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Trump's fake accent angers Asian Americans as they veer left

68 Comments
By TERRY TANG

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also disagrees that his reported words were racist or done out of cruelty.

Were this the first, or second, maybe third time he's mocked some group different from his I might agree. But when there's a long history - 74 years? - of Trump saying insulting things to humiliate 'the others', i.e. those not in his demographic, I invoke the duck principle.

It's clear Trump's pandering to his base and cares little if anything about the rest of the country. And world. Except perhaps his fellow .01%ers at home and 'abroad'.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

I'd like to see an article written about who Trump has not offended.  Sure, it would be a very short  piece, but an interesting read.  Perhaps Putin, MBS and NK would get a mention.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

At least President Trump understands Asian English.

Maybe, Asian’s don’t understand President Trump’s English?

However, money is an international language so...

-8 ( +9 / -17 )

Americans, including talk show hosts, make fun of European accents all the time. However, a president should not disrespect another group of people like that. He is not a comedian. He is in a position that sets the tone for million of his followers. His words matter. The perpetuation of group stereotypes and their effect on people is something very few White Americans can understand. You can't truly understand something until you have experienced it. I am sure all the White people living in Japan have experienced negative group stereotyping at some point. You didn't like it, did you? Now imagine if you were born in Japan and had to live with it for the rest of your life. Not nice.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Never. Ever. Mock one's accent. It's among the most condescending of behaviors.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

The United States has made slow but distinct strides to eliminate racism and bigotry since the 1960s. And now this idiot in chief has managed to undo everything that we have accomplished. He has the mental maturity of a 12 year old and as POTUS he has let bigotry become acceptable.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

Maybe, Asian’s don’t understand President Trump’s English?

No rational, educated adult understands Donny's English.

5 ( +15 / -10 )

Why has it taken over a week for this to be reported here? Trump's crude performance happened on August 9th at a fundraiser in the Hamptons:

"When it came time for him to re-enact a conversation with Prime Minister Abe regarding trade tariffs, Trump allegedly assumed “a fake Japanese accent.” The president then reportedly gushed about his supposedly close friendship with Japan’s leader, and his interest in Abe’s father, Zenji Abe, who was among the pilots who bombed Pearl Harbor:

Trump spoke about his friendship with Abe and how fascinated he was with Abe’s father, who had been a kamikaze pilot. Trump asked Abe if the kamikaze pilots were drunk or on drugs. Abe said no, they just loved their country. Trump remarked, “Imagine they get in a plane with a half a tank of gas and fly into steel ships just for the love of their country!”

Trump was reportedly far more generous with his praise when discussing his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, claiming that he “just got a beautiful letter from him this week. We are friends. People say he only smiles when he sees me.” Trump added: “If I hadn’t been elected president, we would be in a big, fat, juicy war with North Korea.”

Incredible stuff. That's the President of the United States of America by the way, supposedly the most powerful man in the world...

https://www.spin.com/2019/08/trump-racist-impressions-hamptons-fundraiser-abe-moon/

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Never. Ever. Mock one's accent. It's among the most condescending of behaviors.

You realize that people around the world mock Trump’s accent, don’t you?

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

You realize that people around the world mock Trump’s accent, don’t you?

Trump doesn't have an accent. Certainly not in the same way an Asian-American would. If you're foreign born you can't help it.

Trump can. People mock Trump because he's an idiot. So it's really something when Trump mocks someone's ability in a second language, when Donald has yet to master even one.

3 ( +11 / -8 )

"You realize that people around the world mock Trump’s accent, don’t you?"

They mock Trump; he's a clown and the people of the US don't know how to rein him in. They elected a mentally ill celebrity as their President.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

You realize that people around the world mock Trump’s accent, don’t you?

Replace accent with stupidity and you have it right....

I'm still waiting for a Trumper to explain what an "infantroopen" and a "Lawmurker" is....

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/7/25/1874486/-Trump-coins-two-fascinating-new-words-infantroopen-and-lawmurkers

Donnie's use of stereotypical accents just reinforces what his closest associates have said; he has a "fifth or six grade understanding of the world"

4 ( +11 / -7 )

At least President Trump understands Asian English.

Maybe, Asian’s don’t understand President Trump’s English?

However, money is an international language so...

Trump speaks used car salesman English.

@Kurisupisu

What is Asian English? I am sorry, I have never heard of that language. Could you please educate me? I know what English is. A long time ago, after the revolutionary war, there used to be a similar language called American; however, I don't know Asian English.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

"Don't, Donald! Be best!"

