Devoy remains silent over 'two wongs' comment

Press release: ACT New Zealand
August 11, 2014. 9:00am

Winston Peters joked in a speech this weekend that “two Wongs don’t make a white”.

“When accused of racism, he said his accusers lacked a sense of humour. But his version of the joke isn’t funny and makes no sense “ said Dr Whyte.

The joke is based on the Chinese tendency to mispronounce Rs and Ws. This tendency turns the familiar saying “two wrongs don't make a right” into “two Wongs don’t make a white”.

This joke was originally made by the Australian politician, Arthur Calwell – a keen defender of the White Australia immigration policy.

“Mr Peters is an experienced Australasian politician. He must be aware of Calwell and his xenophobic policies. Repeating an even less amusing version of his joke is shameful. “

“The race relations commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy, has not condemned Winston Peters for his statement. “

“This is no surprise. Devoy recently described my call for racial equality as 'grotesque'. Racial inequality is much more to her taste,” said Dr Whyte.

“Devoy and Peters should get together in a Herne Bay bar for a few giggles at the expense of the Chinese, and reminisce about the days when people enjoyed jokes about Wongs and Whites by bigots like Calwell.”

“And Devoy should resign as soon as she sobers up.”

ENDS

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