Angry Asian Man for a Free, Open Internet

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, it was always apparent to me that there was a significant lack of Asian faces in TV and movies. So when I saw people who looked like me on the screen, for better or for worse, it always felt like a big deal.

That’s a big reason why I started Angry Asian Man in 2001. I wanted to write about content that I cared about -- media and news and everything in between for Asian American pop culture enthusiasts. I didn’t think anyone would read it but my friends, but the Internet made my blog accessible to Asian Americans spread out across the U.S.

Without Net Neutrality, I’m not sure if Angry Asian Man would exist in the same way today. Asian American narratives would still be out on the margins if the Internet didn’t allow open platforms to share our own stories.

I'm joining forces with 18MillionRising.org because it's so important that we make sure the House votes to save Net Neutrality. Contact your representative today and demand that they save Net Neutrality.

There are now 177 House representatives who support the Congressional Review Act (CRA) -- which could overturn the FCC's decision to end Net Neutrality rules. These rules are bad for our community, and bad for business and innovation. As a result, members of both parties are coming around to support the vote, like Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO).

Soon, AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast will start throttling speeds and creating fast and slow lanes on the Internet. As an Asian American who lives and works on the Internet, I’m worried that independent creators of color like me will be cut off from their audiences and be forced to pay high fees to even be seen by audiences hungry for our work.

A bipartisan majority of Senators already voted to stop the FCC earlier this year. Now we need 41 more votes in the House to force to save Net Neutrality. Will you tell your representative to sign the discharge petition and bring the CRA resolution to the floor for a vote today?

For the free and open internet,

Phil Yu

Angry Asian Man

(Thanks, Laura & 18 Million Rising)

Explaining Net Neutrality is Easier on a Giant Roller Coaster

Professor Tim Wu explains net neutrality to Stephen Colbert while riding Six Flags' Nitro.



I know everybody's been following the issue of net neutrality pretty closely. But for those who need an update: this week, a U.S. court upheld the so-called Open Internet rules that require Internet providers to treat all content equally in terms of speed. The ruling means that phone and cable companies can't block or slow down users' access to content just because they use a lot of bandwidth, and they can't charge more people or companies that can pay more. The decision is considered a major victory consumers.

But you know, the issue of net neutrality, while important, can be a little boring. Stephen Colbert recognizes this. So he recently invited Columbia University Law professor Tim Wu, who coined the term "net neutrality," to appear on The Late Show and offer his expert take on the net neutrality conversation.

While riding on a roller coaster.

Because any topic explained while riding on a roller coaster is automatically way more thrilling. Watch as Professor Wu breathlessly explains the concept of net neutrality to Stephen Colbert while the two are strapped into the front seat of the Nitro roller coaster -- sorry, "Hypercoaster" -- at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Call Rep. Judy Chu: stand with the many, not the few

Cross-posted from 18 Million Rising


One of our greatest victories is under attack.

Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) used their legal regulatory power to pass rules to ensure the internet is fair, open, equal, and accessible for all. After a long fight where over four million people--maybe even you!--submitted comments to the FCC, Chairman Wheeler decided to stand on the right side of history and regulate the internet so service providers can’t decide what you can post, read, and watch online. For Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, an open internet means a fair chance to be heard and the opportunity to thrive.

Now, Republican-controlled Congress is trying to do the dirty work for the big telecoms after they lost at the FCC. On March 25, a key hearing will be happening in the House Judiciary Committee. It’s important that our allies in Congress on Team Internet stand firm in support of the FCC’s Title II rules. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) is on the Judiciary Committee and is the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, which makes her a leading voice for our communities in Congress. We’re calling on her to stand firm as a champion for the internet and for our communities.

Sign 18 Million Rising's petition here.

FCC: We demand an open internet!

Cross-posted from 18 Million Rising



Right now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is on the verge of deciding whether or not to protect an open and free internet -- and time is running out to let the federal agency know what we think about their impending decision.

At its core, having an open internet (often referred to as Net Neutrality) means that no information on the internet is privileged over other information, which means that a homemade video made by a teen speaking out about bullying streams just as fast as a summer blockbuster on Netflix, or that conversations criticizing powerful public figures aren’t subject to interference. Ending Net Neutrality safeguards means internet service providers would have the power to censor what we view, post, and share on the internet.

Why should AAPIs care about this? Because Net Neutrality, access to digital literacy, and broadband are about civil rights.