Jenni on Skype: jclayville 
By now, I’m sure most have heard about the incident regarding Deadly Viper: Character Assassins.
I’ve been avoiding this whole controversy due to the mere fact that there has been enough attention thrown that direction. I really didn’t feel the need to add to the noise. Also, I thought, “Who am I? Why does my opinion matter?” But when people started asking me more and more what my thoughts were, I realized maybe my voice DOES matter.
Long story short: Jud Wilhite & Mike Foster wrote Deadly Viper. Much of the Asian American Community were deeply offended by their use of marketing, which used kanji and martial arts illustrations. Words were expressed on blogs. Feelings were hurt. Jud & Mike (along with Zondervan) addressed the concerns as best they could. Plans to re-design the book were made. Everyone seemed to have come to a compromise. Then, instead of going with the plan, Zondervan pulls the book off the stands… indefinitely.
Now, everyone feels censored.
The Asian American community has blown up the blogosphere with their thoughts. You can read some written by Professor Soong-Chan Rah, Eugene Cho, DJ Chuang, Dave Gibbons and Kathy Khang. Then later I was quoted HERE by DJ Chuang… twice. I highly respect ALL of these contributors, but I don’t necessarily agree with everything they are saying. My comments have been so scattered on different blogposts, I thought it would be better if I just compiled them all in one place. So here goes:
For clarity, I am Chinese-American. I didn’t even speak English until I was in first grade, but if you and I had a conversation, you’d never know that because I have NO accent. ESL classes were my best friend in elementary school. On my wedding day, I had a Chinese red-dress wedding AND an American white-dress wedding (with tea ceremony). Brian “purchased” me for $99.99. It felt like the longest day of my life. I know the Chinese traditions all too well, yet at the same time, feel as if I know NOTHING about my culture. Where does that put me? Always willing to learn, I guess.
I am DEEPLY saddened about the controversy surrounding this matter.
People were offended and hurt in this process. Brothers and Sisters in Christ (of the same race, of a different race, same gender, different gender) slung nasty words at each other while they fought for a side… fought to be heard. Ironic really, how this book was about character assassination.
The majority of the offended party has not even read the book. This is unfortunate because the premise and the purpose of the book is quite phenomenal and has changed the lives of many. The offended also saw an obscure Facebook video from 2 years ago that was unrelated to the book’s marketing and words flew. Even though the video was removed immediately once it was brought to attention, integrity was questioned.
The offended looked at the design and concluded it was a marketing gimmick when in reality, the book wasn’t about hijacking a culture… it was about using the Kung-Fu movie genre & Martial Arts as a metaphor for living a life with integrity.
I understand that some of the DV marketing was offensive. Not knowing some of the material was offensive doesn’t excuse the DV team from the FACT it’s still offensive. However, they were never given a real opportunity to rectify it before it all blew up in their face.
My biggest disappointment in all of this isn’t that I felt as if my Asian culture had been attacked… but that CHRIST’S culture had been attacked.
From the beginning, my frustrations weren’t with the DV camp… it was with some of the “offended” Asian American community. Am I saying they didn’t have a right to be offended? NO. Hear/read me clearly – God gave us ALL feelings for a reason. If we feel it, it’s real to us. Right, wrong or indifferent, it’s real. Our job is to communicate that out of love and grace so that restoration can take place. But from what I have read, that didn’t happen.
Matthew 18: 15-17 says:
15″If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
From what I saw… the offended jumped STRAIGHT to the last resort.
We’ve come a long way from when my great-grandfather was working on American train-tracks as a slave. We can talk to each other now respectfully and humbly without fearing for our lives… so let’s use our words to resolve issues of offenses… not attack back.
I’ll close with part of my comment on DJ Chuang’s most recent post:
I wish that DV didn’t get pulled. I wish the Asian-American community didn’t APPEAR so “overly-sensitive” and to be blunt… a bit selfish. But that’s where we are right now and I feel like I’ve got a foot in both camps. This CAN be remedied… but it’s gonna take communication… and some serious hugging.
“Brothers don’t shake hands… Brothers gotta HUG!”
Oh… and in case you couldn’t tell? I was NOT offended by ANY of Deadly Viper’s materials.
Thank you for posting this. I had read some stuff about this and was waiting to read your opinion, as someone from two races (hispanic-american in my case) I understand your points and agree with them whole-heartedly.
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jenni Reply:
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
thanks, man! well… i’m glad i said something then
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hmmmm. I was unawares.. thanks for making this a point of interest for me Jen.
My initial thought (based on very limited information) was “geez.. really? Orientalism?! What is that?! Rug-ism? How to buy the right oriental rug?… Cuz I know they’re not trying to lump all Asian cultures into one describing word…”
HAHAHA..
It’s a bit silly to me, but of course, understandable. I agree with you Jen on pretty much everything…
The truth is… is it SO easy to offend (intentionally or on accident).. and regardless of the intent.. hurt is hurt.. and it’s completely valid.. at the same time, I wonder if we can be the type of people who would be able to overlook an offense? That’s probably the saddest part for me.. that so many people were unable to overlook the offense —
Look at Kung Fu Panda.. the cartoon. We loved it. (Well I did).. even IF the characters were voiced mostly by white actors. Did we get upset then? Not really. We laughed.
