First off, I think I may be alone in the Newgrounds community for expressing this belief.

I find the name of "Ching Chong Beautiful", the game created by The-Swain and JohnnyUtah to be extremely problematic. I've had hostile e-mails written to me by JohnnyUtah and I know for sure I can't get a civil discussion out of him.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, I am not looking for people to jump on me and think that I'm being ignorant and need to "get over it", "stop being a drama queen", or "get a sense of humor", or God forbid, I'm being a "racist" as well. I'm looking for people who agree with what I say. I'm also looking for people who if they don't disagree with me, they will have an open mind and at least understand where I'm coming from.

With that said, this is my main beef with CCB:

First off, the name was something I could not get JohnnyUtah and The-Swain to understand as the former told me that: "i think you're completely overreacting, id already had plenty of asian people tell me they thought it was funny. if that makes me a dick then so be it." The latter gave me a more long-winded explanation to why it was appropriate.

Arguments that other Asian people find this hilarious or acceptable DOES not mean that racist slurs & imagery are okay. While it obviously complicates the matter and makes people like me be put on the spotlight for not having any humor, it only avoids the simple issue that once again, racism (whether subtle or overt) is still very much real.

A racist slur is STILL a racist slur. And on top of that, the game is loaded with incredibly demeaning stereotypical images that makes the Asian person and culture look like a less-than-desired foreign object.

There is an incredibly large fanbase around the world, and a good part of the fanbase are people of Asian descent. Imagine what it's like for them to check out their favorite flash website, and only to have a game featured on the front page that blatantly mocks their identity and their culture. If they protest or question about it, they are immediately dismissed and ridiculed for not having a sense of humor or that they didn't "get it". Incidents like these are repeated over and over and while the mainstream media isn't aware of this, these people of Asian descent become conflicted whether or not it's appropriate to stand up for their beliefs when everybody tells them making fun of Asian people is okay.

I don't want to do a comparison test but if the game was called "Negro Paradise" or "Wetback Wonders", I do not believe that would fly so well with the general public. However, the name of "Ching Chong Beautiful" comes in and nobody breaks a sweat. Newgrounds, like the mainstream media, has allowed the idea that it is acceptable to mock Asian culture and identity, as part of a punch line.

I do want to argue that I am not one of those guys who think it's totally okay to make fun of white people for their racial identity as well. But unfortunately, any racial slurs for white people do not carry the same negative weight in comparison to racial slurs against people of color.

I understand that Japanese game shows are indeed ridiculous and over the top. JohnnyUtah responds: "Why don't you go spend your time boycotting those japanese gameshows that are making their culture more of a fucking joke than swain or I ever could."

But understand that these game shows IS their culture and just because people happen to find it stupid does not mean their standards or culture compared to another one are any better or worse.

If there's anything I want, a goal, I hope that if there are people who express my same beliefs, that they are not afraid to speak out. I hope there are people out there who at least see where I'm coming from, even if they don't agree with me. I can only hope.

At 1/8/10 09:01 PM, immigrantsong wrote:

And on top of that, the game is loaded with incredibly demeaning stereotypical images that makes the Asian person and culture look like a less-than-desired foreign object.

Less than desired what? Everyone loves asians!

Especialy the girls...

Do what johny said and grow a sense of humor

This is newgrounds, we have a porn section and get most of our media attention from torture games. Just thought you should be reminded.

This is what Newgrounds is built on. If you find it offensive, you shouldn't be here. I find it hard to see how you haven't learned that lesson in your 4 years here.

Don't worry, I got the perfect guy on the job.

At 1/8/10 09:04 PM, blue-ice-cube wrote: Do what johny said and grow a sense of humor

That's not the problem here. Of course it's funny, but he's also acknowledging that the title is racist, and is looking for others who feel the same way.

While it could have been more offensive if they used words like chink, gook, etc, I do see why it can cause you some problems. But you must also remember that this site was built on incredibly offensive material. Simply put, if you're not part of the offensive crowd, simply don't watch or play the offensive material.

1. This is Newgrounds, everything in some point of time has been made fun of or parodied in some way.
Everything from dead people to religion.

