Miley Cyrus Racist Asian Slanted-Eyes Photo Controversy

February 3rd, 2009 by Castina

Miley Cyrus is in trouble with an Asian group and being accused of racism after a photo showing the 16-year-old and a group of friends slanting their eyes surfaced on the Web on Monday.

The OCA, a group “dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans,” is hopping mad that Miley and her friends are using the offensive and stereotypical gesture.

In a statement to TMZ late Monday, the OCA said, “The photograph of Miley Cyrus and other individuals slanting their eyes currently circulating the Internet is offensive to the Asian Pacific American community and sets a terrible example for her many young fans. This image falls within a long and unfortunate history of people mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian descent…”

“…Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans. The inclusion of an Asian Pacific American individual in the photo does not make it acceptable…OCA hopes that Miley Cyrus will apologize to her fans and the APA community for this lapse in judgment and takes the opportunity to better understand why the gesture is offensive.”

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98 Responses to “Miley Cyrus Racist Asian Slanted-Eyes Photo Controversy”

On February 3rd 2009, bk wrote:

Are you freaking serious! these asian people are crazy
On February 3rd 2009, Júlia Vieira wrote:

I think everybody has a way of thinking about racism. Miley was not the most racist not. She was only imitating his friend pulled east of eyes.
Racism is old and we are all human races. Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes and I think we should respect each other and this thing: racial prejudice is ridiculous.
On February 3rd 2009, chrono1209 wrote:

what about the fact that the dude on the right has a glass of wine haha….
On February 3rd 2009, Mandy wrote:

THER IS AN ASAIN GUY RIGHT NEXT TO HER! WHO CARES!
On February 3rd 2009, Gary wrote:

shes just imitating er frendz eyez

cumon people i thrt dat its gonna b a big thing wen i saw the headlinez on googlee…
On February 3rd 2009, ikemccoy wrote:

ahahahahahaha
On February 3rd 2009, KIARA wrote:

they all look stoned! miley is high just like the rest of them
On February 3rd 2009, justgroovy wrote:

Yeah, and that guy second from the left is really dissing them…oh, wait, he is them. Sounds like someone is having a bad day and slammin’ Miley ’cause she’s easy to slam. These Organization of Chinese Americans people need to lighten up.
On February 3rd 2009, new wrote:

Look at the Asian guy:

“Oh shit, the walls are caving in…what do I do, what do I do?”
On February 3rd 2009, your mom wrote:

It would have been better if they were in black-face. THAT would have been lulz.
On February 3rd 2009, someasianguy wrote:

im asian and i dont find it racist…i guess u guys can say the asian guy in the picture is racist for widening his eyes?
On February 3rd 2009, LOL wrote:

LOL…..!!! If it was a black joke.., there would be riots right now. Oh wells… it’s messed up people do stuff like that… next thing you know… they will burn crosses on peoples yards and say it was a joke.
On February 3rd 2009, miley is not a racist retards wrote:

omg she’s such a racist…sarcasm!!!!!!!!!

okay the asian dude is widening his eyes obviously shes not a racist if there is an asian person right there!
On February 3rd 2009, dhman wrote:

I’m Asian and I think this is hilarious.
On February 3rd 2009, SickOfMiley! wrote:

OMG!
Everyone listen!
People say that “oh everyone makes mistakes
Well when in the HELL is miley going to stop!
Shes with DISNEY, a FAMILY thing. MILEY CYRUS IS A HORRIBLE INFLUENCE
On February 3rd 2009, jigz wrote:

IF SHE DID SOMETHING THAT UPSET BLACK PEOPLE THEN THIS ISSUE WOULD BE SOOOOO BIG. HONESTLY ALL YOU FUKIN RETARDS WHO DONT THINK THIS IS RACIST IS MESSED UP. STOP HATING ON ASIANS.

shes a HORRIBLE influence! she should get kicked off of Disney for good. She’s dating a 22 year old and shes only 16. i dont even know how she became famous..she can’t sing for her life. and shes ugly.
On February 3rd 2009, wlddddddddd wrote:

miley cyrus is a retard anyways. so just because there is an asian dude there, that makes it ok? try saying the “n” word with one of your black friends around and see if it is ok. she’s an idiot more and more everyday. the sad part is that the youth looks up to this jackass. that’s what sad.
On February 3rd 2009, Jenny wrote:

Some people find different things offensive. Just because there’s an Asian there does not make it any better.

I know many Asians that are willing to accept when people call them “chinks”.