Look at some of the clothes you get in China.. there are lots of American letters scribbled across the front of a shirt for “style”.. but the word actually doesn’t mean anything. Should Americans be offended?
Maybe they shouldn’t have picked “Kung Fu”.. or martial arts as a means to create an analogy for what they wanted to say.. but Barbarian has already been taken and Pirates don’t seem as honorably deadly…. please no pirates be offended. I just haven’t met one yet.. so call me ignorant. Is there another “type” of “non existing” people that could have been used? Cavemanism? I don’t know.
Anyway.. I personally am proud of my culture.. even if we are joking around or being stereotypically racist.. What I know of the Chinese culture is that it is one that is proud and has a history of strong characters/teachings. Similarly the Japanese have the Samurai (ways of life) and Africa has Nelson Mandela… what I’m trying to say is as an Asian American, I don’t mind the use of “Deadly Viper: Character Assasins”.. to me. it’s not so much the cover of the book.. as what’s inside.
I know, it’s really hard to look past that though sometimes. So I can see why and how things were taken the way they were. But at the same time… we can also choose to take things with a grain of salt — as not to lose our own saltiness…. you dig?
That’s my quick synopsis of the situation.
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Sorry — AMERICAN letters.. I meant ENGLISH letters.. Please no one be offended..
ESL! (English is also my second language).
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 am
you’re funny, renee! love you, sister.
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Darn it, you Americans trying to take over the English language.
I’m offended!
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 am
oh geez!
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I’m offended too… I’m part pirate aargh!
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I just think the scenario and outcome could have been reached on a more humble and compromised level. What is it…consider others better than yourselves? Yeah, I’m a white girl, so maybe I don’t get it, but Mike and Jud definitely acted Biblically there and set a hard freaking core standard by doing it.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am
absolutely, anne!
i’m not sure that the whole Asian American community wanted the book pulled COMPLETELY. i think they just wanted what they felt was “offensive” to be revised and a public apology… which they got.
zondervan pulling it completely was not anyone’s call.
just sad.
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“My biggest disappointment in all of this isn’t that I felt as if my Asian culture had been attacked… but that CHRIST’S culture had been attacked.”
“Our job is to communicate that out of love and grace so that restoration can take place.”
“We’ve come a long way from when my great-grandfather was working on American train-tracks as a slave. We can talk to each other now respectfully and humbly without fearing for our lives… so let’s use our words to resolve issues of offenses… not attack back.”
Bravo, Sister. BRAVO!!!
Yours was a voice that should’ve been heard in this discussion – and I’m so glad you chimed in. I’m sure your not the only AA cringing at the way some of this was handled. Thank you for being brave enough to speak out. And thank you for sharing snippets of your story in the process.
I’ve always wondered what your story was. I knew that, given your strength and sense of humor, it had to be something powerful.
Love you!
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:57 am
thanks, mandy!
i just didn’t think i had a voice because in all honesty, i make my own “racist” jokes about myself. though i stand my ground when i am really attacked and threatened, i am absolutely NOT sensitive about more subtle things like this.
i think i just look more at the heart behind it all. hurt people HURT people. the asian culture has been VERY hurt over the years, so i am glad the concern has been brought to the forefront. just think it could/should have been done so so so so so differently.
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Thank you for posting. I think you are right in the fact that Christ’s culture has been attacked. How can we as the Body of Christ be an example to the world if we have grumbling and arguments among us….if we are not unified together?
It was very clear that Jud and Mike had no intention on offending anyone and were willing to change it once the offense was brought up. If both parties would have given the other a shot to talk and share their side and come to a compromise that made both parties happy.
I am sad that the DV stuff got pulled because it helped me a lot in making sure my character wasnt out of line.
But, i am white and may not understand the deep rooted culture and why and how the offenses are there.
Thanks for sharing Jenni…and people do want your opinion and thoughts. Especially me.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:00 am
lynse – there are DEFINITELY deep rooted issues with race… and it hasn’t gone away. it’s just been muffled.
i’m glad some people are fighting this subject, cuz all of this needs to be heard… but i’m just not upset about it enough, i guess.
that’s not right or wrong… it just is.
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Thanks, Jenni! I haven’t followed the entire controversy, though I suspected that those who expressed offense had not read the content of the book.
The words in that little book were amazing because they cut through all the litter and garbage that we as humans like to toss out there to cover up. Mike & Jud gave practical advice — I learned later it’s from been there/done that experience — on how to avoid the pitfalls and traps. I personally purchased and gave the book to many friends — including my last copy, because the message is THAT important.
“Now everyone feels censored” — do you think there’s an enemy out there who wants us to shut up?
Like Lynse, the words written inside this book have helped me think and rethink the places I go, ways I behave, plans I make.
And like Anne, I think Jud & Mike have set a really high bar for the rest of us. Crap. More standards I have to think about before reacting!
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
faye – there are a group of people who are speaking gingerly through the censorship. DJ Chuang is one of them and i would encourage you go to his blog and read his words.
i totally agree that the message of DVCA has been muted for now… but God is good and He’s already won. though i’m sad this resource has been pulled… i believe God has spoken even more boldy through the actions of what has been done in THIS controversy.
i have learned a LOT from this. i’ve learned more about my culture, my beliefs, my stance on my faith and more about me.
every moment is a teachable moment if we allow it to be.
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Faye Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 am
ABSOLUTELY!
