The Asian American Journalists Association is condemning remarks directed toward Wendi Deng, the estranged Chinese American wife of Fox CEO Rubert Murdoch, , reports Media Matters.
Robert Frank(second person from left) said on CNBC’s Power Lunch: “I wonder, you know, Peter, what do you think the chink in the armor here might be? That’s what [Deng’s lawyer] is so good at, is finding a chink in the pre-nups and all these trusts. What do you think they may be looking for to get more out of this divorce?”
Media Matters talked to Bobby Caina Calvan, media watch chair of AAJA. Calvan called it “an unfortunate phrasing and people should know better in this day and age that a phrase like that, that I’m not going to repeat, is offensive to many of us.”
Perhaps whats even more remarkable is that two other people participating in the discussion at the time did nothing to correct Peter or to steer him away from the offensive remarks.
A CNBC spokesperson called the remark “totally unintentional, ” but declined to elaborate.
CNBC didn’t elaborate, but Calvan did.
“We would like CNBC and Mr. Frank to realize that the words uttered on air today about an Asian-American in the news were inappropriate in any context.” said Calvan.
The incident was similar to one that took place in a headline on ESPN.com in regards to Jeremy Lin. The employee responsible for using “chink in the armor” in the headline was fired.
You can watch video of the remark made by Frank on Media Matters.
From Nan Kc J via Facebook: RE: Chink in the Armor comment: wheres the uproar? what if guest said about a black woman..well her jemima was lost …UPROAR
From Leland Wong via Facebook RE: Chink in the Armor comment: UPROAR! as a phrase it's ok…but was purposely used for Wendy because she's ethnic Chinese to describe her.
RE: Chink in the Armor comment: As word gets around about this, I suspect the uproar will only increase
RE: Chink in the Armor comment: Doesn't matter. word association is there. Talking about Wendi and then the comment is made
From Kenneth Tin via Facebook RE: Chink in the Armor comment: I understand the phrase. I understand the legitimate use of the word in that specific phrase. I understand the appropriate use in the context of speaking of a lawyer finding a weakness in a prenup. That said, I understand why some people will get bent over it. Myself, I'd give him a pass and keep on going without a second thought.
When are we too sensitive? When we get so caught up over things that it prevents us moving forward on more important things. That's my humble opinion.
RE: Chink in the Armor comment: See my post at <a href="http://www.aaldef.org/blog” target=”_blank”>www.aaldef.org/blog
Here’s why the phrase is wrong and why it shouldn’t be given a pass.