Since various members of the League seem to enjoy goading me on this issue, let me take a moment to defend myself. Do I think that Asians are subject to racism in North America? Yes. Is the amount of racism Asians deal with substantial in my opinion? Yes. Is the amount of racism comparable to the racism faced by blacks or arabs today? No, but that does not make it inconsequential. Do I think that the reason so few watch anime in America has to be rooted in racism? Not particularly, but I refuse to discount that racial prejudice plays a substantial role in the perception the general public has of it as a form of entertainment.

See, the problem with Asians is that more often than not, when faced with racial insult, whether it be subtle or overt, we have been taught to grin and bear it. We refuse to admit we have truly been slighted until the evidence is so blatant and overwhelming that it cannot be ignored any further. Well, I have news for you, the evidence is out there. How is it that Phil Jackson and Shaq (beloved Lakers no less), can make comments about "hong kongnese" and "ching chong" without any reprimand? Why is it allowable for a Chinese nuclear physicist to be impounded for months with no evidence?

Most of us come from middle class backgrounds at the least, and have remained relatively unscathed by the prejudices which exist in this country. But I challenge you to go and talk to some Chinese in the lower classes, or people from previous generations and ask them about what they think about race and racial equality. These are the people who bear the brunt of the burden, and in all likilihood, will be unable to fight their own battles. It is up to us, the more fortunate ones, to raise the alarm bells and not to glance the other way and pretend that racism does not even exist.

If all this classifies me as just another angry asian man, so be it.