Looks like Kathie Lee Gifford has learned a few things from the Spanish basketball team. Okay, so not quite pulling the eyes back, but it's close. Recently on the Today show, Gifford was talking about a call she got from Al Roker on her birthday, where he teased her about being married to an old guy... using a mock Chinese accent. (I guess he called from Beijing.)
All right, Roker sucks. With or without a stupid fake Chinese accent. But it sure as hell wasn't necessary for Kathie Lee to do a re-imitation live on national television. And was that a nice little squint for good measure? So funny. Gawker's got the video here.
Oh, Kathie Lee, you tell the funniest stories. Unfortunately, your culturally insensitive humor offends me. But hey, what else is new? Just another kooky white lady making Chinese jokes on TV! Always good for a laugh. And America just laaaaughs along. That's racist!
8.26.2008
new fast and furious trailer
The trailer for Fast & Furious recently hit the internet. Watch it here. The movie, directed by Justin Lin, is the fourth installment of the franchise, and brings back original stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. All things considered, the trailer is pretty badass, and I'm actually kind of excited to see it now.
Let's be real here. A trailer like this promises a very special no-brainer kind of movie experience—and no one is going to confuse Fast & Furious with art cinema. But as big, loud, auto-crazy summer blockbusters go, this is a pretty sweet trailer. No glimpses of Sung Kang as Han, but hopefully we have something to look forward to.
The title is kind of weak. Fast & Furious? I don't get it. I'm sure a great deal of thought and strategy went into taking out "the" and "the." Sure. Ultimately, I doubt anybody's really going to care. But here's my title suggestion: F#@%in' Fast F#@%in' Furious. F4, for short. Are you reading this, Justin? Put that on a poster. Anyway, the movie hits theaters in summer 2009.
lpga tour requiring players to learn english
You've got to be kidding me. According to Golfweek, the LPGA Tour will require its member golfers to learn and speak English and will suspend their membership if they don't comply: LPGA Tour will suspend memberships if players don't learn English.
The new requirement was apparently communicated to the tour's growing South Korean membership in a mandatory meeting last week at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Oregon. So we do know they've specifically devised and directed this new rule at Korean golfers.
Players were told by LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens that by the end of 2009, all players who have been on the tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills or face a membership suspension. Evaluators will assess players on communication skills including conversation, everyday survival phrases and "golfspeak." Players must be able to conduct interviews and give acceptance speeches without the help of a translator.
Will the exam be required of all players? Or just the Korean ones? Look, I agree that the LPGA should be encouraging its members to learn English. But they should be letting their golf game do the talking, and lay off the threats and penalties, and the English-only nonsense. This is an international game, with international players.
However, most of the South Korean players quoted in the story seemed understanding of the new rule. The LPGA's membership includes 121 international players from 26 countries; 45 are South Koreans. That's because Koreans kick ass at golf. Didn't you know?
Maybe Se Ri Pak, one of the first South Korean players on the scene, has it right: "We play so good overall. When you win, you should give your speech in English." Yes, in order to effectively communicate to everyone just how badly you kicked everyone's ass on the course.
The new requirement was apparently communicated to the tour's growing South Korean membership in a mandatory meeting last week at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Oregon. So we do know they've specifically devised and directed this new rule at Korean golfers.
Players were told by LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens that by the end of 2009, all players who have been on the tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills or face a membership suspension. Evaluators will assess players on communication skills including conversation, everyday survival phrases and "golfspeak." Players must be able to conduct interviews and give acceptance speeches without the help of a translator.
Will the exam be required of all players? Or just the Korean ones? Look, I agree that the LPGA should be encouraging its members to learn English. But they should be letting their golf game do the talking, and lay off the threats and penalties, and the English-only nonsense. This is an international game, with international players.
However, most of the South Korean players quoted in the story seemed understanding of the new rule. The LPGA's membership includes 121 international players from 26 countries; 45 are South Koreans. That's because Koreans kick ass at golf. Didn't you know?
Maybe Se Ri Pak, one of the first South Korean players on the scene, has it right: "We play so good overall. When you win, you should give your speech in English." Yes, in order to effectively communicate to everyone just how badly you kicked everyone's ass on the course.
mr. yunioshi refuses to die
There was a bit of controversy last week in Sacramento over a film screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's. For most, the 1961 film is a lighthearted Hollywood classic. But as many of us Asian Americans know, the movie features one of the worst examples of a racist yellowface caricature in the history of Hollywood: Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi—literally, an accented, bumbling, buck-toothed clown. It's downright grotesque.
The screening was part of the city's Screen on the Green free outdoor movie series. No big deal, right? Or so the city thought. The scheduled movie drew the ire of local Asian American activists groups, which strongly objected to the inclusion of the film at what's supposed to be a fun family event: Asian activists say 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' is a racist film.
Someone either wasn't aware, or didn't care about the racist caricature. Organizers initially responded to the controversy with plans to screen the film as planned, but the with the Mr. Yunioshi scenes deleted, and "use it as a teaching moment." But it looks like they eventually canceled the movie altogether, and screened Ratatouille instead: Sacramento pulls "Breakfast at Tiffany's" showing.
