2008 Woodie Awards
'Nigger Wetback Chink' challenges racial stereotypes
By: Nikole Brown
Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: LifeStyle
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In an ironic twist, Webster University was hesitant to allow advertisement of the show name "Nigger Wetback Chink: The Race Show," a comedic performance aimed at increasing understanding and acceptance, because of the controversial nature of the title.
The March 5 event, sponsored by the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs, tackled issues of racial identity, stereotypes and common slurs.
The university did not think the title was appropriate for advertising. Curtis Conrad, interim program coordinator for MCISA, said since advertising requires approval from the administration, MCISA was not able to post flyers until a week before the actual show. Only 16 people attended the event in the Winifred Moore Auditorium.
Dean of Students Ted Hoef was unable to be reached for questioning by press time.
"I think when you don't understand the concept behind the show, it's easy to be apprehensive," Conrad said. "Once you know what it's about, it's an easy pill to swallow."
In the opening chant, the group said "nigger" 134 times, "wetback" 160 times and "chink" 270 times.
The chant was led by an announcer saying welcome "to the smash hit show with the name nobody will say!" He asked that "all please turn off all cellular devices because it upsets the actors, especially the small Asian one who knows martial arts and will come get you."
The Los Angeles-based show, which includes Miles Gregley, Rafael Agustin and Allan Axibal, was entirely autobiographical. Gregley told the story of how he wanted to be George Michael and of his first experience with the n-word.
"You know, it begins with 'n,' ends in 'iggar'!" Gregley said.
Agustin told of his experience as an illegal immigrant and how he wanted to be like Ronald Reagan. Axibal said he wanted to look like Tom Cruise, but people called him the Chinese chink.
"Instead, I'm an Asian with chinky Chinese eyes," Axibal said. "I'm not even Chinese, I'm Filipino, but they didn't know that. I don't think you know how to hate who you are, but you definitely learn."
The March 5 event, sponsored by the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs, tackled issues of racial identity, stereotypes and common slurs.
The university did not think the title was appropriate for advertising. Curtis Conrad, interim program coordinator for MCISA, said since advertising requires approval from the administration, MCISA was not able to post flyers until a week before the actual show. Only 16 people attended the event in the Winifred Moore Auditorium.
Dean of Students Ted Hoef was unable to be reached for questioning by press time.
"I think when you don't understand the concept behind the show, it's easy to be apprehensive," Conrad said. "Once you know what it's about, it's an easy pill to swallow."
In the opening chant, the group said "nigger" 134 times, "wetback" 160 times and "chink" 270 times.
The chant was led by an announcer saying welcome "to the smash hit show with the name nobody will say!" He asked that "all please turn off all cellular devices because it upsets the actors, especially the small Asian one who knows martial arts and will come get you."
The Los Angeles-based show, which includes Miles Gregley, Rafael Agustin and Allan Axibal, was entirely autobiographical. Gregley told the story of how he wanted to be George Michael and of his first experience with the n-word.
"You know, it begins with 'n,' ends in 'iggar'!" Gregley said.
Agustin told of his experience as an illegal immigrant and how he wanted to be like Ronald Reagan. Axibal said he wanted to look like Tom Cruise, but people called him the Chinese chink.
"Instead, I'm an Asian with chinky Chinese eyes," Axibal said. "I'm not even Chinese, I'm Filipino, but they didn't know that. I don't think you know how to hate who you are, but you definitely learn."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jeri Peterson
posted 4/06/07 @ 7:17 AM CST
Dear Hello All,
I am inviting you to share in a literary experience. I hope you will come out and support my dear friend Jabari Asim.
Jabari Asim, the author of The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't and Why. (Continued…)
Abdoulaye ZOROME
posted 4/07/07 @ 12:55 PM CST
I attended the show and think that it was amazing the way those bright actors made fun of something extremely controversial,race. I was shocked about the number of the audience. (Continued…)
Abdoulaye ZOROME
posted 4/07/07 @ 12:57 PM CST
I attended the show and think that it was amazing the way those bright actors made fun of something extremely controversial,race. I was shocked about the number of the audience. (Continued…)
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