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A few weeks ago, a 20-something Caucasian male, who strangely had Asian features (i.e., broad face, narrow eyes, dark complexion), whistled at me the introduction of a song called "I think I'm Turnin' Japanese" by The Vapors who recorded the song in the 1980's.

Recently, Incubus and Liz McPhair each covered the song. This Caucasian male whistled this ancient asian melody at me when I passed him in a grocery store in Austin, Texas. He whistled the tune again when he passed by me. He and I passed each other a few more times, and each time, he whistled the tune. His lips didn't move when he whistled, so he thought he was being sly.

I finally decided to confront him about his whistling and told him that I found his whistling the tune very offensive. At first, he denied the whistling, and then, he stood close to and square in front of me and yelled, "I don't care if you don't like it! What are you going to do about?"

I replied "Nothing. I just want you to stop whistling that offensive tune." He replied, "Just as I thought." and walked away whistling the tune and looking back at me.

Physically, I could have snapped his neck without any problems. He was short and small. But, I decided to approach him civilly.

I consulted a store manager who was young. He wanted to meet the racist Caucasian, and I showed him where he was. The racist first denied whistling and then finally admitted it when we caught him trying to cover his lies. The manager told us, "Stay away from each other." The racist walked away, saying "I can whistle out in the parking lot, and there's nothing you can do about it." I replied, "I'll call the cops."

The manager stated, "Obviously, he's a jerk. Stay away from him, and I'll watch out for him to see if he does anything." He didn't say anything admonishing to the racist even when the racist admitted the offense.

A few minutes later, the racist passed by me, looked at me, but didn't whistle. I think he was surprised to see me when he rounded a corner.

Another store manager stated the following day that the store wouldn't deny the racist admission into the store because the store is afraid of lawsuits. Also, I talked with 3 police officers, and they all stated that the law doesn't prohibit a person from verbally insulting anyone. The only defense I have is to verbally insult the racist.

I called and emailed my state representative and state senator. Neither office has responded to the phone call or email.

Racists like the one I encountered are everywhere. I have been a victim of racial harassment at work as well. I'm a firefighter of a city department that has about 1100 firefighters.

Popular songs that negatively stereotype asians is damaging the reputation and image of Asians. These caucasians do not care about the harm they cause. They indulge in racial harassment as though it's free candy or beer.

We must fight every company that promotes negative stereotypes of Asians because companies including musicians significantly influence what and how people, especially young people, think and behave. We must rally together in large numbers and protest their products and advertisements.

I know that if I pushed or hit the racist in the store, then I would have gone to jail more than likely since there were cameras throughout the store. How badly I wanted to injure that racist to punish him for his wrongdoing. Law enforcement and laws do not protect victims of racial harassment.

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ganjaguru said:

betcha cant swim either

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I don't really look asian though...so i can swim.