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Great, how can Dems start their pandering to Asian Americans now? Im sure we will see one of the Dem 2020 candidates using chopsticks on Instagram soon.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

buas revealed by the 3rd paragraph already.

“Berg, a registered Democrat, is among a growing and crucial bloc of Asian American voters leaning further to the left”

not moving from center toward left, but further left. Registered Dem, far left, won’t vote for Trump under any circumstances no matter what he does or doesn’t do.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

Blacklabel: "Great, how can Dems start their pandering to Asian Americans now? Im sure we will see one of the Dem 2020 candidates using chopsticks on Instagram soon."

Totally irrelevant.

Where are the Moderators?

0 ( +8 / -8 )

I think this man-child ought to concentrate on improving his own English skills before making fun of others. This idiot can't even speak the only language he knows. His limited and repetitive vocabulary makes him look very uneducated. Coming up with country names like Nambia, TanZAYnia, Button and Nipple. Comedy gold! Everybody's laughing at him and his deplorables.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

You realize that people around the world mock Trump’s accent, don’t you?

Bugle, that's an interesting point. Trump was born and raised in America. Just as in humor, where joking about your own ethnic group is okay but going after others not, joking about a native English speaker's accent is fair game, but that of a non-native speaker is insulating and unfair. Does he mimic Melania's accent?

4 ( +10 / -6 )

Great, how can Dems start their pandering to Asian Americans now?

All politicians pander to groups to get elected. It’s how the game is played.

Trump panders to racists and they appreciated it.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Great, how can Dems start their pandering to Asian Americans now? Im sure we will see one of the Dem 2020 candidates using chopsticks on Instagram soon.

As this has any relevance to Trump using elementary school racist accents....

And they continue to say; "we're not racists".....

They make the point with every post they make....

1 ( +7 / -6 )

We know all about his locker room humor which he can’t keep there.

But that’s not racist. In fact, Trump criticized Harvard and Ivy League schools in general for setting higher admission standards for East Asian applicants - and setting lower standards for other minorities.

On that, East Asians can claim true racism on the part of those liberal universities. Because that is where it really is. Trump would never do anything to discourage East Asian applicants, and they know it.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

LOL! The Great Divider strikes once again! And he wonders why he can get his Nobel Peace Prize. He already blew it with lil' Kim. Now he trying to ruing relations with other Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, India, and Pakistan. He doesn't have the emotional maturity to function on the world stage.

Trump offers to help ease tension in Japan-South Korea dispute

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-japan-laborers-trump-idUSKCN1UE248

Trump Offers Help in Kashmir, Citing a Request That India Denies Making

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-22/trump-offers-his-help-to-resolve-india-pakistan-conflict

The most dangerous thing about this narcissist in the US is he always turns on everyone in the end. If he doesn't get re-elected, he will turn on the US citizens and country and burn the house down as he exits. I predict that he will screw the US over big time in the end just like all of his business partners and employees!

1 ( +8 / -7 )

zichi, he said nothing in any of those cases that could be defined as “racist”

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Does he mimic Melania's accent?

On a variety of levels, I certainly hope so! lol

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Well, I'm appalled - appalled by the Trump haters here who discriminate against our President just because he speaks with an accent - we all know English is his second language - and that he is a native speaker of Orangeish....

People who speak Orangeish shouldn't be discriminated against just because they talk a little differently from the rest of us...

So they confuse "oranges" with "origins", and use words like covefefe, infantroopen, and lawmurkers...and call a great previous President, "Ulucious" S. Grant...

Remember, Orangeish is a language too - though its only spoken by one person....

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Trump was born and raised in America. Just as in humor, where joking about your own ethnic group is okay but going after others not, joking about a native English speaker's accent is fair game, but that of a non-native speaker is insulating and unfair. Does he mimic Melania's accent?

Fair point, laguna. I think it can be done tastefully (playful banter etc) but you're right, it can get mean and nasty (& hurtful) pretty quickly. I have to admit i've been guilty of this before (and also on the receiving end and didnt mind it at all). Reckon all's fair in banter & windups, just got to mindful of who you're talking to, the time & place, audience, how etc. ( a fundraiser's probably not the best place for that).

0 ( +5 / -5 )

How pathetic and petty that some choose to find offense in everything, unless of course it's done by so-called "liberals" who actually anything BUT liberal! Obama was also well-known for using voice affectations, but that of course was always OK. SMH...