You’re right. These two guys’ actions and attitudes have blown me away. Whenever I’ve wanted to be angry, I think of how quietly they are standing, trusting God to handle this.
I appreciate DJ Chuang’s words. I love that you and he and others are aiming people to making this a growth thing rather than a media debacle.
I sincerely hope this whole thing comes around to helping people see Christ’s redemption more than any kind of race/culture issue. That is, after all, the essential thing for all of us, no matter what race we are.
And by the way, I am a German-American. I’ve not had to outrightly face being considered a Nazi, but when I talk about my family being from Germany, I do hear about beer and brats and strange foods and other slurs. Even us Caucasian folks aren’t immune to it.
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“God gave us ALL feelings for a reason. If we feel it, it’s real to us. Right, wrong or indifferent, it’s real. Our job is to communicate that out of love and grace so that restoration can take place.”
That is probably the best way I’ve heard expressed on how we as believers should handle conflict. Thank you for your insightful words.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:17 am
thanks, Makeda.
i don’t believe God created us to walk on eggshells… but he gave us ears to listen, mouths to speak truth, and arms to embrace.
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Thank you for writing about this from your perspective. Like I said yesterday… it is all difficult for me to have a valid opinion about the whole thing. Being that I am the whitest person ever AND friends with Mike and Jud. But I certainly feel for both sides though.
This is America and it saddens me that the Asian community or any minority community still would be made to feel attacked or stereotyped. I know that wasn’t the intention of Mike and Jud and I really wish this all could have been rectified in a different way.
I feel like we have all gone from one side feeling attacked, to now another side feeling attacked.
It is a tragedy (IMO) that a whole generation and beyond will miss out on this amazing book, simply over artwork. As a designer, this also frustrates me because I know so much could have been done without removing the book indefinitely.
I absolutely love the Foster and Wilhite families and also love my Asian American friends (hi Jenni!)—and stand behind and pray for them during this difficult time.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:20 am
love you, my pastey-white-who-probably-will-never-tan friend.
yes, a whole generation will miss out on this book… but God still speaks loudly and boldly. i believe His message was heard HERE and will be heard in different ways in the future.
unfortunately, racism is still VERY real and VERY alive here… even in America.
i hope this whole controversy has taught us all a bit more about loving others JUST as God would… on both sides.
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Crystal Renaud Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
God is truly a redeemer. It is my prayer that no residual harm would be done—that would prevent Mike and Jud from being looked upon as men of integrity. And that God would continue to use them both in powerful ways in their respective ministries and together.
I know they will take this experience and learn from it. I think we have all learned a great deal about loving others through this.
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Very well said.
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While i didn’t really think much about it when i first saw deadly vipers stuff beyond that the Chinese on their website was nonsensical, i do now see how it could be offensive. (BTW, while i can read a little Chinese, i’m not Asian) Its a shame it wasn’t thought of before the book was published because their probably would have been ways to make the material work with just using non-ethnicised assassins and fighting techniques. I hope their publisher hasn’t been scared away from the material and will work to reformat the helpful stuff in the book into something that won’t cause unneeded offense.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 am
joanna – how COOL that you are literate!!! though i am fluent, i am sadly illiterate in Chinese. no one’s fault but my own. my mom put me in Chinese school… and all i can remember are the chinese alphabet and funny little poems. *sigh*
actually… the design team of DVCA went to great lengths and worked with University Professors to ensure that all of the Kanji both in the book and on the website were not only correct but were words relating to book and theme.
they really tried.
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Joanna Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:39 am
Hmmm, maybe my chinese reading is worse than i thought
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Victor C Reply:
November 25th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hi Jenni & Joanna,
“The characters are just random. They were selected by our designer because they looked compositionally cool.”
This quote from 2007 is from Bryce Green of Ethur.org. From Ethur’s web site, it looks like they were the design/concept team behind Deadly Vipers.
http://www.hanzismatter.com/2007/11/deadlyviperorg.html
(If you click on the quote, it’ll bring up the email from Bryce, also dating back to 2007.)
What was your source that the Kanji “were not only correct but were words relating to book and theme”?
In His grace,
Victor C
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jenni Reply:
November 26th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
actually, victor… the characters are NOT random. i think you may be looking at the original cover (those characters WERE random) but the most current copy is in hansi and it literally translates to “Ninja Warrior Assassins”
my multiple sources that these are actually correct is my family… who was born and raised in hong kong as well as japanese professors. hours of research were put into the cover in the second publishing.
victor… the DV team corrected every issue brought to their attention as SOON as it was addressed. it’s not fair to keep holding them on trial for something they have rectified. pulling up research from 2007 doesn’t quite make it accountable research, now does it, victor?
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one thought… does this say something about the need for all of us to be wise about other cultures. zondervan’s editorial and legal staff obviously did not do its job and hung the authors out to dry.
it’s a good thing that God is always good…
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
lauree – i don’t think we need to be “wise” about the other cultures as much as we need to BEFRIEND those in the other cultures. from my understanding, some of the DVCA team IS Asian.
i think we need to look at our group of friends. are they mostly white, asian, black, purple? i think we should all be more like a jellybean collection that’s not eaten… cuz that would be cannibalism.
YIKES.