Of course, star Mickey Rooney, now 87-years-old, can't understand why anyone could possibly find the character offensive: Rooney says racism charge at '61 film role 'breaks my heart'. He really doesn't get it at all. What's worse is what his wife says: "It's terribly sad, and I feel bad for the people taking offense." Right, because it's our fault that we're offended. Give me a break. That's racist!
8.25.2008
angry asians at the democratic national convention
Greetings from the Democratic National Convention! Okay, so I'm not actually there. I wanted to be in Denver this week, but couldn't make it out. So instead, I've sent two trusted correspondents, JL and Spamfriedrice, to blog from the convention. They'll be sending various updates on the sights, sounds, people and events of the DNC throughout the week. Here's their first update.
Day 1: Sunday-Monday Roundup
Despite some issues with getting the press credentials we were promised (are bloggers second class?), we managed to catch a bunch of APIs in action...
We hit up the All-Delegate Celebration on Sunday night recognizing Hurricane Katrina relief organizations. Some of the stars in the house were Randy Newman of "Korean Parents" song fame and Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean of "the scream heard 'round the political world 2004" fame. However, one of the groups that drew a lot of attention were the Guam delegates, decked out in their island best:
A lot of people wanted to take pictures of them. Apparently, everybody loves Guamanians. They should put that on a t-shirt.
We spotted Texas Delegate Bobbi Bharati at the California delegate party. Yes, there are South Asians in Texas!
Survivor: Cook Islands winner Yul Kwon made a brief appearance at the AAPI Caucus Monday morning. He moderated a panel with young APAs involved in politics.
The panel included none other than the infamous S.R. Sidarth (aka "Macaca"), who talked about using new media to reach young Asian Americans.
Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and amputee who ran for U.S. House of Representatives Seat and lost by a mere 2% margin in 2006, was also in attendance. If Obama is elected, she would be a contender to be appointed to Obama's vacant senate seat. Step aside Bryan Clay, Tammy is the true badass.
OG Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), the Godfather of AAPI politics, greeted newbies like Edison, NJ mayor Jun Choi and Boston City Councilman Sam Yoon (not pictured). Gotta pay your respects to Uncle Mike.
Mee Moua currently serves in the Minnesota State Senate and holds the highest political office of any Hmong American.
Rising star Ashwin Madia from Minnesota is running for Congress. His race is one of the top ten races to watch in the November election. If you live in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, check out Ashwin.
Hacienda-La Puente School Board Member Jay Chen, a delegate, was representing California.
Manita Rawat is Nevada's one and only Asian delegate (out of 26 delegates total). Apparently, Nevada had to meet a quota of 1 Asian delegate and she's the one. She said that when she was selected, the people in charge of handling delegates couldn't tell if she was Asian American or not. What's up with that? She was with her mom--so cute.
That's it for today. Asians are representing here in Denver. Now we're off to the APIA Vote Gala!
Day 1: Sunday-Monday Roundup
Despite some issues with getting the press credentials we were promised (are bloggers second class?), we managed to catch a bunch of APIs in action...
We hit up the All-Delegate Celebration on Sunday night recognizing Hurricane Katrina relief organizations. Some of the stars in the house were Randy Newman of "Korean Parents" song fame and Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean of "the scream heard 'round the political world 2004" fame. However, one of the groups that drew a lot of attention were the Guam delegates, decked out in their island best:
A lot of people wanted to take pictures of them. Apparently, everybody loves Guamanians. They should put that on a t-shirt.
We spotted Texas Delegate Bobbi Bharati at the California delegate party. Yes, there are South Asians in Texas!
Survivor: Cook Islands winner Yul Kwon made a brief appearance at the AAPI Caucus Monday morning. He moderated a panel with young APAs involved in politics.
The panel included none other than the infamous S.R. Sidarth (aka "Macaca"), who talked about using new media to reach young Asian Americans.
Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and amputee who ran for U.S. House of Representatives Seat and lost by a mere 2% margin in 2006, was also in attendance. If Obama is elected, she would be a contender to be appointed to Obama's vacant senate seat. Step aside Bryan Clay, Tammy is the true badass.
OG Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), the Godfather of AAPI politics, greeted newbies like Edison, NJ mayor Jun Choi and Boston City Councilman Sam Yoon (not pictured). Gotta pay your respects to Uncle Mike.
Mee Moua currently serves in the Minnesota State Senate and holds the highest political office of any Hmong American.
Rising star Ashwin Madia from Minnesota is running for Congress. His race is one of the top ten races to watch in the November election. If you live in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, check out Ashwin.
Hacienda-La Puente School Board Member Jay Chen, a delegate, was representing California.
Manita Rawat is Nevada's one and only Asian delegate (out of 26 delegates total). Apparently, Nevada had to meet a quota of 1 Asian delegate and she's the one. She said that when she was selected, the people in charge of handling delegates couldn't tell if she was Asian American or not. What's up with that? She was with her mom--so cute.
That's it for today. Asians are representing here in Denver. Now we're off to the APIA Vote Gala!
look to the youth
Amidst all the gripes over the lack of racial diversity on television, what's interesting, though perhaps not surprising, is that youth-oriented programming is leading the way towards something a little more reflective of what America actually looks like.
