|
|
|
|
|
GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
Yao Ming: The Next Asian Superstar?
(Updated
Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025, 04:38:56 AM)
he sweetest moment for Asian men in American sports came on June 26, 2002 at Madison Square Garden. The Houston Rockets had just spent their number one overall draft pick on 7-5 Chinese center Yao Ming over 6-2 Duke guard Jay Williams. The largely black crowd of draft prospects and their contingents booed. They had reason to be displeased. For the past quarter century black athletes had dominated pro basketball and they saw Yao as a subversive force, an alien threat. Even Charles Barkley -- Yao's basketball idol -- sniped at Houston's choice and hinted at bad consequences.
David or Goliath?
|
What's wrong with this picture?
In the global sports scene blacks have come to represent all-around athletic prowess. Asian athletes, on the other hand, have been painted as disciplined and skilled but lacking power and size, able to excel only in sports no one cares about. For an Asian to get the top pick in a black-dominated sport was heresy.
To appreciate what Yao represents to Asian American men requires a quick trip down memory lane. And we do mean quick. The lane is short and sparsely populated.
In the beginning there was Sammy Lee, the first Asian American to win Olympic gold. He did it with 10-meter platform diving at the 1948 London games and again in 1952 at the Helsinki games. Not exactly a marquee sport, but inspiring nevertheless at a time when Asian Americans hardly knew what to call themselves.
Then came Michael Chang whose 1989 French Open championship has passed into tennis legend. Cramping and down two sets to Ivan Lendl in the round of 16, the 17-year-old phenom dared to discombobulate the Ice Man with moonballs and an underhanded serve. The ploy worked. The proof that Chang's nerves and speed were real came in the classic 5-set finals victory against Stefan Edberg. But Chang's recent ignomious descent into tennis twilight raises the suspicion that he simply lacks the size and power to stay in the power game.
It wasn't until Hideo Nomo joined the Dodgers in 1995 that an Asian athlete was able to inspire sustained frenzy in one of the big-three sports. Nomo's martian windup and delivery proved so effective that he set Dodgers strikeout records, made the All-Stars and inspired Nomomania.
By 2001 when Ichiro Suzuki joined the Mariners, Asian imports taking Rookie of the Year honors had practically become a Major League tradition. But none had done it with Ichiro's flair or sunglasses. It wasn't enough that he led the game in hitting and basestealing, he seemed determined to make it look easy. Sex appeal had finally come to the image of the Asian male athlete.
But the image still lacked something in many AA minds. Sure, for a leadoff hitter Ichiro hit his share of home runs, but he was known for speed and finesse, not power. Having chafed so long under stereotypes denying them size and strength, AA men longed for a star who could knock those assumptions back into the last millennium.
Eyes turned longingly to football as the obvious arena for the ultimate stereotype smasher -- and saw only Dat Nguyen of the Dallas Cowboys. As a promising linebacker, Nguyen doesn't enjoy the cache of a star offensive back. And at 5-11 and 240 pounds, Nguyen isn't exactly in the 99th percentile in terms of size and power among football players.
Asian American eyes were drawn to basketball by a trio of giants known collectively as "The Great Wall". They were very big for the Chinese national team. First to make his NBA debut was Wang Zhizhi (7-1, 220 pounds) in April 2001. As a center for the Dallas Mavericks he has averaged 5.5 points per 10.6 minutes of playing time per game. A respectable stat for any rookie but disappointing for those who had hoped for an instant Asian star. Then came Mengke Bateer (6-11, 290 pounds) in February of 2002. Despite 15.1 minutes of play per game as a center for the Denver Nuggets, he too disappointed some with an average 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.
Enter the Dragon. At a height variously described as 7-5 or 7-6, Yao Ming, 22, is at once the tallest and youngest of the trio. In the past two years his weight shot up from 255 to 295 pound -- and he's still growing. His gifts extend beyond size, however. He moves a foot shorter. Born to a pair of former stars for the Chinese national teams, his court instincts and skills are practically dyed-in-the-wool.
