Miley Cyrus, Justin Gaston & Friends Mock Asian Features
Over the weekend, personal photos of 16-year old Miley Cyrus and her 20-year old manfriend Justin Gaston made their way to the Internets that showed the couple paling around with some friends of theirs. Honestly, none of the photos were very interesting to me … except for one in particular. In some of the photos, a Asian male friend is seen mugging for the camera with Miley and Justin — which is fine. But this photo of Jiley, friends and this compliant male friend appears to show all of the Caucasian kids (and Justin, who is a full grown man) pulling back their eyelids apparently trying to mimic Asian eye features:
I suppose it could be said that these kids (and man) are “just having fun” and prolly don’t intend harm … which may be true BUT, I personally do not think that behavior like this is harmless at all. If children see this sort of thing, particularly from Miley Cyrus who they may look up to, and believe that it is “OK” and “funny” to mock people in this way I really feel they are getting the wrong message. I don’t imagine it’s very fun for Asian children (or adults, for that matter) to be mocked by others who think it’s funny to mimic their eye features. I’m sorry, I personally think it’s bad form. While not surprising (at all) it is very disappointing. I, for one, do not see the humor in a photo like this.
[Source]
Tags: Justin Gaston, Miley Cyrus
RSS
Feedburner
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
They’re just having fun, i have a korean friend, and i always laugh at her accent, in a very friendly way, just the same way she calls me “gay” knowing that i AM gay!!!!!!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
i know this is wrong to do, but people do it all the time and just because Miley is a superstar, she shouldn’t be punished for this pic.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
You think she’d just be smarter or have learned her lessons about personal pictures. I still don’t think a minor should be dating a grown man! GROSS!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
honestly, who cares. lol
It’s time we all focus on the real problems in the world!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I guess they were just having fun…and yeah its funny to laugh at ourselves too(i’m asian by the way) but hey ppl have to draw a line when it comes to “racist” jokes…it can get hurtful at times especially if you’re the minority and not everyone might think its funny….
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I think that she’s a teenage girl being a teenager (ie idiotic). I forgive her. The other drunk dumbasses? Not so much. But I would like to point out that it seems like an ~opposite day~ scenario: the Asian man is opening his eyes very wide, while the Caucasians are closing theirs. It’s just a joke. A stupid joke, but one nonetheless. Not scandal-worthy IMO.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
it’s not even funny. what idiots.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
i don’t find it racist and frankly i don’t really care if a 16-year-old girl is mocking my facial features. i have better things to worry about, thanks.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Considering her asian friend is in the picture, I’m going to assume it was probably an inside joke.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
My friends make fun of me for being super “white”. They also make fun of themselves for their different behaviors that fit them in to their various ethnicities “stereo types”. If we can’t all just make fun of ourselves, what’s the point? I doubt this was meant to be hurtful. Hello, there is an Asian kid right there participating in the photo. And, as Juliette already pointed out, he is opening his eyes wide. It’s all done in fun. This is nothing to be up in arms about. It’s just kids having fun and lovingly poking fun at each other. None issue.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Its not funny, but its not a big deal especially as with the asian friend it looks like an inside joke. I am sure we have all done similar things and teased friends and mocked other people due to nationality/race, its happened to me and i’ve probably done it, you’ve got to laugh it off and accept we don’t know the context and what was said before and after the photo.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
malcolm mcrae – u r stupid. “superstars” like miley make gazillions because they’re “special” – therefore, they should definitely be held to a different standard. while the photo is far from anything funny, it shows poor taste and she should be called out for being stupid rather than being racist. rednecks will always be rednecks – no matter how much $$ they have.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
definitely not a big deal……….its not even all that racist, her asian friend is in the pic…..if he doesn’t have a problem, then neither should you.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
The Asian guy gets the last laugh. He’s the hottest one out of all of them. You know he drove him thinking, “Dumb white kids just made fools out of themselves and were stupid enough to take pictures!”
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 pm
It’s not funny. Maybe it’s an “inside joke” but who gives a crap, it’s insulting to some…and it’s inappropriate to take stupid pictures like that and post it on the internet.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
there’s some booze in that picture too…
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
this is incredibly stupid but i wouldn’t exactly call it racist–maybe on some level it’s offensive, but the two are not exactly the same thing, are they? in any case i’m sort of sick of miley cyrus “scandals”. let’s hope this one passes over, i’m tired of her face. (although i secretly enjoy it when my 6-year-old niece forces me to watch hannah montana).
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I can’t decide if they’re all stupid for striking such a pose or for letting themselves be photographed while striking such a pose.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
the latter, kent. i’m not personally offended by this at all but the girl should know by now, really.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:24 pm
@Parkie
I don’t think you should be one to judge poor taste.
Calling someone stupid then using the redneck stereotype?
Wow.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
shes a kid.
people do this ALL the time, she just happens to be famous and was photographed.
and the asian fella doesnt SEEM to be mad. i mean, whatever, he could be. but doesnt look it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 pm
@Emily — but, see, I’m not concerned about her friend (who may or may not have a problem with this). I’m concerned with little kids seeing this behavior and think that it’s OK because Miley does it. Inside joke or not, I think it’s reprehensible.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
omg…people who get angry at this kind of thing take themselves way too seriously….notice the asian kid has his eyes wide open like a white person..OH IM SO OFFENDED!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
i can’t believe i’m defending miley bloody cyrus, but i think this is getting blown out of proportion. she is clearly an idiot, but then again she is a teenager. the asian man doesn’t seem offended, so i’m not going to be, either. oh, and trent, i think that excuse is a wee bit overplayed–”if miley does it, the kids will do it”. i grew up with ms. spears as my role model and have yet to shave my head, flash my vadge, or have a shotgun wedding. i believe it was jk rowling who said that children are often a lot more intelligent than the adults “protecting” them.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Ít is not a racist issue, because she has an asian friend. But that doesn’t justify her doing it. I really think it is not funny at all.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Hm, maybe Miley and friends are just trying to become attractive? XD
Its not funny, but people do stupid things that they think are cool or funny. As long as parents are smart enough to watch what their kids are looking at, and then explain that mocking others on the physical appearance isn’t a good thing(If their child does stumble across this photo). It shouldn’t be a problem.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Ugh, some people just want to take PC to the extreme.