She has many young fans – doing that can only make racism against Asians worst. Some Asians are insecure of their eyes and being mocked because of it can slice them deep.
On February 3rd 2009, Mina wrote:

miley cyrus is a ugly, fucken, buck tooth bitch!!!
On February 3rd 2009, AsianGuy wrote:

They were obviously joking around. But the real question is how do all these celeb’s private photos keep appearing on the net? WTF.
On February 3rd 2009, E wrote:

I think Miley and her friends are showing their solidarity with their Asian friend.
On February 3rd 2009, Flying Squirrel wrote:

I’m protesting cause the only true Asian in the photo ISN’T squinting and is making fun of us “round eyes”!
On February 3rd 2009, Danny wrote:

Miley Cyrus is a lamer, I don’t think its racist, but inappropriate especially for a celebrity like Cyrus. Besides, how do explain this to many Asian kids that are huge fans of hers. I’m not saying its racist, but she’s a celebrity and has a responsibility to her fans!!
On February 3rd 2009, mila wrote:

Since there’s only one asian in the group.. Miley probably thought that it would be nice that all of them will have slant eyes so that they’ll fit in with their asian friends. Come on if this was just another people in the photos I doubt it if it’s a big issue. Give Miley a break..
On February 3rd 2009, iluvmiley wrote:

jigz… ur taking this waaaay to personal! its all in good fun! calm down! she’s 16 and acting her age, why is it such a BIG deal!?
On February 3rd 2009, Alecia wrote:

racism is racism. I think she should just apologise and get this over and done with. And all those retards out there who said the asian guy is making fun of us whites, i dont think he had a choice, it would be pretty stupid if he tried to make “slanted eyes” aswell
On February 4th 2009, pi wrote:

SERIOUSLY. JUST BECAUSE THERE’S AN ASIAN IN THAT PHOTO…..does not make racism right.

and don’t tell the Chinese Organization to lighten up….because:

1. You’re probably not asian.
2. We’re all imperfect anyways.
On February 4th 2009, brianna wrote:

the asian guy is imatating white ppl y doent HE apologize? if he doesnt miley shouldnt have to SERIOUSLY U PPL! if the asian guy doesnt say have to say anything niether should miley!

who doesn`t imitate a race in their life, some people (correction: ALL people at SOME point) mock other peoples accents or belifs, and no one makes a huge deal out of it! who thinks this is racism should be slapped in the face! cuz even if it is we ALL do it!

if u agree copy and paste
On February 4th 2009, kyle wrote:

who doesn`t imitate a race in their life, some people (correction: ALL people at SOME point) mock other peoples accents or belifs, and no one makes a huge deal out of it! who thinks this is racism should be slapped in the face! cuz even if it is we ALL do it!

if u agree copy and paste
On February 4th 2009, Lottie wrote:

In all honesty, the picture just seems to be taken out of context.
To all those commenting saying ‘Miley’s ugly and can’t sing’ don’t you think that’s offense. Baa baa black sheep is offensive nowadays, the world has just gone political correctness mad!
On February 4th 2009, Falisia Hanier wrote:

“Mz. Teen queen” is not sorry for what she did, I think that she intended to be racist. I know many people who are racist, and that is terrible. She is a super racistt!
On February 4th 2009, Ranch wrote:

I’m Asian and personally, i think if you aren’t Asian you wouldn’t find it offensive. Some people find different things offensive, but I know many Asians that are willing to accept when people call them “chinks”. Many Asians are insecure about their eyes, but i don’t feel offended in any way although I think Miley Cyrus should be a good role model to all her fans and this is NOT a way to set a good example for all the kids that admire her.
On February 4th 2009, miley cyrus is a loser wrote:

MILEY CYRUS IS SOO GAY!
i dont understand how people think she has talent what so ever! like waht do you people see in her! im not even kidding! she SUCKS at singing and is a TERRIBLE actress like WOW people WAKE UP!
On February 5th 2009, Trent wrote:

I don’t find this hard to beleive at all. She is slowly but surely showing her true side. The older she gets the more of this we are going to see. My children aren’t allowed to watch her show. This just adds to the reasons that they won’t get to see her. They are obviously drinking, and unless they are drinking some new drink that makes their eyes red. I think we all know what else is happening. So, good luck to ya Miley. I hope you are watching Brittany close. You’re right behind her. Your 15 minutes are just about up. YOU know it and so does Disney. Enjoy it while it lasts.
On February 5th 2009, Sig wrote:

Not offended by the picture … very offended by many of the idiot losers posting comments about it though.
On February 5th 2009, Ranch wrote:

I’m Asian and you people who think she is not racist and are telling Asians to lighten up are totally hard-headed. Most of you are probably not Asian and you’re saying “who cares. lighten up.” The only reason why this is causing trouble to the Asians is because there are tons of Asians that look up to her and she is setting a horrible example to all the Asian fans she has (or in this case, had) Asian parents are generally very strict and if they know about this, she is going to lose a lot of Asian fans in particular. She’s perfectly aware of what kind of example she is portraying and she deserves all the consequences.
On February 5th 2009, badzila wrote:

a) there’s an asian guy right next to her!!!! and i suppose the fact he’s widening his eyes is “racist” as well

b) which part is this racially offensive?they’re just picking on her…just cos she’s MILEY

c) thousands of comedians take a mick at ethnic groups. it’s really no big deal. why so sensitive??

d) I SUPPOSE it’s racist as well when asian/white kids are wearing low slung jeans and talking as if they’re “black”..yes..racist..racist (SARCASM)

geez…

-badzila
On February 5th 2009, Malachi wrote:

