Jeremy Lin has never shied away from racial justice issues. That hasn’t changed since he began playing in China.
This past week, several Chinese basketball fans shouted racial slurs at American basketball player Clarence Weems, an African American, reported the Global Times.
Referees ejected both Liaoning basketball center Han Dejun and Weems of the Guangdong Dongguan Dayi team on Thursday after the two got into a fight.
Fans of Liaoning waited outside after the game and screamed the “N” word and other insults as Weems boarded his team bus.
Lin later spoke out on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo.
“I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to be called a ‘Chinaman’ in a place where I’m considered a ‘foreigner.’ And to be honest, it’s scary when everyone around you doesn’t look like you. The abuse Weems received really was disrespectful, that word carried so much hurt, unfairness and hatred that I couldn’t put into words. I want us to all remember that, as individuals, we should pay attention to what we say. Because every word we say carries its meaning and will have a lot of power and impact. Be cautious…” Lin wrote.
Lin spoke out against anti-Asian hate and called for unity during an interview with NBC last February.
“I’ve always said that in the long run, it can’t only be Asians caring about Asian issues, or African Americans caring about African American issues,” Lin says. “If, as minorities, we want the majority to understand what it’s like to live a minority experience, and to sympathize and change, we as minorities also have to collaborate, unify and use our voices and stand up for each other. There has to be solidarity on that front.”
Last March, Lin revealed he had been called the “coronavirus” during a G League game.
He has also used his huge social media platform to declare Asians are tired of the “hate-filled attacks against Asian Americans.”
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story, or making a contribution.
Kudos to you MR. Lin. As a recognized by myself as an aboriginal filipino (Black) mother/ Black American father I totally understand that the ignorance is unteneble from ALL sides. Why this is? It happens in of all places the Philippines-the same people that were referred to as “the ni**ers of Asia” by the same peoples they attempt to emulate today. Crazy, huh? Absolutely, but there is a reason-no history other than U.S. HIStory is really taught. I can see this as an Ethnic Studies undergrad here in the U.S. and reading books on the subject of the colonization process and how it permeates all cultures abroad. Thank You for standing up for all, Sir!