John Huang. Charlie Trie. and Johnny Chung must be part of an Asian conspiracy. A columnist for the New York Times played on this stereotype when. in a series of editorials last year. he wrote of the "penetration of the White House by Asian interests" and characterized John Huang as "the wellsubsidized Lippo operative placed high inside Clinton Commerce." The columnist also referred to an "Asian connection" which provided contributions through "front men with green cards." Even the respected Wall Street Journal described some of John Huangs donations as coming from "people with tenuous connections to this country." although it is unclear whether it was referring to Asian residents or AsianAmericans. A more recent manifestation of this stereotype can be found on this weeks cover of the National Review. which depicts President Clinton and Mrs. Clinton with slanted eyes. buckteeth. and wearing a coolie hat and Mao cap. respectively. over the headline. "The Manchurian Candidates." This is a true low for reporting standards. more reminiscent of William Randolph Hearsts Yellow Press than of modern journalism. Some irresponsible publications. in the interests of sensationalism. are obviously more than willing to conflate racist stereotypes with modern standards of objective journalism. The President.
Identified stereotypes
John Huang, Charlie Trie, and Johnny Chung must be part of an Asian conspiracy.