And yet Yao isn't a lock to defy the darker prognostications of his prospects as a Rocket. He was regularly outplayed by Wang Zhizhi when both were playing in China. Even with Yao, Wang and Mengke, the Chinese national team routinely lost to second-tier powers like France and Lithuania. Yao has never gone up against the likes of Shaquille O'Neal. The adjustment to life in the U.S. will be long and difficult. In short, Yao Ming is ideally positioned to become the biggest disappointment in the history of Asians in American sports.
Is Yao Ming the next Asian superstar? Or is he more likely to reinforce the image of Asian men as also-rans in power sports?
This interactive article is closed to new input.
Discussions posted during the past year remain available for browsing.
CONTACT US
|
ADVERTISING INFO
© 1996-2013 Asian Media Group Inc
No part of the contents of this site may be reproduced without prior written permission.
|
|
|
|
WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
-----He's just not supersta material. Why is he getting points? Simple, he has 2 of the quickest guards in the league. They draw away so much attention that Yao is just having it too easy. If yao was on another team with lesser talent, a lot of defensive focus would be on yao and he would simply get buried every night.
only 13 and 8. BIGDEAL?!?
Posted on Jan 7,-------
Your only showing your own ignorance. Look, it's the other way around. The reason why Steve and Mobley score easy is because of Yao. He [Yao] helps them [both two guards] take open shots because guys were coming to double and triple teaming Yao. And Yao hit them off to those two guard for open shots. That's what happened in last nights game.
You're Wrong
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 08:11:43 (PST)
[24.239.152.113]
Shaq's remark may seem like a joke but to many others who've been through those kinds of name calling won't consider it a joke. And when Shaq makes such remark, it not only affect him. It's going to affect the NBA as well as the commercial he [Shaq] does for companies. For example, Radio Shack and Mc Donald, two of the companies he had commercials with. The people who were offended can boycott what ever it is, associated with Shaq. And Shaq's popularity and reputation will be at stake.
Asian people should have a say about this, otherwise these ignorant slurs will continue.
----On top of that, you know what happens when rookies spout off at the mouth? Rookie stars are always targets. Motormouths are as well. Rookie motormouths? That's really asking for trouble. If Yao verbally put down Shaq, he'd not only have the Big Fella after him, you can bet that Rick Fox, Devean George, Brian Shaw, et al will declare the next game open season on Houston's rookie star.-------
Second sentences from the top, are you saying that it's alright to target rookies? And also are you saying that Yao can't put down Shaq and only Shaq can put down Yao because he is a rookie? This inncident has nothing to do with being a rookie or not.
Apple
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 07:43:05 (PST)
[24.239.152.113]
I do not know if I am posting in the correct section. I do have a question to fellow forummers that in a odd way is related to this issue.
I was walking on campus one day. As I was walking a group of African Americans were walking close to me. As they were walking they were singing a rap song and I overheard them singing and then I heard some part about something concerning Chinese boys and waydaoyodaodang or something to that effect. (Sorry I am not the most up to date in musical trends)
I just kept walking thinking nothing of it because some people like to sing when they walk. I then got to my class and then something bothered me, I could not figure out if their singing had anything to do with my race or were they just singing a song and I just happened to be around at the moment. I then questioned if I was being overly sensitive or if I was neglecting the obvious.
My question is whether or not I should take offense to the singing? What should I do in similar cases in the future? Was the song even derogatory toward Asians? From what I heard them say, it sounded as bad as the comments that Shaq made. Though I am not Chinese, I found the comments that Shaq made to be offensive. To merely chalk it up to sheer humour is ignorance. Shaq's insults concerning other teams have been directed mainly toward the playing ability or even something personal, yet in the Yao Ming statement it is clear that his intention was to insult Yao through insulting his language, culture, and identity. I just think it is wrong that it has gotten very little media attention. It is also like salt in the wound when it is flipped upon Asians and we are accused of not having a sense of humour. If we speak out then we have no sense of humour, if we keep silent then we fall into the "pacifist-weak" Asian role.