What I find truely amazing is the Miley camp damage control team, boy they are good. Miley should find a better scandel coordinators, this slant eye skit was done by BBC writers on Father Ted in season 3. The classics still are funny though, will she take Chinatown out for drinks after the presentation to show Miley ain’t a rascist.
On February 5th 2009, no name wrote:

Why is everyone saying that the Asian dude is widening his eyes? Because they don’t look slanty? Now that’s racist.
On February 5th 2009, Grow up wrote:

Just because you’re massive insecure about your own appearance doesn’t mean other people care, or should care. That’s why we’re saying lighten up. The only way you can be offended by this is if you think there’s something inherently wrong slanted eyes. The most popular surgery in Asia is eyelid surgery, it’s not anyone else’s fault. Are people with round eyes supposed to be

Just because 95% of the Asian girls you’ve met secretly wish they were white doesn’t mean everyone who notices their eyes aren’t the same is racist. The problem is within the Asian community; stop hating yourselves and maybe you’ll stop imagining everyone else hates you.
On February 6th 2009, Lisa wrote:

So nice to have a Disney role model who makes fun of another Disney role model, who poses in a sheet and underwear, flashes a boob, dates someone 4 years older (kinda creepy of the guy), and now offers an inadequate apology to those who were offended by her latest antics.

No one can accuse her of having any class.
On February 7th 2009, Derek wrote:

(1) The fact that she is in public eyes…a roll model. That is why.

(2) I agree if she made fun of a black person. It would be a front page story.

(3) A lot of Asian people does not have slanted eyes.

(4) By looking at the picture you dont know what the Asian guy is thinking.

(5) Miley in public eyes could be the sweetest girl. But you really never know her true self.
On February 7th 2009, martha wrote:

these asian people who are complaining abou these harmless pictures are so dumb she is like just trying to have fun just like any other girl at her age would do! leave her alone dumb people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
On February 8th 2009, Derek wrote:

Martha: Your comments shows what YOU are.

My question is the motive on the person who upload this privately taken photo.
On February 9th 2009, Melvin wrote:

Im half asian and i think miley is an inbred racist. She’s so fucking stupid and i cant belive people like her. her voice sucks, shes ugly as hell, she’s a dumb hill billy whos white trash and an uneducated whore. people who actually like her are either on drugs or there just as fucking stupid as she is. Also, everything about this deformed person is fake
On February 10th 2009, miley's #1 non-fan! wrote:

All you people who say it’s not a big deal… grow up. What she did is offensive period. She needs to apologize!
On February 10th 2009, CementMixer wrote:

Just wait till she unexpectedly falls madly in love w/ some hunky Asian man…karma’s a b-word ;-)
On February 12th 2009, cassie wrote:

WOW PEOPLE ARE STUPID!!!!
what is wrong with doing that…i mean its not really racist maybe they were just doing that for fun???
or maybe the light was hurting their eyes! lmao.
but still IT IS RIDICULOUS!
On February 12th 2009, cassie wrote:

and also why is everyone getting so worked up about this…you just cant say she is racist because you hate her…that somehow makes you racist…i guess..haha
i think that nothing is wrong with the picture…
On February 12th 2009, Connie wrote:

This is ridiculous.
I’m sick of hearing “She’s just 16, let her be a kid”
16 is PLENTY old enough to know what’s offensive and what’s not. It’s not even that she’s a role model, I would be offended if ANY 16 year old did this.
Like Derek said, if she were photographed making her lips big, eating fried chicken, making a dumb face, and with her face painted black, this would be all over the tabloids.
Furthermore, she has yet to apologize for the picture, even though it clearly offended so many people. All she said was that it “wasn’t meant to offend any ethnic group”, but she didn’t apologize for taking the picture at all. It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t meant to offend anyone, it DID, so suck it up and say sorry. Geez.
On February 12th 2009, sara wrote:

dude they all look drunk
like really
On February 13th 2009, Ashlee wrote:

Oh geez get the fuck over it. Honestly how is this photo offensive…….nowhere does miley say slanted eyes are ugly…..or she hates asians……she is just imitating them, just like some asians(aka my friend) try to widen their eyes in photos.

Its ridICULOUS how some races think they have the right to get so fumed over something so little and stupid.
AS if you’d get offended by that, my friend who happens to be Asian didnt even think twice about it, she doesnt give a rats ass.
On February 13th 2009, alesha wrote:

Dude…………theres an asian guy right there in the photo……….LOL

they gotta learn not to be soo senitive, they are obviously not discriminating against them HENCE they are friends with someone who is asian themselves…….

i have three words for you guys

‘GET A LIFE’
On February 13th 2009, Sharon wrote:

As an asian myself, i really find this whole thing funny.
Im not offended by the photo, but i am offended that people think that this photo is being racist, coz basically you are pointing out that slanted eyes are ugly and its mean to make your eyes look like an asian.

honestly my self esteem isnt that low that a photo like this would ruin it.