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

When Amanda Berg heard reports that President Donald Trump mocked the accents of the leaders of South Korea and Japan

Any video of this? No? Fake news? Even if it's not though -

Trump supporters like Farhana Shah, of the Arizona GOP Asian American Coalition, however, say his personality is irrelevant. She praised Trump for creating jobs, passing a tax cut and keeping the country safe. Shah, who emigrated from Bangladesh in 2006 and is self-conscious at times about her own accent, also disagrees that his reported words were racist or done out of cruelty.

"He has a humorous attitude. He has a funny way of expressing things," Shah said. "Did he harm any political negotiations? Did the leaders (themselves) react to that? If not, then it didn't do any big harm. So why should I get offended?"

Can't wait to see how the Trump haters react to this sensible statement by Farhana Shah.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Can't wait to see how the Trump haters react to this sensible statement by Farhana Shah.

Four hours later and no reaction yet. Then again - Trump supporter says something supportive of Trump. There's not much to react to.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@Alfie Noakes

The article you refer to contains glaring mistakes!

https://www.spin.com/2019/08/trump-racist-impressions-hamptons-fundraiser-abe-moon/

Shinzo Abe's father was Shintaro Abe not Zenji Abe. His father volunteered as a kamikaze pilot but the war ended before he could participate.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

it can get mean and nasty (& hurtful) pretty quickly.

Goldorak, I agree. Only when my wife is seriously angry with me does she mock my Americanized Japanese accent. I make it a point never to mock her Japanized English accent, even when angry - it's just under the table.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Just one more demonstration of how money can't by class or dignity.

(With this idiot, it probably couldn't even buy a vowel, like on that game show.)

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Can't wait to see how the Trump haters react to this sensible statement by Farhana Shah.

OK. I'll bite. I find almost nothing sensible in Ms Shah's statement.

Trump supporters like Farhana Shah, of the Arizona GOP Asian American Coalition, however, say his personality is irrelevant. She praised Trump for creating jobs, passing a tax cut and keeping the country safe.

It turns out his job creation numbers were exaggerated to the tune of at least 500,000.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/21/business/economy/jobs-growth-revision.html

And, the tax cuts were only for corporations and the wealthy. They created no jobs, with corporations using the the tax savings to buy back stock. Regular folks actually ended up paying more tax. It hasn't boosted the economy in general, and only increased the deficit exponentially.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/16/trumps-tax-cut-isnt-giving-the-us-economy-the-boost-it-needs.html

Shah, who emigrated from Bangladesh in 2006 and is self-conscious at times about her own accent, also disagrees that his reported words were racist or done out of cruelty.

His constant mocking of women, foreigners, the disabled, etc certainly seem like they are out of cruelty. If not, he's incredibly tone-deaf and insensitive for a world leader.

"He has a humorous attitude. He has a funny way of expressing things," Shah said. "Did he harm any political negotiations? Did the leaders (themselves) react to that? If not, then it didn't do any big harm. So why should I get offended?"

I have never heard or seen him express himself with humor or in a "funny way". That is, unless she means funny strange as opposed to funny haha. Every attempt he has ever made at humor is always in the form of an insult, put-down, or some form of mockery.

He is humorless, tactless, classless, and tasteless. He is offensive, boorish, uneducated, incurious, selfish, egotistical, narcissistic, and pathological. Now, THAT is a sensible statement.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Trumpians, your President is becoming more and more out of control with every day that passes. You really, really ought to be looking for the exit door right now, because sooner rather than later he's going to come out with something - or even worse, do something - that even you won't be able to make excuses for.

So I take it you disagree with Farhana Shah?

Can't wait to see how the Trump haters react to this sensible statement by Farhana Shah.

OK. I'll bite. I find almost nothing sensible in Ms Shah's statement.

Of course not, your blind hate prevents you from it.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

SerranoToday  06:12 pm JST

Garypen: OK. I'll bite. I find almost nothing sensible in Ms Shah's statement.

Of course not, your blind hate prevents you from it.

Doesn't look as if you read a whole lot of the comment.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

They mock Trump; he's a clown and the people of the US don't know how to rein him in.

We’re not supposed to rein him in, he’s the President, we knew exactly what we were getting, proud of that vote then and proud of it now. I would like to rein in the socialists though....

They elected a mentally ill celebrity as their President.

I think most of the current European leaderships state of mental capacity is in serious question....

0 ( +8 / -8 )

However, a president should not disrespect another group of people like that. He is not a comedian. He is in a position that sets the tone for million of his followers. His words matter. The perpetuation of group stereotypes and their effect on people is something very few White Americans can understand. You can't truly understand something until you have experienced it. I am sure all the White people living in Japan have experienced negative group stereotyping at some point. You didn't like it, did you?

