American Jewish Committee Dismayed Over National Review Illustration That Is Offensive To Asians

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 25 March 1997

The American Jewish Committee's Center for American Pluralism has written to The National Review magazine, expressing dismay over a recent cover illustration that "presented broad and damaging images of Asians."

In a letter to the magazine's editor, John O'Sullivan, Eleanor Lazarus and Jeffrey Weintraub, chair and director, respectively, of the Center for American Pluralism, wrote:

"We were dismayed to see The National Review's recent cover illustration that presented broad and damaging images of Asians. When it is used wisely and responsibly, caricature can illuminate, amuse and inform. In this case, the illustration preys on the unflattering stereotypes of one community and paints it as a group deserving of ridicule and derision. Whatever point the magazine meant to make with the image, it did so at the considerable expense of people of Asian descent. By running the caricature, the magazine does immeasurable offense to this community and to readers who cherish civility, respect and tolerance in American society."

AJC's Center for American Pluralism seeks to enrich awareness and respect for America's ethnic, racial and religious heritage and to promote cooperation among those diverse communities.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org