The Literature Network - How Bad Was It? Opinions differ on Clark's 'Chinaman' comment

How Bad Was It? Opinions differ on Clark's 'Chinaman' comment

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From: AsianWeek
Date: 20031210
Author:Nishioka, Joyce

Nishioka, Joyce
AsianWeek
12-10-2003
Nineteenth century writers Joaquin Miller, Ambrose Bierce and Bret Harte
didn't coin the term "Chinaman" -- but they popularized its use, shading
the word with negative stereotypes of Chinese.

"Chinaman was incorporated into the American slang, `Not a Chinaman's
chance,'" says UC Berkeley ethnic studies professor Ling-Chi Wang. "This
slang contributed to the persistent stereotype that we can always take
advantage of and scapegoat Chinese Americans with impunity."

The derogatory term is still commonly used -- and not just by rubes.
Recently, presidential candidate ...

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