SFist Photo: Asian Americans vs. ABC Disney
Clang, clang, clang goes the cable car as it passes by scores of pissed off Asian Americans in front of the Disney Store in San Francisco's Union Square.
It all has to do with what lovely local Teri Hatcher said on a recent edition of ABC's Desperate Housewives.
The offending line of dialogue from the show:
“Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? ‘Cause I would just like to make sure they are not from some med. school in the Philippines.”
Ouch.
This is a huge story in the Philippines and now it seems it's getting bigger in San Francisco. Details after the jump.
The short version of this controversy is here and a longer version is here. KGO's take is here.
The touristas seemed interested.
ABC Studios has apologized:
The producers of ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere. There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines. As leaders in broadcast diversity, we are committed to presenting sensitive and respectful image of all communities featured in our programs. [Palliative cliches in original.]
It's not entirely obvious that there was no "intent to disparage." Obviously, the intent of the offending line was to show the character in denial and lashing out by attacking the credentials of the physician.
Shame, Disney, Shame.
The apology is not enough for local Senator Leland Yee:
ABC’s Desperate Housewives Desperate Attempt at Humor Offends Community
Thursday, October 04, 2007
SACRAMENTO – Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) issued the following statement regarding the offensive comments recently broadcast on the ABC show Desperate Housewives:
“As a Senator who represents the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines, I am appalled that the producers and writers at ABC found this type of humor acceptable. As a human being, I am disheartened to see that these stereotypes continue to permeate our airwaves and entertainment media. This desperate attempt at humor is offensive and has no place in our community. Filipinos, including those trained outside of the United States, have made invaluable impacts on the medical field, and should be valued, not disparaged. While I am pleased to see the network issue an apology, I encourage them to do so publicly during the show’s next broadcast and work with the community to heal the wounds caused by this insulting reference.” Contact: Adam J. Keigwin
So there you have it. It's ABC's right to air the show the show the way they want and it's the Filipino American community's right to launch a boycott. Aint that America.