Two years ago, Saturday Night Live Bowen Yang as the first-ever cast member of East Asian descent. The comedian has been a vital and hilarious part of the show ever since, but on “Weekend Update” this week, he showed why it really matters that he’s there.
“Meetings are being held across the country to condemn the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes,” Colin Jost told viewers. “Here to share resources on how you can help is Asian cast member Bowen Yang.”
When those words appeared on the screen beneath him, Yang asked, “Is that my official title, Asian Cast Member?” When Jost reminded him that that was the introduction he was asking for, Yang joked, “Yeah, I’ll get you ready, it feels good.”
“So things for Asians in this country have been very bleak for the past two weeks … and all the weeks before that since forever,” added Yang. “But there is a lot of work to be done, and I found some posts online with action items that anyone can use to help.” With that, he shared very specific memes like “Six Ways To Check In Your AAPI Friends And Tell Them They’re So Hot” and “Call Your Senators And Demand They Know About The Lesbian Characters In Sailor Moon!”
What can I say to help how insanely bad things are? If someone’s personality is ‘beat an Asian granny’, it is not a dialogue. I have an Asian grandmother, you want to slap her. There is no common ground, Mommy. “
Yang’s main message to everyone who watched was “do more.” When you order from Chinese restaurants, he said, “Please let me know when you feed your white kids chicken feet.”
‘You cried during ThreateningHe continued. I was sobbing hard for Steven Yeun. Do more. And why are you telling me you tipped your manicure right? Let me know when you get down on your knees and scrub your feet while she looks at your phone. More to do!”
Later, Yang explained, “I’m just a comedian. I don’t have the answers. But I don’t just look for them online, I look around. The GoFundMe for Xiao Zhen Xie, the grandmother fighting back against her attacker, raised $ 900,000, which she immediately returned to the community. That’s where we are as Asians, come and meet us there now. “
Yang shares a Mandarin cheer that means’ refueling ‘, said Yang,’ I don’t know what’s helpful to say to everyone, but that’s what I’m saying to myself. Fuel out. Do more. It’s the year of the metal ox, which actually means a car. So everyone, get in, put on your seat belt, it’s not a pee break. We’re driving at sunrise, grandmas! “
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