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'Are you yellow?': Radio presenter's interview attracts controversy

The focus is again on casual racism.

Johnny Lieu

on June 16, 2017

It was meant to be a light-hearted bit of cross promotion.

An interview between ABC Melbourne radio presenter Red Symons and podcaster Beverley Wang became the subject of controversy on Friday, after Symons' tone deaf comments about race.

Wang's podcast, It's Not A Race, is also published on the ABC and deals with contemporary race issues in Australia.

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In the awkward extended interview which was published online, but has since been deleted, Symons said he wasn't happy with the podcast because he had a segment idea called "what's the deal with Asians?"

"Well, let's tackle that," Wang replied. "What's the deal with Asians, Red?"

"No, I ask the questions. What's the deal with Asians?" Symons said.

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"It's just a useful general question about the nature of our culture, and how people should, can, might, interact with people of a different cultural background," he added.

Symons also asked if Wang was "yellow," and asked if she was of Chinese descent -- Wang is of Taiwanese background, and is from Canada.

"You're probably from the west coast of Canada ... because it's closer to Asia," Symons guessed.

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The conversation also turned to an infamous blackface skit on TV show Hey Hey It's Saturday back in 2009, which Symons was part of, and had defended.

A short edited version of the interview went to air, and the extended version appeared online. Both have since been pulled from the ABC website.

"A review of the editorial processes around this content and its use is in progress," ABC Radio said in a statement, according to Fairfax Media. "ABC Radio apologises for the content going to air."

The interview at least brings into focus the issue of casual racism in the country, and how it permeates through the public.

One thing is for sure though: It's certainly a surprise to hear it from a presenter on a public broadcaster.