Come on get a grip………its people like you guys that make this world so dramatic

i guess because i am an asian i have slanted eyes, and you saying that people imitating ’slanted’ eyes is mean and disrespectful is totally barbaric ………who said slanted eyes are bad!!

Come on people, we need to get over this whole ’slanted eyes are ugly’ phase BECAUSE THERE NOT i mean theres an asian IN THE FUCKING PHOTO.

some people are just far too sensitive.
On February 13th 2009, She Should Know Better wrote:

she’s famous and knows that even her half nudy child pronography pics get posted so why do it to offend people. think, little kids will see this and go do it and tease all the kids that are asian at their schools and make them feel bad. don’t encourage teasing and bullying. the world is bad as it is. set good examples for those who look up to you. be part of the solution and not the problem.
On February 15th 2009, Dong-hui wrote:

i agree with Sharon,

im also asian, and i think that people who think that miley is racist, are racist themselves. people who think that imatating our eyes are mean, gives us the impression that you think that because our eyes are ugly or somthing! for all you who are saying this is offensive to the asian are also suggesting that we are extremly sensitive people! if you are asian and you think this offencive get a grip already, do really feel that humiliated? you might as well be crying if you are! and seriously who would cry over somthing like this!

i also agree with brianna! shes right, we all at some point are racist or take a questionable photo, but no one cares, so why is this diffrent?!

you think she should be setting a good example for young kids, but would an 11 year old really care or take this to heart?

who doesn`t imitate a race in their life, some people (correction: ALL people at SOME point) mock other peoples accents or belifs, and no one makes a huge deal out of it! who thinks this is racism should be slapped in the face! cuz even if it is we ALL do it!

if u agree copy and paste
On February 16th 2009, Dong-hui wrote:

On February 15th 2009, Dong-hui wrote:

i agree with Sharon,

im also asian, and i think that people who think that miley is racist, are racist themselves. people who think that imatating our eyes are mean, gives us the impression that you think that because our eyes are ugly or somthing! for all you who are saying this is offensive to the asians are also suggesting that we are extremly sensitive people! if you are asian and you think this offencive get a grip already, do really feel that humiliated? you might as well be crying if you are! and seriously who would cry over somthing like this!

i also agree with brianna! shes right, we all at some point are racist or take a questionable photo, but no one cares, so why is this diffrent?!

you think she should be setting a good example for young kids, but would an 11 year old really care or take this to heart, why do you even care?

i copied and pasted briannas words bescause she has a point

who doesn`t imitate a race in their life, some people (correction: ALL people at SOME point) mock other peoples accents or belifs, and no one makes a huge deal out of it! who thinks this is racism should be slapped in the face! cuz even if it is we ALL do it!

if u agree copy and paste
On February 16th 2009, Kaeleigh wrote:

EVRYONE IN THIS PICTURE IS BEING RACIST!! why are they piking om miley if thit doesnt matter when normal people do it? do you think its bad for her little fans? well then tell me this, would an eleven year old really care? would she really be offended? why are YOU offended? do you even like her? havent you ever made fun of a race before? like mocking an accent, or critisizing a religious person? if your offended then your probably and 80 years old, and pretty old fashioned! or your suffering from sever deppression, or mental, or somthing!
On February 16th 2009, Asian wrote:

“Haven’t you made fun of another race yourselves?”
I have, I know it’s wrong, and I’m not proud of it. I never made the same mistake again. If I steal now, I know it’ll be wrong, and it follows that just because I have stolen doesn’t justify Miley Cyrus stealing. What’s wrong is wrong, regardless of what I do. (Although I hope one day I’ll be the one to set the moral standards and all of you will worship me as you do G-d)

“There’s an asian in the picture.”

yeah I know. Is he the representative that us Asians unanimously voted to be in the picture next to the idiotic asian-slant eye posers, to pardon their behaviour? I think not, because I haven’t voted so that doesn’t make it unanimous. And I’m guessing from the reaction of the asian community, that most of them haven’t voted either.

Just because one oddball is in the picture, for whatever reason, (maybe he has no sense of self identity, no shame, no honour, no self respect, too drunk or maybe he wasn’t aware of the slant eyed poses. I dunno, use your imagination), doesn’t mean that the pose is o.k.

The biggest problem is not with Miley Cyrus being “racist” as such but the fact that she is a role model that impressionable youngsters look up to. This picture gives out the wrong message that it’s somehow o.k to make fun of asians, or, in fact, anyone for their ethnicity.

