In news likely to make headlines on blogs only, we have learned that the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association is demanding that federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff fire Warren Kinsella for what they allege are some racially insensitive remarks about Chinese food.
In a recent blog posting Kinsella likened the meat found in Chinese cuisine to cat meat:
“Back in the Big Owe for a couple weeks, so what better way to kick things off than with some BBQ cat and rice at the Yang Sheng, hangout of our youth? Yay!
Kinsella repeated the offensive comment in a video posting on his website.
Alex Yuan, chair of the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association, said: “Our community is deeply concerned with Mr. Kinsella's comments. Kinsella repeats the most vulgar and offensive stereotypes by associating the meat served by Chinese restaurants to cat meat. He has hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and disrespected the Chinese culture.”
Yuan ran for the Progressive Conservatives in the last Ontario election. He lost in the riding of Markham and the Progressive Conservatives generally were soundly thrashed by the provincial Liberals. Kinsella was a key player on the Liberal election squad that beat the Tories.
Earlier this month, Kinsella agreed to join Ignatieff's team to lead the Liberal's federal election war room.
I am also able to report that this matter did not come up at the just -concluded press conference Ignatieff held at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa.
In news likely to make headlines on blogs only
I think you're misunderestimating just how silly some in the media can be.
I can think of any number of reasons why Ignatieff should never have hired Kinsella in the first place, none of which have anything to do with cats. But hey, every little bit helps.
In news likely to make headlines on blogs only
There are headlines, including front page ones, in the three major national Chinese language newspapers. Their circulation numbers approach those of the largest english language papers in Canada – the Liberals are looking really bad here amongst the Chinese community.
They do drive slowly in the passing lane.