Sinn Fein
01-19-2004, 06:33 PM
I wish my life was problem-free as this woman's must be if she has time for this nonsense:
From Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108796,00.html):
A lone activist is leading a crusade to change the name of a 55-year-old steakhouse near Philadelphia because she says it is demeaning to Asians, reports the News Gleaner.
Chink's Steaks, a local landmark in Wissinoming, Pa., is under attack from Susannah Park, of West Philadelphia, who says that regardless of its origins the name is a slur and must be changed.
The owner of Chink’s, Joseph Groh, is baffled. He says the name was passed down to him by the founder Samuel "Chink" Sherman, who died in 1997.
"Why now?" Groh wondered. "We have been here for 50 years."
Community rallies to keep tradition alive at Chink's (http://www.newsgleaner.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10808299&BRD=2340&PAG=461&dept_id=488595&rfi=6)
The name Chink's resonates in the mind of many local cheesesteak connoisseurs.
But now it rings offensive to the ears of Asian Americans.
After 55 years in business, the folks who operate Chink's Steaks, a landmark in Wissinoming, say they heard about the problem a few weeks ago.
Susannah Park, of West Philadelphia, heard the name and was disgusted at what she believes is a slur against Asian-Americans. She called the restaurant owner and began a campaign to change the shop's name.
Joseph Groh, owner of Chink's on Torresdale Avenue, was stunned by the charge. The name was passed down to him by the founder Samuel "Chink" Sherman, who died in 1997.
According to Groh, many people never learned of Sherman's real name until his funeral. The nickname even appeared in his obituary and is etched in his gravestone.
And even though few knew Sherman's actual name, many were familiar with his mouthwatering creation.
"It is important to bear in mind that this term is an ethnic slur, whatever the intentions of the people in putting it on the name of this restaurant," said Barry Morrison, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. "We in no way are suggesting that (Groh) is insensitive or racist. We hope to have a meeting with him to hear him out. At the same time, we have plans to meet with various Asian American groups and individuals to talk with them and get the sense of how they feel about this."
Park, 21, gained the support of community groups including the Anti-Defamation League. But thousands of Philadelphians and cheesesteak lovers across the country have backed Groh. Local businesses are circulating petitions to save the name. The store alone amassed nearly a thousand signatures over the weekend.
"We have had so much support it has been great," Groh said. "I think some people are more angry about it than I am. One guy called from California, who used to live in Philadelphia, saying that he has been angry for the past half-hour and had to call."
Since 1949, the steak shop has worked to establish itself as a Northeast landmark. In 2002 Philadelphia Magazine rewarded the dedication to their craft by voting Chink's the Best of Philly for cheesesteaks--quite an honor when you consider the competition: Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's.
Now, with a name recognized for great cheesesteaks, does the possibility of changing it threaten to destroy the business?
"Why now?" Groh asks. "We have been here for 50 years. Why now? We never realized the name could be a problem."
According to Park, no prior controversy arose because the shop stands in a predominantly white neighborhood. She suggests changing the name to avoid further offenses. Groh believes any change may hurt business. He recalled customer's outcry after he replaced the old, dilapidated sign on the facade and even when he changed from glass ketchup bottles to squeeze bottles.
"We recognize that they have an interest in keeping their business thriving," Morrison said, "and recognize that there may be some difficulty encountered in changing the name."
After receiving an abundance of support Groh believes he will keep the name and tradition alive.
Chink's (http://www.hollyeats.com/ChinksSteaks.htm)
From Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108796,00.html):
A lone activist is leading a crusade to change the name of a 55-year-old steakhouse near Philadelphia because she says it is demeaning to Asians, reports the News Gleaner.
Chink's Steaks, a local landmark in Wissinoming, Pa., is under attack from Susannah Park, of West Philadelphia, who says that regardless of its origins the name is a slur and must be changed.
The owner of Chink’s, Joseph Groh, is baffled. He says the name was passed down to him by the founder Samuel "Chink" Sherman, who died in 1997.
"Why now?" Groh wondered. "We have been here for 50 years."
Community rallies to keep tradition alive at Chink's (http://www.newsgleaner.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10808299&BRD=2340&PAG=461&dept_id=488595&rfi=6)
The name Chink's resonates in the mind of many local cheesesteak connoisseurs.
But now it rings offensive to the ears of Asian Americans.
After 55 years in business, the folks who operate Chink's Steaks, a landmark in Wissinoming, say they heard about the problem a few weeks ago.
Susannah Park, of West Philadelphia, heard the name and was disgusted at what she believes is a slur against Asian-Americans. She called the restaurant owner and began a campaign to change the shop's name.
Joseph Groh, owner of Chink's on Torresdale Avenue, was stunned by the charge. The name was passed down to him by the founder Samuel "Chink" Sherman, who died in 1997.
According to Groh, many people never learned of Sherman's real name until his funeral. The nickname even appeared in his obituary and is etched in his gravestone.
And even though few knew Sherman's actual name, many were familiar with his mouthwatering creation.
"It is important to bear in mind that this term is an ethnic slur, whatever the intentions of the people in putting it on the name of this restaurant," said Barry Morrison, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. "We in no way are suggesting that (Groh) is insensitive or racist. We hope to have a meeting with him to hear him out. At the same time, we have plans to meet with various Asian American groups and individuals to talk with them and get the sense of how they feel about this."
Park, 21, gained the support of community groups including the Anti-Defamation League. But thousands of Philadelphians and cheesesteak lovers across the country have backed Groh. Local businesses are circulating petitions to save the name. The store alone amassed nearly a thousand signatures over the weekend.
"We have had so much support it has been great," Groh said. "I think some people are more angry about it than I am. One guy called from California, who used to live in Philadelphia, saying that he has been angry for the past half-hour and had to call."
Since 1949, the steak shop has worked to establish itself as a Northeast landmark. In 2002 Philadelphia Magazine rewarded the dedication to their craft by voting Chink's the Best of Philly for cheesesteaks--quite an honor when you consider the competition: Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's.
Now, with a name recognized for great cheesesteaks, does the possibility of changing it threaten to destroy the business?
"Why now?" Groh asks. "We have been here for 50 years. Why now? We never realized the name could be a problem."
According to Park, no prior controversy arose because the shop stands in a predominantly white neighborhood. She suggests changing the name to avoid further offenses. Groh believes any change may hurt business. He recalled customer's outcry after he replaced the old, dilapidated sign on the facade and even when he changed from glass ketchup bottles to squeeze bottles.
"We recognize that they have an interest in keeping their business thriving," Morrison said, "and recognize that there may be some difficulty encountered in changing the name."
After receiving an abundance of support Groh believes he will keep the name and tradition alive.
Chink's (http://www.hollyeats.com/ChinksSteaks.htm)