I see you didn’t point out the Asian friend is opening his eyes wide trying to “mock” the Caucasians.
So damn hypocritical, that apparently there can be no mocking or racism of Caucasians, yet the tiniest thing done to someone that isn’t Caucasian, automatically has to seem racist or however else you wanna word it.
Give me a break people.
PS – I’m not Caucasian, I’m Hispanic and I’m just sick and tired of hearing how racists some Caucasians are. I see more racists things done TO Caucasians than the other way around. But of course, there is no PC in that.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
i’m guessing the point trent is trying to make is not that this may or may not be a big problem, but more like when her younger fans might see this picture they’re going to mimic her behaviors, which may cause problems, because she is the kids role-model.
if i can learn to make sense, you’d get it better. hahah!
yay for run-on sentences!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
@kotone
A effing MEN. Though soon enough I”m sure it’ll be “un-PC” to even say AMEN. **where’s my jack-off smiley when I need it**
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
and also, to me it doesn’t seem like the asian guy is opening his eyes wide to mock the caucasians.
but maybe that’s just me.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
when are these celebs going to learn that these kind if photos will get leaked? lohan, hudgens, phelps, and even cyrus herself have had photo scandals. duh…..
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:08 am
@parkie- so because they have a talent and make millions of dollars it makes it ok for them to be punished harder than us “common folk” do? I think the only stupid person here is you.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 am
okay as an asian american, why do that if you have a friend in the picture who is also asian while others in the photo are not. i don’t understand the joke behind this photo. what makes this photo so funny that caucasian people need to mock an asian person. its already bad enough asian people get stereotyped by their eyes and etc. as miley cyrus is suppose to be a role model, this situation doesn’t help stereotypes and other dilemmas asian or other nationalities have. the asian guy in the picture doesn’t seem to know that they were mocking him. the photo looks more like a candid shot than a pose based on the face of the asian boy.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 am
Thank you! I am asian, and am not personally offended since I know that Miley Cyrus is just a dumb brat, but she is on a tv show for kids where she is supposed to be a role model.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 am
What’s wrong with you people? I can’t believe so many of you don’t see a problem with the pic. I totally agree with everything you wrote Trent! This picture is insulting and offensive. Just because there’s an Asian dude in the pic doesn’t justify Miley and her friend’s ignorance!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 am
I find this offensive. Miley needs to stop uploading pictures of herself and leave the limelight.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 am
OMG …who the heck cares….she is just messing around with her friends….not everything has to be soo PC..god no one can do anything anymore without someone else having a say in it…if i was her i would say screw you to all the magazines and god i hope she does NOT apologize…..
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:04 am
“# Julie Says:
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
honestly, who cares. lol
It’s time we all focus on the real problems in the world!
”
focus on the real probs of the world? lol, why the hell are u on an ent blog then hun? typical airhead.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
I honestly would find this photo offensive if i were from an oriental descent. it’s not the fact that she’s a star that makes this an issue, it’s the fact that she IS a role model to many children and they look up to her in many social aspects. It’s not a matter of national security, but how we represent ourselves is based solely on our actions, and taking a photo that mocks 1/3 of worlds population is just unacceptable. As a celebrity she should be asked to apologize to the asian community, and even if she wasn’t a celebrity, her and her friends should be ashamed of themselves. Common people, we’re living in a world of change.. lets adapt to different cultures, sexuality, etc.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 am
People blow everything out of proportion. Only because this is Miley is she getting in trouble. I think people should focus on better things (Like our troubled economy, or the fact that we are in a War), instead of worrying about what “racist” things Miley Cyrus is up to.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 am
Oh, and I thought it was pretty damn hilarious, btw. Anyone who acts like they never make fun of race inside their group of friends needs to shove their holier-than-thou attitude up their ass.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 am
It’s ok, I’m Asian and I walk around holding my eyes open with an absent blank look in my eyes. People call me roundeye.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 am
@Chrystal
exactly!
hahahah (:
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 am
Um…I really dont find it offensive. And I hate miley. So people should relax.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 am
i don’t know how justin hangs out with her.. i mean she acts so friggen immature all the time.. from the one vid i’ve seen of her ’show’ the one posted on here with him playing ‘her song’ she acts exactly her age, like an immature kid… i don’t know what he must be gwetting out of this, but i have a feeling her virginity and two cows have been added into the bargian
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:20 am
Man, some of you need to get over yourselves. You don’t know the story behind the picture. I’m assuming most of you are “Americans”. Americans are so god damn uptight. Yes, I’m American, born and raised. This country is just too PC.
I get called a white MothaF’er, and all kinds of other stuff that is racial by others, yet I’m not crying my eyes out like some of you. Grow up and get some thicker skin.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 am
has no one actually read what trent said?? he said it was probably HARMLESS and doesnt care about the fact they did it. its about the fact its PHOTOGRAPHED hence little kids may start running around doing it in a NON HUMOROUS WAY.