I think that we should all refrain from making fun of races in order to set a good example for the next generation. Be it your own children, or, if you’re too young to have child (like myself), your younger siblings. After all, “If parents snicker at racial and gender jokes, another generation will pass on the poison adults still have not had the courage to snuff out.” — Marian Wright Edelman

One thing I do agree is that the lawsuit is simply ridiculous. I’d ask her to apologise, but 6 billion is just WTF.
On February 16th 2009, Asian wrote:

oh and if you agree with the above post, copy and paste. :)
On February 19th 2009, cookie wrote:

How is this not racist? Would you guys say she’s just “having fun” and she’s just a “kid” if she painted herself black and dressed up like a slave for Halloween? Or if she bent her wrist towards her chess and make herself look like a mentally retarded person also just a funny pose?
On February 19th 2009, cookie wrote:

The 11 year olds aren’t being offended by the picture, but will be offended once the other 11 year olds get influenced by this picture and make the same slanted eye pose to the asians at their school. Seriously people, yeah we make fun of other races ourselves, but we’re not famous. Miley Cyrus is famous and what she does is scrutinized by the whole world, or else we wouldn’t be having this controversy discussion about her. What you do, most of the world doesn’t care, but what she does, the world does care. It’s the price you take on for being famous, and if you can’t handle the pressure that comes with the job, than don’t do it.
On February 19th 2009, Steven wrote:

Just because another asian person is with them dosent make it right, I dont mean to sterotype but im sure you have all seen a black person call another black person the “N” word. Try calling a black person that in a crowded room and unless you are in the KKK meeting hall you will be labled a racist and get you butt kicked. Double standards are ghey, but then again so is miley
On February 20th 2009, JENNY wrote:

FOR THE PEOPLE WHO THINK WHAT MILEY IS DOING IS APPROPRIATE– ARE YOU F****ING KIDDING????????
IT IS COMPLETELY INSULTING AND IGNORANT TO SLANT YOUR EYES. THINK ABOUT IT– WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PURPOSE IS FOR?? TO MAKE FUN. HELLO IDIOTS!! IT IS 1960 OR 2009?? CAUSE I’M STARTING TO WONDER.

LET ME HELP YOU THINK– THINK ABOUT THIS ONE YOU IDIOTS– WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE FOR A WHITE PERSON TO PAINT THEIR FACE BLACK? YOU STUPID FOOL… THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT SHE’S DOING .. SLANTING HER EYES TO IMITATE ASIANS. SO I GUESS IF THATS OK, IT WOULD BE OKAY FOR ME TO PAINT MY FACE BLACK TO IMITATE BLACKS.

BTW, IF YOU ANSWERED YES ITS OK TO PAINT YOUR FACE BLACK, I DEAR YOUR A** TO GO DO THAT AND GO UP TO A BLACK PERSON. LET ME SEE WHAT HAPPENS. AND IF YOU THINK THAT THAT SITUATION IS SOMEHOW “DIFFERENT” HOW??? WHAT IS THE PERSON OF THE SLANT EYE? B/C ITS SO FUNNY IMITATING ASIANS? WELL AIN’T IT FUNNY TO IMITATE BLACKS BY PAINTING YOUR FACE BLACK. YOU ARE ONE DUMB IDIOT.

I REALLY WISH YOUR MOMMAS TAUGHT YOU BETTER. SO SAD.
On February 20th 2009, D wrote:

YOU KNOW WHAT , YOU HAVE A LOT OF ASIAN FANS AND YOU ARE INSULTING THEM. HOW DO YOU THINK THEY FEEL. WHAT IF YOU LOOKED LIKE THAT. YOUR SONG NOBODY’S PERFECT, IF YOU THINK THAT YOUR SO PERFECT THAN WHY DID YOU WRITE THAT SONG? YOUR ASIAN FANS WILL PROBABLY HATE YOU JUST LIKE I DO!!!!!! EVEN THOUGH YOU APOLOGIZED IN YOUR WORDS AND THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, WHATS IN YOUR HEART AND MIND YOU PROBABLY THINK THAT OH I APOLOGIZED AND NOW IT’S OVER WELL IT IS NOT I KNOW THAT IN YOUR HEART YOU PROBABLY HATE US AND GUESS WHAT I DON’T CARE WHATEVER YOU THINK, BUT WHEN YOU INSULT THEM AND ME THAN YOUR MAKING US FEEL THAT SINCE WE ARE DIFFERENT, WE DON’T FEELINGS WELL YOUR WRONG!!!!!! YOU DO REALIZE THAT THERE ARE DISNEY STARS THAT LOOK LIKE THAT LIKE BRENDA SONG FOR EXAMPLE. JUST TO ADD ON YOU REALLY DON’T FEEL SORRY FOR WHAT YOU DID AND IF YOU DID THAN YOU WOULD HAVE TO SHOW THAT YOU REALLY ARE SORRY. JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT YOUR SO COOL AND YOUR ON TV AND STUFF, DOESN’T GIVE YOU PRIVILEGES TO INSULT THOSE PEOPLE THAT YOU DID INSULT!!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR WHAT YOU DID AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HAUNT YOU AND YOU WILL HAVE THE WORST CONSCIENCE EVER!!!!!!! THIS WILL BE THE WORST THING YOU EVER DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW YOU JUST THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOUR WORST FAN EVER!!!!!
On February 22nd 2009, Yasmin wrote:

LOL! Did anyone notice that there is actually an Asian boy in the photo with them?