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nicely expressed, jenni.
amazing how well-intentioned grown-ups can so badly fumble interactions with each other with ‘bull in a china shop’ finesse.
ummm…. no pun intended.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
THAT just made me laugh out loud! hahahaha!
i strongly believe the intentions of BOTH parties were good… which means ALL can be remedied.
china can be replaced, right? i don’t know… i don’t own any.
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I think the Asian American community over reacted and punished Mike & Jud too harshly. But, perhaps now there will be greater cultural sensitivity – although I feel like there’s a big wall between us all of a sudden.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:37 am
jesse – “yes” to the wall. i feel it too.
you can’t lump the whole Asian American community in one group (I am in that group)… cuz i AM in that group. the offended group may have over-reacted, but i don’t think they were set out to “punish” anyone, per se. we all just want to be heard. we all fight for social justice.
in the end, it’s better that we know than sit in ignorance. the offended community DID do something right in bringing this all to the surface, though i WOULD have done it differently.
the only way to get over the wall is to climb it, jesse. are you willing to climb and give some Asians a hug?
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Jesse Phillips Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
YES! =D Absolutely! Let’s hug this out! I’m open to dialogue, changing my ways, etc. Sorry for lumping all Asian Americans in one group =(. I should have said “the offended parties.”
Some of my best friends are Asian. I appreciate the Asian American community & culture. However, I caution as well that over sensitivity can be an enemy to reconciliation and harmony. Tho, I agree, biblically, that we need to bear with one another in love & the point that DJ Chuang made about the “stronger” should bear with the more sensitive (Rom 15:1).
Thanks, Jenni. Let’s move forward on this!! =D
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
(((*virtual hug*)))
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I found you post from DJ Chuang’s blog. Thanks for sharing. It’s very helpful and I think your perspective is necessary for the conversation.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
thanks for visiting here, erik! i think dj is pretty rad!
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful analysis and clarity. I actually don’t have a dog in this race at all from the standpoint that I’m not part of the Asian American community, nor have I read the book by Jud and Mike. I thought it looked beautiful, from what I had seen online, and I appreciate those guys throught their blogging, etc.
But what makes me care deeply about this is the fact that I am part of the Christian community. What grieves a brother grieves me. I understand very well the concerns of the Asian community, and I understand that just because something isn’t INTENDED to be offensive doesn’t mean it isn’t. I’m praying for reconcilliation – and redemption. And a stronger Body when the dust settles.
Thanks again for this excellent post.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:39 am
i LOVE what you are praying for. that’s EXACTLY what we all need more of! bless you!
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Well, it seems satan will do whatever’s necessary to curb the spreading of God’s message and the changing of lives. If that’s turning Christians on each other, so be it.
I’m a huge fan of Jud, Mike, DJ & Eugene. But I’m sad that somehow the bigger purpose got lost. The attention was successfully diverted from the positive impact the book was having and seemed to be reduced to political correctness. Who was the book intended for? Was the trade off worth it?
I’m just so disappointed/angry/frustrated beyond words that this spun in a direction I’m sure no one ever intended.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
i’m with you in your feelings.
i think we just need to mourn this whole thing together and make lemonade out of lemons.
this is a good reminder for me to be open to hearing if GOD is using me in the moment or if i’m allow satan to curb my decisions.
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This is very well written and thought out.
At first I was thinking “here is another deadly viper post” but I am really glad you weighed in on this topic.
I was apart of this. I was there when the story started gaining momentum. I think I have read every comment on every blog about this matter (well maybe not every single one, but you get the idea) and I myself am left confused.
In the beginning my mindset was, ok is this really that big of a deal. Then I started to realize that people were bothered and I tried to understand where they were coming from. But after a while it just turned into what seemed to be more juicy drama. Like a TV show that continues to pile on until the breaking point.
I am pretty bummed that they pulled the website. I loved the daily content that was posted and the conversation as well as the man cave. I just wish that it could have been redesigned and not just completely pulled.
I am rambling so I will finish up here.
I think you are right, there seems to be some harm that has been done between the two parties and I wonder if this started a healthy conversation or actually put the conversation back a few years?
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 am
kyle – agreed. it’s all very sad.
the truth is we’re all hurt. we all need to be heard and though this happened in a way that probably wasn’t the most gentle or loving… at least we are all aware now.
thank you for your kind comment!
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This has been difficult for me to watch as the father of two beautiful daughters of China.
I want so badly to raise them with a sense of pride and connection to their dual heritage as they are Chinese-Americans. We dread the days, and they are just starting, when kids make fun of them for the shape of their eyes, tone of skin, and that they don’t look like their Mommy and Daddy. Fact is, words hurt. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can crush a spirit.
My wife and I are certainly more sensitive to things that mock Asians and their culture than 8 years ago. It’s hard to know when to pick a battle and when not to.
Honestly, I did not know quite how to react to all of this. I love the work of DVCA, and I don’t know the Mike or Jud personally, but think they were coming from a place of sincerity.
We all say things that hurt people. You have made the great point here, that we are still all brothers and sisters in Christ, and damage was done to the culture of Christ.
We are broken people in desperate need of a Savior every minute of every day. We need grace but we also need to dispense grace. The cross is vertical and horizontal for a reason. We receive on the vertical plane and give on the horizontal plane – too bad we suck at that second part.
Thanks, Jenni, for your thoughtful and transparent post.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
great additions here, tal! thank you!