As problematic as the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon can be at times, you have to admit, when they say they're commited to diversity, in many ways they have put their money where their mouth is, building shows and projects around young actors of color: Generation Mix: Youth TV Takes the Lead in Diversity Casting.
As opposed to primetime, where the situation is very... white. Of the 26 men nominated this year for Emmys for lead or supporting actor in a drama, comedy or mini-series, all are white. It's a only slightly better among women. But what else is new? (Props to Sandra Oh, racking up another supporting nom for Grey's Anatomy).
Anyway, kids shows seem to be where it's at right now. But you're not going to catch me tuning into The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or anything. (Okay, I've watched it a couple of times.) I'm just saying, the trend's worth noting.
As problematic as the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon can be at times, you have to admit, when they say they're commited to diversity, in many ways they have put their money where their mouth is, building shows and projects around young actors of color: Generation Mix: Youth TV Takes the Lead in Diversity Casting.
As opposed to primetime, where the situation is very... white. Of the 26 men nominated this year for Emmys for lead or supporting actor in a drama, comedy or mini-series, all are white. It's a only slightly better among women. But what else is new? (Props to Sandra Oh, racking up another supporting nom for Grey's Anatomy).
Anyway, kids shows seem to be where it's at right now. But you're not going to catch me tuning into The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or anything. (Okay, I've watched it a couple of times.) I'm just saying, the trend's worth noting.
barack's brother-in-law
Here's an interesting interview with Konrad Ng, husband of Maya Soetoro-Ng, and brother-in-law of Barack Obama: Obama's brother-in-law taking it all in stride.
Konrad is also apparently a fan of this blog. I've actually had a couple of email exchanges with him over the last year. I remember him telling me that he's impressed with Obama's character and experience, even if he wasn't family. Well, of course he's going to say that!
Q: What do you say when people tell you that you could be the brother-in-law of the next American president?Really, how does it feel to be brother-in-law to the man who might become the next president of the United States? I bet it makes the holidays interesting. At least Barack knows he can count on his vote. Check out Konrad's blog over on the Obama website here.
A: "You know he's such a great guy. He's a great candidate for president and we, of course, think really highly of him. So it's really easy to be proud, you know, to be proud of his accomplishments; the type of character that he is; and the type of campaign he runs; and all of the people that have supported him. We're very proud and we hope he wins."
Q: A pundit reported you were an adviser to your brother-in-law. Is that true?
A: "He's family, but he's got a lot of really capable people around him. He's in a position where people will take his call and are willing to offer him advice. Right now, it's just a matter of being a normal family member."
Q: Have you seen him during his campaign?
A: "We spent time together during the summer (Obama vacationed in Hawaii earlier this month), the Iowa caucus, and we spent time together over Christmas. We get the occasional e-mail and occasional phone call. He's awfully busy."
Q: Did he talk to you about running?
A: "After he did decide, which was late January 2007, we did have a big call, which involved family members and friends and some advisers.
He just said I'm going to do this and his pitch was a really compelling one, the story that he continues to tell, restoring people's faith in America and thinking that we can do better. That was sort of the big meeting, but it's not an easy decision.
People think it's glamorous. He said often: 'It's not will I win, but should I run and can I contribute something to the process by running?' I think he has begun to transform the political map. New people are getting involved in politics. People are excited about politics. That's a really exciting thing to be witness to."
Q: How do you deal with the criticism and attacks your brother-in-law has faced?
A: "For us, with my wife, we remain pretty constant and they do too. They (Barack Obama and his wife Michelle) remain on an even keel. I think they are really focused on the issues and running a dignified campaign. We've been trying to be very Zen throughout it, and supportive.
We love him unconditionally. It's really easy because of who he is, his character, to be proud and to like him."
Q: Should he offer Hillary Clinton the vice-presidency?
A: "That's really up to him and his team. As he said, she'd be on anybody's short list."
Q: What are you doing now?
A: "My wife, she'll be campaigning in Chicago, and I help out where and when I can. We have a young daughter and that's my main thing. Making sure she's OK and spending time with her when she's young."
Q: Will you be in Denver for the convention?
A: "We haven't quite figured out our plan. Maya has her job as a teacher and I have my job at the university. It's going to be the start of classes, but we would like to. We definitely would like to, but it's all about sorting out the things like work."
Q: What were your thoughts about your brother-in-law when you were dating his sister?
A: "Certainly, my focus was on the heart of this beautiful woman, and she has these in-laws (Obama and his wife Michelle) that happen to be doing some pretty spectacular things. It's hard to fully appreciate, the enormity of these accomplishments ... Before, when I met Maya, he was a state senator and sort of looking at becoming a (U.S.) senator. I was thinking these could be my in-laws and I should leave a favourable impression."
Q: How do you deal with people who know you are Barack Obama's brother-in-law?
A: "The great thing about Hawaii is that people here are pretty laid back about things like this. We get our space and we get a sense of just being part of the community. That's terrific. Students talk about, people talk about it. They're very excited and supportive. It's a really positive environment. Everyone is hoping everything remains civil. That's what Obama wants to do. He wants to engage in a very civil discourse."
