After a lot a criticism about being racist, Google backed down and has quietly pulled down two apps from its Google Play Store.
The first app is called "Make Me An Asian" that allowed you to upload a picture of yourself and then transform into a Japanese or Chinese person, complete with fu-man chu mustache. A similar app called "Make Me An Indian" was also pulled down.
There was a petition drive on Change.org and a Twitter campaign -- and apparently they worked.
The Asian-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, issued this statement today:
"The public outcry from the Asian-American community shows that we've had enough of offensive stereotypes and portrayals of Asian-Americans, but we are ready to protest against them, and that our protests will have results."
The man who started the petition drive called it a small victory.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:34 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:34:12 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have bee working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 2:54 PM EDT2013-06-11 18:54:40 GMT
What is the next generation of gaming? It's a question the video game industry hasn't quite figured out yet, but it's one it must confront at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
What is the next generation of gaming? It's a question the video game industry hasn't quite figured out yet, but it's one it must confront at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:57:56 GMT
With The Last of Us being one of the most anticipated games we wondered what all the hype is like for the actors? Our Tech Ninja talked with two of the actors who brought the computer generated characters to life.
While many gaming fans are excited to get their hands on The Last of Us, we wondered what all the hype is like for the actors behind the computer generated faces? Our Tech Ninja goes one-on-one with two of the actors from this highly anticipated title.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:56:53 GMT
Disney hasn't forgotten and is giving the popular Skylanders franchise a run for its money with a merchandising and gaming title of its own. Enter: Disney Infinity!
Disney hasn't forgotten and is giving the popular Skylanders franchise a run for its money with a merchandising and gaming title of its own. Enter: Disney Infinity!
Friday, June 14 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-06-14 19:10:32 GMT
Are you a fan of old school fighting games like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Primal Rage and Mortal Combat? How about real old school? Say, a game from 18 years back called Killer Instinct?
Are you a fan of old school fighting games like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Primal Rage and Mortal Combat? How about real old school? Say, a game from 18 years back called Killer Instinct?
Los Angeles & SoCal NewsLos Angeles & SoCal NewsMore>>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:05 GMT
Plastic grocery bags would become a thing of the past in Los Angeles under an ordinance tentatively approved today by the City Council, which will cast a final vote next week.
Plastic grocery bags would become a thing of the past in Los Angeles under an ordinance tentatively approved today by the City Council, which will cast a final vote next week that would make the city the largest in the nation to enact such a ban.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:16 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:16:45 GMT
There are new photos of 4 suspects wanted in the severe beating of a transgender woman, and a new $25,000 reward for their arrest. The LAPD has released security video of the attack. You can see the
There are new photos of 4 suspects wanted in the severe beating of a transgender woman, and a new $25,000 reward for their arrest. The LAPD has released security video of the attack. You can see the transgender woman walking on a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard near Ivar early in the morning, nearly three weeks ago.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:38:54 GMT
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally, and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally. The physical part only matters here because we are talking about a couple on the run, fugitives and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:19 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:19:32 GMT
The Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center have joined aquatic facilities around the world to break the world record for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson on Tuesday.
The Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center have joined aquatic facilities around the world to break the world record for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson on Tuesday.
A Southern California surfer who was shot at by Torrance police during the manhunt for rogue ex-cop Christopher Dorner has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles suburb and its police department.
A Southern California surfer who was shot at by Torrance police during the manhunt for rogue ex-cop Christopher Dorner has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles suburb and its police department.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:34 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:34:39 GMT
Walter Lee Williams, a former California professor is wanted for the alleged sexual exploitation of children and traveling abroad to engage in illicit sex acts with children.
Walter Lee Williams, a former California professor is wanted for the alleged sexual exploitation of children and traveling abroad to engage in illicit sex acts with children.
A 15-year-old girl got a lesson in intolerance from a TSA agent after he said something about her attire at the screening gates. The TSA is investigating the situation.
A 15-year-old girl got a lesson in intolerance from a TSA agent after he said something about her attire at the screening gates. The TSA is investigating the situation.
A Southern California man wanted for sexually exploiting children abroad has been announced as the 500th addition to the FBI's Most Wanted list, and there's a big price on his head.
A Southern California man wanted for sexually exploiting children abroad has been announced as the 500th addition to the FBI's Most Wanted list, and there's a big price on his head.
