| Vancouver Off-Topic / Current Events The off-topic forum for Vancouver, funnies, non-auto centered discussions, WORK SAFE. While the rules are more relaxed here, there are still rules. Please refer to sticky thread in this forum. |
 | | 
11-05-2013, 08:04 PM
|
#1 | | y'all better put some respeck on my name
Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 18,225
Thanked 9,244 Times in 2,359 Posts
| Oakley's 'Asian fit' sunglasses: To be outraged or not
 Quote:
Are Oakley's "Asian fit" sunglasses offensive or simply a case of a company filling a market need? A recent article from Quartz titled "Why Oakley's 'Asian Fit' aren't racist, just science" aims to put the long-running debate to rest.
The line of shades, designed to sit higher on the face, have been around for years. And with a name like "Asian fit," one might think that people would be up in arms. But the product hasn't sparked much outrage.
Why did Oakley design an entire line of glasses for the Asian market? Quartz writer Matt Phillips spoke with Mark Hubbe, assistant professor of anthropology at Ohio State University. Hubbe focuses on craniofacial differences among human populations.
Hubbe told Phillips, "Asian individuals tend to have more of a flatter face with the cheek bones very projected compared to the typical European." That's something Oakley and other glasses manufacturers, including TC Charton, have built businesses around.
Via Oakley's official site:
Getting the right fit is essential for comfort, protection, and even optical performance. You may have heard industry terms like “European Fit” and “Asian Fit”. If sunglasses tend to sit too low on your face or slide down your nose, touch at your temples or cheeks, or feel narrow at the sides of your head, try our Asian Fit. The tabs below show all the technology we put into making these frames fit with perfection.
A scan of blogs and Twitter posts suggests that few are bothered by the concept. A blogger from Lovelyish writes, "initially, I was a little offended, because the implications of making an Asian Fit mean that the 'normal' fit would be Caucasian, and once again heteronormativity is portrayed as a white male, while everyone else is labeled as 'other.' Or in other words, everyone who is not white is seen as a freak (Am I reading too deep? Perhaps, but if you get offended and can’t realize why, it probably boils down to something along these lines.)."
If people are upset it appears to be due to the name, not the concept. That's something that Oakley has struggled with, according to a 2008 article from W Magazine.
Via W:
But the decision to go with the Asian-fit name hasn’t been without controversy. According to Wade Cleveland, the firm’s eyewear business unit manager, Oakley has received several complaints about the moniker, primarily via customer letters. “A long time ago we tried to use the term ‘alternative fit,’ and that turned out to be worse,” he says.
Is the name of the product offensive? Does it need to be changed? Or is this all much ado about nothing? Please leave a comment below.
Oakley's 'Asian fit' sunglasses: To be outraged or not | | 
|  | |
11-05-2013, 08:11 PM
|
#2 | | -Stare-
Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: GVR
Posts: 2,913
Thanked 8,013 Times in 648 Posts
|
probably tons sold already, to Asians.
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:11 PM
|
#3 | | Hacked RS to become a mod
Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sunny Hong Kong
Posts: 52,299
Thanked 23,809 Times in 8,186 Posts
|
If you're enraged about a company altering their design to meet the needs of an ethnicity's features, you are probably very, very stupid
| |
| | | This post thanked by: | 1BADMR2, Akinari, AW607, BeeBeeAhn, dinosaur, fT-z33wor, gars, gdoh, k3mps, kb, lgman, MindBomber, Mr.C, nack, OGCStrike, Phil@rise, RCubed, Spidey, white rocket, wstce92, Yodamaster | |
11-05-2013, 08:13 PM
|
#4 | | Lomac owned my ass at least once
Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 6,259
Thanked 3,463 Times in 820 Posts
|
Nothing offensive about it.
I thought the sunglasses will be a very narrow oblong with 2cm height lenses for "chinky eyes" lol.
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:13 PM
|
#5 | | Revscene.net has a homepage?!
Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Richmond
Posts: 1,295
Thanked 1,934 Times in 494 Posts
|
I am not bothered by that label/name for the product.
However, Oakley could have named the product using a more politically correct name.
I'm sure there are people who are bothered by that label, but as the article suggests, MOST are not.
The article suggested that the product was made for a flatter face and projected cheekbones.
So, instead of Asian fit, why not "Projected Fit" or "Cheeky Fit" or "Flat Fit" something that shows the consumer market what type of face the glasses are for?
