Was the Spanish Team photo racist? Why?

Question

Woj wrote about it "Spain photo exposing NBA double standard?" http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/basketball/news;_ylt=Ajt0G9tcltZqFj1B14FK.fG8vLYF?slug=aw-nbaspainphoto081308&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Martin Rogers did too "Gasol, Calderon question fuss over photo" http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/basketball/news;_ylt=AmIV9d1t8okRIr6RkLxMBLm8vLYF?slug=ro-spain081308&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

This was the photo: http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Spanish-basketball-team-poses-for-offensive-pict;_ylt=Au54RDKQSQxFI4e3IZx.7lfFKZt4?urn=oly,100152

In my country the Philippines, there's not a lot of hype over race and racism. I don't want to be insensitive that's why I am asking for your opinion.

Answer 1

I don't think it was racist.  It was insensitive and a poor decision.  I also agree that if the US team did it the entire world would be up in arms crying about how wrong it was and we would hear about it for years.  When Spain does it they say yeah you shouldn't have done it but then sweep it under the rug.  The US is always in a situation where we can do no right.

Answer 2

I think we have to ask an Asian

Answer 3

It's a matter of perspective and intention because many people in China were not offended, but Chinese in America were offended because they were used to seeing those gestures. Also, the Spanish team wasn't doing it out of malice.

Answer 4

The Spanish are not the most progressive people on the planet. I'm not surprised.

Answer 5

The photo itself is attempting to use the physical differences between Spaniards and Chinese as a point of humor.  Using race as humor can easily be perceived as racist.  It depends on the intent of the people in the photo and the interpretation of those who see the photo.

It isn't funny and the advertisers should pull it from the newspaper since it is offending many.  Instead they are planning on running it throughout the olympics.

Expect the Spanish team to be booed throughout the olympics.  They should have hired a PR firm with the money the advertisers paid them to make the childish advertisement.

Answer 6

The Chinese are oversensitive. I'm part Chinese. Frankly, I don't like my Chinese family because they are conservative. It's not unlike the Chinese government to do this

Answer 7

I guess I can see how different cultures may perceive this in many ways. I know here in the U.S. it is being perceived through the media as a racist move by the Spanish Team. I guess it really depends on the intention of the Spanish Team. Why did they even pose like that? I do feel it is racist or maybe the right term is disrespectful because it seems like they are poking fun at the Chinese. I'm sure they meant no harm and I think I read somewhere that they were told to do that.  

Answer 8

It looked racist but the team has said that the way they took the picture was suggested by the clothing company they were wearing which was chinese.

Answer 9

i dont think it should be though of as racism.  im sure it was just meant as a joke but i can see why some people might question the photo.  i think the spanish team shouldnt have done that since its the olympics and they should be honoring their country.  

however, i think that the world would be a lot better place if people would sometimes just laugh things off rather than getting upset and offended.  

i think of racism as someone hating another race for no reason and that is something i feel is wrong.