/
as adults (and teens) we know most of the time, stuff like that is done in good humor with friends/taken lightly all in good fun. but the point is miley’s MAIN FAN BASE are CHILDREN who may not understand that.
/
basically, its just stupid on miley’s part allowing the photo to be taken and accessed by the general public.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
it’s distasteful. even with her asian friend there.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:40 am
obvs it was an inside joke, and for ppl that are concerned about it being a bad influence on small children… seriously?? do ur small children go online without adult supervision and go on blog sites that talk about nip slips and celebrity’s flashing their hoo-has around? im sure if ur children get supervised the way they r supposed to be supervised they wont run into things like this on the web…
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 am
NOT cool. at all.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:49 am
what about the fact she’s sitting on justin’s lap like he’s some sort of santa
and the alcohol that is being consumed by the friend on the right?
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 am
lmao, people need to get over themselves and learn to take a joke! I think it’s hilarious, and I’m not racist at all. They are just kids having fun, I’m 19 and my friends and I do stupid shit like that all the time. I say leave them alone, they’re just having fun. Anyone that does a peace sign in photos is basically “insulting” Asian people.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 am
wow.
for the people who say that this is “funny” or a “joke” are so stupid.
okay. for the regular people who do it as a joke between friends, alright. but still shes a celebrity and what she does affects her status. right now, shes mocking all her asian fans who adore her. this is disgusting.
as if asians dont get enough shit from white people in the US.
you see an asian online at a grocery store and you think oh they look quiet and like they dont speak english. let me fucking cut them and be fucking racists.
people.
america the land of the free my ass.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 am
although miley and her friends were just having fun and probably had no intention in causing harm, this picture can be offensive to some asians. if kids see these kinds of pictures, they might start to think that it’s okay to mimic asian eye features. asian kids who get mocked for their “asian” features may start to feel inferior or question why they’re different from caucasians. in that sense, i believe this picture can be offensive.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
Some of the reactions to this are interesting, especially in light of the mini-controversy that’s going on over the casting of M. Night’s upcoming Avatar movie – http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 am
What we really need to ask ourselves is WHY is her Asian friend okay with this? Its almost like a black person being friends with a white person, and the white person thinks its okay to tell everyone “Nig*er jokes. Its disrepectful, ignorant, not cool, it will never be cool, and frankly its not funny.
Hmm. Miley seems awfuly comfortable on Justin lap. Theres ALL KINDS of things wrong with this photo.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 am
anyone else see the Asian kid making obvious hand movement to make his eyes bigger? maybe i missed that….
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:48 am
I am a black American and sometimes my white friends say things that are racially inappropriate and racist and I have become comfortable and adult enough to call them out on it. That is not me being too uptight or pc, I am just helping THEM out.
This photo is extremely offensive and the fact that there is an Asian American sitting in that photo with them doesn’t make the “joke” okay. They are young, like myself maybe he just doesn’t know how to say “Guys….not so funny.”
That being said I’d chalk it up to a bunch of children being idiots with booze. I did that “Asian” eye thing when I was in grade school, but I grew up and no matter how much money or fame that girl has it is clear Miley Cyrus and her friends have yet to do that.
The problem comes when people want others to “lighten up” when faced with racism. Yes we now have a black President, but if people let stuff like this slide then people will continue to refer to people of Asian descent whose families have been in this country for generations as “Asians” and not Americans as though they are all fresh off the plane.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 am
oh brotherrr
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:08 am
I’m sorry, but you have issues with this, but for the most part are perfectly fine with the junk that Spears and others pull?
Really?
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:08 am
You’d think some people would be more mature than that … what ignorance.
Not all Asians have slanted eyes.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:18 am
its just taken out of context. me and my friends do “ethnicity” swap photos all the time. although….its not….all…of my friends……doing slanty eye gestures….while surrounding me…… ..
…
….. and me being…slightly oblivious to it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:20 am
Thank you Rachel. People are saying that guy is trying to widen his eyes as though all people of Asian descent have the exact same eyes and they are slits they can barely see out of.
Plus who the hell cares whether is or isn’t “widening his eyes” like “white people”? Having white features isn’t a hurtful stereotype, it is what a lot of people consider “normal” or “beautiful.” Some Asians and Asian Americans have surgery to alter the look of their eyes because of what these idiots in the photo are doing.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:30 am
I’m Asian and people make fun of me for being Asian because they think I’m an immigrant, I can’t speak English correctly, etc. even though I was born in America and I AM BETTER AT ENGLISH AND GRAMMAR THAN THEY ARE. Quite frankly, it’s funny to a certain point to make stereotypical jokes, but after a while, they start to get old and ridiculously racist.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:30 am
Cyrus who they may look up to,
If your 10 year old is wearing g-strings and idolizing one of the bimbettes du jour, then youre gonna have problems that are going to go beyond slanted eyes jokes.
Any parent who uses sports celebrities and entertainers as idols for their kids deserve what they get.
As for Ella, stfu.
Blacks are as racist as any race and dont get me started with koreans.
And why dont YOU stop calling yourself black and maybe well stop calling orientals asians. Youre not black, youre american right?.
And you should feel insulted that there is a Black TV as well, I mean its not like you came off the plane from africa, youve been here for years.
its ok for YOU to call people by their race (black) t but not for others to say Asian?
Please STFU you hypocrite.
