While absolutely in the territory of 'not smart', I don't believe it to be a racist attack of any sort. It is a common English phrase, but it's hard to deny that the parallels with racism exist within this case.

It's not the first time that they've used this phrase, but it might not be the most tasteful choice of words to use. On one hand you could argue that it was only found by people who were looking for racism (and jumping to the conclusion that it must be), and on the other hand it is just an English phrase.

I don't know if it's respectful to deliberately avoid such choice words to not sound racist... Or if it's racist to not use those phrases, as you must be prejudice to recognise that they're different and could take offense.


I firmly believe that it is in the realm of 'pure accident', with no harm intended. I think we have all said something, then later realised that by trying to treat people as equal, we've actually said something that offends their nationality or beliefs.

It was clearly a poor choice of words even though the meaning of the phrase in question is not racial in nature.

In all honesty, I understand the writer's intent; did the Knicks' loss indicate an error of some sort on Jeremy Lin's part?

However, using that phrase as the lead in to the story AND using a photo of Lin at the same time wasn't a good idea.

I never would have guessed that such an organization existed.  It's got all the jokes and things you shouldn't say.

Asian American Journalists Association releases guidelines on Jeremy Lin media coverage

You should not say, "ME LOVE YOU LIN TIME": Avoid. This is a lazy pun on the athlete's name and alludes to the broken English of a Hollywood caricature from the 1980s.