Konrad is also apparently a fan of this blog. I've actually had a couple of email exchanges with him over the last year. I remember him telling me that he's impressed with Obama's character and experience, even if he wasn't family. Well, of course he's going to say that!
trendy club only wants "white girls"
Two women fired from a trendy Manhattan nightclub have filed a lawsuit against their former employer claiming the owner wanted only "white girls": Lawsuit vs. Manhattan nightclub over firing of minorities. More here: Suit: Chelsea club fired minorities.
The lawsuit, filed by four minority employees last week in federal court, alleges that they were dismissed from their jobs at 10AK because their skin color. According to waitress Cecilia Shim, a manager at the club told her that the owner wanted "white girls he could f---" serving drinks.
The recently opened 10AK appears to be one of those swank hot spots that attracts a lot of celebrity clientele. Which apparently means that Asian people aren't worthy enough to serve some frickin' drinks. That's racist!
The lawsuit, filed by four minority employees last week in federal court, alleges that they were dismissed from their jobs at 10AK because their skin color. According to waitress Cecilia Shim, a manager at the club told her that the owner wanted "white girls he could f---" serving drinks.
The recently opened 10AK appears to be one of those swank hot spots that attracts a lot of celebrity clientele. Which apparently means that Asian people aren't worthy enough to serve some frickin' drinks. That's racist!
waipahu wins the little league world series
On Sunday, the team from Waipahu, Hawaii, with a roster full of APA kids, beat the boys from Matamoros, Mexico to win the Little League World Series, 12-3: Hawaii gives U.S. 4th straight LLWS win. How about that?
Big props to Tanner Tokunaga and Iolana Akau, who both homered to help the United States win its fourth straight Little League title. Can't let the Olympians have all the fun. More here: Aloha, Mexico: Hawaii bats take LLWS. And here: Never count them out.
obama's vice presidential pick
As you've probably heard by now, at long last, Barack Obama has announced Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Many view him as a smart, strategic pick for vice president, balancing out the ticket in a variety of ways. Now, all eyes are on Denver, where thousands will converge in the city this week for the Democratic National Conventions.
Since I'm in the habit of pointing out past inappropriate, offensive remarks by a certain Republican presidential candidate, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Joe Biden's own insensitive comments regarding Indian Americans back in 2006.
On Delaware's fastest-growing immigrant group, Biden remarked, "You cannot go into a Dunkin Donuts or a 7-Eleven unless you have a slight Indian accent..." Here's the video. What a stupid thing to say. Granted, it was actually meant to be a positive remark on the success and growth of the Indian American community in Delaware. It was just the really really wrong way to say it.
Now, as you know, I'm supporting Obama for President. But I can't say this stupid little remark in Biden's past isn't a bit disappointing. Sure, it's certainly not even close to "I hate the gooks." Just don't be surprised if the "7-11" remark comes to back to haunt him in some form or another.
And while we're talking about presidential candidates and stupid moves, I also have to acknowledge the Obama campaign's "Punjab Memo" which surfaced last year, a negative research memo outlining and mocking Hillary Clinton's personal financial and political ties to India. Not a smart move from Obama's camp—and a blight on the Senator's pledge to run a clean campaign. To his credit, Obama criticized and disavowed the memo: Obama calls memo about India 'stupid'.
I'm just saying, I'll be the first to admit that my candidate is not and cannot be the perfect political savior that everyone wants him to be. It's impossible. That said, I'm voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden this November.
Since I'm in the habit of pointing out past inappropriate, offensive remarks by a certain Republican presidential candidate, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Joe Biden's own insensitive comments regarding Indian Americans back in 2006.
On Delaware's fastest-growing immigrant group, Biden remarked, "You cannot go into a Dunkin Donuts or a 7-Eleven unless you have a slight Indian accent..." Here's the video. What a stupid thing to say. Granted, it was actually meant to be a positive remark on the success and growth of the Indian American community in Delaware. It was just the really really wrong way to say it.
Now, as you know, I'm supporting Obama for President. But I can't say this stupid little remark in Biden's past isn't a bit disappointing. Sure, it's certainly not even close to "I hate the gooks." Just don't be surprised if the "7-11" remark comes to back to haunt him in some form or another.
And while we're talking about presidential candidates and stupid moves, I also have to acknowledge the Obama campaign's "Punjab Memo" which surfaced last year, a negative research memo outlining and mocking Hillary Clinton's personal financial and political ties to India. Not a smart move from Obama's camp—and a blight on the Senator's pledge to run a clean campaign. To his credit, Obama criticized and disavowed the memo: Obama calls memo about India 'stupid'.
I'm just saying, I'll be the first to admit that my candidate is not and cannot be the perfect political savior that everyone wants him to be. It's impossible. That said, I'm voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden this November.
uni-ball's fake beijing
I've been meaning to mention this for a while. One Olympics-related commercial that I can't stand is Uni-Ball's Jetstream to Beijing ad. Yes, a pen commercial. It features an American tourist trying to make his way around Beijing. But what really bugs me is that the commercial was clearly shot in Los Angeles' Chinatown, and does such a cruddy job of hiding it.
