When all us De Anza students scattered along the sidewalks of Fillmore and Geary Streets, we raised awareness of racism and intolerance. We protested against the racist, sexist, and homophobic messages of the Bloodhound Gang while they performed at the Fillmore Nightclub. Organized mainly by the De Anza students of Together Against Racism Organization (TAR Org), the demonstration also drew support from Berkeley students, members of community organizations, members of gay/lesbian groups, and local neighborhood residents. With such a diverse city as San Francisco and an even more diverse neighborhood such as the Fillmore District, the music group should’ve expected resistance by the people of their negative preaching.

The purpose of the demonstration was to raise awareness of modern day racism and intolerance of those who are different. Fans of the BHG were coming to their show to listen to messages of racism and homophobia. What we wanted to give their audience was just another perspective, one that doesn’t preach racist stereotypes and intolerance, but understanding.

Targeting Asians/Asian Americans with lyrics such as, “Just promise me you’ll never try to eat my cat,” “Cause I ride my slant-eyed slope like a brand new Kawasaki,” “Now be a good chinky and press Jimmy’s shirts, Chinky chinky bang bang,” how could people not be outraged? These blatantly racist lyrics further the Asian female fetish and perpetuate misconceptions of Asian stereotypes.

The BHG also has a music video where they beat up two gay French men. Not only does this condone gay bashing, but glorifies it. Although this may seem satirical and ‘funny’ to the fans, those who are affected by these lyrics and images don’t find the humor in these hateful messages.

Racism, hate, and intolerance are being capitalized by the BHG at the expense of those who experience it. Unfortunately many don’t see this as a big deal. Racism is a big issue today. We need to take the time to listen to our brothers’ and sisters’ complaints of racism and hate because they experience it all too often.

Despite the small number of about 50 protesters, we were all very successful in getting our message across. Demonstrators were met with some very nasty fans, however, who didn’t see any importance in our message. “It’s just funny,” they said. But as demonstrators talked to stubborn fans one by one as people, they got many to rethink. “You talk to them as a human being and they listen,” describes Paul Choo, demonstrator and La Voz staff writer. We asked if fans would just read our flyers and listen to our message with an open mind. Sharing our experiences with racism and telling them hate isn’t funny made a real impact.

Many concert-goers did rethink what they were about to listen to. We want fans to be critical when they listen to such racist music. Many just walking through the area stopped to hear our message and showed their support. They helped us chant, “Black, white, yellow, brown, say Bloodhound Gang get out of town!”

Some of our protesters were a little hesitant at first about actually protesting. For many it was their first time being involved in a demonstration and they didn’t know what to expect. But as we made it to the Fillmore and started handing out flyers and holding up the picket signs, our anger and passion took over our fears. The protesters were out there well into the night. By working together against a common cause, we all started to develop this deep bond with each other.

Even though the protest is over, our message is still being addressed. Some of us have been interviewed by newspaper, radio, and even made an appearance on a local TV talk show.

Because of people’s efforts, we did it; we made our voices heard. For everyone involved, our protest wouldn’t have been such a success without all your help. Each and every single individual made a crucial contribution in his/her own way. The many hours spent organizing this protest made it the success it was. My deepest appreciation goes out to every single person who helped make it possible. Our mission was to raise awareness and we did just that.