Keith Richburg has an article today in The Washington Post about how Asian American groups are trying to lobby to get the name of a Philadelphia eatery changed from Chink’s steak because of its derogatory connotations. It was the nickname of a man because he had slanted eyes. If it had been called “chink” for another reason — like “chink in armor” — it would likely not rise as much ire.

Asian Groups Fight to Change Eatery’s Name

By Keith B. Richburg

Washington Post Staff Writer

The Washington Post. Tuesday, April 15, 2008; A02

PHILADELPHIA — Could a restaurant by any other name make a cheesesteak so good?

Joseph Groh’s popular eatery in a blue-collar neighborhood of northeast Philadelphia has been serving them up pretty much the same way since it opened in 1949. Authenticity is everything here — the original soda fountain, the same ceiling fans, the same sparse menu and the 1950s-vintage wooden booths, now way too snug for today’s expanded waistlines.

Even the sign outside bears the nickname of the restaurant’s original owner, and therein lies a problem.

It’s called Chink’s Steaks.

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