A Conversation with a "Jungle" Asian American

Guest Post by Naomi Ko



Minnesota. It's cold, it's white. There aren't a lot of Asian Americans like me (first and second generation Korean Americans.) However, my home state hosts the largest population of Hmong Americans in the United States.

May Lee-Yang, a good friend and collaborator, is one of these Hmong Americans from Minnesota. She is an incredibly talented playwright, actor, performance artist, writer, producer, etc. She's a real Jane-of-all-trades.

We often joke about how she's a "jungle" Asian and I'm a "fancy" Asian. Yes, I know, it doesn't sound right. Some readers may be offended. But, as May is one of the pioneers in the Hmong American Theater movement, she believes this title better explains who the Hmong are to a public that don't know much about them at all.

Recently we talked about May's experience as a "jungle" Asian.

Angry Asian America Ep. 10: "Disney Announces 1st Pacific Islander Princess?!"

With co-host Jenny Yang and special guests Naomi Ko and Anna Akana



Hey, internet video watchers. We are still doing this YouTube thing. Here's the latest episode of Angry Asian America, our talk show on ISAtv. In episode ten, co-host Jenny Yang and I are joined by special guests Naomi Ko and Anna Akana. Special guest appearance by my facial hair. We talk about San Francisco's worst tour guide, Marvel's new spider-hero and Disney's upcoming Polynesian princess.

Things also get waaaaaay awkward near the end. Check it out:

Angry Reader of the Week: Naomi Ko

"Minneapolis, Minnesota, born and raised. -40° never hurt no one."



Hello, my friends. Allow me to introduce you to the latest 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 Naomi Ko.