Anyone who is familiar with that part of the city should recognize it right away. I know, productions do it all time, often quite convincingly, masking one location for another. But this one just makes me laugh. Some strategically placed hanging lanterns and a guy with a funny hat walking by in the background—and voila! Instant Beijing.
Anyone who is familiar with that part of the city should recognize it right away. I know, productions do it all time, often quite convincingly, masking one location for another. But this one just makes me laugh. Some strategically placed hanging lanterns and a guy with a funny hat walking by in the background—and voila! Instant Beijing.
8.24.2008
return of the "chinaman"
There seems to be an odd upsurge of people using the derogatory term "chinaman" lately. Yes, it's a derogatory term. That's what seems to be the problem. For the most part, people seem to be completely ignorant to the fact that it's not appropriate to use this word to describe someone of Chinese or Asian descent, like it's an equivalent of "Frenchman." And every now and then, they need a reminder that it's not cool. Some recent examples...
On a recent edition of ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights, so-called "comic legend" Jackie Mason filled in as guest commentator for the show's regular commentator, Teddy Atlas, who was in Beijing to cover the Olympics. When asked about filling in for Atlas, Mason remarked, "What is he gonna do in China? All he's going to see is Chinese people. You can see them in neighborhood. Every time you go to a laundry there's another Chinaman. You don't have to go a hundred thousand miles to see a Chinese person." And the other guy just laughs along like an idiot. That's racist! Watch the video here The comment occurs at about 5:05. (Thanks, Mark.)
I'm told that earlier this month at the National Black Republican Association's Presidential Elections and African Americans forum, one of their panel speakers, Mychal Massie of the National Leadership Network of Black Conservatives, used the term in response to a question from the audience. According to the reader who saw it, ironically, Massie used it as an example to demonstrate that it's not right to stereotype, and incorrect to assume that a "Chinaman has to be a tailor." Nice try, but very poor choice of words. That's racist! There's CSPAN video of the panel here, though I have no idea where in the video it actually occurs, since it's over two hours long, and I didn't have the time to watch it. (Thanks, Elijah.)
And I've heard from a couple of folks that Bay Area sports radio host Tom Tolbert of KNBR referred to someone as a "Chinaman" on-air a couple of weeks ago, on August 12. He was apparently discussing some story about a man in Hong Kong who used a piece of exercise equipment to masturbate. Um, yeah. Okay, it's embarrassing story, but was it necessary for Tolbert to enhance it by referring to guy as a "Chinaman"? I can't find a recording of the show in question, but Emil Guillermo writes about it in AsianWeek: Did you hear KNBR's Tom Tolbert say "Chinaman"? Just another radio host being an ignorant idiot. That's racist!
But wait! Special bonus mockery! Here's a clip of MSNBC's Tamron Hall mocking the Chinese language with some ching-chongery last week: MSNBC's Tamron Hall Mocks Chinese. Or rather, "Ding dong dilly of a dinger," whatever the hell that means. At least, I think that's what she said. Whatever the case, that's racist!
On a recent edition of ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights, so-called "comic legend" Jackie Mason filled in as guest commentator for the show's regular commentator, Teddy Atlas, who was in Beijing to cover the Olympics. When asked about filling in for Atlas, Mason remarked, "What is he gonna do in China? All he's going to see is Chinese people. You can see them in neighborhood. Every time you go to a laundry there's another Chinaman. You don't have to go a hundred thousand miles to see a Chinese person." And the other guy just laughs along like an idiot. That's racist! Watch the video here The comment occurs at about 5:05. (Thanks, Mark.)
I'm told that earlier this month at the National Black Republican Association's Presidential Elections and African Americans forum, one of their panel speakers, Mychal Massie of the National Leadership Network of Black Conservatives, used the term in response to a question from the audience. According to the reader who saw it, ironically, Massie used it as an example to demonstrate that it's not right to stereotype, and incorrect to assume that a "Chinaman has to be a tailor." Nice try, but very poor choice of words. That's racist! There's CSPAN video of the panel here, though I have no idea where in the video it actually occurs, since it's over two hours long, and I didn't have the time to watch it. (Thanks, Elijah.)
And I've heard from a couple of folks that Bay Area sports radio host Tom Tolbert of KNBR referred to someone as a "Chinaman" on-air a couple of weeks ago, on August 12. He was apparently discussing some story about a man in Hong Kong who used a piece of exercise equipment to masturbate. Um, yeah. Okay, it's embarrassing story, but was it necessary for Tolbert to enhance it by referring to guy as a "Chinaman"? I can't find a recording of the show in question, but Emil Guillermo writes about it in AsianWeek: Did you hear KNBR's Tom Tolbert say "Chinaman"? Just another radio host being an ignorant idiot. That's racist!
But wait! Special bonus mockery! Here's a clip of MSNBC's Tamron Hall mocking the Chinese language with some ching-chongery last week: MSNBC's Tamron Hall Mocks Chinese. Or rather, "Ding dong dilly of a dinger," whatever the hell that means. At least, I think that's what she said. Whatever the case, that's racist!