It's one thing to 'copy'/mimic/'duplicate'/'imitate' a foreign accent or language without belittling it. Pres. Reagan stumbled on a few Japanese name pronunciations and people sort of took it as just simply a case of a foreigner 'messing up'. That happens when you try to say words or names in a language that is not your first one.

But what Don Traitor is doing is unacceptable, uncouth and juvenile. If I were one of the Asian Americans in the audience I would walk out on this blubbering imbecile. He needs to go back to kindergarden, he has no class at all. None.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

*But what Don Traitor is doing is unacceptable, uncouth and juvenile. *

If I were one of the Asian Americans in the audience I would walk out on this blubbering imbecile.

Well, we just have to disagree, but if you felt like that, of course you are entitled to leave.

He needs to go back to kindergarden, he has no class at all. None.

I disagree.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

I suppose if someone was talking to your Japanese wife or halfu children this way you be fine with it...

If the person is doing it out of ignorance and that has happened before by the way, i just blow it off because let’s face it, the President comes from a different era where people would say or do things that although may be racially sensitive by today’s standards, but that doesn’t mean the person is racist.

or just your so in love with your guy he gets a free pass on everything..decency and moral dont exist in Donnie's world...

Absolutely not.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

 let’s face it, the President comes from a different era where people would say or do things that although may be racially sensitive by today’s standards, but that doesn’t mean the person is racist.

He was born in 1946 not 1926 or 1846. He was a young adult in a post civil rights movement world. This is willful ignorance at best and yes, downright racist in reality. Yes, indeed, It absolutely means he is racist. You might make a case with me for some sheltered and isolated good old boys born before the war (the case would fail) but this is a Wharton school educated, NYC born rich kid who also happens to be the bloody President of the United States! No, he does not get a pass for ignorance. Get real fanboy.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Ignorant Americans, sadly, are very vocal and of course when the #1 ignoramus is the PotUS, of course there's going to be coverage.

I would like to reiterate that the majority of Americans are not bigoted and prone to this kind of idiocy.

That said, it's important to stop this kind of racist behavior. Even if it means butting into someone's conversation, if you hear this.

It's not funny, it never has been.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Ignorant Americans, sadly, are very vocal

But the ignorant smartest ones have all the power, money and control and a bigger mic.

and of course when the #1 ignoramus is the PotUS, of course there's going to be coverage.

Hmmm....I disagree.

I would like to reiterate that the majority of Americans are not bigoted and prone to this kind of idiocy.

comforting

That said, it's important to stop this kind of racist behavior. Even if it means butting into someone's conversation, if you hear this. 

It's not funny, it never has been.

I think liberals need to relax, really

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Trump's abysmal job approval rating:

http://www.apnorc.org/projects/Pages/President-Trump%27s-Approval.aspx

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I think liberals need to relax, really

I think you need to stop calling me a liberal. I'm very relaxed unless some clown comes up to me and makes fun of mine or anyone else's accent. Then, they'll get a milkshake over their fancy suit. The PotUS is a fool, a jester, a sideshow diversion from important issues. He'll be out/jailed/etc sooner or later.

But a whole generation has been enabled by his bigotry. That's going to take some healing and educating to overcome.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

I’m a bit unsure on this one. I work in a non-PC environment and particularly when I’m on the factory floor, this kind of mockery goes on. I get ripped by Japanese for my supposedly ‘posh’ and ‘female’ Japanese and my English gets sneered at from a snob Englishman who speaks RP as opposed to my ‘blue collar’ English. Some of my Japanese coworkers make fun of their own English.

I think intent is what matters.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I think you need to stop calling me a liberal. I'm very relaxed unless some clown comes up to me and makes fun of mine or anyone else's accent.

Accent? Huh?

Then, they'll get a milkshake over their fancy suit.

Ok, lol...

The PotUS is a fool, a jester, a sideshow diversion from important issues. He'll be out/jailed/etc sooner or later.

I disagree.

But a whole generation has been enabled by his bigotry. That's going to take some healing and educating to overcome.

If the President is a bigot or a racist, then Democrats and liberals are way ahead of the game. The 3 “R” for liberals are running on: Russia, Race, Recession. It’s all going to fail, has so far and will continue to do so.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Everyone and their sensitive feelings these days is just comical.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Speaking of being overly sensitive...

