January 28, 2005

• I'm sure most people have heard of the controversy over a "Tsunami Song" created and played by the "Miss Jones in the Morning" show crew of New York based Hot 97.  I finally heard it myself, and I would have to agree with most people that I've heard from that it is really insensitive to the tsunami victims and their families, lacks any inkling of ethnic or cultural sensitivity, and is outright prejudiced.  They call the victims "Chinks" and talk about victims mother's floating in the water with wood stuck in their head.  You have to hear it to really hear the full effect.  What was interesting was the argument that the staff of the morning crew had before the song was actually played.  At least in the version that I heard.  One of the crew members, Miss Info, identified herself as Asian, and she announced her position of non-support of the song, because of how disrespectful it was, thereby drawing an active and blatant fit of beratement from Miss Jones, while the remaining two crew members, DJ Envy and Todd Lynn, didn't do much to quell the argument. 

  
  

  What really stuck out for me was how Miss Jones employed the same labeling on Miss Info as "the other" that is often mentioned in many sociological perspectives when there is an "in-group" suppressing an "out-group" or a "majority group" condemning a "minority group."  Even my Asian Americans in the media class covered how "black people" are more of an "in-group" in the media than "yellow people" thereby being higher on the media hierarchy.  It's pathetic that anyone has to oppress another for any reason.

  
  

  One bright side of this situation is the apparent outcry against the song and ignorance.  Yet I don't want to exaggerate the situation because I honestly don't know if the protests have transcended culture, race, ethnicity, and generation, like stands in the past.  In our own little world, it may seem that everyone is talking about this incident, when in actuality, less than .1% of people are actually speaking out.  I know that a few focused people can make it seem that they are millions in numbers, and I hope everyone gets the message not to creat stuff like the "Tsunami Song" without taking responsibility for it and accepting the consequences, good and bad.

  
  

  I went to "Media Day 2005," organized by the Nonprofit Resource Center.  I learned a lot about how to get your events well covered and advertised, and what things to do to make some solid contacts among journalists of print, radio, and television companies.  We specifically met people from local groups like The Sacramento Business Journal, The Sacramento Bee, Infinity Broadcasting, Fox 40, and national groups like the Make-a-Wish Foundation and People Reaching Out.  The other impressive facet of the event was the attendees.  They represented many areas of activism and were so passionate about their non-profits.  I was moved and inspired by them and they invigorated my spirit in regards to the issues that I am committed to, like the veteranos and the youth.  I look forward to utilizing the skills and tips I learned at Media Day to help further our cause. 

  
  

  Speaking of which, the new Filipino Veterans Equity Bill is HR 302, introduced by Randy Cunningham.  Oooh, it's so on.  We 'bout to get hyphee up in this joint.

  • 12:13 am
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