8.22.2008
dear world, brian clay is a badass
Yeaaaahhh boy. Bryan Clay won the Olympic decathlon today, capturing the gold medal for the United States with 8,791 points: American Bryan Clay wins Olympic decathlon. Clay beat out Andrey Krauchanka of Belarus, who won the silver medal with 8,551 points, and Leonel Suarez of Cuba, who took bronze with 8,527 points.
The decathlon has to be one of the Olympic Games' most grueling, physically challenging events, testing an individual's speed, strength, skill and endurance in ten events over the course of two days: 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meters, 110 metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, 1500 meters.
You might recall that Clay is the guy who burned roughly 8,000 calories and lost roughly 15 pounds while competing at the Olympic trials last month. Basically, if you win a decathlon, you're officially a badass. You get BADASS printed on your passport, right below your name. So, it's official—Brian Clay is a badass.
chinese americans and the perceived value of sports
With China leading the gold medal count at these Olympic Games, it's pretty evident that China has grown to be an international athletic powerhouse. The New York Times ran this interesting article the other day on generational differences among Chinese Americans' attitudes towards sports and its role in a child's upbringing: Among Chinese-Americans, a Split on Sports.
One view, particularly common among first-generation, working-class Chinese Americans (and probably among other Asians, for that matter), maintains that sports are an unnecessary impediment to academic and professional achievement, according to interviews with Chinese American athletes, students, educators and community leaders in New York.
An opposite view, typically held by more educated parents or those who have become more assimilated into American culture because they have been in the United States at least one generation, promotes sports as an integral part of a child's maturation.
I can only speak from my own experience. I've never been much of an athlete. As a kid, I really loathed physical activity. But while academics were always the top priority, my first-generation immigrant parents were always signing me up for stuff like tae kwon do, tennis and swimming lessons, probably out of fear that I would rot away on the couch watching TV.
Today, I can't say that I'm any good at tae kwon do, tennis or swimming (I suck at all of these sports, and then some), but I can say that those experiences did make me a more well-rounded person. Or something like that.
One view, particularly common among first-generation, working-class Chinese Americans (and probably among other Asians, for that matter), maintains that sports are an unnecessary impediment to academic and professional achievement, according to interviews with Chinese American athletes, students, educators and community leaders in New York.
An opposite view, typically held by more educated parents or those who have become more assimilated into American culture because they have been in the United States at least one generation, promotes sports as an integral part of a child's maturation.
I can only speak from my own experience. I've never been much of an athlete. As a kid, I really loathed physical activity. But while academics were always the top priority, my first-generation immigrant parents were always signing me up for stuff like tae kwon do, tennis and swimming lessons, probably out of fear that I would rot away on the couch watching TV.
Today, I can't say that I'm any good at tae kwon do, tennis or swimming (I suck at all of these sports, and then some), but I can say that those experiences did make me a more well-rounded person. Or something like that.
looking for the next mr. hyphen
Awwww yeah. It's that time of year again. Hyphen is searching for a few good men for the 3rd Annual Mr. Hyphen Contest, happening October 4 in Oakland's Chinatown. The contest is an opportunity to celebrate the men of the Asian American community who devote their efforts to worthy community organizations. Yes, they are giving the underrated Asian male his due celebration.
If you are the man, or you know the man, who represents an Asian American nonprofit and is worthy of the Mr. Hyphen crown, then it's time to step out into the spotlight and compete. Contestants will strut their stuff in fashion, talent, and a rousing Q&A—all in the name of winning a donation to their chosen 501(c)3 organization. The grand prize is $1,000.
The event is not only a fundraiser for Hyphen (a not-for-profit organization too), but also for the organizations the contestants represent. The deadline to apply is September 1. It's all going down on October 4 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. For more information about the competition, go here.
asian american family conflict and suicide risk
Everybody's family is a little crazy... but could Asian American families be particularly bad for your mental health? According to new findings by psychologists at the University of California Davis, conflict within the family appears to affect Asian Americans more adversely than other negative factors, such as depression or poverty—to the point of increasing their risk of suicide: A Family Suicide Risk in US Asians?
The new findings are based on a preliminary analysis of data collected from in-person interviews with more than 2,000 Asian Americans, aged 18 or older, as part of the federally funded 2003 National Latino and Asian American Study. The study seeks to highlight how profound the impact of the family may be for many Asian Americans—something that many mental-health professionals may not fully appreciate when dealing with an ethnic minority that is often reluctant to seek counseling.
There is a disturbing, unusually high rate of suicide among Asian Americans. We know this. These findings suggest that for Asian Americans, there may be an important difference in the risk factors that lead to suicide attempts. Hopefully, further research will help determine the kinds of family conflicts that are associated with suicide risk among Asian Americans, and find means of preventing these family problems.
The new findings are based on a preliminary analysis of data collected from in-person interviews with more than 2,000 Asian Americans, aged 18 or older, as part of the federally funded 2003 National Latino and Asian American Study. The study seeks to highlight how profound the impact of the family may be for many Asian Americans—something that many mental-health professionals may not fully appreciate when dealing with an ethnic minority that is often reluctant to seek counseling.
