Lawsuit Over Anti-Asian Stereotype

Summary of Article: A Korean woman was picking up photos from a drugstore in New Jersey. She noticed that the name written on her order was "Ching Chong Lee." She complained to customer service, who told her that the worker would be re-trained and counseled. The woman decided that wasn't enough, and is suing for discrimination in federal court for $1 million damages.

Discussion with Kids:

• What is a stereotype? What is an example of a stereotype? In what ways are they harmful?
• In NJ, a woman was picking up her order when she noticed that a store clerk had written her name as a stereotype of Asian-Americans, "Ching Chong Lee." In what way did this hurt her feeling? How would you feel if someone made a similar stereotype about you? (Embarrassed, hurt, afraid).
• What would you do if this happened to you or to someone else in front of you? (Tell the store clerk this is not ok. Complain to management). She complained to the store, which apologized and promised to punish the clerk and retrain him. Do you think this was a good solution? She has decided to go to a judge and try to get $1 million from the store. What do you think of this? Think of arguments for and against this lawsuit 
• Pro: Her feelings were hurt. The employee said a disgusting, hurtful thing. The company should be responsible for how its employees act.
• Con: The store apologized and has punished/retrained its employee. More is unnecessary and even silly. This type of lawsuit floods the court and takes up precious judge time and money. The woman is just out to get money, not truly to repair a grievance. 
• Bonus: Can you think of an anti-Asian stereotype often heard on the playground? What can you do the next time you hear it? (One of the hand-clapping games sings the phrase "Ching-Chong Charlie, Don't tell Mommy. Chinese, Japanese, Indian Chief," while the participant makes their eyes look narrow and then resembles an Indian Chief).