"Jap" Used in Referring to Motorcycles

[Frank H. Wu]

I’ve always thought this was a wonderful community of riders sharing common interests. I’ve welcomed it as an important aspect of the BMW experience. Even before I had a bike, when I was considering buying, I was reading the postings here. I have benefited on numerous occasions from the comments others have made, and I’ve enjoyed participating in wonderful discussions of many topics not limited to our shared passion for riding.

 

In that spirit, then, I wanted to mention a particular issue. I want to ensure I do so in a positive, non-accusatory manner. I don’t want to be hypersensitive, but I don’t believe I can just let this pass without comment.

 

The issue is that sometimes people here use “Japanese” to refer to Japanese, in particular the motorcycles. Some people have thought, I am sure sincerely, that “Japanese” was an abbreviation. Perhaps they have used it without malice, or much deliberation. But the term has a history, as applied to not only products but also people, that shows it is a racial slur, like “Chink” or “Gook,” used to refer to Japanese as well as Japanese Americans, the distinction crucial, and other Asian Americans too. While people should feel free to express themselves however they wish, I hope they can be persuaded that “Japanese” is destructive of the sense of belonging and equality we have fostered so successfully. (I once raised this issue on a different board, and received so many negative comments, I stopped bothering to look at that board; oddly, the moderators removed my original post at some point, presumably because it was too controversial. This community seems more open minded.)

 

Thank you for considering this.

[Lawman]

[notacop]

Very interesting as Charlie Chan once said in a film.

My son-in-law is of Japanese/Hawaian decent. I've got two of the most beautiful grandkids ever. I don't think of them as Japs.

That term was an outcome of a unpleasant abberation of societies in the first part of the century. A more politically correct use of the terms could be motorcycles of Japanese manufacture or Hencho in Nippon.

Most peoples would and can and do take offense at what seems like racial slurs. Mostly it's in the delivery of the language.

After all don't we ride a Kraut bike? I'm of English/German ancestry and I can call me whatever I like.

[Marty Hill]

Frank,

 

In order to provide some balance, I agree with you. Sometimes we get a bit loose with many slang terms forgeting that they will offend.

[ESokoloff]

I don't understand this response but then again I was taught that if I did not have something nice to say, then don't say anything.

[SageRider]

Seems like over-sensitivity to me...

It is the context of how the word is being used that counts.

One that is being used as an obvious derogatory slur is an issue.

For anything else, it's just hyper-sensitivity.

Roughly equivalent to me getting upset because someone calls me an American rather than a citizen of the United States of America.

[Dave McReynolds]

I guess when it comes down to it, it's up to the people on the receiving end to decide what's offensive and what's not. There's no reason I would either be offended or not offended by the term "Japanese." I guess I get to decide if "Mick" is offensive (feel free; I'm not offended). But if the Japanese are offended by the term "Japanese," then maybe we should stop using it. While it may have orriginated early in the century, it became popular during a period of time in our history when the least of our concerns was whether we offended the Japanese or not. And while we're at it, maybe they should be a little more sensitive to a few things that went on during WWII with the Chinese and Koreans? Not that the two have to be linked; I'm willing to make the first move without any quid pro quo.

 

I'm not suggesting that it's the same, but sometimes these things get a little complicated. What do you do when 80% of the native Americans like having sports teams named with Indian themes, and the other 20% are deeply offended by it?

[notacop]

The First People are a little more than ofended at the team names. Then again the tribes with casinos are evicting long time members. It's all about the money!

Native Hawaians are looking for their Islands back too.

Seems no matter where you go in history one group was pillaging and iritating another. Just as a socioeconomic study, of course!

Where's Attila or Alexander or Napolean when you need an explanation of motives?

[tallman]

Frank,

 

In order to provide some balance, I agree with you. Sometimes we get a bit loose with many slang terms forgeting that they will offend.

 

Webster's

Main Entry: Japanese

Pronunciation: \ˈjap\

Function: noun or adjective

Date: 1886

usually disparaging : japanese

 

Since the post references motorcycles, and we know that the motorcycles buil there are very good, it would seem inappropriate to use the term.

[smiller]

[general copment, not responding to anyone in particular]

 

One may not see the harm in use of the term 'Japanese' if is isn't meant in a derogatory way but my view would be that if any group is offended for any rational reason then I avoid use of a specific term/image/etc. If it offends someone then why not just avoid use of the term? Seems like the polite thing to do.