I'm sure the guys at Oakley could have found a better name.
On the other hand, Oakley, being a large and well-know brand/corporation, would have also done a lot of research (hopefully) before launching such a name.
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:15 PM
|
#6 | | Willing to sell body for a few minutes on RS
Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: vancouver
Posts: 10,849
Thanked 291 Times in 122 Posts
|
The name is not offensive, it's just a common reference in what the product is, it also targets the Asians so I see nothing wrong with that. Why change the name? The product works and works well! I've tried many snowboarding goggles and the Oakley Asian fit fits the best. People are overly sensitive. I chalk this up to how certain people want to change the lyrics of the Canadian athem to make it gender natural. For fk sakes, take it for what it is.
Whatever you call it it's just a product that fits a certain type of face.
Posted via RS Mobile | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:16 PM
|
#7 | | Rs has made me the woman i am today!
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,366
Thanked 5,223 Times in 1,388 Posts
|
Not offensive in the least bit. But I agree with Marshall, it could have been given a better name...
__________________
[13-03, 11:25] MG1 when you hit the brakes, it shoots cum at pedestrian - bukkake
[12-03, 19:06] meme405 That e30 is so mexiflushed I thought we were in albuquerque
[12-03, 23:03] rb when i see a modded element. I have nothing but respect. either the parents kicked him out or the guy is killing hookers in the back | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:21 PM
|
#8 | | ...in the world.
Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Richmond
Posts: 28,466
Thanked 7,636 Times in 2,321 Posts
|
Wait, they make sunglasses for especially slanty eyes?
Why the fuck would I find that racist? Why wouldn't I want sunglasses that are optimized to my obviously slanty eyes?
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:24 PM
|
#9 | | The Brown Reason
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whalley
Posts: 4,607
Thanked 5,863 Times in 1,525 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Akinari  Not offensive in the least bit. But I agree with Marshall, it could have been given a better name... | What would be a better name?
"Oakley Kungfu's"
"Oakley Shanghai"
"Oakley 888AZN SLIM FIT"
"Oakley Lahhh"
IMO it's the most non-offensive way to say that these glasses will fit a particular headshape.
If they came out with brown fit, I'd prefer "Oakley South Asian" over "Oakley Masala Fit"
This is a hell-of-alot more culturally sensitive than Subway's Butter Chicken sub campaign with the gentle sitar strumming in the background, lol.
__________________ Quote: |
Originally Posted by bcrdukes fuck this shit, i'm out | | |
| | | This post thanked by: | Anjew, AW607, Culverin, dinosaur, fT-z33wor, j.f0ng, k3mps, kristianhay, MindBomber, nack, SupraMan604, westopher | |
11-05-2013, 08:25 PM
|
#10 | | x_x
Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 964
Thanked 617 Times in 203 Posts
|
They probably could have named it better.
Like this company....  | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:26 PM
|
#11 | | 14 dolla balla aint got nothing on me!
Join Date: May 2011 Location: vancouver
Posts: 643
Thanked 842 Times in 203 Posts
|
^^ LOL Oakley Kungfu's...but seriously, their asian fit snowboarding googles have been out for quite some time. And they fit snug around the nose as opposed to the regular crowbars.
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:30 PM
|
#12 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C
Posts: 1,370
Thanked 189 Times in 97 Posts
|
more company should do it
Posted via RS Mobile | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:30 PM
|
#13 | | Revscene.net has a homepage?!
Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montréal
Posts: 1,295
Thanked 1,036 Times in 276 Posts
|
Back when I was looking for a pair for baseball, I tried the Asian fit and they looked exactly the same as a normal pair, the only difference was the nose piece was more like protruding.
... I got the "white person" shades... 
__________________
2005 DL-650
1975 VW Westfalia
2002 Ford Explorer (sold)
1989 Yamaha Virago XV535 (sold)
1994 Ford Ranger (sold)
1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon (sold)
2014 Toyota Corolla (loaner)
1996 Isuzu Trooper (RIP🔥)
2003 Jetta Wolfie (sold)
1963 (T)rusty Stude Lark (RIP) Quote:
Originally Posted by lilaznviper kunoman is still alive! not raped by oil riggers yet.... | | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:30 PM
|
#14 | | Banned By Establishment
Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: bedroom
Posts: 3,112
Thanked 3,492 Times in 1,176 Posts
|
The term "Asian" is not politically correct anymore!?
