I still don’t know what to make of Simon’s comments. I mean how hard is it to pronounce ANOOP? Simon had to call him Anoop-y within 5 seconds of meeting him, that seemed more than a little disrespectful. As far as Randy’s comment, I never thought he meant anything other than a comparison to the actual Bobby Brown. In general though, I think there is a lack of understanding of Indian Americans, but that should change with more people like Anoop being in the public spotlight. OK…let’s move on now…

Here’s my 2 cents:

As far as Randy’s comment, it certainly was not racist in anyway, given that he qualified his statement by saying “Bobby Brown’s cousin”. But what was amusing to me that night was that initially Anoop must have not understood himself, or must have been puzzled by, the nickname ‘Noop Brown Dog’ (his reaction shot was off-camera); it seemed that Randy had to explain himself saying “like Bobby Brown’s cousin”, and then Anoop said, “oh ok, Brown, I thought…. never mind”.

So if Anoop himself was confused by the comment initially, it’’s understandable that some others were as well. But labeling this as racism is an over-reaction.

I’m not so sure I can say the same thing about Simon’s comment. I don’t think he is racist, or his comment was overtly racist, but it just shows that all of us tend to stereotype people based on how they look, how they speak, etc.

>> Is it because to you Bill Gates = Silicon Valley? I’m thinking it’s more like Bill Gates = King of the Nerds, which I believe is how Simon equates that college prep look.

Simon himself said “Silicon [valley] hi-tech”, so there is no room for guessing or interpretation. He just gave in to his sub-conscious stereotype that someone of Indian descent is most probably a computer-geek, a la Bill Gates. And Anoop’s grad student, preppy look must have sub-consciously reinforced that stereotype.

But the bottom-line is racism is not something Anoop needs to worry about on Idol. There is always a tendency in the media to overreact. I mean, everyone battles stereotypes — even the other contestants on Idol have been put into cliched slots by the media and blogosphere: “blue-collar country hick”, “drama queen”, “exploiting family tragedy”, “exploiting disability”, “theatrical Broadway type”, “Mulan singing beauty-queen” etc., etc. Of course all these labels too are completely superficial, and do not speak to the true people behind those callow labels. So stereotypes are something everyone struggles. Anoop is a smart guy, and he knows not to let them get into his head — he will focus on the task at hand, which is being the best performer and singer he can be.

as for randy he just want to say that noop dogg belongs to Snopp dogg a multimillion artist. if only there’s a royalty or copyright or whatever for that it would have been raised, but i think there’s none. but still it belongs to one great current living artist. i adore anoop but i feel for randy protecting his brothers name.. as for simon, american idol is a showbusiness, it has to have to have something every season. if its is boring ratings will go down the show will end. would you like that? american idol is something millions and millions of people anticipates in the beginning of the year, thanks to Simon for keeping the show interesting as one contestant said on an audition.. but to AI producers or whomever, stop playing with anoop, dont put him at the end okey. that’s cruel entertainment on your part, toying with ordinary talented people…you must have said the third time, that’s “priceless” looking at anoops reaction.. enough already and have pity for anoop.. lastly, anoop you melt everygirls heart with your voice hope you reach top 2…