And I cant stand Cyrus or her retarded dad.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 am
hi elyse. not only asian people do the peace sign. if so, the entire seventies made fun of asian people.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 am
it’s really not cool, especially coming from someone whom children see as a role model. people should start to learn to tell the difference between a ‘harmless’ joke and a ‘racist’ joke already.
i doubt most caucasians would have any idea how it affects asians as people (from other races) generally do not mock caucasian features in their photos or anywhere else for that matter -_-
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:35 am
ditto with ella. white people are SOOOO superior and angelic looking…as an inferior slanty-eye, i wish for angular features and big eyes as well. i just hope one day i can afford my “asian-to-anglo saxon” surgery.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 am
I’m Asian, and I know that Miley is just a silly brat with no regard for other people. And I know that it’s just a joke. But I’m offended nonetheless. It’s just not OK. And not funny to boot.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 am
You know there are some Asian American women who feel the need to have surgery on their eyelids so they won’t slant…they wanna look more like the majority (WHITE) because there are still people who feel the need to make fun of others based on something they have no control over. Basically, they are ASHAMED about having eyes that are easily and frequently made fun of. They are ashamed that they were given the features they were given. She may not be perpetuating the stereotype but she sure as hell isn’t helping dispel it.
I don’t wanna hear the “she’s only 16″ excuse. She should be old enough to know the difference between funny and offensive. She is constantly in the public eye and just because she’s “only 16″ doesn’t mean that she gets a pass for being an ass. And who the hell are these friends of hers? They all look waaaaaaay older than she does. Justin’s what, 20? Did he really think this was age approprate? Did any of these people think it was appropriate in general? Her parents
need to actually teach her something about good morals instead of letting her get away with whatever the hell she wants.
On a final note, just because something doesn’t offend you doesn’t mean that others won’t find it offensive. If it is offensive to others, don’t tell them they are blowing things out of proportion or whatever. It may be a surprise to some but not everyone is supposed to feel the same way about everything.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 am
I’m asian and sometimes make jokes about my ethnicity. i’ll mimic that oh-so-recognizable peace sign pose, but to make fun of a person’s inherent genetic attributes is offensive. At the same time, those who dish it should be able to take it. If they were joking around, so be it, they’re younger kids….the line is drawn when it leads to stereotypes, prejudice, and making assumptions based on the way someone looks.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:01 am
Wow..seriously? Are we just looking for things to dog her about now? “Oh look, Miley’s pants have a hole in them…she must be making fun of homeless people”.
The same could be said about all the pictures you post of your “gang”, Trent. Some of those pictures aren’t very PC, but I’m sure you and your friends are just having fun.
As for the parenting part, I have a 10 year old daughter. She is a Miley fan. When some of her favorite artists make a bad decision, I use it as a tool to open up a dialogue. We discuss the situation, how she would handle it, and how hard it is to regain respect and trust after a mistake like that.
If I left my parenting up to the internet, I may as well buy her a stripper pole now and book a room at the nearest rehab. :P
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:09 am
@Brandi — I weep for your child.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:19 am
i have a korean heritage, and i faced similar teasing in my youth. i grew up away from korean/asian enclaves, and most friends were white. so i leaned on an extreme of sorts and grew up hating my own race, only engaging in non-asian cultures and never being attracted to asian guys. arguably, that kind of teasing had an enormous impact on the adult i’ve turned out to be.
certainly, cyrus, as a person in a position of immense influence over children in their critical formative years, must bear much more responsibility. she must get her shit together.
and also, i do not think the asian guy in that picture is trying to open his eyes any bigger than normal.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:20 am
they are probably high and just tryin to hide it
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 am
I’m not surprised at all.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Is Miley really worth all this?? Lets face it..shes not THAT talented and obviously does not have a decent sense of judgement (similar to most other teens), do we reallly need to be wasting all this breath on her? Its just fueling her.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 am
For me, it is a insult. Maybe some might not offended by it so how about a picture of her wearing a ugly monkey costume beside her black friend. How would you guys like? Huh! Seriously… This is pathetic
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
Why is it such a big deal? Obviously the kid dosent mind. And no one else seems to mind. Thats the nice thing about America, you can pretty much do whatever you want within reason. Get over it. Theyre having fun. Just because shes famous dosent mean she has to be a straight laced perfect citizen. And so what if her boyfriend is four years older than her? When shes 20 and hes 24 its not gonna seem like anything.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 am
Get a grip on something besides your tired old PC crap. Who really gives a damn? And who was the good friend that sold the picture?
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 am
I think it’s fucking hilarious. If you notice, all the white kids are trying to look Asian and the one Asian kid is opening his eyes really wide to try and look white. It’s all in good fun and if you get offended by this, then I think you have bigger problems in your life than a teeny-bopper trying to live a “regular” life and take a goofy picture with her friends.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 am
Stop being such a whiney bitch. They’re just having fun and why would they mock asians with an asian kid in the picture?? That would be retarded. Obviously he wasnt offended and if you are then grow a pair and buck up.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:49 am
You said it, Trent. I’m an Asian-American and I don’t find it amusing or funny. Other Asian-Americans/Asians who say that they’re okay with pictures like this are letting the perpetual stereotypes and “Asian jokes” continue because they’re being complacent. They’re saying it’s okay and letting it happen. I mean, if you’re one lone Asian in a group of Caucasians around you, what are you going to do? If you say something about it, the majority in the group are going to tell you to “chill out”. It’s especially difficult for a teenager since you’re trying so hard to fit in with the rest of the group anyway.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 am
I guess they were all having fun. However the almond eye joke is getting very old. It’s ok to mock behaviours but physical feature? really? that’s just too easy and low.
