Social media and slurs: The double standard of Asian hate

Editor's note: Shanaaz Prince is a multimedia editor for CGTN Digital. This article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The recent controversy surrounding Love Island USA star Cierra Ortega, who was removed from the reality show after old social media posts resurfaced containing racial slurs against the Asian community, has sparked a much-needed conversation about anti-Asian hate.

In a post from 2023, Ortega referred to her eyes as appearing "chinky" – a derogatory term historically used to denigrate the Asian community.

"I can also be a little chinky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look," the post read.

While many have spoken out, acknowledging that she may not have "meant it with hate," others expressed disappointment upon discovering that Ortega had used the slur on a previous occasion, revealed in an earlier 2015 post of her smiling while standing at the top of a mountain.

"Still chinkin' even at the top," it read.

The outcry led to her subsequent removal from the show.

However, this is not the first time the show has come under fire for contestants making racist remarks. At the start of this season, another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, was removed from the show after a resurfaced podcast revealed her using a racial slur directed at the Black community.

But while Escobar's actions were met with swift consequences, Ortega's defenders argued that her words were not as serious. This disparity is telling – and this kind of double standard is precisely the problem.

With the rise of social media over the years, more and more instances of racism – whether intentional or not – have come to light, and people are increasingly calling out the perpetrators.

American rapper Cardi B came under fire in 2020 after using the same slur when referring to her daughter's eyes. Faced with backlash, she responded by admitting she was unaware of its offensive meaning.

"We don't even use that as (an) insult and I don't use it as (an) insult. I'm sick of the internet," she said in a now-deleted post.

Anti-Asian hate is often overlooked or downplayed, with many people failing to recognize the impact and harm caused by racial slurs and stereotypes, which are often used colloquially.

In fact, British politician Nigel Farage defended the use of the word "chinky" during a radio interview in December 2014, saying it was commonly used to describe Chinese restaurants. This came after UK Independence Party candidate Kerry Smith was forced to resign after using the term.

"If you and your mates were going out for Chinese, what do you say you're going for?" he said during the interview.

"I think we're very snobbish in London about condemning, perhaps, the colloquial language people use – particularly if it's not meant with really unpleasant intent."

Racial slurs carry a weight of history and pain that can be devastating to those targeted. As one Asian-American TikTok user put it, it is not about "Oppression Olympics," where one slur is worse than another. A racial slur is a racial slur, and it should be taken seriously, regardless of which demographic it targets.

"Any slur is bad – an ableist slur, a racist slur, a homophobic slur – and I do think because Asians are the smallest portion of the American population, people are the most ignorant about Asian slurs," he says.

"People just don't understand the historical implications of any slur because we're not taught the history in schools. So anytime an Asian person is like, 'Well, I don't care about that slur,' or, 'It's not as impactful as this other one,' it's because you don't understand the history of the language."

The normalization of anti-Asian hate is a problem that goes far beyond reality TV shows. It is a symptom of a deeper issue – one that perpetuates stereotypes and racism against Asian communities. From the "model minority" myth to other orientalist stereotypes about Asian people, including their appearance, culture and more, anti-Asian hate takes many forms. It is time we began taking it seriously – as seriously as any other form of discrimination.

Since being removed from the show, Ortega has released a video apology, taking accountability for her actions.

"I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term and, before I get into the details, I want to start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly the entire Asian community," she said in the video.

"I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm and came with the history that it did, or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that's no excuse because intent doesn't excuse ignorance, it just doesn't and I just need you to know that I am so sorry."

While I do not condone the hateful way in which Ortega has received backlash as a result of her actions, I do believe this is a teachable moment – both for her and for many of us.

First, we need to educate ourselves about the history and impact of anti-Asian hate, just as we would with any other form of discrimination. We need to listen to the experiences of Asian individuals and communities, and amplify their voices. We need to call out racism and stereotypes when we see them and support those working to combat them.

Ultimately, it is up to all of us to create a more inclusive and equitable society – one where anti-Asian hate is neither tolerated nor minimized.

Why is it that so many people are comfortable using slurs targeting Asians without considering them as harmful as those directed at other minority groups? Is it because of the perception that Asians are less likely to speak out? Or have these slurs become so normalized that, for some, they are simply part of everyday vocabulary?

By speaking out against anti-Asian hate and taking a stand against racism, we can help build a more just and compassionate world for everyone.