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I dont know if its bad or not but people should just get over themselves! Pick something that counts to spend this type of energy on… like maybe people starving to death. Also how is this any more offensive then the Gospel… lame!
Oh as an Irish dude rag on Ireland all you want there are more important things to talk about!
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
brother mike — i can tell this has frustrated you… but remember, we all have valid feelings and beliefs. THIS IS something worth our energy, heart and investment. THIS is about relationship… which is what God created us for. the Gospel is the ULTIMATE relationship so i believe being aware of this and reaching out to remedy this is JUST as important.
i’d like to invite you to think through if you’re responding to this out of love or frustration. because frustration can open wounds… but love heals.
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Mike Handy Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
Im not really frustrated so much as I just don’t get it. Content can be re-crafted so that really isn’t that big of a deal. People that get offended really are just missing the point and I dont get that.
Zondervon acted like a Conservative organization, which should be expected. No fault there, seriously I generally feel like this whole situation pretty lame! If Im offended I just dont buy the book, no need to create a fuss.
On a personal level my mom has a mental illness, and there are a ton of Christian books that attack it and people with it. Its not worth the energy to make a big deal about so I don’t.
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Joan Ball Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
What an interesting comment, Mike. As a person with mentally ill people both in my family and in my circle of friends I find the notion of calling the church on its position of both ignoring and denigrating the mentally ill to be a very worthwhile endeavor whenever and wherever we see it.
This raises a larger point for the American church.
As one who teaches, among other things, international business, one of my biggest jobs is to help my students understand the American ethnocentrism is a barrier to relationships (business or otherwise) worldwide. Unfortunately, dialog regarding cultural sensitivity has gravitated to extremes. On the one hand, there are those who would ignore differences for fear of offending and on the other are those who cry “political correctness” whenever a cultural issue is raised.
I will not comment on the Asian question, as I do not have enough information beyond blog posts to venture an intelligent opinion. That said, I have always found the replicating the format of a highly misogynistic secular program (The Man Show) as a stepping off point for “The Mancave” to be an unfortunate choice for sharing Christian values – one that had the potential to be off-putting. I recognize that there are people who will be offended by the Gospel, and for that I think we should be loving, but unapologetic. But when people are offended by graphic design, web-programming and other very human attempts to share it, I think it is important to understand and engage those concerns. The authors and their publisher are attempting to do that at great personal and, I would imagine, monetary cost. Good for them. And good for us that this challenge is causing us to rethink our relationships with our Asian brothers and sisters.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if this is what God had planned all along?
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
mike – i think if we are really seeking to understand, we wouldn’t sit in the “i just don’t get it” party. i didn’t really get it at first either… so i read, absorbed, prayed and soaked it in a bit more. i don’t want to be ignorant or uncaring of ANY groups of people.
one person can make SUCH a difference.
joan – great points!!! thanks for your comment!
i think it all comes down to the heart. people will be offended… for the rest of our lives. what it really comes down to is the HEART behind the matter… and in this case, i don’t believe the DVCA team set out to harm purposefully. and when they realized they did, they remedied the situation quickly.
that’s to be praised.
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Joanna Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
The gospel is a necessary offense. This was a completely unnecessary one.
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Jenni…thank you for sharing your views. You had some really great thoughts about this and it kind of bothers me that because of your racial makeup that people expected you to say something about all of this.
I just look at this whole thing and shake my head. It just looks like an incredible overreaction. In fact, when I read this on Prof. Rah’s site: “Mike and Jud, you are two white males who are inappropriately co-opting another culture and using it to further the marketing of your book” it came across to me as incredibly racist on the part of Prof. Rah. Let’s all go get the white men who dared to say anything involving Asian culture! Attack! Attack!
I can understand their concerns about the matter but almost all the posts I’ve seen against DVCA keep referring to the color of the skin of the authors. There’s no denying that racism is alive and well…I honestly think it’s growing by leaps and bounds.
Bottom line is the people who came after DVCA in the manner they did have hurt the cause of Christ. They may have valid concerns…but they way they went about things hurt the cause of Christ. At this moment, I have very little respect for Prof. Rah and others because of the way they went about things. They certainly haven’t advanced the cause of racial reconciliation in the church from their behavior.
Of course, I’m sure the response from most against DVCA will be that I’m a white man so I have no right to express an opinion on anything in this situation. I’ve already seen comments on postings at other sites about how horrible it is that anyone said anything against Prof. Rah or others.
Kyle wrote: “I think you are right, there seems to be some harm that has been done between the two parties and I wonder if this started a healthy conversation or actually put the conversation back a few years?” I would say it’s setting it back quite a bit.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
jason – i can’t tell you what to feel, but i can say i still HIGHLY respect prof. rah and all the others. just because you don’t agree with what they say doesn’t mean they don’t have truth for you to hear.
just because you are white man doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer either.
we are all in the process of refinement… ESPECIALLY me. i wouldn’t say we’re being set back… it’s just going to take more intentionality and courage to move forward now.
