Huh? Really? This is so wrong, on several levels…. First, it’s been years since I’ve had to explain to anyone that “People are ‘Asian,’ rugs are “Oriental.'” Second, Bo Dietl, a Fox pundit, actually pulls his eyes back on Don Imus’ show to mimic how he says Katie Couric’s eyes make her look “Chinese.” Third, he conflates “American” and “Caucasian” so that you’re only American if you’re white.
It’s ignorant — no, stoopid — and disgusting, and as Angry Asian Man points out, “that’s racist!”
Fox oughta be ashamed of itself, though I would be shocked if the network admitted such a thing. To Imus’ credit, the host — who’s been the subject of some racial gaffs in the past himself — mostly defended Kouric, though not on the race-baiting points.
Here’s a partial transcript from ThinkProgress.org:
DIETL: She looks like a Halloween cartoon. She’s got her eyes pulled so far, she’s starting to look Chinese herself. Enough with these face lifts, alright Kate. And enough with the young guys Katie. You’re over the top baby. You’re over fifty. Start going out with guys your own age. This cougar stuff don’t work.
After some cross talk, Imus tried to get Dietl to “leave Katie Couric alone.†But as Dietl approached the end of his rant, Imus offhandedly called Couric “a rodent†as he tried to end the conversation:
IMUS: I’m just saying that if she wants — leave Katie Couric alone. She’s fine.
DIETL: Oh no no no. You like her eyes the way they look?
IMUS: She looks fine to me.
DIETL: They’re getting smaller and smaller.
IMUS: She looks fine.
DIETL: Ten years ago, she looked American. Today she looks oriental.
IMUS: She is a rodent. Leave her alone.
DIETL: She doesn’t like you either pal. She never stuck up for you.
