HomeAsian AmericansPhiladelphia Newspaper Apologizes for Photo Caption Using Racially Offensive Names
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Philadelphia Newspaper Apologizes for Photo Caption Using Racially Offensive Names

Philadelphia Public Record Offensive photo caption The Philadelphia Public Record has apologized for using racially offensive fictitious names in a photo caption about a group of Asian Americans.

The tabloid has also announced its launched an investigation into the incident and promised to release the results this Thursday.

The apology and investigation follow an uproar after a story by Philadelphia Magazine which first reported the error and a subsequent article from AsAmNews which pointed out the lack of apology and remorse for the error.

The statement published in the Philadelphia Public Record’s online edition read:

In our Aug. 21, 2014 issue an offensive slur was accidentally published in the Philadelphia Public Record. This shocking lapse of professional conduct occurred contrary to our editorial directives and in no way reflects the views of our staff or our organization.

An internal investigation is underway to uncover the source of this intolerable abuse and to prevent it from ever happening again. We apologize whole-heartedly to the Asian American community and to all Philadelphians of this vibrant, diverse city who work together to make it the best place in America to live and to grow.

The tone of the statement was in contrast to the original explanation which explained the mistake as a “proofreading error.”

Prior to the apology, the Philadelphia Chapter of the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Philadelphia Chapter expressed its concern in a letter.

“Your use of the terms “Me Too, Chinky Winky, and Dinky Doo” to identify Chinese American participants perpetuates the foreigner stereotype that has been responsible for the loss of lives and livelihood of generations of Asian Americans,” read the letter signed by chapter president en T. Vu. “By ridiculing the sound of Asian names, your editor has reinforced the historically racist contempt for Asian American people and culture that has prevailed throughout American history. By doing so in the context of a political fundraiser, he challenges their exercise of a fundamental constitutional right, the right to petition an elected representative.”

The group has asked the publication to keep it posted on its investigation.

1 COMMENT

  1. RE: Philadelphia newspaper apologizes for photo caption using racially offensive names: Whole Foods on East Houston St. in NYC should take notice….

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