First off, the NBA is by no means just a “typical dreams –– besides being a spoiled-brat gangsta rapper –– that marginalized black boys chase.” And that is no means the view of all Asians. If Ricky was more accurate with his facts he may want to consider that the NBA is one the most diverse organizations. To characterize the NBA in such a way is to make a generalization that I think, though I cannot say for the African American community, as offensive. Ricky also has no appreciation for the game of basketball, otherwise he’d realize that it is a very respectful game. Further in his article, Ricky is expressing stereotypes about the African American community that are simply inappropriate. Please speak for Asian Americans without degrading other communities.
Yao Ming, 7-foot-5 rookie for the Houston Rockets is a great role-model for not only Chinese Americans but also Asian Americans. I hoped for an Asian role model who completely negates the stereotypes of a passive, emasculated Asian male, and I got him.
Above all Yao Ming is a role model because he transcends cultural barriers. For example at a Houston game there was this African American women holding a sign that said “Ming Dynasty.” Talking to many others of different nationalities, races, ethnicities (whatever you want to call it), Yao Ming is respected. As this European American kid told me “I like him.” True, he is by no means a solution to stereotypes. However, that is not to say that he is a positive role model. The phenomenon with Michael Chang and tennis and Ichiro and baseball I think is analogous with Yao and basketball. It is true that we live in a world that surrounds with inequality. In the arena of sports Asian Americans are sorely misrepresented. Yao not only represents another athlete for Asian Americans, but an aggressive one at that. Hey, Asians aren’t all passive! Yao, playing basketball represents one of many things that many think Asians can’t do. Well as Charles Barkley found out, Yao is showing us we can do it. Keep it up Yao. You’re my hero!

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