The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 23 of All The Asians On Star Trek, we embark on another Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. For this edition of the Away Mission, we welcome writer Michael Golamco (Always Be My Maybe, Grimm, Nightflyers) to discuss "The Measure of a Man" from season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation -- widely considered to be one of the best episodes of the franchise. We ask some important questions: Is Data the property of Starfleet? (No.) Does Data have a soul? (Maybe.) Did Picard and Louvois get it on? (Definitely.)
12.26.2021
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A year after police killed Christian Hall, his parents continue calls for accountability
Christian Hall, an Asian American adoptee, was shot by Pennsylvania State Police troopers. His parents are pushing for a new investigation and more mental health resources.
Taking a Break With Viet Thanh Nguyen
Dave Zirin in coversation with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen.
As 'Nutcracker' Returns, Companies Rethink Depictions of Asians
Some ballet companies are reworking problematic imagery in their productions of the holiday classic The Nutcracker partly in response to a wave of anti-Asian hate that has intensified during the pandemic.
'The Mandalorian’ Star Ming-Na Wen Raves About Deborah Chow's Directing Gifts
Ming-Na Wen praises director Deborah Chow, whose stint on The Mandalorian earned her the gig of showrunning and directing every episode of Disney Plus' upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series.
From the Pages of Star Wars Insider: Educating Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth
Actor and martial artist Diana Lee Insanto, who guest starred as Mrgan Elsbeth on The Mandalorian, reflects on her upbringing and a fortuitous first viewing of the original Star Wars with her father in 1977.
Jessica Henwick on 'The Matrix Resurrections' and Her 'Knives Out 2' Full-Circle Moment
Jessica Henwick reveals one factor for bowing out of the Shang-Chi audition process was holding out hope her Iron Fist character, Colleen Wing, could return to the MCU proper someday.
12.21.2021
Donate to 81-year-old Man Assaulted in Racist Attack
Raising awareness and support for Mark Sonuvong.
Concerned community members are fundraising support for Mark Sonouvong, the 81-year-old San Diego man who brutally assaulted in a racially motivated attack during his morning walk last week.
The assailant reportedly asked Mr. Sonouvong if he was "Chinese or Vietnamese" then knocked him to the ground and beat him. According to his son, Mr. Sonouvong was hospitalized, and continues to suffer pain in his ribs and left eye. He'll have to undergo further treatment with multiple future hospital visits.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe to raise awareness and support for Mr. Sonouvong's medical bills. Your help is appreciated: Elderly Asian man beat in San Diego... please help!
Concerned community members are fundraising support for Mark Sonouvong, the 81-year-old San Diego man who brutally assaulted in a racially motivated attack during his morning walk last week.
The assailant reportedly asked Mr. Sonouvong if he was "Chinese or Vietnamese" then knocked him to the ground and beat him. According to his son, Mr. Sonouvong was hospitalized, and continues to suffer pain in his ribs and left eye. He'll have to undergo further treatment with multiple future hospital visits.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe to raise awareness and support for Mr. Sonouvong's medical bills. Your help is appreciated: Elderly Asian man beat in San Diego... please help!
12.20.2021
Commissioners Appointed to President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
Commission will advise President Biden on policies affecting AANHPI communities.
On Monday, President Biden announced the appointment of 23 AAPI leaders as commissioners to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which was established in May, in tandem with the White House Initiative on AANHPIs.
The Commission will advise the President on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. The Commission is also charged with advising the President on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States.
The following individuals were appointed as Commissioners: Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola, Ajay Bhutoria, Luisa Blue, Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Daniel Dae Kim, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Kevin Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.
More here: President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint Commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
Full bios:
On Monday, President Biden announced the appointment of 23 AAPI leaders as commissioners to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which was established in May, in tandem with the White House Initiative on AANHPIs.
The Commission will advise the President on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. The Commission is also charged with advising the President on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States.
The following individuals were appointed as Commissioners: Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola, Ajay Bhutoria, Luisa Blue, Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Daniel Dae Kim, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Kevin Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.
More here: President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint Commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
Full bios:
Do you want to "sit on a throne of Chinese skulls"? Enlist!
Tucker Carlson guest says the military needs "Type A men who want to sit on a throne of Chinese skulls."
Conservative pundit Jesse Kelly claims to know exactly what kind of people need to serve in the United States military -- and it definitely isn't women or the gays. Speaking as a guest on Tucker Carlson Tonight, Kelly said the military should consist of "Type A men who want to sit on a throne of Chinese skulls."
Conservative pundit Jesse Kelly claims to know exactly what kind of people need to serve in the United States military -- and it definitely isn't women or the gays. Speaking as a guest on Tucker Carlson Tonight, Kelly said the military should consist of "Type A men who want to sit on a throne of Chinese skulls."
Marjorie Taylor Greene Acknowledges You, "Yellow People"
Congresswoman refers to "yellow people" during opening remarks at conservative conference.
Okay, so this isn't anywhere near the top of the list of shitty things that Marjorie Taylor Greene has said during her inexplicable political career, but over the weekend the Georgia congresswoman referred to "yellow people" -- um, I think she meant us -- while pushing back against claims of the GOP being a "white supremacist party."
