Petition: We the undersigned petition that Shaquille O'Neal apologizes for his racial slurs directed to Yao Ming. The apology should acknowledge that race-based derogatory comments, no matter the intent, is wrong.


BACKGROUND===================================================================
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Thanks for stopping by this petition. I know this probably comes as a surprise for those of you who know me but Im capable of looking beyond my little world when the occasion warrants it.

-- Whats the occasion? Shaq ONeil directed racially insensitive taunts to Houston Rocket Yao Ming. You know what Im talking about: the Ching-chong-yang-wah-ah-soh chant. See the article from Asian Week(http://www.asianweek.com/2003_01_03/sports_yaoming.html). Is Shaq a racist? Thats his business. Should we tolerate this type of behavior? Absolutely not.

Shaq has reportedly offered the following apology on Friday 1/10: I mean, if I was the first one to do it, and the only one to do it, I could see what they're talking about. But if I offended anybody, I apologize. Actually, that didnt sound like an apology. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030111/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bkn_shaq_yao_1) Maybe the Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak can do better: Knowing Shaquille, I am certain that this was nothing more than a misguided attempt at humor (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/4926546.htm) Sadly that doesnt sound like an apology either.

-- Whats the big deal? Whether Shaqs comments were funny or not, it is a race-based derogatory comment. This is not just an insult to Yao Ming, but also an affront to all Americans want to live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. The sad part is, Shaq & Co were defending these comments as humorous, and apparently dont understand why they are offensive. Now thats no joke.

-- What should we do about it? Speak up! Hey, we are people, not rugs. About time we stop letting people step on us. Non-apology NOT accepted! If you sign this petition, I will forward it to all of the relevant folks... Shaq, media outlets, the NBA, the Lakers, corporations that uses Shaq to endore their products, and influential civil rights leaders.