2. This is a flash game, and like any other form of media you can choose to ignore it. If you came to Newgrounds for a wholesome family experience, then you are gravely mistaken.

3. Johnny is definitely right in the regard that if it weren't for the fact that shows like these existed is a disservice to their culture. If this came from any other country, I'm pretty sure the game would still be made.

4. You are taking a flash game way too seriously.

It's a joke. A joke that can't harm. Do you really think someone is going to commit suicide over this? Kill someone? No. If everyone would just shut the fuck up and grow a sense of humor people wouldn't be offended all the time

At 1/8/10 09:09 PM, STEM wrote:

At 1/8/10 09:04 PM, blue-ice-cube wrote: Do what johny said and grow a sense of humor

That's not the problem here. Of course it's funny, but he's also acknowledging that the title is racist, and is looking for others who feel the same way.

While it could have been more offensive if they used words like chink, gook, etc, I do see why it can cause you some problems. But you must also remember that this site was built on incredibly offensive material. Simply put, if you're not part of the offensive crowd, simply don't watch or play the offensive material.

Pretty much every race has been stereotyped on newgrounds so it just fits right in with every thing else but i do see what his point is though but still it could have been worse and i dont see how the word ''ching chong'' is that bad there are worse and more offensive words out there but its not like johny ment to be racist.

Thank you for your viewpoints and thank goodness, nobody jumped on my back for my opinions. I do understand that Newgrounds is most known for their offensive material but I come to Newgrounds not for that but to see legit works of art that pushes the boundary of Flash animation and storytelling.

There are indeed many atrocious games and flash movies on this website and I am not here to say that I condone them. Out of the amazing submissions that we get, there's a good amount of turd that comes onto this site. I do acknowledge that no topic is worth too sacred and everybody gets the shaft.

I may be taking the game too seriously or I may not. Growing up in the States, I was called "fish breath" and heard the sounds of "Ching Chong" follow me around as my peers would call me out. When I complained and didn't want to be called like that, these guys would tell me that I need to get a "sense of humor". Childhood was indeed a terrible time for all of us, but kids, especially white kids, do not taunted excessively because of their skin color. With that said, this game's usage of a racial slur is as bad to me as when Rosie O'Donnell described how Chinese people sounded like by saying "Ching Chong" on national television.

With that said, this is the first time on Newgrounds where I see an entire nationality and ethnicity being mocked for the sake of humor. I must rephrase that if a game like "Negro Paradise" came out and you played as a lazy, jobless ghetto-talking black man, would that be acceptable in Newgrounds as well?

Food for thought.

After the latest response from JohnnyUtah, while he may not be racist, he is certainly ignorant and seems to take pride in that.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <johnny_utah@mac.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 9, 2010 at 1:45 AM
Subject: Ching chong beautiful
To: edwardhong@gmail.com

I read that email you sent to tom. He was courteous enough to forward it to me. I bet you were a real TATTLETALE in school...

First off, don't act like some race baiting garbage site like RACALICOUS.COM is some legitimate news site with REAL concern for anybody's well being. You are like fucking fox news. "SOME PEOPLE" are saying so and so. Who's THAT. OH it's just assholes on a blog stirring up controversy for hits. Just stop it you drama queen.

Frankly do you know what should offend you about newgrounds? All the violence. All those bloody horrific violent cartoons. Does it? NO? You aren't offended because violence doesn't hurt peoples fragile feelings. You see on the news all these dipshit commentators getting all riled up over un-politically correct humor, so you feel you should too. IT'S SICKENING.

How about you spend your time attacking all those black comedians doing their "I'm a white guy" routine, because frankly i think that's uncalled for. I'M WHITE AND THEY'RE MAKING FUN OF ME. BOO HOO I CAN'T TAKE IT. Some black guy is gonna see me and call me a honky and make fun of me for working in an office! Or make fun of my pale skin! It's not fair!

OR how about this - Why don't you go spend your time boycotting those japanese gameshows that are making their culture more of a fucking joke than swain or I ever could.

I'm not changing the game. you're wasting your misguided, precious time.

"He is the big man to talk to when it comes to overseeing what goes on the Newgrounds website...if we are passionate about we say and believe in, I believe it's a good time to email this man like crazy about what needs to be changed. CRITICAL MASS, BABY."

