Letter to the Editor

Dear National Review,

I recently saw your cover illustration depicting the Clintons and Al Gore in yellow face. To be honest, when I first saw your cover illustration it made me stop and pick up your magazine. The cover caught my attention because I was horrified at the blatant way your magazine used yellow face, and the racist and xenophobic attitudes it conveys. As an Asian American I am very disappointed that your editors would approve such disrespectful caricatures that are so deeply rooted in American prejudice.

Your cover illustration suggests that the Asian American face is still a pollutant to American society. For centuries, my people were denied the right of full American citizenship and although today those policies have changed, I fear that the white American mindset has not. I can only guess that the purpose of placing the President, First Lady, and Vice President in yellowface was to invoke the fear that Asians and Asian Americans are manipulating American government leaders. But instead of reflecting the ethical violations your article discussed, you instead chose to emphasize racial differences among the parties involved. I am disappointed to say the least, and I hope that your future cover illustration choices will be more thoughtful and respectful of all Americans.

Anonymous


QUESTIONS:
1. What are the differences and similarities between blackface and yellowface? Do they serve different purposes or are they merely variations of the same sentiment?
2. What are the true origins of the model minority myth? Did the academic and economic success of Asian Americans create the myth or was it a self fulfilling prophecy?