During her opening remarks Sunday at "AmericaFest," a conference organized by conservative group Turning Point USA, Greene attempted to make a case touting the Republican party's alleged diversity by enumerating alllll the different kinds of people who might attend a fine event like this.
"So I've never been to one of these events before," said Greene. "I've heard a little bit about them. I've seen a little bit of this event, this type of event before. And when I walked in yesterday, I was like, 'What kind of people come here?' So I'm walking around and seeing some good people and I see white people, Black people, brown people, yellow people..."
Okay, so this isn't anywhere near the top of the list of shitty things that Marjorie Taylor Greene has said during her inexplicable political career, but over the weekend the Georgia congresswoman referred to "yellow people" -- um, I think she meant us -- while pushing back against claims of the GOP being a "white supremacist party."
During her opening remarks Sunday at "AmericaFest," a conference organized by conservative group Turning Point USA, Greene attempted to make a case touting the Republican party's alleged diversity by enumerating alllll the different kinds of people who might attend a fine event like this.
"So I've never been to one of these events before," said Greene. "I've heard a little bit about them. I've seen a little bit of this event, this type of event before. And when I walked in yesterday, I was like, 'What kind of people come here?' So I'm walking around and seeing some good people and I see white people, Black people, brown people, yellow people..."
Yuh-Line Niou Announces Run for New York State Senator
Manhattan Assemblywoman will challenge fellow Democrate Brian Kavanaugh in June 2022 primary.
Manhattan Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou has officially announced that she will challenge a fellow Democrat, Brian Kavanagh, in next year's June primary for New York state senator.
If Niou wins the election, she plans to promote post-COVID economic recovery that doesn't leave behind traditionally underrepresented communities, including working-class, minority and immigrant sectors.
"As we start down the long road to recovery, it is more important than ever to ensure communities share equally in that recovery," Niou tells the New York Daily News. "It isn't enough for things to return to a prepandemic 'normal.' We must learn from history and build a city and a state that is more equitable, safer and more inclusive than it was before. That's why I'm running for the state Senate."
Manhattan Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou has officially announced that she will challenge a fellow Democrat, Brian Kavanagh, in next year's June primary for New York state senator.
If Niou wins the election, she plans to promote post-COVID economic recovery that doesn't leave behind traditionally underrepresented communities, including working-class, minority and immigrant sectors.
"As we start down the long road to recovery, it is more important than ever to ensure communities share equally in that recovery," Niou tells the New York Daily News. "It isn't enough for things to return to a prepandemic 'normal.' We must learn from history and build a city and a state that is more equitable, safer and more inclusive than it was before. That's why I'm running for the state Senate."
81-Year-Old San Diego Man Attacked in Hate Crime
"Are you Chinese or Vietnamese?"
In San Diego, an 81-year-old man, Mark Sonouvong, was hospitalized after being violently attacked while on his morning walk on Friday, by an assailant who reportedly asked him, "Are you Chinese or Vietnamese?"
The victim appears to have been assaulted without provocation. According to CBS8 News, the attacker approached and asked Sonouvong if he was Chinese or Vietnamese. When he told the stranger to leave him alone, he was knocked down to the ground and beaten. He didn't take anything from Sonouvong.
Police are investigating the assault as a possible hate crime.
More here: Assault of 81-year-old man investigated as possible hate crime
In San Diego, an 81-year-old man, Mark Sonouvong, was hospitalized after being violently attacked while on his morning walk on Friday, by an assailant who reportedly asked him, "Are you Chinese or Vietnamese?"
The victim appears to have been assaulted without provocation. According to CBS8 News, the attacker approached and asked Sonouvong if he was Chinese or Vietnamese. When he told the stranger to leave him alone, he was knocked down to the ground and beaten. He didn't take anything from Sonouvong.
Police are investigating the assault as a possible hate crime.
More here: Assault of 81-year-old man investigated as possible hate crime
12.19.2021
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The Spectacular Vindication of BTS
With four sold-out concerts in Los Angeles, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook -- the South Korean pop superstar group BTS -- proved their timelessness to critics, fans, and themselves.
America Is Not Ready for Omicron
The new and rapidly spreading COVID-19 variant poses a far graver threat at the collective level than the individual one -- the kind of test that the United States has repeatedly failed.
I Canceled My Birthday Party Because of Omicron
"I turn 40 today, and I was planning to have a party. The Delta surge made me nervous about it. The arrival of Omicron made me cancel it." How science writer Ed Yong thought through the decision.
Don't Be Surprised When You Get Omicron
America is in for a lot more breakthrough infections. Here's what to do if you fall sick.
I grew up bilingual. But now I struggle to communicate deeply with my parents.
"As I've gotten older, my language skills stayed stagnant, and what was once a source of pride is now getting in the way of communicating with my parents."
An Education While Incarcerated
What Eddy Zheng taught himself when he was in prison.
