NEWS: Spanish B-ball Team: Unfunny Racists or Just Unfunny?

Obviously. The question still remains, though- is it mockery, or homage?

This is definitely more of an American politically correct, "knee-jerk" reaction. We spend more time in this country being afraid of hurting someone's feelings or being hyper-sensitive to things and blowing them way out of proportion. I actually think it's kind of hilarious that there doesn't seem to be any comments from the Chinese government, just the Asian-American version of Rev. Al Sharpton, George Wu.

No. But they don't much like a bunch of smug, ignorant white boys mocking the shape of their eyes, either.

... but you're not.

So can "nigger." Use that word much, do you?

Actually, there's a public statement from the Chinese Embassy where they declared they didn't find it to be racist or offensive:

(Translated from this article)

There have been all sorts of reactions, other than the understandable irate ones:

That one's from Forbes, there's another similar statement from Li Ning himself.

Of course, none of the above have been appointed universal representatives for all asian people but then who has?

I agree with this, actually. Though I did imply racism in the article, I don't think it's racism as much as it's insensitive, unfunny, mean-spirited pricks behaving embarrassingly.

And the fact that they didn't immediately apologize and tried to pawn it off as nothing is what makes them worthy of contempt and mockery... I also don't get why someone from Spain would automatically feel the need to defend the attack of another person from Spain.

Obviously nobody likes to be mocked, and being mocked for a cultural stereotype is inherently racist. If there is no intended mockery, however, is there still racism?

True. I'm white, which is why I can only speculate what an Asian would find offensive. In the same way that, say, a Spanish basketball team might.

Never, because I am quite aware of the racially bigoted history of the word. If I were to use it it would be in the full knowledge and awareness that it would offend. I would be taking a blatantly racist position and would have to kick myself in the balls for being a bigoted asshole.

Overeacting people! If i see some american blond that dyes her hair brown and wears a flamenco dress and says "ole" , it dont make it racist. I'm from Spain and we are very open people and yes at times racist but always honest. We'll make fun of ourselfs 5 times before making fun of someone else once. People who worry about these details in life rarley get much done and think way too highly of themselfs.



<-------asian smiley, racist bastard!

The Spaniard ---------------------------> i agree.

HEY AMERICANS! You are thinking everyone sees the world as you. No one in Spain has consider that a racist action. In fact, the guys of spanish basket (that would have wun you, americans if it wasnt for the help the referee gave you) are the nicest and most normal people you can know. STOP CONSIDERING YOU ARE THE JUDGE OF THE WORLD.

Now that is comedy

Sucks to be a sore loser, don't it?

yeah! Sucks to be a loser, but on the other hand we're proud of our team, we made you sweat.
I have to say that both teams played theyr bests and the Spanish B-Ball Team deserved to win as U.S.A. deserved to win.

it doesn't matter the referee, we were the underdogs and we played that role more than satisfactory.
remember the names of Rudy, Ricky rubio, Navarro, Pau and Marc Gasol with respect, as i remember Kobe ( best player ever along with Jordan , Bird, Kareem, isaias thompson, malone etc...) Kid and all of them with same respect and admiration.


Hurray for the Spanish B-Ball Team ! and thanks for the great play to all Ameriican players.

P.D: Go Lakers Go!!!

I would like to start again the discussion, trying my best ways. Spain is a country which all its history has been really divided in 2 groups, conservatives and progressists, like other countries. We are not free of bad habits, racist people and disgusting people, in general, like other countries again. At this moment, I think our country can be proud of the rights people here has, if you compare to other countries, over all, you can get marry with other from your sex, that is an example of a country that looks to the future, there arent many countries where you can do that. Spain is a good country. You are free to think our basket players are racists or even idiots. We are sure they are not, but they've accepted to pose for a pic joking with something the americans or anglo-saxons dont understand. But many americans here are just destroying the name of all the spanish culture. Guys how can you make us believe you defend a country when at the same time you are insulting another! Peace and love for all the human beings and less hypocressy!

And also another impression. I think the mass media can easily manipulate you, after I have seen