[Dave McReynolds]

my view would be that if any group is offended for any rational reason then I avoid use of a specific term/image/etc.

 

It's a good thought, but sometimes difficult to apply, as I noted in my post above.

 

Within our recent past, hopefully somewhat now receding, you didn't know whether to open a door for a woman or not: some would be offended if you did and some would be offended if you didn't.

 

Should Salmon Rusdie not have written Satanic Verses because he offended many Muslims?

 

Should J K Rowling not have written Harry Potter because she offended many Christians (and now perhaps many homophobes)?

 

I agree that the time has come to drop the term, since it offends many Japanese (but you'll never be able to tell my Dad that).

[Matts_12GS]

I'll stop using it when aerostich stops selling this:

 

[Huzband]

If someone is offended by a term, maybe it's because of their own internal issues.

 

Especially if it's in reference to a machine, & no ill will is meant towards a people.

 

I'm from Alabama, the Heart of Dixie, & you don't think I take plenty of jabs from you Yankees? Call me what you want, I'm not offended, 'cause I know better.

 

All this political correctness run amok these days is just out of control.

 

And another thing...

 

Oh, never mind.

 

Unless you're preachin' to the choir, it's like trying to talk sense to a gutter drunk.

[Lawman]

good grief...gimme a break..I've heard the term all of my life when referring to a motorcycle manufactured in Japan.

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

Fact of business is I believe the Japanese bikes offer the best value in motorcycles bar none and I think most folks agree..Perhaps if you had given a specific context for being offended by use of the term I would have taken your post more seriously... I think this is probably the most "politically correct" motorcycle dicussiion board you are likely to find and I think you will be quite happy here..I also think you should not be offended when you here someone refer to a bike manufactured in Japan as a Japanese bike. BTW feel free to refer to me as an East Texan Redneck as it is accurate I suppose..

[Firefight911]

You're kidding, right?

 

And I quote the OP in another post -

 

As for assumptions about BMW bikes, yes, I've noticed that from time to time -- not often, but certainly it has come up. People assume many things about motorcyclists, some negative, some flattering. But they also assume something about BMW owners -- mainly that we're rich guys with fancy toys. I don't know about the rest of you, but that's not me.

 

Aren't you assuming yourself?

[David]

The only thing worse than a Japanese bike is a Japanese bike with a modulator.

[leikam]

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

 

You've really never heard the phrase "Japanese crap" used to put down someone else's ride?

[Whip]

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

 

You've really never heard the phrase "Japanese crap" used to put down someone else's ride?

 

 

He's from East Texas....you can't say that without teeth.....try it.

 

[smiller]

It's a good thought, but sometimes difficult to apply, as I noted in my post above.

Well usually not all that difficult. And FWIW I don't see the items you mentioned as really being appropriate apologies in this case. It's true that free expression sometimes results in someone being offended and not much to be done about that, but it's not all that hard to distinguish works of literature from the casual use of a term where an alternate is readily available and whose use doesn't restrict one's expression (i.e. using Japanese in place of Japanese, or Native American in place of Indian, etc.)

 

But otherwise it sounds like we are pretty much in agreement.

[Lawman]

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

 

You've really never heard the phrase "Japanese crap" used to put down someone else's ride?

 

No, I don't ride with those types of people..

[taters]

next we will have to ban the term "paddy wagon" so we don't offend any irishmen....i would like to go through one day where race is not brought up. a lot of nonsense.

[Jake]

So, is the thread going about how you expected, Frank? Maybe you gave us too much credit at the start.

 

The term is derogatory, reasonable people should be aware of it and demonstrate a little restraint - pretty simple really. Most of the moto-journalist use UJM as their qualifier, and that should work well enough for us. Thanks for demonstrating a little boldness in bringing this up. Anyone who doesn't see your point and respect it, well, they're just being little poopie heads.

[leikam]

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

 

You've really never heard the phrase "Japanese crap" used to put down someone else's ride?

 

No, I don't ride with those types of people..

 

The JAPANSCHROTT ... NEIN DANKE sticker posted up above translates as "Japanese Crap. No thanks!"

[Lawman]

It's widely used, and I have NEVER heard it used even once in a derogatory manner..Have you?

