Ideally, both Asians and non-Asians could react to "The Misanthropic Mr. Chu" without regard to the racial identity of its characters. Judging from the widespread negative reactions of Harvard's ethnic organizations to the strip, however, such a benign reading is unlikely. In general, political correctness exists to avoid offending minorities. The media must be made aware of the damage it inflicts when it eschews political correctness and indiscriminately links negative qualities to race.

In sum, "The Misanthropic Mr. Chu" raises a plethora of general issues related to unattractive portrayals of minorities in the media. What should be more respected, artistic license or ethnic sensitivity? When does an autobiographical parody cross the line and become a demeaning racial stereotype? To what degree should media organizations regulate their content's political correctness? The debate on these issues, and on "The Misanthropic Mr. Chu", is far from closed. We encourage you to add your voice to the debate.

Jenny I. Shen '01 is a chemistry concentrator in Cabot House. Andrew S.H. Ting '00, is a social studies concentrator in Lowell House. Shen is the co-president and Ting is a member of the Asian American Association.