Pop culture costume suggestions from Asian America (and beyond)
It's official: these little kids win Halloween.
Dressed as your favorite characters from the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians -- Araminta, Peik Lin, Rachel and Bernard -- their costumes boast the lethal combination of hilarious, cute and culturally relevant. Posted on Instagram by Jessica Gueco Klein, the photos have even received a social media seal of approval from the stars of the movie themselves, including Awkwafina and Jimmy O. Yang, and director Jon M. Chu.
That's when you know you're having a cultural moment -- when you've inspired a Halloween costume. When I was growing up, aside from a few notable exceptions, Asian American pop culture-inspired costumes were few and far between. I'm not talking about generic ninjas and stuff. But the past couple of years have given way to some pretty great costume-worthy Asian characters and icons.
Each Halloween, we run a reader-submitted costume gallery that has become a popular annual feature. Given the great pop culture options out there, here's a wish list of some of the costumes we'd love to see this year. Some of you creative and resourceful readers have already got it done. Please, send in your awesome, cute, spooky, fun and non-offensive Halloween costume photos (of course, they don't have to be on this list).
Send them in, and some of the photos will be updated here...
My journey as an undocumented immigrant
When Yin Yin Chan was seven, she and her family came to the U.S. from Taiwan and lived as undocumented immigrants -- an experience that has shaped her entire life.
* * *
My Immigrant Life: Why I'm Here and Why I Fight Back
John Yap sees the danger in the proposed rule changes to Public Charge, which would perpetuate the falsehood that immigrants demand and take more than they give back.
Darker Before They Get Brighter
Director Yen Tan on growing up gay in Malaysia, his journey in America, and how it all relates to his poignant AIDS drama 1985.
Hey, everybody! It is time, once again, to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Lizz Adams.
Pioneering Chinese American artist served as lead artist on Walt Disney's 'Bambi.'
Today's Google Doodle honors the life and legacy of Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong on what would have been his 108th birthday. Drawing inspiration from Chinese artists of the Song Dynasty, Wong was responsible for some of the best-known images in American popular culture, applying his unique vision to paintings, prints, and perhaps most famously, the 1942 Walt Disney animated film Bambi.
Here's the gorgeous tribute that plays when you click on the kite:
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. Each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
On this episode, we welcome playwright Qui Nguyen, who talks about the small town video store pop culture that defined his Arkansas youth and the true life origins of his acclaimed play Vietgone. We also attempt to make him spill the beans about the super secret material he's been working on for Marvel Studios.
Few images of Bruce Lee are as iconic as the legendary martial artist clad in his yellow-and-black striped jumpsuit, made famous by Game of Death. This new collectible limited edition Bruce Lee Flying Man Funko Pop Vinyl figure, created in partnership with the Bruce Lee Family, Funko and Bait, captures yellow jumpsuited Bruce in an inspiring signature pose.
"The iconic image of Bruce Lee performing his signature and stunning flying kick is a calling card for millions of fans around the globe," the product description reads. "It speaks to the physical, mental and spiritual strength that Bruce Lee exudes. Indeed, he remains a positive role model across generations, cultures and gender. The flying man silhouette inspires us to move forward and continue to grow. It celebrates honest expression by the individual over any established style or system."
The Flying Man Funko Pop! Vinyl figure, available for pre-order now, stands 6.4 x 4.7 x 3.4 inches, comes in a window display box and includes a display stand. A portion of the proceeds from all merchandise purchased in the Bruce Lee Family Store benefits the Bruce Lee Foundation.
Redefining The Bakhu—And The Great American Road Trip—Through Self-Portraiture
Tsering Bista grew up largely ashamed of her family's cultural heritage -- especially when she had to wear bakhus, her traditional Mustangi dress, in public. She decided to confront this discomfort by wearing bakhus on a road trip across the U.S. -- and took a series of self-portraits along the way.
Crazy Rich Asians to open in China. But can it fly? Crazy Rich Asians has finally gotten a release date in China. Now, the question that remains is whether the nation's 900 million-plus filmgoers will come out on November 30 to watch.
* * *
9 Asian-Led Books that Deserve Their Own Movie Adaption
"These 9 authors display that more inclusivity in young adult literature can only help give more options to young people who might have felt not represented in the pages of the books they read. Here's a batch of Asian-led books that we believe could use their own big Hollywood (or streaming giant) movie. And if not that, they're still great books to pick up for a read."