They just look like a bunch of twats anyways.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:35 am
I’m not saying it’s okay to do this, but it’s not like Miley Cyrus invented it. The article made it seem like all the kids who look up to her are suddenly gonna do it. All those kids have scene this before, a lot of people probably even remeber a song they learned on a playground in elementary school where they make that face. Again I don’t agree with it but I do think it’s more blown out of proportion just because she’s famous. Lastly I just want to point out that a lot of people who critize others for this kind of thing are often racist around their friends too.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
I applaud you trent, way to go!
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am
Wow, I’m appalled at the racial stereotypes that people are judging on in order to justify the “joke” in this picture. The asian male in this picture is obviously NOT widening his eyes, do you think ALL asians have slanty, slitty, or lazy eyes? That is backwards racism to think that he must be mocking the caucausians because he doesnt appear to fit the eye stereotype. It is plain to see he just has a relaxed expression, almost like he is supposed to be complacent about this group idea of having the token asian guy get punk’d down.
Also, just because he seems fine in the picture about it, doesn’t mean he goes home and says “OMG Miley and Co. are so fun, they make fun of my ethnic background, they are doing it because they are nice.” I’ve had friends all my life make jokes about this crap, and they find it funny, while I don’t. After I tell them, they usually either don’t understand, since they’re racist to begin with, or they apologize and feign ignorance as the reasoning. They often cite that their other asian friend is fine with it, or that they don’t see what the big deal is. They don’t feel comfortable when I make a “cracker” joke, or a “Wow, your a white american, you must be stupid, let me help you with your math homework” joke.
People say this is extreme reaction, or simply a pale joke taken out of context. Just let you be the one on the other side of the fence when the stereotypes and jokes fly. It’s sad to say that a lot of caucasians will never know the feeling of being left out of a social class because of your ethnicity.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:03 am
I agree with trent. plus, the picture doesn’t even look nice or anything. It’s just a very ugly picture of stupid little teens who don’t seem to know how to respect other people. I think they left their minds on a street and drove over it with their 50.000 dollar cars…
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
I think we all take pictures that might be considered offensive or in poor taste by somebody, but I don’t think this picture was meant to be mean-spirited. Who knows why they took this photo? I am ethnically Asian and my friends and I pretend to giggle like Asian tourists and make rabbit ears (like the guy with his hand over his mouth), or make those peace signs they always do in pictures. It’s not like, “WE HATE ASIANS!” It’s just a joke, and I don’t think they were trying to send out a message of intolerance or being deliberately insensitive. If they were wearing pretend moustaches and berets and holding baguettes, would we be having this debate about how they demean French people? No. I don’t BELIEVE they were trying to be mean, but there is a difference between actiosn that are derogatory and those that are people just playing on those stereotypes, and I think most of us can tell the difference. And you know what? If this is a photo meant to be shared between friends, then who cares? I don’t want outsiders judging me based on my photos with my friends.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
thanks trent for taking a stand. based on the replies, it would have been easier for you to ignore it or pretend it was all in good fun, but it’s things like this that confirm my opinion that trent was raised right. as an asian american, i think the infamous eye-pulling move is dumb and should have been buried a long time ago. i know people like miley and want to believe it was all in good fun, but surely we can all agree that she and her friends can find a less hurtful way to get their laughs.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
What’s the bet that people leaving comments here who’re saying that it’s ‘just a harmless joke’ and that they’re not being seriously because like, omg there’s an Asian person in the photo so it must be okay like omg are all kids brought up in the 21st century of 3+ generation Asian friends?
Just because some of the comments here are left by Asian people saying that they themselves are not offended doesn’t make it okay either. Personally I’m not really offended either and I’m a 1st generation Asian living in a Western society. I’ve grown up here, and initially during my childhood I got teased on and off, but for the most part, I’ve been extremely lucky compared to others in the history of Asian/Non-White ethnicities in a Western society. Although that may be, for me, primarily because I’m not based in the US – it seems that Asians have probably gotten some of the worst treatment in the US in terms of GENERAL knowledge, especially in terms of children. Keep in mind I specificallt said general, to anyone sharpening their claws to type back a big ‘telling off’ at me and my potential misinformation.
Like I said earlier, I’m personally not offended, but I know that there are a countless number of people of every race who could find something that others consider as ‘little’ and ‘immature, she’s just being a young brat’ as being really offensive because of what they’ve been subjected to themselves, or what their ancestors have been subjected to. It’s not called having a stick up your ass, it’s just called having the tact to be sensitive when a certain behaviour is unnecessary. Poking out your tongue is in a photo can be immature and funny. Doing the Batman mask with your hands over your eyes in a photo can be immature and funny. But taking a certain action that, throughout history, has offended and been the taunt of a certain group of people is immature, pointless and senseless. If an African American kid was sitting amongst a group of white kids with their faces painted in the style of ‘blackface’, would that make it ok? It may be just a joke to the young or those who aren’t subjected to it themselves, but to those to whom it means something less than pleasant, it may be a big deal, and it’s ok for it to be a big deal. It’s an action that represents something much bigger and deeper than a tweeny popstar having a laugh with her friends. Like previous comments have mentioned, the whole peace sign etc is slightly different, because that’s more something that came from developed culture than a feature that a certain group of people were born with, then targeted for in (historically) mean spirited jeer.
