Asian Civil Rights Group Criticizes Bo Dietl for "Offensive Behavior"
OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), was disturbed by former NYPD detective Bo Dietl’s behavior on the Nov. 9 installation of the Don Imus show. During the show, Dietl poked fun at journalist Katie Couric’s appearance by stating, “She’s got her eyes pulled so far, she’s starting to look Chinese herself…ten years ago, she looked American. Today she looks Oriental.” He also pulled his eyes back in a “slant-eye” gesture.
Not only were his statements about Couric distasteful and rude, Dietl used historically discriminating language regarding Americans of Asian descent to suggest that Couric looked un-American. The term “Oriental” and the slant-eye gesture fall within a long and unfortunate history of people mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian descent.
Dietl is often featured on Imus’ show as well as other Fox News programs such as The O’Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto and Hannity. OCA strongly objects to allowing Dietl to continue to have airtime on any news network.
Dietl’s statements can be found on Youtube and other Internet sites. OCA encourages all concerned citizens to send a letter objecting to Dietl’s behavior to Roger Ailes, president of Fox News Channel, at 1211 Avenue of the
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CONTACT
Sarah Smith Nester | Communications Manager
202 223 5500 | ssnester@ocanational.org