* * *
"But what if the bully is a grown-up?"
Sheetal Sheth's children's book, Always Anjali, broaches the subject of getting teased by other children for being "different." So when a recent "Dear Abby" column advised an expectant parent to choose a Western name instead of an Indian one, Sheth thought about the places where children learn how to be bullies.
Steven Yeun Is Lighting Up the Screen
Steven Yeun takes on the role of a villain in his latest film, Burning, a Korean thriller adapted from a Haruki Marukami short story. In this interview he talks basketball, returning to religion, and the lessons about toxic masculinity he's learned along the way.
* * *
Can Hasan Minhaj Make Topical Comedy Work on Netflix?
With Patriot Act, the former Daily Show correspondent plans to cover news most late-night hosts ignore, and looks to defy Netflix's spotty talk show track record.
* * *
Where to get Bruce Lee's iconic white shirt
"When he wasn't shirtless, Bruce Lee often wore a white, round-necked T-shirt with three buttons at the front. It's an iconic image from the 1970s that made the humble, lightweight undershirt famous around the world. That sought-after cotton garment was made in Hong Kong -- and still is today."
Jin Fang is officially an American. The Austin-based artist and illustrator, who was born in Hong Kong, became a U.S. citizen on Thursday -- the first American in her family. Although she's grown up and lived in the United States for most of her life, she only recently went through the tedious, painstaking process of naturalization.
On Twitter, posted a comic sharing with her thoughts on becoming a citizen, the political factors that both worried and inspired her decision, and what pushed her to finally find her voice and take action.
"I'd be lying if I said worry or fear didn't factor into my (and my family's) decision to naturalize," Jin tweeted. "We notice xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment rising, we see the consequences of this administration's actions on the most vulnerable communities."
She also embraces her privilege and duty to vote -- and encourages others not to take this responsibility lightly.
"Even if your politics don't align with mine, please go vote. As someone who's had to jump through hoops to get this right, it's frustrating to see voter turnout rates (especially in Texas, wtf!)"
"I'm one of the few Asian guys who cover the industry and one of the even fewer in management."
Greetings, good people of the internet. It is time, once again, to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Lawrence Yee.
From 'Blindspot' producers Martin Gero and Christina Kim.
NBC has given a script commitment to an untitled drama project centered on a Korean American family, from Blindspot showrunner Martin Gero and writer/executive producer Christina Kim.
Written by Kim and produced by Gero, the potential series revolves around three half-Korean women who grew up straddling two cultures and identities are forced to pick sides between their Korean mother and Caucasian father after the latter, the head of a global Asian food empire, is thrown in jail. The drama will uncover dark family secrets and follow the sisters as they step out of their father's shadow to salvage their empire.
Looking forward to seeing more Asian American projects in the pipeline...
Heads up, podcast listeners and pop culture fanatics! They Call Us Bruce, the podcast I co-host with Jeff Yang, is doing an entire day of live recordings highlighting Asian American creators and content in pop culture, for an event we're calling Asian American Culture Con (AACC), happening as part of PMX: Pacific Media Expo, America's first major trade show dedicated to Asian-Pacific popular culture and entertainment media.
AACC sessions will include panels focusing on Asian American talent from television, film, animation, comedy, science fiction and more, moderated by me and Jeff, to be recorded and released for the podcast.
It's happening Sunday, October 28 at the Glendale Hilton. [UPDATE] Here's the final schedule/lineup:
SESSION ONE, 10:15-11:30 am — THEY CALL US PRIMETIME ASIANS: A talk with Asian American stars of the new fall TV season—featuring Jake Choi of ABC's Single Parents, Keiko Agena of The First on Hulu & Ryan Potter of DC Universe's Titans!
SESSION TWO, 11:30 am-12:45 pm — THEY CALL US CARTOON CREATORS: A talk with standout creators from the world of animation, with Daniel Chong of We Bare Bears, Victor Cook of Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, Dan Santat of The Replacements and Fawn Veerasunthorn of Ralph Breaks the Internet!
LUNCH BREAK
SESSION THREE, 2-3:15 pm — THEY CALL US NEXT-GEN TALENT: Looking for the next-generation of Asian American stars, with Will Choi of Asian AF, Snehal Desai of East West Players, Linda Lamontagne of BoJack Horseman, and Kaitlyn Yang of Alpha Studios!
