Remember the early part of the COVID19 pandemic, when it was racist not to go into Chinatown?
Well, things have changed. According to CNN, if you venture into Chinatown, you’re basically condoning racism. Because according to CNN, the fonts that adorn awnings and store windows are, in fact, racist:
For years, the West has relied on so-called "chop suey" fonts to communicate "Asianness" in food packaging, posters and ad campaigns. But such fonts perpetuate problematic stereotypes. https://t.co/w85xSXp0iN
— CNN (@CNN) April 7, 2021
This sounds promising, doesn’t it?
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) April 9, 2021
What’s wrong, Stephen? You’re not excited about the chance to confront this pernicious form of racism?
Interesting and thought provoking article. I hadn’t even considered this before – thanks for raising it.
— KT Williams (@MsKTWilliams) April 7, 2021
Yes. Thank you, CNN, for bringing this to our attention:
It’s hard not to cringe at the Chinese stereotypes bundled up with each font package — especially when seen through the lens of today’s heightened vigilance toward discrimination and systemic racism. Critics believe that using chop suey typefaces is downright racist, particularly when deployed by non-Asian creators.
It’s a shame we can’t post the whole thing for you here. Writer Anne Quito clearly put a lot of work into this massive bowl of word salad.
If CNN doesn't like your font, you're getting a phone call pic.twitter.com/G7e72NBEe7
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) April 9, 2021
CNN is making people apologize for World War II posters now. pic.twitter.com/U1kntZFJe2
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) April 9, 2021
This is CNN… quite literally pic.twitter.com/NgefklVI9O
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) April 9, 2021
Progress! Or something.
So called by who? I've literally never heard them called this.
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) April 9, 2021
Do you guys at CNN ever stop pushing the racial divide. It’s really nauseating at this point. I had sushi for lunch and used chopsticks. Did I culturally appropriate Asian culture by my lunch and utensil choice.
— matt lesti (@mattydukes11) April 8, 2021
I’m all for inclusivity and stuff but this is dumb
— Keith (@keith_bits) April 7, 2021
I’m not trying to be insensitive I just honestly want to know… is this actually offensive to #AsianAmerican people? Again, not trying to upset anyone.
— Brandi Kaplun (@BrandiKaplun) April 7, 2021
I have Asian heritage and I don't find it offensive, and I didn't even know it was a 'problem' until this article.
There are certain cultural insensitivities that definitely should be addressed, but let's not purposefully look for it in the minutia.
— Adele (@ItsAdele19) April 7, 2021
I’m as Asian as you can get, mostly Chinese, and I don’t see a problem with this font, why is everyone so offended these days?
— Valentine (@ArchangelDrew) April 7, 2021
Because if we didn’t know any better, we might think some people actually get off on being offended.
In 20 yrs of graphic design exp., I have NEVER called a style of font a “chop suey” font. I’ve never seen a “chop suey” font package theme. In the end, the client approves all designs. CNN’s headline is real racism masquerading as wokeism.
— CM (@p0ahh) April 8, 2021
Or wokism masking their racism(?)
— Jay B Zallan (@JayZallan) April 9, 2021
Little of column A, little of column B.
Not too hard to work for CNN these days.
"Can __________ be racist?" Just fill in the blank and spend a week working on your "story." Easy money.— S brook (@spbrook1) April 9, 2021
I will start. "Can grapes be racist?" For years, grapes have been marketed as a fresh, healthy snack. However, the lack of access to fresh grapes and their cost have historically impacted POC. Grapes remain a 'white snack', accessible mainly to privileged white children.
— S brook (@spbrook1) April 9, 2021
Stay tuned for that very important story from CNN.
Can breathing be racist? According to CNN I’m sure the answer is yes
— President Walker (@awalker2941) April 7, 2021
Reaching much! I swear.. everything that is just isn't. I've seen many Asian restaurants and stores use this font.. you guys need to fire your staff for perpetuating racism.. The media is to blame for a lot and people seem to forget that.
— Anthony (Mr.Operations) Lewis (@DBIMGMTGROUPLLC) April 7, 2021
Meanwhile:
Things CNN will investigate: Racist grocery fonts
Things CNN won't investigate: NYT reporting that CNN senior contributor @JohnKasich's campaign guru serially sexually harassed young men for nearly 4 years while working for, traveling with, and speaking on behalf of Kasich https://t.co/8gUse9hloB
— Jason Hart (@jasonahart) April 9, 2021