There is a disturbing, unusually high rate of suicide among Asian Americans. We know this. These findings suggest that for Asian Americans, there may be an important difference in the risk factors that lead to suicide attempts. Hopefully, further research will help determine the kinds of family conflicts that are associated with suicide risk among Asian Americans, and find means of preventing these family problems.
america's best dance crew season 2: finale
It is done. America has chosen. Last night, Super Crew was named the winner on America's Best Dance Crew. While few doubted it would go any other way, it was a well-deserved win, by any measure. Looks like you'll be seeing them soon on the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour.
Big props also to SoReal Cru, for doing the damn thing, and doing it rightly, all season long. This was a freakin' awesome season for Asian American folks on Dance Crew. Let's hope we'll see the trend continue in seasons to come. Represent!
number of asian american men in newsrooms improves
Back in 2002, the Asian American Journalists Association released a study documenting the underrepresentation Asian American men in television news. Women greatly outnumbered men in newsrooms and journalism school classrooms. Blame the Connie Chung Syndrome, perhaps.
In 2004, to combat this statistic, a team of AAJA members released a DVD entitled The Men of AAJA: A DVD Showcase. No, not a calendar pictorial. The video featured the on-air work of 60 Asian American broadcast journalists, with the goal of raising the profile of men already on the air and recruiting aspiring journalists to follow them. In 2006, they released More than a Job: Broadcast Journalism, a recruitment video featuring six Asian American journalists showing and talking about the work they love.
Today, good news. The number of Asian American men on the air in the top 25 markets has increased by 73 percent. There were 22 Asian American men on the air in the top 25 markets in 2002. There are now 38: AAJA Uses DVD to Recruit, Retain Broadcast Journalists.
The number of Asian American women has also increased 84 percent in these markets, 84 in 2002 compared to 129 in 2008. And the ratio of Asian American women to men in these markets has also improved. In 2002, the ratio was 3.82 to 1. In 2008, the ratio is 3.39 to 1. Now maybe they really should make those calendars.
In 2004, to combat this statistic, a team of AAJA members released a DVD entitled The Men of AAJA: A DVD Showcase. No, not a calendar pictorial. The video featured the on-air work of 60 Asian American broadcast journalists, with the goal of raising the profile of men already on the air and recruiting aspiring journalists to follow them. In 2006, they released More than a Job: Broadcast Journalism, a recruitment video featuring six Asian American journalists showing and talking about the work they love.
Today, good news. The number of Asian American men on the air in the top 25 markets has increased by 73 percent. There were 22 Asian American men on the air in the top 25 markets in 2002. There are now 38: AAJA Uses DVD to Recruit, Retain Broadcast Journalists.
The number of Asian American women has also increased 84 percent in these markets, 84 in 2002 compared to 129 in 2008. And the ratio of Asian American women to men in these markets has also improved. In 2002, the ratio was 3.82 to 1. In 2008, the ratio is 3.39 to 1. Now maybe they really should make those calendars.
rooftop films presents lee isaac chung's munyurangabo
This is for my people in New York. This weekend, Rooftop Films will be holding a screening of Lee Isaac Chung's critically-acclaimed Munyurangabo, "a stunning neo-realist drama about revenge and friendship in post-genocide Rwanda." I haven't seen the film, but I've heard nothing but great things, and it looks absolutely incredible. Here's the New York Times review of the film: Rwanda, Speaking in Its Own Voice.
Catch it this Saturday, August 23, 8:00pm on the roof of The Old American Can Factory in Gowanus Park/Park Slope. Yup, outdoors. Before the show there will be a live performance by Twi the Humble Feather, presented by Sound Fix Records. Sounds like it's going to be a really cool screening, and a great way to spend a summer night. For more information about the event, go here.
really, just how old are those chinese gymnasts?
One of the minor controversies that has dogged the Beijing Olympic Games is the question of the Chinese women gymnasts' age. Not only do they just look waaaaay younger that the eligible competing age of 16, some have pointed to previous web documentation that suggests that some Chinese team members could be as young as 14: Persistent questions about Chinese, but no proof.
But China has presented the necessary official documentation—a government-issued passport—for all of its gymnasts that show they are age eligible. This is all the proof of age the International Gymnastics Federation has required for them to compete. Yeah, I know. Not the most reassuring proof.
If the federation had found evidence that the gymnasts were underage, it could have affected four of China's medals. In addition to the team gold and He Kexin's gold on bars, Yang Yilin won bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars. But the matter appears to have been put to rest.
The Olympics live and die by the illusion of international harmony and fair competition, despite the rampant cheating and political manipulation that we know probably happens behind the scenes. My guess is, the IOC won't press the matter further.
But China has presented the necessary official documentation—a government-issued passport—for all of its gymnasts that show they are age eligible. This is all the proof of age the International Gymnastics Federation has required for them to compete. Yeah, I know. Not the most reassuring proof.
If the federation had found evidence that the gymnasts were underage, it could have affected four of China's medals. In addition to the team gold and He Kexin's gold on bars, Yang Yilin won bronze medals in the all-around and uneven bars. But the matter appears to have been put to rest.
