The “L” joke has resurfaced.
Most Asian Americans know the “L” joke is popularized by those who like to have fun with Asian accents and the perception that Asians can’t pronounce the “L” sound.
Musican Questlove is currently on tour in Japan with his band and according to Mediaite wrote under an Instagram photo of a Christmas decorated clock train. ““Hey @dawnenglehart is it racist for me to write the Sour Tlain?
His manager Dawn Englehart, who is Asian replied “Nah you’re in The Loots. You’re … Arrowed.”
Then Top Chef & model Padma Lakshmi joined in: “Hahahaha ha! You ruys clack me lup”
The photo and responses have since been removed from Instagram.
What do you think? Is this harmless fun among friends or should Questlove had known better putting this all up on a public forum?
Is “L”, in this case, stand for lame?
RE: L is for Lame: As someone who’s been working with Asians and AAPIs to overcome their accent challenges, I have to say that I always hate the “flied lice” joke because it is laced with racism. On the other hand, I have had many success stories from clients who recognized this challenge and were determined to pronounce these words correctly. After all, lace and race are two different words and they can be misleading and causing communication barriers and embarrassment at least if not pronounced correctly.