 

You've really never heard the phrase "Japanese crap" used to put down someone else's ride?

 

No, I don't ride with those types of people..

 

The JAPANSCHROTT ... NEIN DANKE sticker posted up above translates as "Japanese Crap. No thanks!"

 

Thanks for the translation..I was wondering what that meant..

[Matts_12GS]

Anyone who doesn't see your point and respect it, well, they're just being little poopie heads.

 

Takes one to know one Jake!!!

[waylap]

Next we'll be offended as "Americans" when the "Brits" refer to us as "yanks". Come on people, stop being pre-occupied with being offended before this country is destroyed by everyones rights. I give it 50 years max, then it will have devoured itself.

OH and while we're on the controversy train, I still want my money to say "In God we trust"

[HexST]

another view

www.leavalleyexperience.co.uk/jap_motorcycles.htm

[Les is more]

The intention behind the use of a word may count but so does the unconsciousness with which it's used. I disagree that words are not offensive. Words are very powerful and are used thoughtlessly far to often for my taste. The word "Japanese" has a very unfortunate history and I don't think someone should be discounted as being "over-sensitive" because they react a certain way to that fact.

 

I admit to often coming down on the sensitive side of these issues but, then again, why not. It seems to me that we're hard enough on each other in this world. A simple adjustment in word choice is a small enough thing to do.

 

 

Those of you going to Death Valley in January ought to stop by Manzanar.

[Frank H. Wu]

Well, I appreciate that my posting provoked discussion. Let me limit myself to just three comments. Funny, but while I was writing this, my grand nephew, Jack, fell over and bonked his head and started bawling. He’s about two years old, and he’s half Caucasian, half Japanese (both sides have been in the US for generations). I’d bet lots of kids do all sorts of physical harm to themselves that would have adults crying, and they just bounce back. But the cruelties of childhood, which we are told can be rebuffed by the incantation “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” will remain traumatic far longer than any bodily damage in most cases.

 

First, I believe observers are right about how to analyze situations with racial implications: context is crucial. Take what is about as positive as possible, at least on the surface. There is a difference between on the one hand the person who kindly says, “My, you speak English so well” or “you are so articulate,” meaning it as a compliment without realizing what it reveals about stereotypes and assumptions (some people must have accents, the particular example is different than the expectation), and on the other hand the person who is a bigot through and through. It is difficult for someone listening to determine, with confidence, what is meant by the speaker – whether s/he has some sort of invidious intent – which is why I believe it is more important to discuss the effects. In part, that is what is so vexing: I am more troubled not by the person who is your enemy who uses a slur, but the person whom you had thought was a friend doing so. There are many actions that are not motivated by hatred that have significant consequences related to race. I don’t assume anything about any individual’s intentions; if someone is good-hearted and uses “Japanese” without awareness, I would hope that efforts to educate that person would be received well.

 

Second, as much as I appreciate those who would like to promote greater sensitivity, I agree with critics who believe that this effort is misguided. I would rather people be open about their prejudices to me, and I have better things to do than spend time with those who are casual in using racial slurs, than invest effort in relationships with people who, it turns out are polite while I am around. This isn’t about hurt feelings; it’s about common ideals. Whether people in Asia (Japanese, not Japanese Americans) care about “Japanese” doesn’t much interest me; there is plenty of explicit racism there, and they do not have a sense of what it means to be a minority here. Rather, my concern is what use of a term tells us about our level of acceptance of diversity and respect for one another.

 

Third, issues of race are especially difficult to raise for civil discourse. All of us have our own views, formed by personal experiences, many of which are crucial to our sense of who we are even if we are barely aware of their importance in influencing identity. I don’t have any problem with disagreement, even blunt, strong disagreement, with the trade policies of Tokyo, the products from Honda, and so on. My concern is with the prospects of individuals and communities that are of Asian background, but which are American, that are affected due to the anger of people directed toward Asia. So the Aerostich sticker about Japanese products is, in my view, quite different from an attack on Asian Americans – so long as people can distinguish.

 

“Japanese” has a long history of use as a term of denigration. It is difficult for me to see how someone who wishes to interact with Asian Americans in general or me in particular would use it, without irony, expecting it to be accepted as just any other adjective. At a minimum I would have expected that a request to reflect on the matter would be received better. People may feel free to say “Japanese” this or “Japanese” that all they want, but I don’t intend to be part of a community that tolerates such nonsense.