Wtf should they call them then?! Should I be offended by the term "European?
Asia is a continent right? People who have descended from/were born on/live on/etc. that continent would be deemed "Asian", no?
What do you want...Mongoloid? Caucasoid? Negroid?
God damnit, what is wrong with people....
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:34 PM
|
#15 | | The Brown Reason
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whalley
Posts: 4,607
Thanked 5,863 Times in 1,525 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dinosaur The term "Asian" is not politically correct anymore!?
Wtf should they call them then?! Should I be offended by the term "European?
Asia is a continent right? People who have descended from/were born on/live on/etc. that continent would be deemed "Asian", no?
God damnit, what is wrong with people.... | we want to be mad.
we live in a country where healthcare is free and crime is relatively low.
ergo, we get mad over miniscule/irrelevant things in order to satiate our cravings for altercation.
Madness, pure madness.
PS I don't like your fuckin avatar.
__________________ Quote: |
Originally Posted by bcrdukes fuck this shit, i'm out | | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:35 PM
|
#16 | | Hacked RS to become a mod
Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sunny Hong Kong
Posts: 52,299
Thanked 23,809 Times in 8,186 Posts
|
Mongoloid Fit is probably the most politically correct.. I wonder why they didn't use that?  | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:36 PM
|
#17 | | Banned By Establishment
Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: bedroom
Posts: 3,112
Thanked 3,492 Times in 1,176 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dhillon09
PS I don't like your fuckin avatar.
|  why not?
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:38 PM
|
#18 | | x_x
Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 964
Thanked 617 Times in 203 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dinosaur why not? | its intimidating... | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:40 PM
|
#19 | | The Brown Reason
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whalley
Posts: 4,607
Thanked 5,863 Times in 1,525 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dinosaur why not? | culturally insensitive to dinosaurs
not all of them 'roar'
__________________ Quote: |
Originally Posted by bcrdukes fuck this shit, i'm out | | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:42 PM
|
#20 | | Banned By Establishment
Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: bedroom
Posts: 3,112
Thanked 3,492 Times in 1,176 Posts
|
There...its is changed....and I see my large avatar has been revoked. Never piss off the mods  | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 08:44 PM
|
#21 | | The Brown Reason
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whalley
Posts: 4,607
Thanked 5,863 Times in 1,525 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dinosaur There...its is changed....and I see my large avatar has been revoked. Never piss off the mods | This picture represents the nature of these responses
__________________ Quote: |
Originally Posted by bcrdukes fuck this shit, i'm out | | |
| | |
11-05-2013, 09:26 PM
|
#22 | | In RS I Trust
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mission
Posts: 20,631
Thanked 17,581 Times in 4,297 Posts
|
this is just great marketing, people who find this offensive are fucken idiots
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 09:51 PM
|
#23 | | I contribute to threads in the offtopic forum
Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: burnaby
Posts: 2,705
Thanked 356 Times in 170 Posts
|
I have a terrible time finding sunglasses to fit my asian face. I bought three different styles of Oakley Asian fit and they all didn't fit my nose and cheeks properly. I must have a super asian-y face...
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 09:59 PM
|
#24 | | Where's my RS Christmas Lobster?!
Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Richmond
Posts: 821
Thanked 796 Times in 185 Posts
|
Only difference in any Asian fit goggles/glasses is that theres more nose padding or longer nose piece. Its to fit the typical asian face with very flat nose bridge.
It really helps me to fit customers, especially here in richmond, because 90% of the asians will have a gap at the nose in regular goggles.
The Oakley rep actually called it A-fit for "Alternative Fit" when we asked him when we were getting Asian fit goggles a few years ago. So there is an unofficial, more political name for those of you who are sticklers for these things.
Burton makes Asian fit snowboard boots as well. They are just wider and have more volume in the front of the boot. Its only sold in Japan, but they would sell so well here in Vancouver.
I am just lucky being asian, have a pronounced nose bridge and fit into most glasses/goggles.
Honestly, there should also be Asian fit hockey helmets....too many kids with wide heads and the back of the head is flat, so they dont fit into these oblong oval shaped helmets.
| |
| | |
11-05-2013, 10:04 PM
|
#25 | | Performance Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Richmond
Posts: 15,304
Thanked 15,398 Times in 5,090 Posts
|
...... Rayban been selling asian fit version of their popular shades for like 5 years... someone just noticed?
| |
| | | |
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
| | |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:22 PM.
|
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
