Rep. Ed Case (D-HI), who was sworn in two weeks ago, faced backlash after claiming he is “Asian in a white body” at a reception to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander members of the 116th Congress, reports HuffPost.
Congressman Ed Case, who represents a majority Asian district in Honolulu – “I’m an Asian trapped in a white body” pic.twitter.com/Roro6Yk8CW
— Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) January 16, 2019
The comment drew fierce rebuke from many in the Asian American community, drawing comparisons to actors who have whitewashed Asian characters.
In an emailed statement to The Washington Post, Case said he was “fiercely proud” to represent the ethnically diverse state of Hawaii. His district includes greater Honolulu, the only U.S. district which holds an Asian American majority.
“Like so many others from Hawaii who treasure our multicultural heritage, I have absorbed and live the values of our many cultures,” Case said. “They and not my specific ethnicity are who I am, and I believe that this makes me an effective advocate on national issues affecting our API community.”
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I can understand that. Many Asians feel like they’re white trapped in an Asian body… you know – the banana syndrome?