SESSION FOUR, 3:15-4:30 pm — THEY CALL US THE ASIAN AMERICAN CANON: Looking back at three of the movies that have defined our Asian American pop culture experience—talking to Tamlyn Tomita of The Joy Luck Club, PARRY SHEN of Better Luck Tomorrow and Lynn Chen of Saving Face!
SESSION FIVE, 4:30-5:45 pm — THEY CALL US THE ASIAN FUTURE: Taking a leap into the (Asian) Future with science fiction standouts Wesley Chu, author of The Lives of Tao, S Qiouyi Lu (Uncanny Magazine & Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine) and Peter Tieryas, author of United States of Japan!
and finally....
SESSION SIX, 5:45-7 pm — THEY CALL US STEVEN UNIVERSE: We close out the #AsianAmericanCultureCon by talking with Shelby Rabara, Michaela Dietz, Jennifer Paz and Grace Rolek, the stars of the epic animated series Steven Universe - the most Asian American show on TV!
All panels are free with with a PMX registration (full weekend or Sunday only). The event is still coming together, with more special guests being added as we speak. For further updates, follow the AACC Facebook event or They Call Us Bruce on Facebook and Twitter.
Harvard and the Myth of the Interchangeable Asian
"My family's story is far from being the only kind of Asian-American story, though it's the one that has largely been told, particularly in mainstream media. That's partly because of who has access to that media and partly because it's a story white Americans feel more comfortable with, because it still puts them at the center."
Nicole Chung: "Adoptees Have So Rarely Gotten To Tell Their Own Stories."
An interview with Nicole Chung, whose memoir All You Can Ever Know tells of her transracial adoption by white American parents, her reconnection with her Korean American birth family, and issues of race, identity, and belonging.
* * *
When Asian Women Are Harassed for Marrying Non-Asian Men
Celebrated author Celeste Ng has been receiving hate mail from Asian men for years, and is ready to call out rampant harassment and misogyny from an organized community of Asian American masculinists.
* * *
The Case of Jane Doe Ponytail
The tragic story of "SiSi" Song Yang, a sex worker whose death calls attention to an entangled network of human trafficking in Flushing.
* * *
How Dunkin' Donuts Shaped My Parents' New Life In America
No restaurant has been as influential in Priya Krishna's parents' lives as Dunkin' Donuts. The doughnuts reminded them of sugar-coated Indian sweets. But also they really love doughnuts.
Greetings, good people of the internet. You know what time it is. Time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Tony Garbanzos.
Artist Jerry Ma puts an Asian American spin on the iconic "We Can Do It!" image.
By popular demand! This fun t-shirt design puts an Asian American spin on the iconic "We Can Do It" image, with the likeness of Fresh Off The Boat star Constance Wu stepping in for Rosie the Riveter. Created by our friend, artist/illustrator Jerry Ma of Epic Proportions, the shirt will be available in a limited run.
Open casting call seeks talent for upcoming film version of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical.
In the Heights is looking for some fresh talent. Director Jon M. Chu's upcoming adaptation of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical has put out an open digital casting call for auditions.
In the Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes, follows the residents of largely Latino Upper Manhattan neighborhood Washington Heights -- a bodega owner, a college student, a taxi driver, a beauty salon worker, and an old woman -- aspire to better lives as gentrification begins to take hold, and a sweltering summer power blackout brings their personal life crises to a head.
This is your chance to be considered for a role in the film. Here are more details about the casting call:
Roseanne Liang's 'Do No Harm' is Vimeo's Staff Pick Premiere.
The incredible short film Do No Harm, from New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang, is today's Staff Pick Premiere over at Vimeo. You might be familiar with Roseanne's work as the mad brains behind the hit comedy webseries Flat3. It's wonderful. Do No Harm is very very very very very different. But also amazing.
The brilliantly bloody 12-minute action film, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of a single-minded surgeon who will stop at nothing to save her patient when violent gangsters storm in to halt a crucial operation. It's tense, thrilling, and ridiculously entertaining.
Edward Blum, the mastermind behind the Harvard lawsuit, appeals to the myth of American meritocracy to claim that race should not be used in the college admissions process; but he fails to acknowledge that the American Dream -- predicated on such meritocracy -- is not colorblind. In this nation, the color of our skin still shapes how we access opportunity and whether we profit from our labor.
Based on the New York magazine article "The Hustlers at Scores."
Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off The Boat star Constance Wu has signed on for a lead role as an enterprising stripper in the crime drama Hustlers, written and directed by Lorene Scafaria.
Based on the real-life story of some modern Robin Hoods, chronicled in the 2015 New York magazine article by Jessica Pressler entitled "The Hustlers at Scores," the film follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their wealthy Wall Street clients.
The movie takes place in the late '00s in New York City in the wake of the financial crisis, and will focus on themes of identity, loyalty, survival and control.
Jennifer Lopez, who is also producing, is set to portray the ringleader to the group of ambitious women who take their plans too far. Wu's role hasn't been specified, but it's safe to assume she'll be playing to the lead role of Roselyn Keo, the real-life former stripper at the center of Pressler's article.
October 12-14 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
Hey, comedy fans! If you are in Los Angeles, and looking for some laughs this weekend, look no further than The Comedy Comedy Festival: A Comedy Festival. Co-produced by Disoriented Comedy and JACCC, in partnership with Asian AF, the 2018 edition of this epic 3-day event brings together the best of young, Asian American comedic talent from Hollywood, digital media, and live performance.
"America is not ready for us! We have hilarious and exciting voices," says writer, comedian, and Festival co-organizer Jenny Yang. "No one is waiting for Hollywood to catch up anymore. We have been building our community, strengthening our craft and creating our own platforms. This comedy festival is not just a festival. It's a movement."
This year's festival performers include Manila Luzon (VH1's RuPaul's Drag Race), Jenny Yang (E!'s Busy Tonight), Jake Choi (ABC's Single Parents), Sherry Cola (TNT's Claws), Aparna Nancherla (Comedy Central's Corporate, Late Night with Seth Meyers), Lilan Bowden (Disney's Andi Mack), singer-songwriter Megan Lee, and more. Events include stand up, sketch and improvised comedy, storytelling, and musical comedy.
It's happening October 12-14 at the Aratani Theatre and Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. Here's a rundown of Comedy Comedy Festival highlights:
The children's book sequel from Greg Pak, Joanathan Coulton and Takeshi Miyazawa.
The Princess Who Saved Her Friends is the latest children's book written by comics writer Greg Pak and internet superstar musician Jonathan Coulton, and illustrated by artist Takeshi Miyazawa. The sequel to 2015's The Princess Who Saved Herself, the book is currently winding down a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Featuring the same creative team, the original book was a story of determination, bravery, and understanding, starring a scrappy kid who stuck up for herself but was always able to open the circle and find reconciliation with the monsters and witch she came into conflict with.
But what happens next, when our heroine discovers that the witch befriended might not be such a good friend after all? The Princess Who Saved Her Friends tackles the kind of tricky personal conflict that kids -- and adults -- grapple with every day in the real world.
Actually, Race-Conscious Admissions Are Good for Asian-Americans
Yale is the focus of an investigation over whether its admissions policies discriminate against applicants based on race. Professor Janelle Wong on how race conscious admissions are good for Asian Americans.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. Each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
On this episode, actually recorded in mid-September, we discuss "All the Asians on TV." With the new television season underway, we give a rundown of actors of Asian descent who are series regulars on new scripted prime time network, cable and streaming shows premiering this fall.
Looking fairly badass on this banner art for New York Comic Con.
Here is your first look, sort of, at Daniel Dae Kim as Ben Daimio in the upcoming new Hellboy movie. Check out this badass banner art displayed this weekend at the Dark Horse Comics booth at New York Comic Con. Amidst all the fangs and wings and hooves and other ungodly beasts, there's a decent glimpse of DDK, weapon drawn, rocking Daimio's scarred face and looking fairly badass.
Hey, everybody. You know what time it is. It is time, once again, to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Jake Choi.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. Each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
On this episode, we take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on making it to 50 episodes of They Call Us Bruce. We look back at the Good, the Bad and the WTF of the first fifty shows, consider the future of the podcast, and make A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
Season five premieres October 5 as part of ABC's re-launched "TGIF" lineup.
The Huang family is back! Fresh Off The Boat returns for its landmark fifth season on October 5, premiering in its new Friday night time slot, holding down the re-launch of ABC's iconic "TGIF" programming block.
And it appears they're fully embracing their Friday night responsibilities, invoking one of TGIF's flagship legacy shows, Full House, for a funny bit in this week's premiere. In this scene, Louis imagines his family by way of a beloved 1990s family sitcom's opening credits -- complete with the Full House theme song.