He dosen’t seem too bothered by it… so hy the hell should anone else? It was a private joke in a private photo that was leaked to the public and it suddenly becomes a racist attack? Bullshit if you ask me.
On February 23rd 2009, Sigh wrote:

Oh, sigh, another case of stupid people being racist against Asians and everybody saying It’s alright it’s alright. People, get your history straight–that slanty-eyed gesture thing, you may think it’s a joke (but inside you all know it’s racist, you hypocrites) but it goes back to the long tradition of calling people chinks and Chinamen and singing the whole Ching-chong ching-chong song in front of Asians. Living in Georgia I have had this happen to me so many times, and I’ve got to tell you, it is plain ignorance and hatred, ignorance and hatred.

It’s fucking ridiculous to say that getting angry at this sort of thing is self-hatred. I’m proud of my eyes. Let me make an analogy: Let’s say there’s a black beauty. She’s proud of her smooth, dark skin, but if you showed up in blackface in front of her, she’d be pissed off, no? Why? Because again, of history, because of historical memory. It comes from a long tradition of denigrating and disrespecting African-Americans.

That was the intent. That was the effect. Intent and effect is what is important. So stop with blaming the victim and face what’s in front of you–it’s not OK.

Yeah, so go ahead and pull the chink-eyed stunt, sing me the ching-chong song, go ahead and do it, bitches, but remember, don’t kid yourself that it’s not racist. Because it is.
On February 24th 2009, Seattle wrote:

Why would anyone find that picture funny at all? Doesn’t mater if it’s a private picture or public – it’s wrong to make any kind of racist gesture. For all those thinking that there is not “racism” in the US – you are ignorant. Are you living under a rock? White people don’t like to hear about racist issues – they like to sweep it under the rug. Most stereotype Asian as passive-aggressive. Finally Asians are willing to speak up and white people are tired of hearing it. Well, too bad! Stop your whining and respect what other race have to say. I hope Miley Cyrus does have to pay. Her apology was not sincere – first or second time. It sounds fake and scripted. Probably written by her PR. She should stop bringing up God and take responsibility. God did not ask her act inappropriate to others. Doesn’t matter how old she is – she should take responsibility for her action. I also blame Miley’s parents and their so call church upbringing. As a parent you should be teaching your kids what’s right or wrong. Did the church or her parents not teach her to respect others? Just because Miley Cyrus has one “token Asian friend” does not make it alright for her to do inappropriate gesture. If my white friend did that – I would forever not speak to her because a real friend would respect you. For that token Asian guy – he looks like a dork. If he’s not offended – he has no Asian pride and he thinks/or want to be white or just want to hang with a non-talented celebrity hoping to be notice. If my kid did any racist gesture I would damn make sure he gets punish for it.
On March 3rd 2009, Sandra wrote:

Ok, this is one funny ass pic. I’m asian and I don’t find this offensive at all. They’re all just being young and stupid, who cares. There are more important things in the world, people!! Have a sense of humour. JEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!! :)
On March 23rd 2009, u retards wrote:

LOL!!!
On March 23rd 2009, u retards wrote:

Ok, this is one funny ass pic. I’m asian and I don’t find this offensive at all. They’re all just being young and stupid, who cares. There are more important things in the world, people!! Have a sense of humour. JEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!! :)

i sooooooo agree with sandra! and guess what?! im asian to! it seems almost all of the asians commenting dont care, then they’r younger asian fans who r actually the ones that LIKE miley, wouldn’t even think anything of it! us older ppl care wayyyyyy to much!
On March 24th 2009, Blue Sky wrote:

I know, for a fact, she is not racist, nor is her dad. As a Native American woman, I had the exclusive opportunity to meet Miley (and spend time with her at her Franklin, Tennesse home) when she was 3 years old. Her dad invited me and my other Native American friend to their home. I would defend her to the utmost that she is not racist.
On March 29th 2009, IDontFindAnythingWrong wrote:

I’m asian and i don’t find anything wrong with that picture.
And now, if someone could please explain to me what’s wrong with Americans slanting their eyes and asians widening their eyes please?
Because i seriously do not get whatever shit that people are bashing on about her.
Sorry, but i am NO miley fan.
It just doesn’t make sense to me what’s wrong with making goofy faces
And i am from Japan.
On April 3rd 2009, what is the matter peoples wrote:

omg!!!
why do people think so wrong of things
people are so taking things the wrong way
it’s just a picture
even the asian dude is there with miley
that doesn’t make her a racist
people are just ccccrrrraaaazzzzzyyyy!!!!
ugh*_”
On April 5th 2009, Reality Check wrote:

Ok people listen, you guys say this ain’t a big deal right because theres a asian guy on the photo. Well, what if there was a black guy in the photo and miley and her friends were pretending and fooling around that they were being hang. I’ll bet you guys will start making a big deal about it then huh! You guys then will start be like saying she is racist now huh! But wait shes just fooling around but you guys wouldn’t care shit. Acting like the asian racist jokes are not a big deal but other race racist jokes are huh! Fucking faggets, thiunk twice before commenting fuckers!
On April 11th 2009, Chris wrote:

miley aka miss controversy needs to learn to respect every race, what she did isnt right, it cant be forgiven, racism is really bad, I agree with one guy who said if there was a black guy in the photo and if miley was mocking him then what you guys would have started saying that she might be racist, u mean mocking like an asian is not racism but mocking like a black is, judge people by the character lad not by their colour

