After spending hours analyzing hundreds of names, faces, and bios of those featured on Wheaties boxes, I found that just 1% of people featured were of Asian descent, including Amy Chow, Apolo Anton Ohno, Bryan Clay, Hideo Nomo, Tiger Woods, and Kristi Yamaguchi.

Earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith spoke about Shohei Ohtani, a Japan-born professional baseball player, and his status as one of Major League Baseball's star players. On ESPN's First Take, Smith said:

“The fact that you got a foreign player that doesn’t speak English, that needs an interpreter, believe it or not, I think contributes to harming the game to some degree when that’s your box office appeal.” He went on to say, “I understand that baseball is an international sport itself in terms of participation, but when you talk about an audience gravitating to the tube or to the ballpark, to actually watch you, I don’t think it helps that the number one face is a dude that needs an interpreter, so you can understand what the hell he’s saying in this country.”

Smith also insinuated that Shohei Ohtani couldn't be put on a Wheaties box and ingratiate himself with America's younger generation. 

Asians in America are often stereotyped as less desirable, less athletic, and less marketable. Let's prove them wrong and ask Wheaties (owned by General Mills) to offer Shohei Ohtani the cover of their cereal box, a coveted and iconic achievement for athletes. 

Ohtani is a star player (designated hitter and pitcher) for the Los Angeles Angels. He draws comparisons to the late Babe Ruth, many saying that Ohtani is better and more versatile. Among many records and achievements, Ohtani was named MLB's 'Rookie of the Year' in 2018 and he was the recipient of the 'Best Major League Baseball Player ESPY Award' in 2021.

This petition isn't about canceling Stephen A. Smith for his insensitive comments. Instead, this petition is about raising awareness about the lack of representation of Asian athletes and getting the recognition Shohei Ohtani deserves for his contributions to Major League Baseball.

Goals of this petition:

1. Highlight the exclusion of Asian athletes in many endorsements and marketing campaigns. In this case, Wheaties. 
2. Allow Wheaties to respond to and condemn Stephen A. Smith's comments.
3. Ask that Wheaties consider offering Shohei Ohtani the cover of their cereal box + outline how they intend to include more Asian athletes in the future. 

Change doesn't just happen... we have to demand it.

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