Tell Yao Ming, 'ching-chong-yang-wah-ah-soh", an insensitive ethnic remark obviously attmepting to mock a Chinese accent.
Yao responded, knowing Shaq was joking (courtesy of espn.com) , "There are a lot of difficulties in two different cultures understanding each other. Especially two very large countries. The world is getting smaller and I think it's important to have a greater understanding of other cultures. I believe Shaquille O'Neal was joking but I think that a lot of Asian people don't understand that kind of joke..."
Shaq responds "Over my 11 years in the NBA, I know for a fact that most of you guys are going to write what you want to write, and it's our job to either defend it or just let it go. At times I try to be a comedian," he said. "Sometimes I make a good joke and sometimes it's a bad joke."
What do you guys think of this? At one end you have a stereotypical delineation of a Westerner poking ethnic jokes, while that ethnicity takes great offense, and at the other you have harmless fun that is overblown by the media...
Opinions?
|
huh didnt get it steve.