WRONG BABY.

p.s. I'll get started on "negro paradise"

This is Newgrounds you idiot, if you don't understand that that is what happens on Newgrounds, I suggest you go to AG or Kong and quit your bitching.

At 1/8/10 09:20 PM, immigrantsong wrote: I must rephrase that if a game like "Negro Paradise" came out and you played as a lazy, jobless ghetto-talking black man, would that be acceptable in Newgrounds as well?

I'm sure that has been done many times before. Racism and offensive material is nothing new to Newgrounds.

Hmmm. That I didn't know. Do you know any examples by any chance?

At 1/8/10 09:26 PM, immigrantsong wrote: Hmmm. That I didn't know. Do you know any examples by any chance?

Did you never see any of the DD crap? THAT is some racist crap you can bitch about.

He has a great point, there is FAR more offensive content on this site. Shit, there is even a thread in BBS General that is pretty much filled with flash movies in which a child is sexually assaulted. Look man, it fucking sucks that you went through all that crap as a kid but you have to understand that unlike a person or some article in a magazine, flash games hardly have ANY effect on society. That and you can just ignore stuff like this and just click on the flashes that you like. Simple as that.

At 1/8/10 09:01 PM, immigrantsong wrote: I do want to argue that I am not one of those guys who think it's totally okay to make fun of white people for their racial identity as well. But unfortunately, any racial slurs for white people do not carry the same negative weight in comparison to racial slurs against people of color.

And I wonder why that freaking is.

At 1/8/10 09:30 PM, zen64 wrote: He has a great point, there is FAR more offensive content on this site. Shit, there is even a thread in BBS General that is pretty much filled with flash movies in which a child is sexually assaulted. Look man, it fucking sucks that you went through all that crap as a kid but you have to understand that unlike a person or some article in a magazine, flash games hardly have ANY effect on society. That and you can just ignore stuff like this and just click on the flashes that you like. Simple as that.

I do agree with you on that one, I can ignore the game as much as I can ignore other games that feature such ridiculous content. However, this was really hard to do when "Ching Chong Beautiful" was on the front page for more than a week, due to the popularity of The-Swain and JohnnyUtah has with this website.

Look.

The game might be, "racist" if you will, but the entire point of the "racism" is that they were aware they were explicitly making a parody of Japanese gameshow. Hell, I chuckled when I noticed that the big old radioactive crater level is geologically par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

But, it is the same when Japanese people (And they do it A LOT) use stereotypes of other cultures, in this case Americans, Negroes, and in my case Mexicans.

Not that is bad, they still can portray the race as badass, albeit still based on the stereotypes.

To them is just cheap fun, they love it. It's only some people that are to far up their asses and flip to this shit for no reason that think this is bad.

On a side note, "Ching Chong Beutiful" an impressively well produced game, it should not be hated for this "racial slurs".

First off, I agree that the flash title is racist to some extent. If you find it offensive, I caution you to avoid large sections of this site, as there are many more offensive things to uncover.

And you're correct that the community as a whole would become more upset if the name was a different sort of racial slur (I believe you used the words "Negro" and "Wetback"). However, this double standard of racism extends further than Newgrounds - into society as a whole - as "Asian American Racism" seems to frequently fall by the wayside when compared to "African American Racism" and "Hispanic/Latino American Racism".

I don't know whether this passivity regarding Asian American Racism is the result of the fact that the TYPE of stereotypes used for Asian Americans (smart, short, etc) are not as harsh as the stereotypes used in racist comments regarding Hispanic Americans and African Americans. Needless to say, you're fighting an uphill battle regarding Asian American Racism within the American society as a whole, let alone within the Newgrounds community.

So, again, I can understand where you are coming from - but just know that this indifference towards Asian American Racism did not originate on Newgrounds but is a (regrettable) theme throughout American society, so you can't put all of the blame on Newgrounds or the creators of Ching Chong Beautiful.

At 1/8/10 09:22 PM, immigrantsong wrote: After the latest response from JohnnyUtah, while he may not be racist, he is certainly ignorant and seems to take pride in that.

I think youre way out of line posting an email that he sent to you.