Discovering Dr. Wu
The world reveres Chien-Shiung Wu as a groundbreaking nuclear physicist who made a startling find 65 years ago. But to writer Jada Yuan, she was Grandma -- who longed to know more about her private universe.
A Teen Sensation Grows Up
Everyone seemed to love Chloe Kim when she was a snowboarding prodigy on her way to an Olympic gold medal. When she saw the downside of fame, she stepped back and built a life beyond the halfpipe.
Ashley Park on Asian American Representation Onscreen and Being Number One on a Call Sheet
Ashley Park, who co-stars as the scene-stealing Mindy in Emily in Paris, taslk about the upcoming season, her growing storyline, and the significance of Asian American representation on the show.
12.17.2021
Miss Alaska, Emma Broyles, Crowned Miss America
She is the first Korean American and first Alaskan to wear the crown.
On Thursday, Emma Broyles was crowned Miss America -- and made history, becoming both the first Korean American and the first Alaskan to hold the title in the competition's 100-year history.
According to a spokesperson for the Miss America Organization, Broyles is believed to be the first Korean American contestant to win the crown. Broyles says her grandparents immigrated from Korea to Alaska about 50 years ago. Her mother, a special education teacher, was born and raised in Anchorage.
Broyles, who chose the Special Olympics for her social impact initiative, currently a junior at Arizona State University studying biomedical sciences and voice performance. Along with her title, Broyles wins just over $100,000 in college scholarships.
More here: Miss America makes history, as a Korean American from Alaska wins the title
On Thursday, Emma Broyles was crowned Miss America -- and made history, becoming both the first Korean American and the first Alaskan to hold the title in the competition's 100-year history.
According to a spokesperson for the Miss America Organization, Broyles is believed to be the first Korean American contestant to win the crown. Broyles says her grandparents immigrated from Korea to Alaska about 50 years ago. Her mother, a special education teacher, was born and raised in Anchorage.
Broyles, who chose the Special Olympics for her social impact initiative, currently a junior at Arizona State University studying biomedical sciences and voice performance. Along with her title, Broyles wins just over $100,000 in college scholarships.
More here: Miss America makes history, as a Korean American from Alaska wins the title
12.16.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 22: Pay Chen
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 22, we welcome actress Pay Chen. She appeared in the role of "Starfleet Psychiatrist" on Star Trek: Discovery, in the season two episode "Point of Light." If you blinked, you may have missed it. Outside of Star Trek, Pay has over two decades of broadcast experience as a TV/radio host, writer and producer in Canada. But to some fans and friends, her five seconds of screen time on Star Trek -- as well as a stint reciting poetry on children's programming -- are the jobs that earned her the real street cred.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 22, we welcome actress Pay Chen. She appeared in the role of "Starfleet Psychiatrist" on Star Trek: Discovery, in the season two episode "Point of Light." If you blinked, you may have missed it. Outside of Star Trek, Pay has over two decades of broadcast experience as a TV/radio host, writer and producer in Canada. But to some fans and friends, her five seconds of screen time on Star Trek -- as well as a stint reciting poetry on children's programming -- are the jobs that earned her the real street cred.
Mother and Son Arrested in Thefts Targeting Elderly Asians
The burglars are allegedly part of an organized group connected to nearly thirty incidents.
In Southern California, a mother and son duo have been arrested in connection with a string of nearly thirty robberies and distraction thefts targeting elderly Asian people over the last six months.
47-year-old Floarea Ghiocel and her son, 32-year-old Marius Ghiocel, were arrested on suspicion of robbery related to approximately 28 incidents over the past six months. According to Garden Grove police, the two are allegedly part of a group of Romanian travelers responsible for the robberies, all following a similar pattern.
In each case, the burglars targeted elderly Asian people with expensive jewelry. The burglars would approach the victims, remove the jewelry and replace it with a similar fake piece.
More here: Mother and son arrested in string of robberies and thefts targeting elderly Asian people
In Southern California, a mother and son duo have been arrested in connection with a string of nearly thirty robberies and distraction thefts targeting elderly Asian people over the last six months.
47-year-old Floarea Ghiocel and her son, 32-year-old Marius Ghiocel, were arrested on suspicion of robbery related to approximately 28 incidents over the past six months. According to Garden Grove police, the two are allegedly part of a group of Romanian travelers responsible for the robberies, all following a similar pattern.
In each case, the burglars targeted elderly Asian people with expensive jewelry. The burglars would approach the victims, remove the jewelry and replace it with a similar fake piece.
More here: Mother and son arrested in string of robberies and thefts targeting elderly Asian people
12.12.2021
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Ready, Fett, Go: Ming-Na Wen talks suiting up for The Book of Boba Fett
Ming-Na Wen is the only person in history to complete the Disney trifecta: The 58-year-old actress has voiced a Disney princess as Mulan, kicked butt as a Marvel hero in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and crisscrossed the galaxy as a Star Wars mercenary on The Mandalorian -- and now, The Book of Boba Fett.
Are diversifying suburbs like Irvine ready for a conversation about race?
