7-11 stereotype rears its head up in New York.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: A young Indian American basketball player at the Brighton High School in Rochester, New York was the subject of harsh racial taunting by fans from the Pittsford Sutherland High School during a game between the two schools earlier this week.
The player in question was at the free throw line during the game when players from Pittsford began chanting “We want Slurpees!” at him, in an attempt to break his concentration so he’d miss his shots. The chant, which was accompanied by rhythmic clapping, was based on the prevalent stereotype that many 7-11 franchises across the country, which are famous for selling the Slurpee beverage, are managed by Indian Americans.
The ploy didn’t work, however – although he missed his first of two free throws, he did make the second, and his Brighton team ultimately left the Pittsford basketball court with a blowout 56-35 victory.
Now, the Pittsford fans have come under fire for their unruly and derogatory behavior. The chanting was led by the leader of the Pittsford “Super Fan” club, which is a school-sanctioned athletic spirit group aimed at boosting morale for the school’s athletes and fans. However, Pittsford school administrative staff has said that disciplinary action will be taken. The Super Fan organization also sent an apology email to the Indian player for their actions.
In an interview with local affiliate WHAM-TV, school superintendent Mike Pero said that the Super Fan leader was escorted out of the game following the chant, and will be removed from his “leadership” position. Additionally, Pero said “trying to find that balance between appropriately disciplining someone who was in a leadership role and finding a way to find the right type of discipline for those who were in the follower-type role.”
Both Pero and Pittsford superintendent Kevin McGowan gave a press conference on Wednesday after the incident, saying that “We have been working with our colleagues in both districts throughout the weekend to address intolerant and unacceptable fan behavior.”
As for the Indian player – he has not made any statements to any press outlets. Pittsford superintendent McGowan applauded the young man for his poise and behavior during the incident, telling WHAM-TV “It’s my understanding that he carried himself with great dignity and grace.”
Video of the incident can be viewed below:
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com.
[This story was updated on 1/31/14.]