I am from Blackpool, I might be british but atleast we dont treat asian like this
On April 14th 2009, Ken wrote:

That photo is clearly racist. Making “slanty eye” gestures for fun? WTF? I couldn’t care less if there was an Asian guy in the photo. He’s probably a banana that doesn’t have a voice or wants to fit in. I don’t really blame the dumb bitch Miley though, negative Asian stereotypes are fueled by the media/hollywood. The Asians that commented and did not find the picture offensive either are brainwashed due to being ridiculed so much that they socially accept it or just don’t have an appreciation of their heritage. Peace!
On April 26th 2009, death row wrote:

miley is ractist that is so damn bad you should go to jail and when you die go to hell white b****
On April 27th 2009, domenica aycart wrote:

miley is not rasist that picture dosn make eany sence she is a grate person and that asian guy is her friend !!!
On April 29th 2009, Ken wrote:

I wonder if her Asian American fans are upset with her and if so will they boycott Hannah Montanna? If you’re not Asian then pulling your eyes from side to side have no effect on you. If you’re white, it’s akin to an asian person destroying their money like burning a hundred dollar bill or flushing cash down the toilet to make fun of white ppl’s relationship with handling money as they live paycheck to paycheck, it’s no wonder the economy is in trouble, thanks George W. Bush for getting us Americans involved with the middle east wars, American casualties(killing our young) and long security checks and waits at the airport. Sorry if I missed anything.
On May 1st 2009, Bianca wrote:

okay why does any care about her.you see her getting in trouble by the press and you fucking cry about it.but it you see a donation to cancer your fucking stingy and walk away.thats the problem your all caring and getting mad over someone you dont know!!!!!!!!!!
geta life miley fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On May 3rd 2009, lugians wrote:

OMG!!! the guy in the pink shirt is a racist he is making fun of the Easter bunny.
On May 9th 2009, r wrote:

F! Miley C, She can’t sing for shit! She sounds like a man.
On June 11th 2009, james yu wrote:

im asian and i dont think this pic is racist.

….

BUT, i can see why civil rights groups are jumping on this…as to not let the ball slip and let things get by easily…the next time a celeb wants to expose themselves in a “racially provocative” manner, they may second guess themselves…

…
On June 15th 2009, Asain Girl wrote:

it doesnt matter if shes got an asain friend with her… its just like when black people call others niggers. that doesnt make it okay. ya shes making fun of his eyes, and maybe that was funny to them as a group of friends or wahtever, but as an asain i know how offensive this is. so yeah, its going to be a big thing and dont tell us to lighten up! if they were making fun of black people, it would be on the front page of every magazine. this isnt any differnt.

ps. to those people who said the asain guy wasnt squinting so he was making fun of white people— thats stupid. y would he squint? to make fun of his own race? and just cuz he isnt squiinting doesnt mean hes imitating white eyes!
On July 9th 2009, notamileycyrushateroralover wrote:

this is SO stupid.
i’m asianand im not offended by this photo. im offended by all these stupid comments hating on her. give her a break. if anyone else had done this it would have been fine. jees.
On August 13th 2009, kayla wrote:

dude. shes not racist..theres an asian sitting right in front of her…
On August 19th 2009, Ashley wrote:

Just because Miley’s disney does not mean she doesn’t have the right to make mistakes. She’s sixteen. lol. Not everythings about race. You know whats even more ridiculous than her making a goofy ‘asian’ face with a asian who is clearly unconcerned standing beside her? A woman suing her for 4 billion dollars because of it. Get real people.
On August 19th 2009, Ashley wrote:

Someone made the statement that if it was a black joke people would be hopping on it. What is this? My race is more racial inclined than yours? It’s not a contest morons. Im white but you dont see me getting upset everytime someone calls me a cracker. oh wait white jokes dont matter.lol. get over it. not every joke’s about you,
On August 19th 2009, Steve wrote:

I wrote this on another thread, and am posting here because it is relevant:
BTW: If an errant African-American makes the statement that he does not feel that being referred to as a “nigger” is racist, does that automatically make the term “nigger” free of racist connotations?

So some Asians have stated that they are not the least bit offended by the slanty-eye bit. This is certainly their right, however it should not automatically then cancel out the fact that many Asians do find this offensive.

There are those of you who have made statements to the effect of “Get over it!” or “Stop being so thin skinned” To you all I say it is for the offended party to make this decision, not you.

Make faces for fun if you choose. Paint your face in blackface so that you can do an Al Jolson act for all I care. This is a free country, and this means that while you can believe that what you do and say is not racist, others are free to find it offensive and comment on your actions and deeds.