A dilemna from any angle.
Lucky Strike
Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 01:41:07 (PST)
[68.14.109.217]
AC dropout
I am not gonna be childish anymore and defer to calling names or trading diatribes with you. I'll respect your opinion and I hope you can do likewise.
In my opinion, Shaq is still the most valuable player...he still dominates no matter what team he plays. He's one of the greatest centers ever. With that being said, I don't like him but not to a point that I hate him...I just don't like him nor do I respect his personality. Especially after that remark about asian people, I came to the conclusion that he was just ignorant. And I don't respect ignorant people regardless of what race you are. When Shaq said "ching chang cho...whatever", Dan Patrick laughed and even kissed Shaq's ass on how funny that was. I am surprised nobody pointed that out. No matter, Dan's a dick in my book.
As for Yao, I think the asian community is very proud of him. Hes been berated to a point to a point where I actually doubted him and has shut his critics up without backlashing at them.
As for the asian male athlete whose the up in your face type, I see that way too often and I don't think I want to see another. They're often over rated and too arrogant. I'd prefer to see a gentlemen type with right mindset who doesn't take bulls*** from anyone.
Big Dave
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 22:40:22 (PST)
[172.170.148.146]
Yao is also a comedian, and he is probably funnier than Shaq, preferring hyperbolic humor instead of macho-taunting.
Commenting on the Golden State Warriors’ 5-foot-5 Earl Boykins, the shortest player on the NBA, Yao said, “Even when I looked down, I couldn’t see him. He almost stole the ball from me. At the time, I thought it was someone from the audience.”
And yesterday, he approached the press corps by dragging his right leg and feigning a bad limp before breaking into a smile and saying that his sprained left knee is fine, the Houston Chronicle reported. "Pretty good," Yao said. "I think I can play."
Yao, the Comedian
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 22:18:48 (PST)
[209.232.8.147]
[Irrelevant and self-indulgent ruminations omitted.]
reality check
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 18:51:45 (PST)
[24.90.168.112]
[We're surprised at your childish persistence in trying to start a peeing contest. You lose. Go to a graffitti site and trashtalk to your heart's content. Enjoy the mindlessness of trolls talking past each other. After you understand the importance of relevance and respect, you may return and try again. That will be your final chance at participating here. Now go, grasshopper. --Ed]
Best wishes for Yao Ming,
You see, just for Shaq's racist remark on Yao. His [Shaq] fans of asian decendant should all be lost, my opinion. Why would he have fan of who he is racist to, right? Don't make sense. And I also think that he should be hold responsible to his remark. He is a super-star, not a little kid who doesn't know right from wrong.
If he does lost any more fan. This off course will cut Laker franchise salary. Shaq's money and fame should not make a guilty person innocent, unfortunatly sometime it does.
Puncher the CounterMan
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 18:49:04 (PST)
[24.239.152.113]
MrMacross,
Yao is restrained by the fact that he is considered playing the role of Embassidor of China in the NBA.
If Yao started making fun of Black people in the Media, or handed out fried chicken to the audience when he played the Lakers, what do you think the media would say?
You think they would cut him the same amount of slack as Shaq?
AC Dropout
Heck no! You would have the NAACP demostrating in front of all the arenas wherever Yao went. I can see it now Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson with their unemployed professional vultures demanding whole year worth of FREE eggrolls. Where are these hypocrites? Do they only come out of the shadows only when blacks are offended?
Shaq as a human being is worthless, he's very immature, ignorant and obviously doesn't have any class. But its not only him, NBA is full of people like him, product of their environment.
Counter Puncher
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 18:10:58 (PST)
[205.188.209.43]
People, relax:
Good point...gosh, I wonder why the heck all the black folks was getting riled up by John Rocker and Trent Lott? Heck, they was just playing. Sheesh, I mean seriously, these are definitely silly folks having themselves a good time? I mean, lighten up. And the KKK, they're just playing dress up, and simply enjoy antique cross burnings along with vocally marring minorities.