S"outhern California suburbs, at their best, are inspiring tapestries of what an emergent cosmopolitan society could be when different cultures and races share space and create community. At their worst, the suburbs incubate some of the most antiquated forms of racist and xenophobic thought that you can find anywhere."
The Line
"It's 1972 and Singer Nobuko "JoAnne" Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get "the call." It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history.
Lee Jung-jae is King of the World
There was a time in Lee Jung-jae's life when he never thought he'd act again. Now, he's starring in the biggest show on the planet -- Squid Game, ever heard of it?
Michelle Zauner on Turning Her Memoir Into a Film and Japanese Breakfast's Two Grammy Nominations
With the release of her bestselling memoir Crying in H Mart and critically acclaimed album Jubilee with band Japanese Breakfast, Michelle Zauner has had a banner year.
The Women Behind the Thirteen-Year-Olds of "PEN15"
How the co-creators of Hulu's Pen15 found comedy in the pain of revisiting adolescence.
12.06.2021
'Shang-Chi' Sequel Officially in the Works
It's on: a sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is officially in the works, with Destin Daniel Cretton returning to direct and write. The filmmaker has also signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Marvel Studios and Hulu's Onyx Collective, and is reportedly in development on a new MCU series for Disney+.
Shang-Chi, starring Simu Liu as Marvel's master martial artist, was the highest grossing domestic release to date this year with $224.5M. Worldwide, the film has grossed close to $432 million. So it was safe to assume a sequel was happening. What I'm curious about is this other Marvel series that Cretton is developing.
I'd love to see a Ten Rings series focusing on Xialing, as teased -- SPOILER ALERT -- in the Shang-Chi post-credits scene. But who knows? According to Variety, the series is rumored to be a comedy.
More here: ‘Shang-Chi’ Sequel in the Works With Director Destin Daniel Cretton Returning
Advocates Push for AAPI Curriculum in New Jersey Schools
Bill would require schools to teach students about the history and contributions of AAPIs to the U.S.
In New Jersey -- where Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group -- a coalition of teachers, students, parents, politicians, and community members are fighting for "thoughtful and comprehensive Asian American and Pacific Islander studies into K through 12 curriculums in New Jersey public schools."
Make Us Visible New Jersey is rallying around a bill currently in the state Legislature that would require schools to teach students about the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. The bill passed by a 34 to 2 vote last week in the state Senate, and now awaits a vote in the General Assembly.
More here: Advocates urge action on bill to establish Asian American and Pacific Islander curriculum in N.J. schools
In New Jersey -- where Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group -- a coalition of teachers, students, parents, politicians, and community members are fighting for "thoughtful and comprehensive Asian American and Pacific Islander studies into K through 12 curriculums in New Jersey public schools."
Make Us Visible New Jersey is rallying around a bill currently in the state Legislature that would require schools to teach students about the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. The bill passed by a 34 to 2 vote last week in the state Senate, and now awaits a vote in the General Assembly.
More here: Advocates urge action on bill to establish Asian American and Pacific Islander curriculum in N.J. schools
Asian Homeowners Targeted by Burglars in Torrance
Burglars posing as landscapers or gardeners appear to be targeting Asian American homeowners.
A warning for folks in Torrance, California: Asian American homeowners are reportedly being targeted by burglars posing as gardeners or landscapers. Several burglaries have occurred in recent weeks in town homes in gated communities in the central and eastern areas of Torrance.
According to police, the victims are homeowners of Asian descent who own businesses outside the city. Those victims may have been followed home from work and kept large quantities of cash at home.
The suspects are described as three to four people posing as gardeners or landscape workers. They were believed to be driving late model American minivans and SUVs.
More here: Torrance police warn of burglars who appear to be targeting Asian American homeowners
A warning for folks in Torrance, California: Asian American homeowners are reportedly being targeted by burglars posing as gardeners or landscapers. Several burglaries have occurred in recent weeks in town homes in gated communities in the central and eastern areas of Torrance.
According to police, the victims are homeowners of Asian descent who own businesses outside the city. Those victims may have been followed home from work and kept large quantities of cash at home.
The suspects are described as three to four people posing as gardeners or landscape workers. They were believed to be driving late model American minivans and SUVs.
More here: Torrance police warn of burglars who appear to be targeting Asian American homeowners
12.05.2021
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'PEN15' was a radically honest, thoroughly singular show about Asian American girlhood
On Hulu's PEN15: "True representation has to include the messiness of humanity, and few characters are messier than Maya Ishii-Peters, a menstruating, masturbating, self-hating yet self-involved Portnoyette, disliked by many but loved more than she thinks."
The Many Lives of Giant Robot
Founded Eric Nakamura, Giant Robot began in 1994 as a zine distributed in Los Angeles, and has since blossomed into a gallery and pop art store.
A Walk in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Min Jin Lee
An interviewer and author Min Jin Lee get rained in at the Met, and a long, lovely conversation ensues.
For many Asian Americans, graphic novels are way to explore history, fight racism
Graphic novels can have the same intimacy as diaries, one author said. "Issues of identity can be so emotionally fraught, so it makes sense to talk about them using a visual medium."