[ghaverkamp]

The term is derogatory, reasonable people should be aware of it and demonstrate a little restraint - pretty simple really.

 

And that's the heart of it.

 

It doesn't matter whether it's used as a description for a bike, a person, something else. The point is that the descriptor itself has offensive connotations, and trying to hide behind "everyone says it" makes it no less an ethnic slur.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Well put, Frank. I have lots more to say on this subject but I won't bore the rest of the bunch with my thoughts. I know, an unusual position for me.

 

A little care and a couple more key strokes is all it takes, folks.

[ghaverkamp]

Those of you going to Death Valley in January ought to stop by Manzanar.

 

Given our current times, and some of the broad shorthand used referring to some of our current problems, that is an excellent example of why considering the legacy of some terms is useful.

 

(Generally, I imagine Frank has given more thought to this issue than most of us.)

[Dave McReynolds]

Whether people in Asia (Japanese, not Japanese Americans) care about “Japanese” doesn’t much interest me; there is plenty of explicit racism there, and they do not have a sense of what it means to be a minority here. Rather, my concern is what use of a term tells us about our level of acceptance of diversity and respect for one another.

 

Has it occurred to you that the term "Japanese bike" has absolutely nothing to do with Japanese Americans, and the same person who might say "Japanese bike" might just say "another American" if referring to an American of Japanese descent?

[ghaverkamp]

Has it occurred to you that the term "Japanese bike" has absolutely nothing to do with Japanese Americans, and the same person who might say "Japanese bike" might just say "another American" if referring to an American of Japanese descent?

 

Why wouldn't one be suspicious of a person who so casually uses an historically loaded term?

[Lawman]

Has it occurred to you that the term "Japanese bike" has absolutely nothing to do with Japanese Americans, and the same person who might say "Japanese bike" might just say "another American" if referring to an American of Japanese descent?

 

Why wouldn't one be suspicious of a person who so casually uses an historically loaded term?

 

Why wouldn't someone be suspicious of a person who so casually uses a reference to a motorcycle to promote his own personal agenda?

[Dave McReynolds]

Why wouldn't one be suspicious of a person who so casually uses an historically loaded term?

 

"So the Aerostich sticker about Japanese products is, in my view, quite different from an attack on Asian Americans – so long as people can distinguish."

 

He made the distinction himself.

[ghaverkamp]

"So the Aerostich sticker about Japanese products is, in my view, quite different from an attack on Asian Americans – so long as people can distinguish."

 

He made the distinction himself.

 

Am I the only one who sees a complete "Japan" in the Aerostich sticker image?

[Dave McReynolds]

The point is that he's made it quite clear that he sees a distinction between how we view the "explicitly racist" Japanese, who may not care whether we call them "japs" or not, and the Japanese Americans, who do. I'm perfectly happy not to call anyone a Japanese. I'm just letting him know, that based on his own distinction, a "Japanese bike" should not be taken as a slur on Japanese Americans, since they are not made here.

[Jake]

Why wouldn't someone be suspicious of a person who so casually uses a reference to a motorcycle to promote his own personal agenda?

If Frank quits this board due to the unsupportive commentary on this thread (as he hinted) then you might have a point. But Frank hasn't done anything other than politely invite discourse on the matter, and I presume it is in response to something he has recently read elsewhere on the board.

 

Dave's usual level-headedness is not apparent to me on this thread by his offering the unlikely devil's advocate hypothetical that anyone using the term "Japanese" is doing so through forgivable ignorance. It's just wrong, and you can't justify it.

 

I've been keeping a little geo-count on this thread, and I'd like to make a sweeping generalization. You left coast tree-huggers sure are nice, caring, and sensitive - I'll give you that! Pretty smart too.

[Matts_12GS]

(Generally, I imagine Frank has given more thought to this issue than most of us.)

 

Given this insight, it seems like just a high-brow troll to stir up some kind of controversy...

 

I think much of this based on some desire on the part of the offended to find offense where he looks.

 

I'm reminded of the call for a US Representative's scalp (intended use here) for his use of the word "niggardly" in the floor debate a couple years back. A member of the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) unfamiliar with the word went on a tirade demanding apologies and the resignation because of the other representative's correct use of a proper term.

