AAJA Issues Letter to "Pasadena Weekly" for Racist Remarks

Kevin Uhrich
Editor
Pasadena Weekly

Dear Mr. Uhrich:

We noticed that Jim Laris is the former publisher and owner of the Weekly. That must explain why your paper would allow him to spew his brand of racism. ("Hearing is not believing" - 8/26/10).

To be clear, Chinese people don't "Kung Pow." Chinese and "commie" are not interchangeable. And "tandoori-ass laugh" doesn't even make sense.

We see these unsuccessful attempts at humor a couple times a year. But they're usually from college kids trying their hand at satire - not former publishers (or, for that matter, current publishers and editors) who ought to know better.

It's no wonder Jim's wife doesn't listen to him. No one else ought to be subjected to him, either.

An apology to your readers would be nice.

Sincerely,

Sharon Chan
President, Asian American Journalists Association
schan@seattletimes.com

Jam Sardar
Co-Chair, MediaWatch
jsardar@aol.com

Bobby Caina Calvan
Co-Chair, MediaWatch
bcalvan@sacbee.com