Saturday, August 13, 2011

Quote of the day, on dark and dirty Tamils

I was very dirty and dark,” she said, and after a pause, “I was looking like a Tamilian

 If it were in a movie, in an appropriate context, it would have drawn loud laughs from the audience.  But, ...

... it was a US diplomat in Chennai, Vice-Consul Maureen Chao, who said that.  A very un-diplomatic moment!

A consulate press release said the Vice-Consul was describing positive memories from her own study abroad experiences in India 23 years ago. “During the speech Ms. Chao made an inappropriate comment. Ms. Chao deeply regrets if her unfortunate remarks offended anyone, as that was certainly not her intent.” 

 Ahem, "if" offended anyone?  Why the "if" there?  Didn't the diplomat and the PR folks realize that the "if" only makes it worse?

For the record, I am a dark-skinned " Tamilian ... I think I am clean :)

Of course, we all make stupid comments. Some more than the others. Remember Joe Biden's comment about candidate Senator Obama and about Indians at 7-11?

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