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(big breath)
it was good to run into you at the conference last week.
since there’s a gentle rebuke directed towards me and others on this blog, i’ll try to chime in.
it’s great for you to share that you’re not offended.
here’s my question/comment:
you’re on staff at a church in OR. can i ask what the demographics of that church is?
i’m going to guess that it’s most anglo (but it doesn’t matter).
you’re a leader (by result of you being on staff) at a church. let’s say that 50% of your church comes to you because the book in question was somewhat disturbing – for various reasons. and they were concerned tha the book could be license for others to caricature asian stereotypes – even if that was never intended.
what would YOU do?
if you’re a leader and numerous people in your congregation share their pain, i REALLY hope you’ll take time to listen to them even if YOU personally aren’t offended.
and if you really like the authors and the book, you’ll want to see the book republished and for their ministry to continue to flourish.
this is my prayer.
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Jason Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
“you’re on staff at a church in OR. can i ask what the demographics of that church is?
i’m going to guess that it’s most anglo (but it doesn’t matter).”
If it doesn’t matter, then why did you bring it up?
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:27 am
pastor eugene… i SO love your heart! thank you for your comment here. i know you ask me these questions because you care about social awareness and the body of Christ. so thank you.
to answer your first question regarding the demographics of my church: about 20% of our attenders are Asian American. that may not be as high of a demographic as your church, but that’s not our reach. our reach is not about color, status, class or affluence, but about location. our goal is to connect the unconnected in our area and our area is about 20% Asian American, so i guess we’re affectively doing our job.
however, i grew up in a Chinese church where the attenders were 99% Chinese… so i’m really not speaking out of ignorance.
now to address your second question: i believe i’m a leader whether i’m on staff or not. however, you’re right… the fact that i AM on staff, raises the bar on how i react to things like this, which is why i didn’t react in a “knee-jerk” type of way.
my job as a leader is to direct all hurt parties toward the Ultimate Healer. my job is to love unconditionally and extend grace even when the situation seems graceless… not feed to the fire.
i DO listen… that’s what i did here. i listened to both sides and didn’t post anything till quite a bit after the fact. i see that mud has been slung both directions. i’m not saying YOU personally slung mud… but the fact is there’s mud everywhere right now.
life is going to happen. we all are going to get hurt. but 10% is what happens to us and 90% is how we deal with and react to it. and if it were me… i would choose Matthew 18.
humbly,
jenni
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 am
btw, eugene… were you sighing at me? cuz i get that a lot from people… *smile*
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Since the book is about character assassins, why not redesign the book using assassins throughout history. Beyond ninjas.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
holla!!! great idea, joseph!
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Renée Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I love this idea!
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Zondervan is a huge company and while they are Christian in nature they reacted like other large organizations when faced with conflict. They cowered in fear and cut their losses.
I think everyone involved (except Zondervan) would agree that the content of the book was highly valuable and should not be shelved. Let’s join forces and start a campaign (using Social Media) to influence Zondervan to republish the book without the offensive images.
There is nothing like a common purpose to help build bridges toward unity!
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
when you say “let’s”, i hope you’re not giving me another assignment… cuz you tire me.
endlessly.
HA!
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Eugene… I think you married my brother Joshua Chen to Amanda Lau..
In fact, this is funny, I just made a connection… I think in your message you made a nod to “oriental” something, and it caught me off guard.. because to me, an oriental is a rug.. I know that term has been used to describe locations of Asian people.. like in the 14 and 1500s.. but what exactly is an “oriental”? Just curious. (Seriously am not upset and hope I am not offending you – just chit chatting and asking questions.)
I am Jenni’s sister by blood, which also makes me Chinese.. not Oriental – to my definition of “oriental”. I’m assuming you were referring to Asian culture, but chose to use the word “oriental” to describe it.. it’s ok, I didn’t mind too much… it didn’t keep me from enjoying the rest of your message. Anyway,
I was there.. with the one white guy sporting a mohawk. In the sea of Asians, he was hard to miss. I’m pretty sure I got every angry/shameful look from all those moms who knew I’d amount to nothing. HAhA. I’m just kidding… sort of.
Point is:
I could have been very upset that my husband was judged for his style and haircut. After all, he’s the kindest man I know that has dedicated his life to the education of children in their early years (meaning he teaches 3 and 4 year olds). But I encouraged myself to overlook the burning stares and run to the arms of loved friends and family celebrating a beautiful union.
What I’m trying to get at is, if I spent the time dwelling on it, I would have gotten really upset at the injustice and the wedding would have been ruined.. for me. I say for me because chances are, all those judging eyes would not have even thought to think they had hurt me. I would have been the only one fuming AND missing out on a totally awesome marital event!
In the same, I think we all agree that it was not the author’s intent to offend intentionally, but we’re not responsible for that, we’re responsible for how we choose to react… and are responsible to encouraging other to act in love and grace as well… so in response to a question you did not pose to me (but it made me think so I’d love to be a part of the conversation):
As a “shepherd” I’d hope that I’d challenge the 50% of my upset congregation to overlook the offense if they could.. not because their feelings don’t matter, but that there are greater injustices in the world to focus our energy on. My goal as a leader is to spur them on to be better human beings in grace and love.. especially in the face of situations that hurt us. Not that we should keep silent, but that we should be peacemakers. Our Lord is the ultimate judge who WILL have His way. I have to remember that first my responsibility is to God.. then to people. If any action is required, then diligently and carefully I would step forward, not to please people, but in my own sense of duty to correct, in love.
I think you might have done this?
I hope I didn’t offend any shepherds. I’m not a shepherd. I’m a dancer… and this was just me thinking out loud.
