References to bars offend Koreans
In his May 19 column, Bill Kwon described the reaction to Se Ri Pak's LPGA championship victory by stating that "They're dancing in the streets of Seoul. And, I imagine, on Keeaumoku St., too;" "...especially during happy hour;" and "Who knows? Maybe there even might be a Club Se Ri on Keeaumoku St. some day."This is not very culturally sensitive, and is offensive to many Koreans who are disturbed by the association that people make with Koreans and the "hostess bars" in Hawaii.
It would be nice if Kwon and the editors could publish an appology and refrain from using such offensive language in the future.
Philip Suh, M.D.
(Via the Internet)
Sexism, racism permeate column about golfer
Sexist and racist best describe Bill Kwon's May 19 column, "Pak's victory celebration touches Seoul." While Kwon praises the potential of Korea's newest sports sensation, Se Ri Pak, he does it at the expense of women and Korean Americans in Hawaii.Kwon writes that Samsung, Pak's major sponsor, is her "sugar-daddy," a term usually reserved for men who give gifts to women in exchange for sexual favors or companionship. This suggests that Pak and other women in professional sports are the playthings of their corporate sponsors and are not worthy of the respect their male counterparts receive.
Kwon insinuates that Korean Americans are only proprietors of hostess bars and that the only way to honor Se Ri Pak's accomplishments is by naming one after her. Would it be fair to say that there should be a Chinese laundry named after China's Olympic bronze-medalist Lu Chen?
It is unfortunate that a seasoned journalist like Bill Kwon must resort to these sexist and racial innunendos to create a thread for his story.
Janet Kwak
(Via the Internet)
Editor's note:
The Star-Bulletin agrees that the comments were
offensive and inappropriate. We apologize.
Lingle's 'Volkswagen' could bug Cayetano
In comparing executive experience, Ben Cayetano recently stated that a fair comparison between GOP gubernatorial candidates Linda Lingle and Frank Fasi would be like saying that Lingle drives a Volkswagen and Fasi drives a bus.Then I guess that Ben Cayetano must drive a Rolls Royce -- and we all know which company took over the other and why!
Bradley Ong
Kailua
(Via the Internet)
Governor must start listening to the people
This past weekend, at the Democratic Party convention, the business-as-usual mindset once again surfaced. A Cayetano strategist, who asked not to be named, said, "Cayetano's campaign will focus on the governor's personal attributes of toughness, integrity and willingness to do what 'HE' believes, regardless of the consequences."Governor Cayetano, when will you listen to what "WE" want?
Rich Ernst
Aiea
(Via the Internet)
Cartoon on civil-rights ruling was hilarious
Thank you, Corky, for making me laugh so hard at your May 21 front-page cartoon about the minority crybaby. It caught me by surprise and really tickled my funny bone.We all need to laugh at ourselves and not take ourselves so seriously. Let me know when you'll publish your next collection of political cartoons, and I promise to be the first to buy it.
Gordon Chung
(Via the Internet)
Bankruptcies, failures are part of survival of fittest
The Legislature should be commended for recognizing the voodoo economics of the Economic Revitalization Task Force. The proposition that trickle-down tax cuts will stimulate the economy is based on plain ignorance. There is no basis in fact for such a contention.The free-market advocates who cry to the Legislature to bail them out and point to bankruptcies and business failures as evidence of their need are either lying or are ignorant. The free market periodically clears out inefficient businesses so that efficient ones can survive.
Yes, it is hard on employees and small business owners, but they are the ones the free market is designed to penalize.
David Pfeiffer
FHB has enhanced area near Old Stadium Park
The new First Hawaiian Bank across from Old Stadium Park in Moiliili is a wonderful example of what a thoughtful and caring business can do to enhance a community.The design of the building -- with its baseball diamond-shaped windows and goal posts' frames, huge photo mural and memorabilia showcase --add immensely to the historic significance of Old Stadium Park.
In 1994, my organization coordinated the efforts of many (such as St. Louis Alumni Association, UH Sports) to install a bronze plaque at the King and Isenberg entrance of the park to explain the site's significance.
Now First Hawaiian Bank has taken the significance of its new site and incorporated into its building's design and interior decor to further immortalize the once great, never duplicated Honolulu Stadium.
Mahalo, FHB!
Toni Robinson
Publications Chairwoman
Hawaii Recreation and
Park Association
(Via the Internet)
Write a Want to write a letter to the editor? Let all Star-Bulletin readers know what you think. Please keep your letter to about 200 words. You can send it by e-mail to letters@starbulletin.com or you can fill in the online form for a faster response. Or print it and mail it to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802. Or fax it to: 523-8509. Always be sure to include your daytime phone number.
Letter to the Editor