By Louis Chan

AsAmNews National Correspondent

Go to New York City and you’re likely to see an Asian person in a cone shaped straw hat and shoulder pole.

Not!

Except maybe in some fashion photographers distorted dream.

Billy Kid Studio was called out for its photo spread published in Interview Magazine.

Allen Murabayashi brought it to everyone’s attention in a blog he wrote for Photoshelter.com.

The images are not “cool” or “awesome,” Murabayashi wrote. “They play upon outdated racist stereotypes that view Asians as straw hat wearing peasants in the name of fashion.”

Outtake Xiaoyin was shot by Billy Kidd for @interviewmag #gabriellechanel A post shared by Billy Kidd (@billykiddstudio) on Jul 19, 2017 at 3:32am PDT



Comments on Billy Kid Studio’s Instagram page back up that opinion.

“Wow the comments here and the image itself are so ignorant. This is racist imagery.” wrote Better than Normal.

“These images reinforces several stereotypes that Asian immigrants/ communities work so hard to break from- 1)hawking counterfeit goods 2) it mocks the actual everyday struggle of immigrants trying to do what they can to survive in a country foreign to them 3) mainland Chinese workers ( unless they are rural farmers in fields, or objectified in type cast films) actually don’t live like this – this is just to start – please have a moment to reflect- it’s the equivalent of casting Hispanics in field dresses in Dior,” wrote therealphilliplim.

Hold on and coco served hot were shot by Billy Kidd for @interviewmag styled by @ajmukamal makeup by @souhi_ hair @joeygeorge A post shared by Billy Kidd (@billykiddstudio) on Jul 19, 2017 at 2:47pm PDT



Billy Kid Studio offered to sit down and discuss the issue, but not without first responding with some saucy language.

“@markgongphoto @williamyan; @ajmukamal and I were inspired by mainland Chinese workers. We researched and used modern day influences to create our character,” wrote Billy Kidd Whiskey. “My intent was never to offend or tease but to uplift and honor what I find beautiful. Anyone who comments that it is hilarious is just a jackass. When all is said and done, if you are offended by this, I can’t stop you, it’s your right. My wife, who is 2nd generation American born Chinese loves this image, and that’s the only opinion that in the end matters to me besides our sons.”

AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. You can show your support by liking our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asamnews, following us on Twitter, sharing our stories, interning or joining our staff.