You are all beautiful people with great hearts wanting to do good for humanity and I admire that!
Thanks Jen for this great post to encourage thinking and conversation.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
i love you, sister… even though you ARE blood
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Jason Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Wow..this is a great post.
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this is what ive found interesting about this whole deal. asians, some, were offended. so, the hot point was that there is an offense here.
what im seeing is that the offended are almost offended that all asians arent offended. and it seems they are pressing the issue so that the unoffended might see why they should be offended. yet, causing more offense when the offended were offended in the first place cuz they didnt want to be offended.
i know. doesnt make sense, huh.
hope i havent offended anybody.
and if i confused anyone then you can see how this may look to many.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
OH FOR THE LOVE!!!
just kidding. totally makes sense. that was the tension for me. i was wondering if i SHOULD have been offended. i thought and prayed about it… and am not.
you’ve made a great observation, friend.
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oh. and i love you, ninjetta.
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Renée Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I’m offended.
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mandythompson Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
*snicker*
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well said, jenni. thanks for honestly sharing your heart.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
thanks, brandi! thank you for reading, supporting and encouraging as well!
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Simple question, who or what do we find our identity in? I know we can separate ourselves from our culture it is part of who we are. However, “aren’t we told we are not a part of this world.” Aren’t we also told that our identity is found in Christ.
yes, i understand that things can be insensitive to a culture and there is a certain political correctness that is out there. But can we look at the intent and heart of the Mike Foster and Jud Wilheite…can we discuss the important topics of this book, what this book is all about and how things were used to illustrate and give understand of the Greater message. Can we use stereotypes, even negative ones and redeem them for Kingdom purposes.
Can we also be more offended by the lack of holiness than someone using cultural references to talk about issues that all of us need to apply in our lives?
I have Deadly Viper right here on my desk…love the book…loved the blog and loved the heart behind it. This is a total shame how this came out and I am very disappointed in the one(s) who hadled it in such a manner.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
sound like you have a lot of questions, chris. it also sounds like you’ve a got a blog post brewing
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Thanks Jenni for your post. I knew I wasn’t alone in pushing back a bit, but was afraid that because of my whiteness it might get lost.
http://www.robertglennsmith.com/2009/11/23/deadly-viper-southern-white-mans-view/
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
thanks for linking, robert. i’ll be reading it soon
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The whole situation makes me sad on many levels. I’m a white guy who grew up watching Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Karate Kid, Ninja – Martial Arts – Kung Fu type shows. Many of the cheesy Kung Fu movies (even the cheesy ones) that I used to watch were produced, directed and created by Chinese directors and casts. Never did any of those representations make me look down on anyone of any Asian heritage. In fact, it probably made me more intrigued to learn more about the Asian community. Sure, some of the representations were a bit silly but I’ve always walked away thinking “Wisdom, Honor, Integrity, Skill, Discipline” when I think of someone Asian and that probably has a lot to do with those subtle influences from those martial arts movies. Personally, I LOVED the DV book but I read it for the content and undertone metaphor. It was a book that impacted me in a big way. I can understand how some would have been offended but then when I walked through Target last night I saw about a dozen other martial arts / Asian referenced products (movies, kids toys, DVDs, etc) with not so positive a message like DV. I just hope the same standard is applied across the board. I hate to see anyone feel offended but I think we also need to look at the bigger picture sometimes versus letting our individual voice speak for the masses. Maybe it’s just me but I’d be happy to bear an ounce of offense if I knew the overall outcome was going to impact many others in a significantly positive way overall.
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
daniel – thank you for weighing in. i really appreciate hearing your views here.
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Jenni,
You’re not alone. I just read another post from someone with a lot to lose in the publishing arena that spoke up.
http://www.michaeldimarco.com/2009/11/23/the-assassination-of-a-book/
Trying to avoid the headless sprinting chicken,
Kurtis
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jenni Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
WOW! thanks for the link! i love how he used “The Shack” as an example.
simply amazing.
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“Isn’t it interesting how we judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions?”
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jenni Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
who are you quoting?
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Renée Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Well, it wasn’t a direct quote.. it was a paraphrase of a quote made by someone who wanted to stay anonymous.. so.. I just left it blank.
GASP!
You know what this all reminds me of? Lord of the Rings! When the dark lord Sauran was unleashing darkness on middle earth and planning to kill off men.. all men… and was going to attack Gandor.. Then Aragorn asks King Theodan of Rohan to go to Gandor’s aid, but they refused because of they felt Gandor didn’t do come to their aid..
The crazy part was that Rohan needed to go to Gandor.. not because it was Rohan vs. Gandor.. but MEN vs. evil.
I think sometimes we forget we are on the same side.
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As I drove to work this morning I wondered if two Asian dudes, or better yet two Asian women, had written this book would there have been the outcry?
How might the criticism have been different?
I know these are hypotheticals, but I am struck that not only would the criticism have been different, but it may have not happened at all.
If I am right it points me again to the point that the seed of the criticism was not the Spirit of God. In fact, the lack of the fruit of the Spirit on many fronts is in itself evidence.
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jenni Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
@rg21 – i’m not sure how to address your hypothetical questions since they ARE hypothetical.
all we have is what has happened. and what’s in the future for reconciliation, for education, for understanding our brothers better.
i don’t think the question for you is “what if they…” as much as “what if I…” we can do hypotheticals forever, and i’m not sure they’d help much… but if we start with ourselves, that’s when we can FINALLY get somewhere.
