Once the song Asian Girlz by Day Above Ground hit YouTube it quickly got ripped a new one along with model Levy Tran, who is featured in the video. Facebook, blogs, and media outlets lit up with commentary about the controversial video. The unquestionably racist and misogynist video is packed with basic stereotypes exoticizing and fetishizing Asian women. The degrading lyrics hyper-sexualizes Asian and Asian-American women and uses racist epithets throughout the song. The video also promotes sexual violence with its lyrics and even alludes to sex with minors. The controversy has driven YouTube views for the video to over 250k with 17k dislikes. (These are not the numbers you want on YouTube.) And spurred a petition to drop the band from an upcoming “House of Blues” that has reached over 1000 signatures. (see here.)
With PR and damage control needed, both the band “Day Above Ground” and model Levy Tran issued statements about the video.
From Day Above Ground on YouTube:
“We appreciate all the criticism and support. Our song “Asian Girlz” was not written with any malicious, hateful, or hurtful intent. We know it is racy and does push the boundaries further than other songs out there. Understand that we do not promote or support racism or violence. We love everyone no matter what race, religion, or sexual orientation. Please respect our decision to delete any violent, insensitive, or hurtful comment and also one that supports racism. We hope that we can continue with our lives with much love and peace.”
Previously, Day Above Ground had this on YouTube:
“This song is us, Day Above Ground, making fun of ourselves (and many, many other guys) obsession with the always lovely, Asian Woman. It pushes this concept to an absurd level, but at the same time is endearing & submissive.. WE ARE NOT RACIST, HAHA! I mean, look at our band, it’s multicultural!! The guy in the bow-tie, our cutie bass player, was born in Indonesia, and he steals the show!! Please don’t take this tongue-in-cheek tribute to some of the most gorgeous women on the planet too seriously!! You’ll ruin the fun of it all!! Thanks for watching, sincerely!!”
From Levy Tran on Twitter
I sincerely apologize to all who feels that I set Asian women back 50 yrs. I know I lost respect from a lot of ppl. It wasn't my intention
— Levy Tran (@MissLevy) July 31, 2013
It was meant to be light hearted and fun. Satirical. They are sweet boys and not at all racist. That is all I will say. I'm sorry once again
— Levy Tran (@MissLevy) July 31, 2013
Levy Tran on Instagram
I'm so sorry once again to anyone who was offended by the video. It wasn't at all the intention. I truly apologize
— Levy Tran (@MissLevy) August 1, 2013
To anyone who is willing to listen: I am truly and deeply sorry for my actions pertaining to the video. I meant no disrespect and it was not my intention to offend anyone. And being an adult, I accept full responsibility. And to all those whom I have let down, I am so so sorry.
It’s been several days already, but the video is still not down. The controversy from the video will continue as long as this video is up and no doubt both Day Above Ground and Levy Tran are already facing ramifications for their parts in this video. Below is the video and lyrics from the song. What are your thought on this controversy?
Asian Girlz by Day Above Ground (Racist)
Lyrics to Asian Girlz by Day Above Ground
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
I love your sticky rice
Butt f*cking all night
Korean barbecue
B*tch I love you
I love your creamy yellow thighs
Ooh you’re slanted eyes
It’s the Year of the Dragon
Ninja pussy I’m stabbin’
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Superstitious feng shui sh*t (what)
Now lay your hair by the toilet
I’ve got your green tea boba
So put your head on my shoulder
Your momma’s so pretty
Best nails in the city
Pushing your daddy’s Mercedes
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
New Year’s in February (February?)
That’s fine with me (I guess)
Yeah, shark soup (What? F*ck it, we’ll eat it)
Oh, tradition, tradition, tradition, yeah yeah
Baby, you’re my Asian girl
You’re legally (best kind)
So baby marry me
Come on sit on my lap (right here baby)
Or we’ll send you back
And you age so well
I can barely tell
17 or 23?
Baby doesn’t matter to me
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Asian girl (She’s my Asian girl)
You’re my Asian girl (You’re my Asian girl)
Arcadia
J-Town
Alhambra
K-Town
Temple City
Don’t forget Chinatown
Get down
Happy endings all over
Bruce Lee
Toyota
Spicy tuna Sashimi (yeah)
Tasty Garden
Fried Lice
Sailor Moon
Wonton soup
Spring roll
Tibet
Foot rub rub a down down down
Fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra (hahahahaha whooo)
Tofu
All over you all over me (whooo, yeah, we love you all)
All the Asian girls
Keep smiling