You’re a dick, Ishihara
July 13, 2005
Tokyo’s governor, who also happens to be the biggest bigot ever, has come out with another lovely remark:
Tokyo governor sued for saying French ‘fails as international language’
Twenty-one people including the head of a French Language school in Tokyo have filed a damages lawsuit against Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara over his comment that “French fails as an international language.”
The group of plaintiffs, which also includes French language researchers, is demanding that Ishihara publish newspaper advertisements apologizing for the remark and pay compensation of 10 million yen.
Ishihara made the controversial remark while speaking at a meeting in support of the establishment of the Tokyo Metropolitan University in October last year.
“I have a feeling it is aptly said that French fails as an international language because it is a language that can’t count numbers,” he said.
The governor apparently made the comment on the basis that French counts “80″ as “four twenties.” The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday, objects to his remark.
“French can count numbers and it is used as an official language in international organizations and many countries,” the lawsuit says. “(The governor’s) false comments stain the reputation of people who are researching French and speaking it as their native language, and they obstruct the business of language schools by diminishing the desire of learners of the language.
A secretarial representative for Ishihara declined to comment, saying the legal complaint had not yet arrived. (Mainichi)
From Mainichi Daily News.
Incidentally in Japanese, 80 is, “8 tens”. That guy is just a dick.
July 15th, 2005 at 15:17
Does he actually get more support when he makes such bigoted statements? If not, then why would he make them if they’re the equivalent of political suicide?
July 15th, 2005 at 16:00
People don’t ever seem to notice. He’s wildly popular. Some say if he ever ran for federal, he’d probably win and be a Prime Minister. It’s very scary how some things don’t become an issue in this country.
July 19th, 2005 at 15:16
A little late, but happy birthday to you old man! Hope you did a little something to mark the occasion other than work.