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@RG21 Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
You are absolutely right! I think that this whole thing is good preparation the next time something like this happens. First question someone needs to ask me when being critical is why and what if. I’m pretty sure I’ll find myself on the other end of something like this one day.
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jenni Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
absolutely. i’m sure this isn’t the last time this will come up for any of us.
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Nothing more to say except I sure appreciate your insight Jenni, thanks.
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jenni Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
thanks, ron!
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I’m Tired.
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Jenni, thank you for this intelligent, sensitive, and Christ-honoring perspective.
Blessings.
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Ironically, it would have been better for Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite if they had been objectified in the Deadly Viper controversy, but it appears they were mistakenly made the subject of the discussion.
If I understand all this correctly (and for the record, I am an ancillary vested person in this story, click here to read my own post re: all this), they touched a very sensitive nerve that (not only) the Asian American community has experienced in a “white captivity” culture—one that they have been grappling to put words to.
The tragedy is that rather than making the subject a conversation around cultivating sensitivity to humanizing all people regardless of race, culture or ethnicity, the tone and the target of these wounds were aimed at two guys who were actually contributing to a conversation towards integrity, character and the affirmation of human dignity for all persons.
I am a huge fan of Prof Rah and think his message needs to get out further to provoke a more grounded sense of our Christian identity as it relates to the shifting (actually, shifted) demographic in the mosaic of who actually makes up our Christian majority. But I am also a huge fan of what the Deadly Viper project was advocating for, not only in its content, but how the message of integrity, character and grace was embodied in the lives of Mike and Jud. It is sad how two important messages collided and the fallout that has been an unintended consequence of this collision.
Let’s hope that everyone who made hurtful or accusatory statements about Mike and Jud, reconsider the content and tone of those unfair allegations. Much of the content I’ve read in the comment sections on blogs regarding all this has been unhelpful assumptions. These assumptions have only aggravated a sensitive conversation that needs to be played out. However, this important conversation should be held around more harmful eruptions of cultural insensitivity (i.e. the “Rickshaw Rally”) that somehow are left immune to the controversy Deadly Vipers unintentionally invited.
Let’s also remember that Mike and Jud should not be the targets of this dialogue. If people want to pick fights here, there are plenty of other legitimate instances of racial insensitivity that are more important and appropriate instances that can be focused on.
A positive outcome from all this would be an overwhelming level of support for Mike and Jud as the move away from the packaging of Deadly Vipers to their People of a Second Chance movement. A platform they have created for others that now needs to be extended to them, especially by those who have been so accusatory in the ways they’ve dismantled an important voice of renewal for our shared humanity.
The essence of how I hope all this comes across speaks to the crucial need to humanize all people—the Asian American community and Mike and Jud. I think there’s a way that Prof Rah’s (and other’s) concerns can be, and need to be validated, but not at the expense of Mike and Jud—otherwise, the same thing that Deadly Vipers has been accused of will be done to them by those who are most concerned.
Overall, I believe this has been a sad eruption of anger around an important issue that seems to have been misdirected at two guys who have given themselves to a much-needed message of hope. I think resistance to “white captivity,” or the imposition of any dominant consciousness of our Christian expression needs to be fought against, but not at the expense of the reputation and content of men whose message resonates with this struggle from a different perspective.
*If you’d like to discuss this or comment on these thoughts please leave them here (http://www.chrisheuertz.com/post/257436160/further-reflections-on-the-deadly-viper-controvery)*
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jenni Reply:
November 26th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
thank you for your comment here, chris. i love reading everyone’s perspective.
i think hate has been slung in both directions. not only have mike and jud been attacked, but so have many of the AA community leaders. i don’t think this is appropriate OR loving in any way.
none of us are innocent of this. the good news is all CAN be remedied. God is in the business of miracles and i believe He can heal even this.
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hey Jenni,
Found a link to your blog from DJ Chuang’s and read your post. I think we exchanged a couple of comments on Pastor Eugene’s blog. To be honest, I don’t agree with everything you’ve written here, but I respect your opinions and admire the sincerity of your faith.
I wish more folks had your willingness to make an effort to empathize, respectfully dialogue, and listen. Thank you for that, and thank you for not participating in the (sad) personal attacks I now read across Pastor Eugene Cho’s and Professor Rah’s blogs, which ironically, are coming from Christians who feel they are entitled to not even consider the concerns of their brothers and sisters in Christ, Asian or not.
I hope that you continue to use your voice to encourage peacemaking on both sides.
shalom,
-g.
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jenni Reply:
November 26th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
gar – thanks for your comment here! i really appreciate that we can both acknowledge that though we may not completely agree with each other, we still respect each others stances on this.
i am honestly disappointed at the hate that has been slung at both Prof. Rah & Eugene. they are VERY respectable men and do NOT deserve what they are getting right now. though i may not appreciate how Prof. Rah brought it all out in the beginning, he sincerely apologized and people should extend grace.
both of those men (along with others) have done a great job at bringing awareness to a culture who lacks it. i know i have learned a lot from them… and will continue to.
peace to you today, gar!
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Asian women are cute and good mannered. they are very caring too.”;~
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i am quite new to book marketing and i have to master that stuff too-’`
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