Little Saigon Television: A Spotlight on Disinformation in the Steel-Chen Race

The contentious race between Republican Michelle Steel and Democrat Jay Chen for California’s 45th Congressional District has highlighted the role of misinformation in Little Saigon Television and other Vietnamese-language media. Steel’s campaign has focused heavily on portraying Chen as a communist sympathizer, leveraging anti-communist sentiment prevalent among Vietnamese American voters. This tactic, known as red-baiting, has sparked debate and pushback within the community, particularly from influential figures in Little Saigon television.

Red-Baiting Tactics on Little Saigon Television

Steel’s campaign has employed various tactics to link Chen to communism, including:

• Mailers: Distributing mailers featuring misleading images and claims about Chen’s association with communist ideology. One mailer included a photoshopped image of Chen holding a copy of the Communist Manifesto.
• Signage: Placing signs around Little Saigon resembling the Chinese flag, labeling Chen as “China’s Choice.”
• Allegations: Accusing Chen of supporting the Confucius Institute program, a Chinese language and culture program that has faced scrutiny for potential ties to the Chinese government.
• Financial Ties: Claiming Chen’s campaign was funded by a donor in communist China, referencing a past donation from Chen’s brother who resided in Hong Kong.

Little Saigon Television Personalities Challenge the Narrative

Dzung Do, a prominent news anchor on Saigon Entertainment Television and editor-in-chief of Nguoi Viet, the largest Vietnamese-language newspaper in the U.S., has publicly challenged Steel’s claims. In a 21-minute segment, Do debunked the allegations against Chen and criticized the exploitation of anti-communist sentiment for political gain. Do’s prominent position within Little Saigon television gives his critique significant weight.

Other Vietnamese-language media outlets have also questioned Steel’s narrative:

• Viet Bao: Published an op-ed warning voters about disinformation in the Steel-Chen race.
• HONVIETTV: Featured Chen in an interview where he refuted Steel’s accusations and emphasized his military service as a U.S. Naval Reserve lieutenant commander.

Signs from the Steel campaign labeling Chen “China’s Choice,” utilizing the colors of the Chinese flag.

The Significance of the 45th District and the Vietnamese American Vote

The 45th Congressional District has a significant Vietnamese American population, making it a crucial battleground for both candidates. Steel, a Korean American, and Chen, a Taiwanese American, are vying for the support of this influential voting bloc. The district’s demographics underscore the importance of Little Saigon television and other ethnic media in shaping public opinion.

Map of the 45th Congressional District, highlighting the significant Vietnamese American population in Little Saigon.

Fact-Checking and Community Response

Viet Fact Check, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating misinformation in the Vietnamese American community, has analyzed Steel’s claims and found them to be false. The organization’s efforts highlight the growing need for accurate information in ethnic media, particularly during election cycles. The Asian Americans for Good Government PAC withdrew its endorsement of Steel, citing her red-baiting tactics. The Committee of 100, a national organization of prominent Chinese Americans, also condemned Steel’s campaign strategy.

A Steel campaign mailer falsely depicting Chen with the Communist Manifesto.

Conclusion: The Impact of Disinformation on Little Saigon Television

The Steel-Chen race underscores the power and potential pitfalls of ethnic media in shaping political discourse. While Little Saigon television provides a vital platform for community information, it can also be susceptible to manipulation and the spread of disinformation. The pushback against Steel’s tactics by prominent figures like Dzung Do and organizations like Viet Fact Check signifies a growing awareness of the need for critical media literacy and accurate reporting within the Vietnamese American community. The controversy surrounding the election highlights the importance of Little Saigon Television in disseminating information and shaping political opinions within the Vietnamese American community.