Sorry my silly friend, even if he was joking, as Trent Lott was, it hardly gives him a good accuse. Aside from that, his apology really wasn't an apology at all. If you continued to read, you'd see that he even questions the audience, asking for an introspective of their own sensibility, rather than admitting that he was wrong.
chinatown
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 16:39:51 (PST)
[67.98.161.221]
Yao's response to Shaq: Ooh ah ah ah, ooh ah ah!
Indeed
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 14:35:37 (PST)
[169.237.16.157]
I'd really like to hear/read Al Sharpton, Johnnie Cochran and/or the Rev. Jesse Jackson's comments on the RACIAL comments made by Shaq. Of course, each of these guys are ALL FOR RACIAL EQUALITY.....until they have to look at their own. I'm a young white man, who have Asians as a wonderful part of my family. I'm not fighting for Asians, Blacks, Whites, anyone. I just want to hear any of the three above perform some "self-inflection" and comment on why a racial comment from black to asian deserves no comment, while the reverse is critized wildly. Maybe the lack of comments by the three above AND the ability for Yao to not accept it, but act gentlemanly towards it is the true display of cultural awareness. The lack of comments from any of our "equality assurance" individuals may show that equality is really not their agenda.
TnT
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 11:40:30 (PST)
[32.97.110.142]
Everybody,
I do not know whether Shaq's comment are totally out of control, but whenever you see a threat, you have to say things that sometimes you do not think about, and then it just blurts out. I think that Shaq did not really mean what he said, but I think he is mad at the fact that most American fans are now turning their hearts to Yao.
For instance, the American public was the one who voted for him for the All Star game. The statistics showed that the majority of votes came from the American public, not the Chinese people.
In short, the American public likes Yao because of his attitude. "He is a good kid," people who are affiliated with him would say. "He's just doing his job."
And now, back to Shaq. Since he made those comments, people will only look down at him. "Is this the gentle giant that we once knew?" people would say," or is he a new man or a bully?"
Yao just wants to be the best of a basketball player he can be and Shaq wants to remain the best. Shaq's comments were the embodiment of his competitiveness not because he is necessarily a racist. It was his pride talking.
So people, do not misunderstand the big man. He is afterall human, and he, like all of us will say things that are out of his control sometimes.
As an Asian-American male, I am not mad at his comments, but rather intrigued of how the male species could be so competitive, aggressive, and misunderstood.
Anyway,
I have a question. Is there anyone familiar with the Harlem Globetrotters?
Is it me or did I really see a 7 foot Asian guy dribbling the ball and wearing their uniform? I think his name was Lou or Lang or something. Just curious. Anyway, if anyone of you have information, please let me know.
Peace
Chill Man
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 10:58:53 (PST)
[68.96.110.86]
MrRobotech,
When Shaq makes a racial slur once. Fine I give him the benefit of a doubt.
Twice, he becomes a midget in the game of life.
Just because Yao choose to have some restraint over this matter. Doesn't mean his fans and supportors need to.
AC Dropout
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 10:46:59 (PST)
[24.136.115.189]
I don't think Shaq was being a racist when he said things that he said. The media is really the one who would love to see this kind of thing. Let's not be oversensitive of small things. The report was published by the Asian Week publications ... I don't even know this newspaper or magazine ? So just chill out, relax, and enjoy the game.
Dill
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 09:41:12 (PST)
[4.35.211.82]
In regards to Chan Ho Park's fight with Tim Belcher, what the media failed to mention is that Belcher said "Get the f--- off the field" to Park after applyng the hard tag. They then exchanged words where Belcher goaded him into a fight.
Why wasn't Belcher's unsportsmanmenlike conduct mentioned?
Double standard
Monday, January 13, 2003 at 09:07:22 (PST)
[172.150.27.178]
NEWEST COMMENTS |
EARLIER COMMENTS
|