On top of it all, it’s BECAUSE she’s Miley Cyrus that is may be a bigger deal. Whether she deserves a personal life or not, she CHOSE to be a popstar, and I don’t hear her complaining about having too much money to spend. Unless anyone was forced into it from childhood thus it’s all they’ve ever known, or had a gun held to their heads, I personally can’t be taken in by the whole ‘celebs deserve a normal life too’ deal. Sure I wouldn’t want to have someone tracking my every move, but hey, that’s the cost of the good life, where you can make millions for doing something you apparently love. If it’s so hard to be a celebrity, go have a moan to a man who’s doing 15 hours of honest work every single day and yet struggling to feed his wife and kids. Have some perspective, kids.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
it’s not as if she has big,lovely,round eyes so why is she mocking asians with smaller eyes.she’s not exactly the finest breed.and does she realise how many of her fans are asian?
i for one,want to make it clear that i am NOT a fan of someone who acts like her because that’s just degrading
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
I’m asian and I’m offended. You gotta be one to mock one. Go Miley, you ain’t that hot no more.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Is it funny? No.
Is your righteous indignation at it hilarious? HELL YES.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
jeez trent, calm down. there is nothing offensive in this picture. i’m not a miley fan but from what i can see, they’re not actually mocking the asian kid here. people do this all the time and usually, it’s done in a teasing manner. mocking and teasing are two very different things. in fact, even asian people (i.e. people who actually live in asia) do this to one another. i know because i live in an asian country.
and even if behavior like this is considered racist or tending to be racist in america, the fact is we don’t know what was happening when this picture was taken. as such, we are not in the position to presume malice. people need to be a little more tolerant.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
SHIT JILEY IS SUM SICK SHIT ON SUM SHIT !. MILEY’S JUZ A KID. HER MANFRIEND A PEDO STR8 OUT JUZ TO GAIN SUM FAME. !! AKA. ALL IN ALL, SICK MOFO!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
which one is Miley Cyrus in this pic, they all look the same to me..
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
you know…people used to do this to me when I was in grade 2. We were the only asian family in our community and some kids would pull back their eyes and sing some stupid song and laugh at me. I don’t think they were being funny or harmless. It really hurts your feelings at that age.
Somewhere in this country there’s going to be a bully who pulls this on another 7 year old asian kid because they saw or heard someone else do it. Not cool and not funny.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
as me being Japanese, i didnt think anything from this photo, but after i read ur comment, i got it.
my ex always made some jokes of my eyes and which i really hate it even he was just kidding.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO BE LAUGHED BY PEOPLE because we are different from them??
i just think that they just live small world and think they’re the best, which its NOT true……
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Trent, I totally appreciate your comments and post. As an Asian-American, I am saddened to see that people still choose to make fun of “Asian” features. It makes me think that some people (at least Miley and her friends) still regard Asians as something “other”. Some Asian Americans say they don’t care … maybe because it seems uncool to make a big deal out of it … but I don’t find anything funny about someone making fun of Asian features.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
You are an idiot. They have an asian friend with them and I am positive that he knew exactly what they were doing. These were personal photos that happened to get leaked. Miley has the right to have fun and she didn’t expect the pictures to be made public. The only thing that’s stupid in the picture is a 20 year-old man doing the same thing. That joke is seriously for kids, not an adult.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hmmm… more Liberals that get up each day and say, “What can I find to be offended by today”? Get a life people.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
@ Vanessa – so by tolerant, do you mean being more tolerant and respectful of other cultures, or just more tolerant of ignorance?
Just curious.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 am
For those of you who say “O it’s ok b/c there’s an asian kid in the picture”, that is the WEAKEST excuse ever. It’s ignorant people like you that will perpetuate this racist BS. I’ve always thought Miley Cyrus was ugly and talentless. Guess I can add “fuckin stupid” too. ALong w/ most of the ppl posting here
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
true that to all. if i give my non-asian friend to “ok” to stereotype me IN GOOD FUN…its automatically deemed non-offensive because i’m obviously speaking for everyone in my race.
also that was sarcasm. mtv should consider miley for the real world…they love this ish.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
News Flash: Asians eyes look different. So we can’t acknowledge open differences because people might get offended? I dont see why any Asian would get offended by this, their eyes are different, and if they think otherwise, they are clueless.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Wow. Racism, intolerance, and ignorance is clearly alive and well in America.
The next time someone makes a comment to me about racism not existing anymore because of our President I’m pointing them directly to this set of comments.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
I don’t find anything funny about this picture. I, too, am offended–and not for the sake of being offended. How I would love to wake up everyday and walk on the streets without being asked stupid questions like “what are you? why are your eyes like that?” as if i’m some sort of strange exotic animal that doesn’t belong here. I would love to freely speak without surprising people with my full command of the english language. but sadly, here is evidence of the rampant ignorance amongst today’s population. it’s pictures and gestures like these that perpetuate the ignorance that fuels racism. And we all should know where that can lead.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
This is wrong.
Miley should be held accountable, not because she is a superstar, a teenager, a girl, or a countless number of things. She should be held responsible because she is a role model.
Being young isn’t an excuse. I don’t expect corporal punishment, but she has to be held accountable for her insulting actions (no matter the intentions) so that she may learn from it. If she does learn, and denounces her actions (because she is a role model), then it can be forgiven.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Lets reverse this scenario. Lets say the Asian guy, instead, was a Hispanic guy. Then lets say they all made a gesture like they were rubbing a mustache.
Lets take it somewhere else. What if it was, GASP, A BLACK GUY? And they were all pursing up thir lips and making gangsta signs! What would happen? They would all get crucified and never, EVER work in show business again. There wouldn’t be all this bullshit about “But there was a black guy! Clearly they thought it was okay!”
It is mind blowing to me how incredibly retarded people are when it comes to racial double standards. Anything sort of defamation against black people is a cardinal sin, yet picking on yellow and being called out for it means I’m being overly PC.
