Asian Americans attack cultural labels at summit on stereotypes

(Los Angeles Times) More than 200 participants gathered in Little Tokyo on Saturday to talk – and tweet – candidly about persistent negative images damaging to their ethnic group, especially when it comes to family, education, politics and news coverage.

Participants converged on Little Tokyo for "Beyond the Bad and the Ugly," the first ever summit on Asian American stereotypes. Some sported buttons with labels touting them as thugs, geeks, players and FOBs, or "fresh off the boat."   

"Don't be afraid," a moderator urged at the start, and participants didn't hold back, attacking offensive stereotypes of some members of their ethnic group that ranged from sexless nerds to predatory temptresses. 

To counter such notions, organizers invited some of the most visible Asian American bloggers, activists and academics to share their views. Speakers set a frank tone from the opening session, with poet and author Beau Sia noting, "You think I know martial arts? I don't. You think I'm smart? I'm dumb. We decide how to build or how to react to our environment. We can turn … into gold."

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