Squid Game Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk Answers All Our Lingering Questions
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk on "Gganbu," Ali, and how he lost six teeth during production.
Steven Yeun: Patriarch, Outsider, Loyal Boyfriend, Sociopath, Producer
Having followed his star turn in Minari with The Humans, actor Steven Yeun will soon turn up in a horror movie directed by Jordan Peele.
Jon M. Chu Reflects on 'In the Heights' Box Office Performance, Colorism Criticism
Director Jon M. Chu discusses why he wanted to adapt the hit stage musical In the Heights for the big screen and the challenges in doing so.
12.03.2021
Man Pleads Not Criminally Responsible in Cinder Block Attack
Darryl Doles is charged with attempted murder in anti-Asian attacks on three Baltimore businesses.
In Baltimore, a man accused of attacking two Asian American woman with a cinderblock inside their liquor store is pleading not criminally responsible. 50-year-old Darryl Doles is charged with attempted murder and hate crime offenses, among a list of other charges, in a "rampage" on Asian-owned businesses back in May.
According to prosecutors, Doles attacked Asian people in three separate West Baltimore businesses on May 2, attacking a security guard with "a large piece of lumber," vandalizing a window display, and voicing racial epithets, in addition to the attack on the two Korean American women. Doles reportedly attacked the victims because he was denied service for refusing to wear a mask.
More here: Baltimore Man Charged In Asian American Women's Beatings Pleads Not Criminally Responsible
12.01.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 21: Usman Ally
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 21, we welcome actor Usman Ally. He is credited with the role of "U.S.S. Vengeance Officer" in the 2013 feature film Star Trek Into Darkness. If you don't remember his role, that's okay. He had one line... sort of. It's complicated. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Veep, Nobodies, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Suits, to name a few. He talks about working with director JJ Abrams, getting fake-shot by imaginary weapons, and navigating roles as a Brown actor in Hollywood.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 21, we welcome actor Usman Ally. He is credited with the role of "U.S.S. Vengeance Officer" in the 2013 feature film Star Trek Into Darkness. If you don't remember his role, that's okay. He had one line... sort of. It's complicated. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Veep, Nobodies, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Suits, to name a few. He talks about working with director JJ Abrams, getting fake-shot by imaginary weapons, and navigating roles as a Brown actor in Hollywood.
11.28.2021
Read These
Why didn’t we talk about race in high school?
"I went to a majority Asian high school in Southern California. Yet we rarely talked about the cultures we embodied at home. Recently, I called up some friends from my graduating class of 2004 to find out why." An illustrated op-ed by Malaka Gharib.
Boston now has an Asian American woman as mayor. Why are so few women of color in elected office?
Last week, Michelle Wu was sworn in as mayor of Boston -- the first woman and first person of color to be elected to that city's top job. Research examines why women of color reach the ballot less often than men of color, white women and white men.
For Most Of My Life, I Didn't Feel Like A 'Real Asian.' Everything Changed This Year.
"As a child, I assumed my Koreanness just fell away like a snake shedding its skin. I thought, 'That must be what happens when you're adopted.'"
20 Years Later, Generation Yell-Oh Girls is Still Revolutionary
The anthology that made a generation of Asian American girls feel heard might be making a comeback.
Her dream was to be a Muppeteer. Her Korean American 'Sesame Street' character just made history.
Kathleen Kim is the woman behind Ji-Young, the first Asian American muppet on Sesame Street. She talks about the character's Thanksgiving debut on See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special.
Hayao Miyazaki Prepares to Cast One Last Spell
No artist has explored the contradictions of humanity as sympathetically and critically as Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki. Now, at 80, he's coming out of retirement with another movie.
11.25.2021
They Call Us Bruce 142: They Call Us Thankful 2021
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. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome entertainment writer/critic friends Hanh Nguyen and Piya Sinha-Roy to catch up and discuss recent pop culture happenings, including Squid Game, Eternals, and Cowboy Bebop. We also play a Thanksgiving edition of our favorite segment: Thankful, Not Thankful and WTF.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome entertainment writer/critic friends Hanh Nguyen and Piya Sinha-Roy to catch up and discuss recent pop culture happenings, including Squid Game, Eternals, and Cowboy Bebop. We also play a Thanksgiving edition of our favorite segment: Thankful, Not Thankful and WTF.
11.24.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 20: Sumalee Montano
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 20, we welcome actress Sumalee Montano. She appeared in three episodes of Star Trek: Picard as "Marisol Asha," the mother (maybe?) of Dahj and Soji. Outside of Star Trek, Sumalee's resume has over 180 acting credits, including ER, Veep, Nashville and Scandal, as well as a ton of voiceover roles in animation and video games. Most recently, she can be seen starring in her first series regular role on the thriller/adventure series The Lost Symbol. And this was all after she gave up a successful career in finance... to eventually become one of the Asians on Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 20, we welcome actress Sumalee Montano. She appeared in three episodes of Star Trek: Picard as "Marisol Asha," the mother (maybe?) of Dahj and Soji. Outside of Star Trek, Sumalee's resume has over 180 acting credits, including ER, Veep, Nashville and Scandal, as well as a ton of voiceover roles in animation and video games. Most recently, she can be seen starring in her first series regular role on the thriller/adventure series The Lost Symbol. And this was all after she gave up a successful career in finance... to eventually become one of the Asians on Star Trek.