I say again, perhaps these “racist” things are done without the intention of being racist. The test of what kind of person you are really happens after you realize that there are people who are offended by what you are doing or saying. But know this: Once you have been informed that something you have been doing quite innocently is in actuality offending a group of people, if you continue to do this thing then you have crossed over to the realm of intentionally offending someone. So you have to ask yourself, are you going to continue to entertain yourself by making fun of asian slanty eyes after all has been said and done, and if you do, what does this make you?
On August 19th 2009, Steve wrote:

If you are white and not offended by being called a cracker, well that is fine for you. There are, however, plenty of folks who are white who do find the term cracker offensive. So just because you don’t take offense does not in any way make it inoffensive since there are people who do find it offensive.

Yes, not every joke is about me personally. Sometimes the joke is meant for an entire race of people. And if people of a different ethnic background, or even of your own ethnic background take offense at your joke and call you a racist, you are the one who needs to get over it not them.
On August 19th 2009, it's pathetic wrote:

did anyone take into consideration that this could’ve been an inside joke type of thing? she’s not the only one doing it, everyone else is too so why is she the only one being accused as being racist? it’s pathetic how much people are hating on her. yeah, her younger fans look up to her and want to mock her but their parents have all the right to say no. after all, they are the ones buying them the clothes. and what 16yr. old doesn’t act crazy with a group of friends or take pictures in their bikini?
On August 20th 2009, Steve wrote:

Pathetic has a point in that everyone in the photo, save for the token Asian, is doing the slanty eye thing.

Obviously, the act of doing the slanty eye gesture – as far as I am concerned – is racist, so I consider all of the idiots in the photo, including Cyrus, to be participating in a racist act. That Cyrus is the only one being commented on in this thread is for obivious reasons – she is the celebrity in the photo.

Whether it is an “inside joke” however is a moot point. The issue is that doing the slanty-eyed gesture is offensive to some Asians and it it obvious that the group participated in posing for a photo while voluntarily doing this gesture. While I do not doubt that the photo itself was not meant for widespread distribution (even the insipid Cyrus could not be THAT dense) the fact remains that they did pose for the photo while doing something incredibly offensive to some Asians. So whether or not it was an “inside joke” does not alter the impact of the act itself and all that their “inside joke” status would imply is that they are closet racists and would know better than to be open with their racism.

I understand that Cyrus is a kid, and was even younger at the time this photo was taken. Yes, it is true that many 16 year olds behave stupidly when they are around a group of their equally immature 16 year old friends. But I do not believe that because she and her crew are immature idiots that they are absolved of posing in a racially offensive manner as they did.

The rather self-righteous and lame apology that she offered leads me to believe that Cyrus is not only clueless as to how her actions are perceived, but also that she doesn’t really care how she is perceived by the public at large. Perhaps this is a figment of becoming a celebrity at a young age, or perhaps it is because she is the daughter of a celebrity.

Someone wrote above that “not everything is about race” which, I feel, is an incredible statement given the racial nature of Miley and her friends act of aping the racial features of another ethnic group and given the debate that her act has provoked. But, taken at face value, I think that the statement is accurate in that it is true “not everything is about race” and that in many cases, as it is here, it is about maturity and common sense – two things that Cyrus and her group of idiots are obivously lacking.
On August 26th 2009, christina wrote:

i know 16 yesr olds may do stupid things but racism is just really dumb well to me u guys may have different opinions but this is my opinion
On November 7th 2009, mileycyrusispathetic wrote:

YOU KNOW WHAT!!!! SHE’S ALWAYS BEING EXCUSED AND SAYING “SORRY” EVERY TIME SHE DOES SOMETHING BAD.HER NEW MUSIC VIDEO “THE PARTY IN THE U.S.A”, SHE LOOKS LIKE A MOTHERFUCKING SLUT. FOR YOUR INFOMATION MILEY, HALF OF THE PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE WIDE ARE ASIANS AND THE PEOPLE WHO DOESN’T THINK THIS PICTURE IS RACIST THEN U R MOTHER FUCKIN IDIOTS.
On November 17th 2009, Miley Cyrus SUCKS!! wrote:

I’m used 2 be a fan of Miley.. But,when I saw this picture.. I’m totally not her fan anymore.. U guys know wht, MILEY CYRUS IS SUCKS ! ! Fuck u Miley!! I hope I can meet u and SHOW MY MIDDLE FINGER!! When everytime she did sumtin’ wrong, like taking unnecessary pictures, she always says I’m sorry.. Fuck u Miley! Don’t ur PARENTS TEACH U ON HOW 2 BEHAVE URSELF? Billy Ray Cyrus : U should teach ur daughter ! !
On November 21st 2009, Steve wrote:

Someone wrote: “OMG!!! the guy in the pink shirt is a racist he is making fun of the Easter bunny.”

Since when exactly did the Easter Bunny become known as a “race?”

I realize that you were trying to be funny, but this is an ignorant and infantile comment given the debate the ever immature and increasingly lame Miley Cyrus and her insensitive behavior has provoked.
On November 23rd 2009, SHuji wrote:

racism is only for black ppol lolx