The Philadelphia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association called out a restaurant reviewer for what it said was evoking images of an “Asian fetish.”
In the write up in Philadelphia City Paper titled Exotic flavors at Uzbekistan restaurant, Caroline Russock wrote ”The flavors at Uzbekistan are exotic, much like the almond-eyed waitresses who serve you.”
In a letter to the paper, AAJA wrote:
Describing these waitresses as “exotic” evokes the narrative of the “Asian fetish,” where Asian women are depicted as sexy and servile objects of desire. Describing them as ”almond-eyed” conjures up the image of Asians and Asian Americans as having “slanty” eyes, which further brings up condescending stereotypes of Asians and Asian Americans.
If Philadelphia City Paper responds, AsAmNews will bring it to you.
RE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic & almond eyes: Why do you have to describe the waitresses as “exotic” and “almond-eyed”? Do you realize the crap that Asian women already have to deal with on a daily basis? Furthermore, what does the shape of her eyes or the fact that she is “exotic looking” have to do with how good the restaurant is? I understand the importance of ambience, but that goes beyond the regular dining experience. Please, do not reinforce stereotypes that many people already have us.
RE: restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic and almond eyes: Oops. Meant to post that on Philadelphia City News.
RE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic and almond eyes: almond colored eyes??? it is Uzbekistani afterall… did the waitresses have almond colored eyes? then its not a racist thing its a sexist dehumanization of these waitresses to eyes and exoticism. :*(
from H_hawkes via Twitter: RE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic and almond eyes:The use of the word exotic to describe ANY person of colour always annoys me. Objects are exotic not people.
From CreatesDarkness via TwitterRE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: doesn't it just mean 'from elsewhere'?Can be applied to people. Take yr point re who it *is* applied to
from H_hawkes via Twitter: RE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic and almond eyes: The original definition of the word did mean 'from elsewhere' but the use of the word has changed IMO & experience to be described as exotic is no compliment.
From Writers of Color via Twitter RE Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: Are you from 'elsewhere' if born in the UK as I was? Am I exotic as a black woman born in London? Or is just attached to skin colour and a facet of 'othering'?
From CreatesDarkness via TwitterRE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: I would suggest the proper usage simply refers to someone newly arrived. But yes, is used meaning 'dark Which is silly and I understand why it would be annoying
From Writers of Color via Twitter RE Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: Normative whiteness What makes her 'almond eyes' lesser than his blue ones other than racist reasoning?
From Writers of Color via Twitter RE Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: cool
rom H_hawkes via Twitter: RE: Restaurant reviewer describes waitress as exotic with almond eyes: thanks for response but most guys wouldn't know the original meaning.
Thanks everyone for the intelligent discussion on this issue.