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Washington: A former
Washington mayor's controversial remarks about Asian businesses
running "dirty shops" in the US capital city have drawn fire from
35 local and national organisations, including South Asian
Americans Leading Together (SAALT).
Marion Barry, a former four-term mayor and a current city council
member, had at a primary election victory party this week, said:
"We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening
up businesses and dirty shops...They ought to go. I'm going to say
that right now."
"Barry's statement is of serious concern because it undermines the
notion that developing the District of Columbia's economy and
neighbourhoods is in the interest of all communities, regardless
of national origin or ethnic background," the group said
condemning the remarks.
"While Barry has recently indicated that he was 'sorry for
offending the Asian community,' we call upon him to provide a
sincere apology and ensure meaningful engagement with our
communities to improve the well-being of all individuals in the
district."
Numerous institutions, from small businesses to non-profit
organisations, as well as individuals, provide vital services and
job opportunities, contribute their tax dollars, and engage in
civic and political life within the city, the statement pointed
out.
Within the District of Columbia, according to 2007 data, Asians
own 5.9 percent of businesses, joining other communities in
strengthening the economy.
Rather than acknowledging and appreciating the contributions that
Asian businesses, alongside other racial and ethnic communities,
have made to the city, Barry's remarks appear to fan the flames of
racial divisions and imply that Asian Americans are not invested
in developing a robust economy that benefits all residents, the
joint statement said.
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
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