OCA - Orange County Chapter

Washington , DC – OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization dedicated to ensuring social justice for APAs, is deeply offended by Rosie O’Donnell’s mocking and imitation of Chinese newscasters.

On the episode, which aired December 5, 2006, O’Donnell was commenting on an appearance by an allegedly intoxicated Danny Divito on the show on November 29. In imitating the accents of the reporters, O’Donnell said, “The fact is that it’s news all over the world. You know, you can imagine in China it’s like, ‘Ching chong, ching chong, Danny DeVito, ching chong chong chong chong, drunk, The View, ching chong.” The statement was then followed by laughter and applause by the audience and her co-hosts.

O’Donnell has defended her actions by commenting on her official website that Asians should learn to “grasp her humor.”

“It is disheartening that the use of phrases such as ‘ching chong’ continues to be used to stereotype our very diverse community,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President.  “The use of such words is an insult to not only Chinese American, but all Asian Pacific Americans and anyone who supports diversity and tolerance.”

OCA Executive Director Michael Lin further added, “We hope that Rosie O’Donnell, the producers of ‘The View’ at ABC, and the public recognize the insensitivity shown through the remarks and reactions. Our community demands, and deserves a very public apology.”

While the phrase “ching chong” is a humiliating ethnic slur usually directed at people of Chinese nationality or ancestry, the use of the phrase is usually directed at anyone of  Asian descent. The phrase and its offensive connotations have been used by other celebrities such as Adam Carolla and Shaquille O’Neal.  In both cases, OCA issued a public statement condemning the racist intentions of the phrases and an apology followed.

As of today, neither the network ABC, the producers of “The View,” or Rosie O’Donnell have issued a public apology. OCA is following up with letters to executives at the network, the show and to O’Donnell.

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“Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA, a national organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, is dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.”

Washington, DC – OCA is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael C. Lin will become OCA Executive Director effective December 1, 2006.

Lin has been an OCA member for over 25 years and is retiring after 30 years at the National Institutes of Health where his last position was as a Program Director responsible for nurturing and funding cutting edge research in the cardiovascular field.  He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Montgomery College in Maryland, and has served as the Chair of the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific Americans Affairs (1998-2002).

Lin was also OCA National President from 1995 to 1998, where during his tenure OCA spearheaded a national voter registration campaign, co-sponsored by 18 other prominent national Asian Pacific American organizations. Under his leadership, OCA also convened the historic Asian Pacific American Leadership Summits, attended by the top community leaders and major civic organizations across the nation, to address issues confronting the Asian American community.  He expanded OCA’s education initiatives, including the highly popular internship program which provides opportunities for college students to work in the Congress, various federal agencies, non-profit organizations and at the OCA National Headquarters.

“OCA is truly fortunate to have Michael accept the position of OCA Executive Director,” said OCA National President Ginny Gong. “His long history with OCA, at both the local and national levels, will enable him to bring stability, historic background, continuity, and most important of all, an intimate knowledge of OCA’s mission and vision for the future. We are very grateful for his personal commitment to ensuring OCA’s future is taken to the next level and beyond.” As the Past OCA National Center Campaign Chair, Lin was instrumental in providing guidance and direction for the organization’s capital campaign, and has continued to be involved with its architectural design, construction and renovation, tapping into his twenty-plus years of experience as the managing partner for a hotel in the metro area.

“OCA would also like to thank outgoing Executive Director Dorothy Wong for her leadership, dedication and belief in OCA,” said Gong. “She has contributed to OCA’s strategic direction and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors as she returns to the Pacific West Coast.”

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“Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA, a national organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, is dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.”