 

If you carry a chip on your shoulder about something, you'll find something that pisses you off.

 

Realistically, it's probably just laziness in the stream of consciousness writing that so many do in a format/forum like this, it's almost like SMS that while we could type those few extra letters, they aren't necessary to the conversation at that instant to convey the intended message.

 

Frank, I'm sorry if you're genuinenly offended by this type of exchange, it's a damn shame that this is the hill you've chosen to fight for in your decision to leave this forum.

 

C'est la vie

 

Best of luck out there.

[ghaverkamp]

The point is that he's made it quite clear that he sees a distinction between how we view the "explicitly racist" Japanese, who may not care whether we call them "japs" or not, and the Japanese Americans, who do. I'm perfectly happy not to call anyone a Japanese. I'm just letting him know, that based on his own distinction, a "Japanese bike" should not be taken as a slur on Japanese Americans, since they are not made here.

 

That's not an appropriate distinction. The descriptor itself is what is offensive. The sticker doesn't use it; the sticker uses "Japan" so far as I can tell. It's also not the distinction Frank was making. Frank said he isn't concerned about whether Japanese in Japan are offended. That doesn't mean the use of a term offensive to Japanese Americans to describe terms that are of Japanese origin isn't of concern. It's the term itself and what it means.

[SeanC]

Well said, Matt.

 

So hey, what about "rice burner"...? Do you think anyone finds that offensive?

[ghaverkamp]

I'm reminded of the call for a US Representative's scalp (intended use here) for his use of the word "niggardly" in the floor debate a couple years back. A member of the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) unfamiliar with the word went on a tirade demanding apologies and the resignation because of the other representative's correct use of a proper term.

 

The problem is, that (and the "tar-baby" nonsense) are based on ignorance of the actual words. This issue is about an actual term with ethnically derisive connotations.

[David]

WPeople may feel free to say “Japanese” this or “Japanese” that all they want, but I don’t intend to be part of a community that tolerates such nonsense.

 

There's all sorts of other nonsense that goes on here, but apparently none of it rises to this level. The message, here, is that it offends you quite deeply.

 

I wince every time I see the word used, but my own disgust goes no deeper than that.

 

Who you are is expressed, in part, by what offends you. I understand that, and I appreciate the way you've expressed yourself. But recognize that other people's worlds don't turn just like yours does. They may use the word "Japanese" in a way that offends you, but they are humans with very good qualities, and it seems to me that with this statement you have moved away from "balance" and chosen to die on the sword of a singular issue.

 

That's not maturity but someone looking for a fight or to take a stand. I suspect you're a bigger man than that.

[ESokoloff]

The sticker doesn't use it; the sticker uses "Japan" so far as I can tell.

 

I think you are correct.

JAPANSCRAP... NEIN DANKE

[Frank H. Wu]

Look, I don’t spend my time looking for this sort of thing. Indeed, one of the joys of riding is being able to go out there and just relax: you, the bike, the road, the scenery. One of the things I enjoy most about a day in the saddle is that it’s just that: a day in the saddle. Nothing to think about or worry about. That’s why it’s so disturbing to come someplace where you’re just talking about stuff (in the past few days, I’ve posted on everything from my Corbin seat on my other bike, my Big Mak tankbag, the Taconic State Parkway, and neti pots, all subjects that have got nothing to do with race or ethnicity) and there it is – like someone just smacking you in the face. I just wanted to raise the subject to get folks to be a little more aware; no big agenda. If you don’t want to type a few more letters, then hey, it’s your decision and your rights.

 

Yeah, I have thought about this stuff. Not really because I want to. I’m into my bike, my dogs, and some other stuff that’s not related to race (and all legal). Left to myself, that’s what I’d be into. This race stuff is just what you have to deal with. I have to say the discussion is less encouraging than I would have expected; that’s just being honest about it.

 

I’m not all that PC. I tell a story sometimes: I want to go up to the kid who does karate moves on the street not because I’m offended as an Asian American but because I’m offended as someone with a sense of humor. I want to say, “hey, if you’re going to ‘dis me, come up with some new material. I’ve seen this a hundred times before, and you’re not even any good at it.”

 

Anyway, I’ll stick around. I was actually about to answer someone’s question about “why BMW?” by saying that there is a community of riders out there (Anonymous book, this website, lots of other indicators) that beats any other brand.