11.21.2021
Read These
First Asian American Muppet Arrives on 'Sesame Street'
Ji-Young, a guitar-playing Korean American character, will bring rock music and conversations about racism to Sesame Street starting on Thanksgiving Day.
This 'Sesame Street' kid is now the Muppeteer for its first Asian American character
NPR interviews Kathleen Kim, the Korean American puppeteer behind Ji-Young, the new Asian American character on Sesame Street.
Anti-Asian Hate Is Still On The Rise, Almost 2 Years Into The Pandemic
Nearly 20% of AAPI people say they've experienced a racist incident in the past year, according to a new survey from the coalition Stop AAPI Hate.
Adoptees express their fear, anger and insight on race during social unrest
Raised, in many cases, by parents of a different race and nationality, adoptees have unique perspectives on race and racism in America that aren't heard often. In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, NPR asked transracial and transnational adoptees to share their thoughts.
John Cho's New Frontier
With Netflix's live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, John Cho continues his journey to big-time leading man.
She Shaped the Sound of 'Cowboy Bebop,' Again
Yoko Kanno has become one of Japan's foremost composers since she created the eclectic score for the anime series Cowboy Bebop. She returned for Netflix's live-action version.
Sujata Day On How 'Insecure' Inspired Her To Write And Direct Her Own Movie
After being in Issa Rae's web series Awkward Black Girl and then her groundbreaking HBO show Insecure, Sujata Day directed, wrote, produced and stars in Definition Please.
Nonbinary millennial is front and center in HBO Max dramedy 'Sort Of'
]Bilal Baig stars in the groundbreaking series Sort Of about a gender-fluid, Pakistani-Canadian millennial who straddles various identities.
11.19.2021
They Call Us Bruce 141: They Call Us Ally Maki
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. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome actress Ally Maki, who stars in the animated Marvel series Hit Monkey. We discuss making movies and television during the pandemic, embracing the wild weirdness of a cartoon primate assassin, and creating community of shared identity: Asian American Girl Club.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome actress Ally Maki, who stars in the animated Marvel series Hit Monkey. We discuss making movies and television during the pandemic, embracing the wild weirdness of a cartoon primate assassin, and creating community of shared identity: Asian American Girl Club.
11.15.2021
Martial Arts Are Magic in Wesley Chu's 'The Art of Prophecy'
Exclusive cover reveal and excerpt from the bestselling author's upcoming martial arts fantasy epic.
The Art of Prophecy, the newest book from acclaimed bestselling author Wesley Chu, is an epic fantasy ode to martial arts and magic -- the story of a spoiled hero, an exacting grandmaster, and an immortal god-king. And we are pleased to present this exclusive cover reveal and an excerpt from the novel.
The first book in the "War Arts Saga" trilogy, The Art of Prophecy is set in a world where martial arts are magic. A prophecy has foretold that a child will rise to defeat the Eternal Khan, a cruel immortal god-king, and save the kingdom. But the prophecy was wrong. Because when Taishi, the greatest war artist of her generation, arrives to evaluate the prophesied hero, Jian, she finds a spoiled brat unprepared to face his destiny. But the only force more powerful than fate is Taishi herself. Possessed of an iron will, a sharp tongue -- and an unexpectedly soft heart -- Taishi will find a way to forge Jian into the weapon and leader he needs to be in order to fulfill his legend.
While the book doesn't hit shelves until next year, the "War Arts Saga" already has a TV series adaptation in the works from Neal H. Moritz's Original Film and Sony Pictures Television.
The Art of Prophecy is due out August 9, 2022 from Del Rey. Here is a first look at the book's gorgeous cover, from artist Tran Nguyen and designer Cassie Gonzales:
The Art of Prophecy, the newest book from acclaimed bestselling author Wesley Chu, is an epic fantasy ode to martial arts and magic -- the story of a spoiled hero, an exacting grandmaster, and an immortal god-king. And we are pleased to present this exclusive cover reveal and an excerpt from the novel.
The first book in the "War Arts Saga" trilogy, The Art of Prophecy is set in a world where martial arts are magic. A prophecy has foretold that a child will rise to defeat the Eternal Khan, a cruel immortal god-king, and save the kingdom. But the prophecy was wrong. Because when Taishi, the greatest war artist of her generation, arrives to evaluate the prophesied hero, Jian, she finds a spoiled brat unprepared to face his destiny. But the only force more powerful than fate is Taishi herself. Possessed of an iron will, a sharp tongue -- and an unexpectedly soft heart -- Taishi will find a way to forge Jian into the weapon and leader he needs to be in order to fulfill his legend.