Just to reiterate, I am an Asian American guy. I don’t care how many Asian friends you claim you have or Miley claims she has. I don’t want her to pull some maudlin soul searching bullshit about how she really isn’t racist at all and how her friends have known her for years and she’d never do that sort of thing. Then the issue gets forgotten, and the issue is this: She did something outrageously racist, and yet it’s considered okay simply because the person she was mocking was present and he happened to be yellow instead of any other color.
I don’t care about what you think. I care about what you did.
And anyone defending her is a fucking moron.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
she’s a cracka, folks, what did you expect from a cracka?
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
HEY, for those of you douchebags who think that having an Asian friend in the pic legitimizes their assholeness, get EDUCATED. Miley & her friends are just a couple of fugs who need to get their shitty faces away from the camera.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Goodness, people. Do you not realize that white people are not the only people in the world with big eyes? Tons of Asian people have big eyes as well, but the stereotype that they have small, slanty eyes has made people actually believe that that’s what they all look like. It doesn’t matter if they’re a bunch of kids trying to have some “fun.” That’s racist and Miley needs to stop pretending to be such a great role model.
It’s offensive and sad that people think that they is “not that big of a deal.” Had they been posing with a black guy or someone other minority and had been caricaturing him, I have a funny feeling that this would be a way more bigger deal.
It’s just disgusting to see how racism towards Asians seems to always be overlooked in America (i.e. the Avatar casting fiasco).
That shit is racist and definitely NOT okay.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
FUCK This little white bitch. I dare her to make that fucking gesture to my face. And fuck all you passive aggressive Asians who let shit like this slide.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I think what’s more alarming than Miley’s picture is that there are so many people who can dismiss it and attribute it to “immaturity” or an “inside joke.” You can claim that people are being overly sensitive, but let’s place the situation in another context –what if Miley had a black friend in the picture and everyone painted their faces? I doubt the comments would be so forgiving then. How is this any different?
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 pm
This picture is only a reflection of what every Asian kid has to grow up with being denigrated in person or in media routinely.
I’m surprised VA Tech didn’t happen sooner. I bet there are a lot of Asian time bombs out there.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I do think it’s not a funny picture at all. But I guess this photo is an example how lots of people think about Asians. Small eyes..bla..bla..bla.
If we say it’s ok to this..later we will say that it’s ok to tease the asians by shouting ” Ni hao..Ni hao” whenever they are passing through us.
As a human, we have to think about others. Not just for asians, but to all the race in the world. These small thing, can cause a lot of minor problems which then leads to major problems.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:29 am
i’m Asian,i’m a Malay but i look like a Chinese..
Malaysian by the way..
we asians are known for our small eyes..
its ok i think..
maybe they’re just fooling around..
like most of us do..lol
i know i do hahaha
February 4th, 2009 at 6:17 am
yea next time, paint their faces black and pose for the photo, see what happens. It’s politically correct to make fun of Asians right? fucking cracker white bread fools
February 4th, 2009 at 6:19 am
I’m Asian, and I’ll fuck the shit out of her till she apologizes, and slap the shit out of the white boys
February 4th, 2009 at 6:43 am
[...] enough, the comments that you see after these stories are just as infurating. Check TMZ and PinkIsTheNewBlog. The ignorance practically oozes off the [...]
February 4th, 2009 at 9:37 am
so what? atleast their not doing a wrong impression! its okay. their goofying offf. im not a miley fan or anything. i dont even like her sometimes. but this is plain stupid, people are making such a big deal out of this!!
February 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I love Miley and I think that this was just an inside joke between her and her friends. she must know that asians like myself love her music and look up to her as a positive role model.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Oh, what’s the big deal?! There’s some Chinese dude or whatever in the photo and he doesn’t seem upset.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
[...] Miley Cyrus & Justin Gaston Mock Asians – Pink Is The New Blog [...]
February 4th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
This is fuckin’ outrageous. You wanna talk about people that kids look up to making joke asian faces?? Try the ENTIRE spanish national basketball team last year doing it while they were in CHINA for the OLYMPICS… This is the kind of thing I hate. You can’t find a bigger problem in the world to focus on that Miley Cyrus making a funny face in a photograph? This shit happens every day with millions of kids around the country that aren’t famous. She’s 16 years old, and she’s acting like a 16 year old. Celebrity status doesn’t change the fact that she’s still a young girl who does young girl things with her young friends. Political correctness is one thing, but whoever wrote this blog is nothing more than a taddle tale with a computer. How’s fourth grade going?
February 5th, 2009 at 5:23 am
Are we sure that the kids in the shot aren’t all making fun of the guy immediately behind Cyrus who is obviously stoned?
February 5th, 2009 at 11:36 am
miley is racist and that asian boy needs to slap for selling out.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Just because your Asian friend does not call you out for mocking his/her accent or looks does NOT mean they don’t feel offended. I have Asian friends who will try to pass it off but will feel like the “offender” should have more sense.
February 5th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
So, if they were sitting in a photo with ‘black-face’ on, that would be funny too, right? I think not.
February 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
i dunno which is more pathetic,
the fact that she was makin fun of asians or the fact that this is newsworthy story
however i think that it is still not acceptible to make fun of others based on race, sex, age, other physical traits…
look at it from asian’s perspective, how would you feel?
i know its hard not to do dumb acts like this when you are young but society does not condone this, YOU WILL BE PUNISHED sooner or later
this is a ridiculous act by someone who people idolize…
anyways, cyrus broke my 7 yr old sister’s heart. she was made fun of at school cuz of her ethnicity.
she really looked up to cyrus and she pulls something dumb like this? pathetic
dont parents teach respect and human values nowadays?