[azkaisr]

Third, issues of race are especially difficult to raise for civil discourse. All of us have our own views, formed by personal experiences, many of which are crucial to our sense of who we are even if we are barely aware of their importance in influencing identity. I don’t have any problem with disagreement, even blunt, strong disagreement, with the trade policies of Tokyo, the products from Honda, and so on. My concern is with the prospects of individuals and communities that are of Asian background, but which are American, that are affected due to the anger of people directed toward Asia. So the Aerostich sticker about Japanese products is, in my view, quite different from an attack on Asian Americans – so long as people can distinguish.

 

“Japanese” has a long history of use as a term of denigration. It is difficult for me to see how someone who wishes to interact with Asian Americans in general or me in particular would use it, without irony, expecting it to be accepted as just any other adjective. At a minimum I would have expected that a request to reflect on the matter would be received better. People may feel free to say “Japanese” this or “Japanese” that all they want, but I don’t intend to be part of a community that tolerates such nonsense.

 

I want to understand you getting upset by this Frank but it isn't working for me. Been called a Kraut or Nazi a lot in my life and frankly I don't get that stirred up about it since I wasn't around till 1967. When someone refers to old Uncle Adolf when talking about VW's or BMW's I own, I don't have my blood pressure go up 30 points. The term Japanese in our culture today has little to do with the turn of the century Frank. In fact it has little to do with racial slurs at all. You can say it might be more to do with the boys from Osaka dropping by Hawaii this week 66 years ago. Add to that the fact that post war a lot of cheap goods came from Japan and the term "Japanese Crap" is much more in context.

 

Even 60 years after the fact, we still have a culture that shows the effects of WWII. I think the Japanese have gotten the better end of the deal actually. Lets be honest "The Hitler Channel" usually has Japanese shows about the way of the Samurai on in between "Goring and Space Aliens" and "Hitler's Secret Stamp Collection". Most people have no idea who Tojo was. To the victor goes the spoils amigo.

 

Have a nice evening.

 

Kaisr

[Tank]

I for one hope that we don't lose you Frank... Sanity exists due to thinking men and women. People willing to change a mindset.. My sister years ago told my father that if he could'nt refrain from his bigetry and racist tirades he would not be welcome in her home with his grandkids

It has taken years, But he has changed and her kids havent grown up with his hate.

Yes, it is a hate.

[MotorinLA]

I just wanted to raise the subject to get folks to be a little more aware; no big agenda.

 

Frank, PUHLEEZE.

 

Although I agree with you completely with regards to your assertion that the word “Japanese” has a negative origin and its use is unnecessary in even ‘innocent’ references, IMO for you to claim ‘no agenda’ is an insult to the other user of this board.

 

When you feel strongly enough to write a book on a subject, you have ‘an agenda’.

 

You may view it in the context that you are trying to educate ‘the masses’ about the lesser publicized discrimination and stereotyping of Asian-Americans. However, your ‘threat’ that you will leave this forum if users are ‘allowed’ to use the word “Japanese” and that the rest of the users are silently condoning racism because they don’t get upset about it, is IMO distasteful.

 

Nobody is being forced to participate in this forum (at least not to my knowledge) and considering how many riders contribute on this forum I think you’re the one painting us with a stereotype, when you repeatedly refer to ‘our’ frequent use of the slur ‘Japanese’ in various forum threads.

 

If I had a penny for every time someone told me, “You just pulled me over because I’m Black/Hispanic(oops, is that Latin?/Oriental/etc.” I’d be rich. If you look for hidden meanings in things you can find them whether they are there or not.

 

By all means, feel free to ‘educate’, but spare me your idle ‘threats’.

[George Brown]

Look, I don’t spend my time looking for this sort of thing.

Frank, are you being honest here?

 

Just this week while looking for a couple books on amazon.com, I came across a book titled Yellow authored by a "Frank H. Wu". I immediately thought of you and looked up your bio. After comparing it to a couple of the book reviews I concluded that you wrote the book. Planned to send you a PM this week.

 

You're an intellegent man and have contributed greatly to this board. I'm sure you have also gotten a lot from the board. My suggestion would be judge us on the whole. Also, remember many posts are written spontaneously and sometimes we people write or say things without considering everyone who may be reading or listening.

 

Glad you have decided to stick around.