Really, Kate?
I used to think you were one of us Hapa Mamas, since you are arguably one of the most famous (and most bountiful) mothers of mixed-race Asian kids, but a picture, as they say, tells a thousand words. You know the photo I’m talking about, the one that’s surfaced on Twitter, showing you wearing a plastic geisha wig and pulling your eyes into slants?
@Kateplusmy8 Makes fun of Asians with 8 half Korean children. @IMPerel @EmeraldCityJazz @Allisstair @SchmekyGirl pic.twitter.com/a5BKuGLFpo
— katie deen (@katiedeen888kat) June 24, 2013
As a new mom, I tuned into Jon and Kate Plus 8. I so related to your travails of diaper changing and bedtimes, and your beautiful tawny brood reminded me of my own (much smaller) brood. You felt like an old friend. But after a season or two, I gave up my naïve hope that your show might feature tots in hanboks or maybe some cross-cultural interaction with their Korean grandmother. Even your attempts to prepare a Korean meal for your family degenerated into Ancient Chinese secrets.
I tried to reserve judgment when the photo first came out, because I know people sometimes make mistakes, especially when they think they are in a private moment.
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Excellent open letter
Kate NEVER apologized –
Thank you- I’m Native American and have slanty eyes and was on the end of being made fun of also – plain and simple ….. Just don’t do it.
Cheryl, and that’s the part that bothers me the most. She doesn’t even feel like she needs to apologize, or at least thinks she will get by without doing so. Thank you for sharing your comments!
Oh my my my, Kate. What a let down here. sheesh.
Right? Not exactly a role model for multiracial families. Thanks for stopping by and hope all is well!
I don’t have a tv at this time in life. But Kate struck me 2-3 yrs. later after series started, as really wanting …um…attention. And this seemingly harmless joke gesture convinces how ..ridiculous you can be and not think.
Ok we talk about Asians doing this. Well, not all us even do it. IT WOULDN’T even occur to my parents to do it, to make that type of joke, for Pete’s sake. That’s how “clueless” my parents are.
Oh yea, I’m of Asian descent.
@Jean, I don’t think your parents are clueless — I mean why would they ever want to make such a gesture? I’m pretty sure this slant-eye gesture is an American (or at least Western) invention. Seems like a way to call attention and make fun of a characteristic that sets Asians apart from whites. Thanks for stopping by!
I grew up on the East Coast and my family was the only Asian family in town. I was also subjected to the slant eyes and being made fun of. I can still to this day remember how it made me feel, not good!!! Kate of all people should be aware, especially with 8 kids who may be at the receving end and what will she say then?