Seriously Spain?

Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors on the photo of the Spanish team that has sparked controversy this week (see posts below): "We thought it was appropriate, and the idea was conceived as a friendly gesture; it was never offensive. We have a lot of respect for the Chinese people; actually, some of my best friends in Toronto are of Chinese background. Only a confused mind would want to turn this into a controversy."

I find that statement to be offensive to me, not because I'm Chinese (I am not), but because Jose Calderon assumed that I (and everyone else in the world) am dumb enough to believe that crap. I wish I could believe you Jose, but I have a brain, and that whole reasoning part of it keeps me from being able to buy your story.

Let's break it down piece by piece: 1. You thought the photo was appropriate - It was appropriate to make a gesture that perpetuates a stereotype of Asian people? Not so much.

2. The idea was conceived as a friendly gesture - Hey, when I see people mocking me I ask them to be my friend right away.

3. It was never offensive - (see above)

4. You have a lot of respect for the Chinese people - I can tell. Showing your knowledge of racist stereotypes just proves how much research you did before being a guest in China. How gracious of you.

5. Some of your best friends in Toronto are of Chinese background - Wow, pretty sure I've heard that one before, but usually it involves a stuck up white guy saying he's not racist. I wonder why I never believed that guy before?

6. Only a confused mind would want to turn this into a controversy - You're right here, no one wants to turn this into a controversy ... you guys on the Spanish basketball team made it into a controversy, and now you are trying to deflect blame by saying it was taken out of context.

You were wrong. Take the blame for it and move on, but stop patronizing us all by making terrible excuses. We're all smarter than that (I hope).