To be honest,I thought the name 'ching chong beautiful was a parody of the film name 'bangkok dangerous'.

If thats already been said in this thread Im sdorry.Ive a few drinks so sorry if I missed osmehting :)

Anyway,the game isnt trying to be offensive.Its just a bit of fun.I know If I made film/game and someone wrote to me giving me crap about it Id respond in the same fashion as that email.

In short,you need to lighten up a bit.The game wasnt created with the intent to offend.

At 1/8/10 09:22 PM, immigrantsong wrote: p.s. I'll get started on "negro paradise"

Just saw that.Well played mr.Utah.well played.

You must be out of your zipper-head.

At 1/8/10 09:48 PM, DaxI wrote: You must be out of your zipper-head.

hahahaha

At 1/8/10 09:41 PM, Timmy wrote: First off, I agree that the flash title is racist to some extent. If you find it offensive, I caution you to avoid large sections of this site, as there are many more offensive things to uncover.

And you're correct that the community as a whole would become more upset if the name was a different sort of racial slur (I believe you used the words "Negro" and "Wetback"). However, this double standard of racism extends further than Newgrounds - into society as a whole - as "Asian American Racism" seems to frequently fall by the wayside when compared to "African American Racism" and "Hispanic/Latino American Racism".

I don't know whether this passivity regarding Asian American Racism is the result of the fact that the TYPE of stereotypes used for Asian Americans (smart, short, etc) are not as harsh as the stereotypes used in racist comments regarding Hispanic Americans and African Americans. Needless to say, you're fighting an uphill battle regarding Asian American Racism within the American society as a whole, let alone within the Newgrounds community.

So, again, I can understand where you are coming from - but just know that this indifference towards Asian American Racism did not originate on Newgrounds but is a (regrettable) theme throughout American society, so you can't put all of the blame on Newgrounds or the creators of Ching Chong Beautiful.

Trying to argue in an online forum is as pointless as trying to reach the moon with a cardboard box. I only came here to find at least ONE person who completely understands where I'm coming from. Thank you so much.

I am fully aware of the uphill battle that I'm fighting, and it's been something I've been fighting for the past four years. The passivity of Asian American racism is indeed a regrettable one, our biggest enemy being that we don't have a collected unifed front to defend ourselves. There are Asians who don't mind being called "Chink", "Oriental" or "Macaca" and there are Asians who don't mind being treated like second class citizens. I can't do anything to change their minds but what I do know is that I often get the response of "my Asian friends find it perfectly acceptable" because of that. With the black community, there is at least a strong collective defense mechanism to deal with such things, and it's only unfortunate that Asians and Asian Americans do not have that.

Yeah, this indifference definitely did not originate in Newgrounds, and indeed it is a negative condition of American society.

I need to write an article about heroes and role models who are people of color and I know that arguing on this forum will suck the life and time out of me.

So once again, thank you. You were all I needed to hear.

At 1/8/10 09:28 PM, Guest8792 wrote: Overreacting asshole is overreacting.

I'm Indian and when ever anyone brings up a racial stereotype, I counter it with another racial stereotype about my race.

Why am I an overreacting asshole? Just for merely stating my opinion and standing up for myself? I'm glad to know that you counter a stereotype by using another stereotype, rather than just being yourself. If this makes you content, I wish you the best of luck, Insha'Allah.

At 1/8/10 09:07 PM, Blush wrote: Don't worry, I got the perfect guy on the job.

mothafuckAAAAAA

I'm Asian.

At 1/8/10 09:52 PM, HecticCircleCrap wrote:

At 1/8/10 09:51 PM, TheReturnOfTomsPulp wrote:

At 1/8/10 09:48 PM, DaxI wrote: You must be out of your zipper-head.

hahahaha

I'm not this weird after 14 drinks

14 drinks? What kind of drinks did you have?

Also, that's impressive.

At 1/8/10 10:03 PM, TheSilkyjoe123 wrote:

At 1/8/10 09:07 PM, Blush wrote: Don't worry, I got the perfect guy on the job.

mothafuckAAAAAA

I'm Asian.

I'm glad to know you're Asian. I'm Asian too. Word.

Ken Jeong is also awesome.