Yesterday, a live Instagram video of Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers went viral where she made comments about the English skills of Miss Cambodia and Miss Vietnam. While the Instagram video has since expired, Diet Prada has put the clips together in an Instagram post along with the caption “Regina George, is that you? This is basically like the most dramatic reality show, but condensed into 1 minute lol. Sarah Rose Summers hopefully will prove that ignorance will not win you a Miss Universe title…whatever that means these days. This is basically what normalized xenophobia looks like. If she’s trying to show empathy, the condescending, intolerant tone tells a different story. A reminder that you’re participating in a competition in a country/continent where English is NOT the primary language.”
In the video, Miss USA talks about Miss Cambodia who cannot speak any English and describes her experience as something that must be isolating and confusing. She also comments on Miss Vietnam, who “pretends to know so much English and you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she nods and smiles.” Other Miss Universe contestants are also seen in the video laughing alongside her. See the clips here:
The videos sparked outrage amongst many netizens who described her comments as ‘offensive’, ‘mocking’, and ‘racist’. Others also commented on her ‘condescending tone’, while others felt that Miss USA was simply ‘misunderstood’ as she seemingly merely meant to emphasize with the non-English-speaking contestants.
Since then, Miss USA has posted an apology on her Instagram account, saying “Miss Universe is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another. In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize. My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me.”
Angeline Rodriguez is a geek and a self-proclaimed superhero. She reads. She writes. She loves. You may get to know her better on her personal blog: https://www.lilmisswonderwoman.com
Miss USA Apologizes Over Remarks About Non-English-Speaking Miss Universe Contestants
Yesterday, a live Instagram video of Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers went viral where she made comments about the English skills of Miss Cambodia and Miss Vietnam. While the Instagram video has since expired, Diet Prada has put the clips together in an Instagram post along with the caption “Regina George, is that you? This is basically like the most dramatic reality show, but condensed into 1 minute lol. Sarah Rose Summers hopefully will prove that ignorance will not win you a Miss Universe title…whatever that means these days. This is basically what normalized xenophobia looks like. If she’s trying to show empathy, the condescending, intolerant tone tells a different story. A reminder that you’re participating in a competition in a country/continent where English is NOT the primary language.”
In the video, Miss USA talks about Miss Cambodia who cannot speak any English and describes her experience as something that must be isolating and confusing. She also comments on Miss Vietnam, who “pretends to know so much English and you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she nods and smiles.” Other Miss Universe contestants are also seen in the video laughing alongside her. See the clips here:
The videos sparked outrage amongst many netizens who described her comments as ‘offensive’, ‘mocking’, and ‘racist’. Others also commented on her ‘condescending tone’, while others felt that Miss USA was simply ‘misunderstood’ as she seemingly merely meant to emphasize with the non-English-speaking contestants.
Since then, Miss USA has posted an apology on her Instagram account, saying “Miss Universe is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another. In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize. My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me.”
Most netizens seem to be supportive of her apology, stating that they know she didn’t intend to be mean and that they accept her apology. Whatever
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About The Author
Angeline Rodriguez is a geek and a self-proclaimed superhero. She reads. She writes. She loves. You may get to know her better on her personal blog: https://www.lilmisswonderwoman.com