February 6th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I HATE MILEY!!! SHE IS ANNOYING!!! I DONT CARE HOW OLD SHE IS. SHE IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE SAME STUPID MILEY.
February 6th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Trent is right on. I’m Asian, and I’m offended by this stupid spoiled bimbo Miley bitch. All the non-Asians who have posted comments saying “it’s just a harmless joke” obviously do this sh*t all the time to other Asians. You’re not cool, you’re a complete jerk, and you’re racist. Using your idiotic logic, if I tell you or your child is f–ing fat and ugly, and you get mad, does it make it right when I tell you that I was just having fun and you’re being too sensitive? Idiots.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
jade you are so right… im with you all the way. people who say this is a harmless joke probably do this all the time to other people with different ethnicity.
its always fun and games till someone gets hurt.
in this case people have been hurt. so why continue?
miley is a stupid 16 year old and she will always be that way if she doesnt change her acts starting now.
February 7th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
WHo cares. i think itss funny…. so what if their making that face..
its true though
im asian and im not offended i think its hilarious
February 8th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
millions of 10 year old girls watch her TV show & want to be like her…..gag choke retch HER? no way! the little moron needs to be dragged outside & tarred & feathered for her actions! her so called parents have zero control over this moron brat…grow a pair daddy cyrus! toss panty boy outta the house & make her behave! if my kids did that they would be held up to their own actions & so should she!
February 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
i agree that it’s completely not funny and totally racist. what a dumb kid. her bf is also clearly very immature so apparently they’re a good match. hoepfully she’ll grow out of it. might be too late for the manfriend.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Am I wrong or do these youngsters look “toasted”.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Oh wow. What a surprise, The little redneck and all her white trash friends are ….*gasp* RACIST!! And further more, completely oblivious to the fact that their behavior may be deemed offensive. How do you think that poor guy in the photo felt? Boooooooo. I’m so hungry for a good role model for my little daughter. The ignorance and arrogance of these kids makes me so sad. These kids are the future of America.?????Bleucchhh. Not on my watch.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I guess it’s ok cause it was supposed to be a personal photo right?
I mean I’m chinese and my friends and I pose like that sometimes cause truth is most of us don’t have slitty eyes anyway. That’s just from those old propaganda films where asians were yellow too. Kinda like the simposons lol
Oh and by the way, i think a 4 year gap is pretty ok. It’s not like SHE’s as innocent as she’d like to portray herself as.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
It’s idiotic!
Now what? I can’t take a goofy picture with a Mexican hat because Mexicans would be offended? Even if my Mexican friend was next to me?
I’m sure that pic wasn’t intended as public mockery, much less public views, is that girl and her friends having fun. It’s not racist at all. These people need to be handled with pins and needles, for real!
February 16th, 2009 at 2:37 am
i think that it was stupid of her playin joke like that.. but mayb when you take pic. you forgot wat kinda funny face you’ll make.. you thought it’s something silly to joke around wit but you never thought it will offense others.. n-e waise, i think she’s a camera addicted person.. like me and everyone who love taking picture of themselves.. yes she’s a role model for every little kids but my opinion, i think she’s not guilty. she is just goofy around.. if she’s racist against azn then y is thea a azn guy next to her..? miley is a camera whor* like everyone that take 1000 pic of them everyday.. and it’s nothing wrong wit that…
February 17th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
leave her alone! is all the press does is pick on her! she was just being funny and haveing fun! it makes me sick the press have to pick on her! leave her alone! Let her be a teenage girl! Michel Phepls should be in troule not her!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Are you serious? People actually sue others over this?! Its pathethic and proof that political correctness has gone out the window to the point of being just ridiculous. Its an abuse of the legal system and a waste of time. There are REAL cases out there ya know!!! I hope the case is thrown out and the accusers counter sued for slander. It would serve them right. To the person behind the suit get a life and stop looking for an easy payout.
February 28th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
i think it is stupid that asians want to take money from her, if n e thing take money from every one on the pic. they r kids having fun for that lets sue the whites for bringin the blacks and being racist to them, sue the blacks for makein racist jokes about whites , mexicans, asians and by the ways ya’ll asain kiss the blacks ass. it not like asains don’t talk shit about white or make fun of them cuz if i surd all the asains i heard talking shit about some other race i be a rich man$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$……..
March 13th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Im not so much concerened about the asian face, what catches my eye is the 16 year old girl hanging out with a bunch of 20 year olds who clearly have alcohol. We can all pretty much guarantee that little slut is drinking too.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Your a BITCH Miley Cyrus, fuck you and all your assy friends! Serves you right for making fun of us! RACIST!
August 12th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Ok I am Asian and I can honestly say it sucks to be Asian.
I deal with crap about being Asian on a daily basis.
I’ll be at the movies and someone will yell “chink!” at me.
People tell me I look stoned all the time cause of my eyes and they make fun of my skin color and facial features.
I can truely say it’s why I’m not very confident and happy with myself.
And for the FYI I have considered altering my face to make it all stop.
Some of you might say I’ve just got issues with my self image and that’s true. But I only have these issues because people have made fun of me.
I sometimes think to myself why can’t I be white and be pretty?
Or “oh , that guy doesn’t like me because I’m Asian.”
I have cried because of it , I’ve hated myself for it.
And the jokes are generally not funny and I don’t say anything because who wants to seem uptight?
The jokes are , personally , really hurtful.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Btw I would never sue for something like this and I definatley don’t need miley’s money. Neither do I want it. The issue is that these jokes are hurtful to some . I understand some people are strong enough to not care but not everyone can do that.But other than that I also think this has been blown out of proportion concerning the while suing for money thing.