The Slants

Boy bands are in again.  One Direction, The Wanted, The... Slants.  Yes, that's right, an all boy Asian-American band.  The name is striking, it might even make you crack a smile, but The Slants don't care.  They are all about breaking racial stereotypes.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office doesn't feel the same way.  The Slants have been denied access registering their name because the government believes the name to be offensive towards Asian-
Americans.

It's all about perspective though, The Slants see it in a completely different way.  They think that their band name empowers instead of mocks.  In an interview with Time Entertainment, founder Simon Tam says its a case of reverse racism.  "In my opinion, the concern is a little misguided.  We have people being offended on behalf of our community, yet they're denying us rights."  Basically, what's the big deal?  

Society has labeled and categorized different social groups forever.  Prior to Asian, Americans used the term "Yellow" when speaking of a person of Asian decent.  The Slants think that using an obvious term like "slant" which is associated with Asians is giving them the upper hand.  Tam says, "It's empowering when people use it and embrace it as part of their identity.  The words don't necessarily have to be loaded down with historical context.  It's almost like social justice achieved through linguistic change."  The Slants are saying GET OVER IT! 

It's a matter of time until we get to see if The Slants' "stick-it-to-the-man-attitude" works in their favor.  They don't seem to be giving up any time soon.  

For more information on The Slants visit: This link
For the Times Entertainment article visit: This link

By: Tori 






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