Jeremy Lin has never said that his NBA career has been hindered by a racial stereotype of him as an Asian player. Lin has at most hinted at the matter, but never hung much there. Still many Lin fans are in a near-constant state of outrage about Lin’s perceived mistreatment by coaches and fellow players — a mistreatment they feel is centered on Lin’s race. (See: Lin, Lakers, Byron Scott.) Being of Asian descent in a largely African-American league has in some ways undeniably helped Lin stand out. But the flip side –that he is also subtly discriminated against because of it — also gets a lot of attention. Check any comments section on a Jeremy Lin article — you’ll see the anger and accusations.
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But while Lin hasn’t used the race issue to explain his own situation, he does embrace his position as an Asian role model. Lin doesn’t shy away from the responsibilities that come with his status, so when 2016 Oscars host Chris Rock made some stereotypical Asian-focused jokes, Lin spoke out on Twitter. Lin says he’s “tired of it being cool and ok to bash Asians.” Lin’s obviously not talking about basketball, but everywhere in American society.
Seriously though, when is this going to change?!? Tired of it being “cool” and “ok” to bash Asians smh #Oscars https://t.co/1nBvAd3V0q
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) February 29, 2016