While the book doesn't hit shelves until next year, the "War Arts Saga" already has a TV series adaptation in the works from Neal H. Moritz's Original Film and Sony Pictures Television.
The Art of Prophecy is due out August 9, 2022 from Del Rey. Here is a first look at the book's gorgeous cover, from artist Tran Nguyen and designer Cassie Gonzales:
11.14.2021
Read These
'I am an America': how a city official stood firm against an anti-Asian attack
"It's exhausting being the perpetual foreigner and it’s exhausting to have to prove my loyalty and my right to be here. You think you get to a certain point where this doesn't matter any more but then it does. I've experienced more direct xenophobia as a candidate and a person in elected office than I have in my civilian life."
Michelle Wu's campaign manager also broke the mold
Just as Michelle Wu broke the mold for Boston mayors with her electron on Tuesday, her campaign manager, Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson, shattered the model of the Boston political operative.
In Defense of Asian American Neighborhoods
How do you address a history of anti-Asian housing discrimination? Not by destroying Asian American communities.
The Attack on Abortion Has Me Reflecting on My Christian Past
As the Supreme Court once again juggles the question of abortion, I'm reminded of the Christian girl I used to be -- and my present-day conviction that it is Christlike to give people the right to end a pregnancy.
All Eyes On Suni Lee
After winning the gold at the Olympics, Suni Lee seeks to reclaim her life as a teenager and college student.
The Women Who Shaped America's Palate
Author Mayukh Sen talks about the women who revolutionized America's foodways, and why the hurdles they faced still exist.
The Forgotten Chinese Chef Who Taught America to Stir-Fry
Chao Yang Buwei opened America's eyes to Chinese cooking techniques, refusing to pander to do so.
Cambodian Americans Are Ready to Share Their Cuisine, On Their Terms
A new wave of Cambodian American chefs are sharing the cuisine's bright, umami-rich flavors in pop ups and restaurants throughout the country.
How Harvard's 'Legally Blonde' production bent the narrative with a snap of Asian flair
On Harvard's recent all-Asian American production of Legally Blonde: "It's breaking down the narrative that the Asian identity is a singular experience. I think that is something that mainstream art struggles with."
The Story of Shang-Chi with Gene Luen Yang
Shang-Chi writer Gene Luen Yang discusses steering the martial arts legend in his current comic series.
11.12.2021
They Call Us Bruce 140: They Call Us The Good Asian
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. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome writer Pornsak Pichetshote, creator of the noir crime comic book The Good Asian. We discuss the inspiration behind his Chinese American detective Edison Hark, the real-life history at heart of this hard-boiled mystery, and why The Good Asian, set in 1930s Chinatown, feels like a tale for modern times.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome writer Pornsak Pichetshote, creator of the noir crime comic book The Good Asian. We discuss the inspiration behind his Chinese American detective Edison Hark, the real-life history at heart of this hard-boiled mystery, and why The Good Asian, set in 1930s Chinatown, feels like a tale for modern times.
11.11.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 19: Away Mission with Arune Singh
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 19, we embark on another Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. For this edition of the Away Mission, we welcome Arune Singh, Director of Brand, Editorial at Skybound Entertainment, to discuss "Tuvix" from season two of Star Trek: Voyager -- arguably one of the most divisive and debated episodes of the franchise. We talk about the cowardice of colleagues, "Faith of the Heart," and Harry Kim's clarinet, among many other things.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 19, we embark on another Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. For this edition of the Away Mission, we welcome Arune Singh, Director of Brand, Editorial at Skybound Entertainment, to discuss "Tuvix" from season two of Star Trek: Voyager -- arguably one of the most divisive and debated episodes of the franchise. We talk about the cowardice of colleagues, "Faith of the Heart," and Harry Kim's clarinet, among many other things.
11.07.2021
Read These
Michelle Wu's victory a 'huge moment of hope and light' after a year of hate and violence
Michelle Wu's groundbreaking election as Boston's mayor marks a cultural milestone that transcends politics.
For Progressives, Michelle Wu Points to a Way Forward
As a mayoral candidate, Michelle Wu had plenty of opportunity to pivot away from her more liberal ideas. She didn't, and it paid off.
NYC Council has 5 new Asian Americans, a record that mirrors city more accurately
New York City's historic newly elected city council includes the first Muslim American, the first South Asian Americans and the first Korean Americans to serve on the governing body.
From BTS to 'Squid Game': How South Korea Became a Cultural Juggernaut
South Korea was once largely known for cars and smartphones, but a global audience has become mesmerized by its entertainment, and creators say success didn't happen overnight.
Hey, It's Your Korean Dad
Nick Cho started his TikTok account to share coffee recipes. Somewhere along the way, he became a global parenting phenomenon.
Halyna Hutchins and Brandon Lee Deserve Hollywood's Attention
In the wake of tragedy on the set of Rust, Shannon Lee, whose brother Brandon Lee was accidentally killed by a blank while filming The Crow, calls for more firearms safety precautions on film sets.
Not to Humblebrag, But Robin Tran Knows She's a Genius
Robin Tran talks about what makes her a comedic genius and what it's like doing comedy during the pandemic.
