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Once again, in a scene eerily reminiscent of Adam Carolla, we have Rosie O'Donnell light-heartedly talking about Danny Devito and mentioning "ching-chong," which to many people is somewhat of an aggravating word.

The Organization of Chinese Americans, a national Asian Pacific American organization (my company did their capital campaign website www.ocanationalcenter.org, thank you very much) is demanding a public apology from ABC and O'Donnell.

 

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." [I actually get her point of view, she's a talk show host, she's just talking, she just says whatever is coming to her mind at any given moment.]
 
Ginny Gong, the current OCA National President, states "It is disheartening that the use of phrases such as 'ching chong' continues to be used to stereotype our very diverse community. 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."
 
The phrase "ching chong" has been used by other celebrities such as Adam Carolla and Shaquille O'Neal, who later were informed of the racist nature of the language and apologized.

Do you think they should apologize? Are there instances where your language has caused offense to potential or existing clients, partners, or associates? Let's do a language experiment: Kimberlee Morrison, Editorial Assistant at Know More Media, has a *great* one for a word-association game.

http://kymlee.newsvine.com/_news/2006/12/04/466072-word-associations-a-sociological-study