Asian-Americans want a boycott because of "racist" remarks on radio show

David Porter:

Leaders of several Asian-American organizations Thursday urged a boycott of the sponsors of a radio talk show that made what they considered racist remarks.

They also called for a public apology from NJ 101.5 WKXW-FM and demanded the station fire the show's hosts, "Jersey Guys" Craig Carton and Ray Rossi.

"We are outraged by these bigoted comments," said Palisades Park Councilman Jason Kim. "101.5's message is offensive to all Americans regardless of race or ethnic background, and violates the American spirit of diversity and inclusion."

Station manager Eric Johnson said Thursday that Carton and Rossi would not be fired or suspended, but said that "going forward, we're going to make sure all our hosts are more sensitive to all groups."

During Monday afternoon's show, Carton made fun of Edison mayoral candidate Jun Choi, saying his name several times in a stereotypical Asian accent. He also criticized politicians that cater to minority voters.

"Here's the bottom line," Carton said, according to a transcript of the show. "No specific minority group or foreign group should ever dictate the outcome of an American election. I don't care if the Chinese population in Edison has quadrupled in the last year, Chinese should never dictate the outcome of an American election, Americans should."

Later in the segment, Carton again mimicked an Asian accent when describing stereotypical Asian behavior.

Members of several Asian-American groups took issue with the comments at a news conference Thursday.

"We are all immigrants or children of immigrants, whether we came here 300 years ago or yesterday," said West Windsor Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh. "We all have to stand up and say this is un-American. Freedom of speech must have a sense of responsibility."

Johnson defended the hosts, pointing out that Carton, who is Jewish, and Rossi, who is Italian, both frequently make fun of their own ethnic groups.

"They were making light of old-fashioned ethnic stereotypes. If in the course of that anyone was offended, we're sorry," he said, adding, "when you have an open mike for five hours, inevitably someone's going to get offended."

America in the 21st century: no free speech and no sense of humor.