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Lott's comments jolt Asian-Americans

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Some lawmakers ? including Congress' only black Republican, J.C. Watts ? say the comments were not racially motivated. Mr. Lott has consistently denied being a racist, but he has apologized for his remarks.

Leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus say that is not enough. And civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and NAACP president Kweisi Mfume have called for Mr. Lott's resignation.

In a show of solidarity, Asian-Americans have joined the fray.

"Elected officials do serve as role models and spokespersons in our society at large," said Daphne Kwok, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. "Therefore, it is important that our political leaders of any party ? Democrat, Republican, independent, Green, etc. ? understand the impact that their words and actions have on all the citizens of this country."

George Ong, national president of the Organization of Chinese Americans, also has asked for Mr. Lott's resignation.

"It is outrageous that someone in a position such as Mr. Lott's would make such a divisive statement," said Mr. Ong, who pointed out that in the past, Mr. Lott has associated with Bob Jones University and the Council of Conservative Citizens.

Delaware's former Lt. Gov. S.B. Woo, who organized 80-20, an Asian-American political action committee, said, "Asian-Americans are very alarmed by Sen. Lott's recent statement."

Mr. Woo wants the Senate Republican Caucus to "take another vote for majority leader."

The concerns among Asian-Americans are understandable when you consider this country's history. The Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 stopped the flow of immigration into the United States. In 1913, California's Alien Land Law prohibited immigrants from owning or leasing property. And in 1917, Arizona lawmakers established "no immigrant" zones.

Perhaps the most flagrant example of racism occurred in 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which in effect allowed more than 120,000 people living in the United States who were of Japanese descent to be interned during World War II. It was thought that they posed a threat to national security. More than half of the internees were children.

Last week, President Bush said Mr. Lott's comments "do not reflect the spirit of our country."

But can we be sure?

No matter how hard we try to sweep it under the carpet, racism manages to rear its ugly head in many forms.

Who among us hasn't felt guilty for locking our doors when a black person walks a bit too close to our car? Or was surprised to hear an Asian clerk speak without an accent? Or wondered whether a Hispanic hire was the result of affirmative action? And since Sept. 11, who hasn't noticed any Middle Eastern-looking passengers on your flight? These things are not as divisive as internment camps or burning crosses ? but they are signs of racism nevertheless.

This country has passed laws to stop segregation in public places, ensure equality in the workplace and end discrimination on the basis of race, creed or religion. But you can't legislate thoughts or stupidity.

Racism is like kudzu ? a plant that happens to be rooted in the Deep South. Kudzu is almost impossible to kill. All you can do is learn more about it to keep it under control.

Esther Wu can be reached at P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265.