Popular streamer IShowSpeed is under criticism for his egregious racist interaction with a Chinese fan at the World Cup, and many are pleading with him to change.
IShowSpeed, who has 14 million YouTube subscribers and almost 6 million Instagram followers, is in Qatar for the major soccer event and has spent a lot of time live streaming from the stands.
The streamer draws attention to an Asian supporter wearing an Argentina jersey in the contentious video. Speed appears to be pointing out that he doesn’t look Argentinian as he questions why he is wearing the gear.
Popular Streamer IShowSpeed Under FIRE For RACIST Comments At The World Cup
He then exclaims, “Konnichiwa!” — a polite Japanese phrase for “hi” — multiple times at the fan. The fan tries to clarify that he is not Japanese but Chinese, at which point ISS starts speaking incoherently and with an accent. Naturally, and properly so, Speed’s supporters have blasted the exchange in the comment section on his social media platforms. “Stop spewing macro-aggressions and racism towards Asian people and use your platform for something positive,” one wrote.
Another said, “You failed Asian Americans and Asians everywhere. We all make mistakes. But grow up. Do better. Be a better example for the youth.” While another simply wrote, “ishowracism should be your new name from now on.”
The 17-year-old made an effort to explain what he was thinking, but it wasn’t particularly helpful. He claims to have believed the man to be Japanese, though he doesn’t say why, and claims that the footage caused his adrenaline to race.
He asserts that he is not racist and expresses regret “if it came out that way.”
What do you think? Was what he said meant to be racist or was he just a dumb kid trying to be a jerk to someone? Let us know in the comments below.
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