If posters link to a youtube, they should mention its sponsor. I refuse to click and thereby contribute money to Putin and Bannon's numerous sites.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

That’s your choice.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

J-DakeToday 09:02 am JST let’s face it, the President comes from a different era where people would say or do things that although may be racially sensitive by today’s standards, but that doesn’t mean the person is racist.

He was born in 1946 not 1926 or 1846. He was a young adult in a post civil rights movement world. This is willful ignorance at best and yes, downright racist in reality. Yes, indeed, It absolutely means he is racist. You might make a case with me for some sheltered and isolated good old boys born before the war (the case would fail) but this is a Wharton school educated, NYC born rich kid who also happens to be the bloody President of the United States! No, he does not get a pass for ignorance. Get real fanboy.

No, it's not acceptable. Period. Previous presidents have dealt with diplomatic issues and they have acted in respect for foreign dignitaries. ALL of them - even the moron Dumbya has more sense than that. Presidents born before WW2 have been respectful. That means Reagan, Bush, and the ones before them.

JimizoToday 10:05 am JSTI’m a bit unsure on this one. I work in a non-PC environment and particularly when I’m on the factory floor, this kind of mockery goes on

I don't use 'PC' language but I sure don't use derogatory slur words or make ill-mannered jokes about other people's cultures, languages, etc. either! Granted, foreigners have some 'ways' you may find to be 'strange' but it goes vice versa too. Mocking somebody who is 'different' from you is a juvenile narrow-minded and immature thing to be doing and is unsuitable for a person who claims to be a POTUS, let alone someone old enough to know better!

Trumpturd has no business in any organization or conference or event or even a conversation of any kind. He is 70+ odd years old, going on 10. SK, China, NATO nations ought to just shun all diplomacy talks with the USA in protest and keep it that way until this obnoxious loudmouth brat either is impeached and removed from office for his crimes or resigns from office. You can't negotiate anything with a boorish bully like this.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

If the person is doing it out of ignorance and that has happened before by the way, i just blow it off 

Unbelievable. You make post after post talking about how tough you are and how eager you are to beat people up, but when people are racist to your immediate family you shrivel up and throw them under the bus? How do you think that makes them feel? That their husband, their father is more willing to bow down to racists than stand up for them?

Have some dignity, man, Jesus Christ.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Unbelievable. You make post after post talking about how tough you are and how eager you are to beat people up,

I never made that claim. I just said, I would never allow anyone to physically attack me or are you saying, I should allow myself to become a punching bag for someone else’s inferiority complex issues?

but when people are racist to your immediate family you shrivel up and throw them under the bus?

No.

How do you think that makes them feel? That their husband, their father is more willing to bow down to racists than stand up for them?

Nothing because I wouldn’t.

Have some dignity, man, Jesus Christ.

Always, never compromising.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

bass4funk

We’re not supposed to rein him in, he’s the President, we knew exactly what we were getting...

A. We are most definitely supposed to rein him in. That is why there are three branches of government in the US. Did they not teach basic US history in your schools?

B. Most did know exactly what they would be getting, which is why almost 3 million more Americans voted for his opponent.

C. And, many who did vote for him, did not know what they were getting. Farmers getting boinked by the trade wars, for instance. The 10's of thousands laid off after being told the corporate tax cuts would create jobs. Etc.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Is there a video of this? I can't seem to find any videos of it. Just people talking about it.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

 I suppose if someone was talking to your Japanese wife or halfu children this way you be fine with it...

How can you criticize someone for doing an accent, then do it yourself by using the word "halfu" instead of half?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

He's your president America. I wonder if he will go another 4 years.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

How can you criticize someone for doing an accent, then do it yourself by using the word "halfu" instead of half?

How can you pull someone up for using "halfu" and then teach them instead the incorrect "half"?

I've never met the bass family, but I'm pretty confident any kids he has are 100% kids, not half anything.

Of course, when they're living in Japan with a Japanese Mum and and an American Dad, the Japanese term most often used to describe them is probably haafu, which while derived from an English loan-word is 100% a part of the modern Japanese lexicon and has nothing at all to do with accents or making fun of people.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

How can you pull someone up for using "halfu" and then teach them instead the incorrect "half"?

How is using half incorrect? If his wife is Japanese and he is not, then his children will be half Japanese. What was it that Donald Trump did that was considered mocking?

5 ( +8 / -3 )

That is one long report, and the only example they give of Trump imitating the Asian accent is: "When these people walk into the room ... they say 'We want deal!'"

They really are getting desperate to get some "dirt" on Trump...

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

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