From 'Saving Face' To 'Grey's Anatomy,' Lynn Chen Is Just Going For It
Actor, writer and director Lynn Chen, who recently joined Grey's Anatomy in a recurring role, talks about building her creative career and the many turns it has taken over the past two decades.
It's Time to Fall in Love With Jimmy O. Yang
After stealing scenes from Silicon Valley to Space Force, Netflix's newest rom-com lead gets vulnerable about craft, humor, and feeling at home in Hollywood.
11.05.2021
They Call Us Bruce 139: They Call Us Asian Faces
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. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome journalist Elise Hu, author of the forthcoming book Flawless, and David Yi, found and editor of Very Good Light. We discuss "aggressively Asian" faces, multi-step skincare regiments, and the global rise of K-beauty, among other things.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome journalist Elise Hu, author of the forthcoming book Flawless, and David Yi, found and editor of Very Good Light. We discuss "aggressively Asian" faces, multi-step skincare regiments, and the global rise of K-beauty, among other things.
11.04.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 18: Tim Dang
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 18, we welcome actor Tim Dang. He appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as "Main Bridge Security" in the series pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." He even utters a couple of lines. Early in his acting career, Tim's resume includes roles in shows like MacGyver, Night Court and Hunter. He also has voice credits in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Batman Beyond, to name a few. Outside of performing, for over twenty years, Tim served as artistic director for East West Players, the longest running professional theater of color in the United States. These days, he is on faculty at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. But in 1987, he was right there on the bridge of the USS Enterprise, at the very beginning of the next generation. Wearing a super skinny uniform.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 18, we welcome actor Tim Dang. He appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as "Main Bridge Security" in the series pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." He even utters a couple of lines. Early in his acting career, Tim's resume includes roles in shows like MacGyver, Night Court and Hunter. He also has voice credits in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Batman Beyond, to name a few. Outside of performing, for over twenty years, Tim served as artistic director for East West Players, the longest running professional theater of color in the United States. These days, he is on faculty at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. But in 1987, he was right there on the bridge of the USS Enterprise, at the very beginning of the next generation. Wearing a super skinny uniform.
10.31.2021
Your Halloween Costumes 2021
Our annual gallery of awesome reader-submitted Halloween costumes.
It's that time again! Halloween is upon us, and as is our tradition around here, dear readers, we wanna see your awesome Halloween costume photos. Spooky, funny, adorable, and/or just plain weird, we wanna see 'em. (Seriously, cute kid costumes are especially welcome.) Submit your awesome, not-racist Halloween costume photos and we'll feature the best ones here in the annual roundup. Email photos angryasianman [at] angryasianman.com with the subject line "Halloween Costume 2021."
Here's the gallery so far:
It's that time again! Halloween is upon us, and as is our tradition around here, dear readers, we wanna see your awesome Halloween costume photos. Spooky, funny, adorable, and/or just plain weird, we wanna see 'em. (Seriously, cute kid costumes are especially welcome.) Submit your awesome, not-racist Halloween costume photos and we'll feature the best ones here in the annual roundup. Email photos angryasianman [at] angryasianman.com with the subject line "Halloween Costume 2021."
Here's the gallery so far:
10.28.2021
They Call Us Bruce 138: They Call Us SL Huang
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. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome mathematician and award-winning science fiction author SL Huang, who also happens to be a stuntwoman, firearms expert, and the first woman to be a professional armorer in Hollywood. They discuss her unique career, the recent tragic firearm incident on the set of Rust, the extensive procedures involved with on-set weapons safety -- and how things can go wrong.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) 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.
In this episode, we welcome mathematician and award-winning science fiction author SL Huang, who also happens to be a stuntwoman, firearms expert, and the first woman to be a professional armorer in Hollywood. They discuss her unique career, the recent tragic firearm incident on the set of Rust, the extensive procedures involved with on-set weapons safety -- and how things can go wrong.
10.26.2021
All The Asians On Star Trek - 17: Caroline Junko King
The Podcast In Which We Interview All The Asians On Star Trek.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 17 of All The Asians On Star Trek, we welcome actress Caroline Junko King. At 13 years old, she guest starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation as young Keiko O'Brien in the season six episode "Rascals" -- yes, the one where a transporter accident turns them into kids. As a young actress, Caroline also appeared in the films 3 Ninjas Kick Back and Come See the Paradise. She talks about fond memories from the Next Generation set, her awkward scene with Colm Meaney, and the surprising cult following from her stint as a teen movie ninja.
All The Asians On Star Trek is the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. In Episode 17 of All The Asians On Star Trek, we welcome actress Caroline Junko King. At 13 years old, she guest starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation as young Keiko O'Brien in the season six episode "Rascals" -- yes, the one where a transporter accident turns them into kids. As a young actress, Caroline also appeared in the films 3 Ninjas Kick Back and Come See the Paradise. She talks about fond memories from the Next Generation set, her awkward scene with Colm Meaney, and the surprising cult following from her stint as a teen movie ninja.