Hello, internet friends! 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 Miki Ishikawa.
Who are you?
Miki Michelle Ishikawa, but I go by Miki Ishikawa.
What are you?
I am Japanese American. 2nd generation, some argue I'm 1st generation, so I guess it depends on who considers what.
Where are you?
On my couch, in LA.
Where are you from?
I was born in Denver, Co. I do not claim Denver though, because I moved away when I was 3 to Oahu, HI and then we moved to LA when I was 10 yrs old and I've lived here ever since.
What do you do?
I am an actor. I dabble in producing and now I am challenging myself in writing.
What are you all about?
Giving voice to those who are voiceless. Constantly growing and learning from others. Hoping to make change in my micro community so that it can hopefully affect the macro.
What makes you angry?
The fetishization of Asian American Women, not just in the entertainment industry, but all across the board. Nothing irks me more than people trying to box in what Asian American Women should be, or if we're not what they're expecting they act surprised. I am not your traditional do good-er, soft spoken, submissive, idea of what you thought was considered an Asian American female. We are Women at the end of the day and above all human beings. We come from all different backgrounds and up bringings, we are all individuals who deserve to be seen and heard, so stop confusing us for one another and saying "oh sorry you all look a like." Pay attention dummy, we don't have time for that anymore.
The other thing that makes me angry is Asian American communities tearing each other down. We are a large group of people who should all stand behind and support one another. Especially when it comes to the portrayal of Asian specific characters in the media, why shouldn't we all be allowed to play one another? (this is a larger argument) We live in 2019, I understand old way traditions and small minded ideas, but this is a new generation, there's plenty of room for all of us. Let's just be happy for one another. Hopefully one day it'll just get to the point where it won't be about how many Asians are represented on screen and that it just becomes the norm. Without getting too political...we should also support other groups of POC and not feel the need to shy away from lending our voice to their causes. A lot of the time Asians have certain privileges over other groups of POC and we choose to not want to rock the waters and not get involved, this needs to change. We need to learn to use our privilege especially in crucial moments.
