tofu_camby wrote:The Raptors Off-Topic post about Lin got locked down by the mods because of supposed racism ... will this thread survive?
I have to admit that as an Asian, my interest in Lin stems solely from his ethnicity. I mean the kid has some game no doubt but really its about race for me. Not sure if that would offend anyone. To me it's like Canadian fans who like Joel Anthony because he hails from Montreal -- really, it's not about his game.
All jokes aside, this is an interesting cultural phenomenon and worth talking about. I'm sure most Asian-Americans basketball fans had a higher than average level of interest when Yao came to the league. But imagine if Lin had that level of talent. Would Lin's popularity in America amongst Asian-Americans beat the interest Yao received from Asian-Americans? Would Asians living in Asia care about Lin making the league?
I'm black and i would love to see another Asian star besides Yao Ming...