The Olympics live and die by the illusion of international harmony and fair competition, despite the rampant cheating and political manipulation that we know probably happens behind the scenes. My guess is, the IOC won't press the matter further.
8.21.2008
the cho show premieres tonight
Margaret Cho makes her grand return to television tonight with VH1's "reality sitcom" The Cho Show. It looks like it's going to be a very wacky, irreverent, interesting show featuring Margaret and her entourage. It's not exactly a reality show, but a "sitcom starring real people," as Cho describes it. I don't exactly understand what that means, but based on the first episode, it seems to imply that Margaret's parents will be coming over to visit. A lot.
In tonight's premiere, Margaret is invited to accept an achievement award from KoreAm Journal. She's apprehensive about the distinction, recalling the criticism she received for 1994's All-American Girl—particularly from the Korean American community. Not only was it an awful experience making the show, she had to deal with the hate from her own community. She remembers once being called "the worst thing to happen (to Koreans) since the demilitarized zone." Ouch.
The episode shows her working it out, ultimately deciding to go to the awards gala. I found the "conflict" a bit overplayed for TV, but hey, it makes for interesting television. There's a moment with her discussing the award with fellow comedian Bobby Lee, who tells her that she's the reason he got into comedy in the first place. Seeing her perform, as a Korean American comic, is what convinced him that he could make it in comedy too. It's a cool scene.
Personally, I think Margaret's parents, Seung Hoon and Young Hie Cho, could end up being the breakout stars of The Cho Show. Here's a good review of the show from Los Angeles Times: TV review: 'The Cho Show'. And here's an interview with Margaret: Margaret Cho: Reality strikes.
Anywyay, The Cho Show premieres on VH1 tonight, but if you can't tune in, or the Tivo's broken, the entire first episode is actually available for viewing online at Margaret Cho's Blog. I'm told it's also available as a free download on iTunes.
may the best dance crew win
It's all going down tonight, the live season two finale of America's Best Dance Crew. Who did America crown the winner? Check out this video interview my pal Chrissy did for Yahoo! TV, talking to the final two crews—Super Cr3w and SoReal Cru—about their experience on the show (and why you should vote for them): Super Cr3w & SoReal Cru Dish On Their 'ABDC' Experience & Rally For Your Votes. Here's video of the championship showdown between the two crews:
SoReal Cru
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283597
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283565
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283583
Super Cr3w
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283591
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283559
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283569
As I've said before, I'll completely happy if either team takes it home tonight. I think Super Cr3w is the obvious, strong favorite to win. They've been nothing short of amazing every week. That said, you definitely won't see me complaining if SoReal wins. Both teams have heavy Asian American representation. Either way, it'll be pretty awesome to see.
SoReal Cru
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283597
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283565
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283583
Super Cr3w
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283591
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283559
http://tv.yahoo.com/show/41723/videos/9283569
As I've said before, I'll completely happy if either team takes it home tonight. I think Super Cr3w is the obvious, strong favorite to win. They've been nothing short of amazing every week. That said, you definitely won't see me complaining if SoReal wins. Both teams have heavy Asian American representation. Either way, it'll be pretty awesome to see.
bits from beijing
British swimmer Steve Parry is a former Olympian who won a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at the Athens games. He never even came close to achieving what Michael Phelps has done in the pool. However, in the above video, he gets a tiny taste of what it might be like to be Michael Phelps... because these Chinese tourists, despite Parry's clear disclaimers, are under the mistaken impression that he is the actual Michael Phelps. Tall white dude with a swimmer's build? Must be Phelps. Eh, you know. They all look alike.
Here's a great piece from the Huffington Post by Deanna Lee, talking about her powerful experience arriving in Beijing for the Olympic Games, and the swell of pride she has felt as a Chinese American watching the international competition unfold: A Chinese American at the Olympics (or, an American Chinese?)
Meanwhile, the controversy over the Spanish basketball team's racist slant-eye photo seems to have died down a bit, after receiving a great deal of attention last week. But did people in China even care? Were they offended at all by the gesture? Did they even know what it means? Here's a story on Chinese reaction (or lack thereof) to the photo: Spain's snafu angers few Chinese natives.
Still, stateside, a lot of people are angry: A mockery of Olympic ideals. The fact of the matter is, an insult like this will probably resonate most with folks like me, who have lived in North America and have had to deal with slant-eye jokes and ching chong chants from day one. It's just a simple, ugly fact of growing up Asian in America: you're going to deal with racist fools.
8.20.2008
miss vintage on the liberty live tour
Heads up. Philadelphia-based "art rock" band Miss Vintage is partnering up with Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) and traversing across the United States this fall on the Liberty Live Tour 2008 to promote awareness about the atrocities happening in North Korea. From September 14 to October 14, they'll be doing shows at 22 major universities across the country. With special performances by Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Andy Grammer.
Check out the tour video here. Each night on the tour, a representative from LiNK will be briefly speaking about North Korean human rights and the refugee crisis before Miss Vintage's set. Also accompanying the band will be Dong-hyuk Shin, a North Korean defector born into slavery and raised as a political prisoner in a North Korean concentration camp.
Miss Vintage will also be promoting their recently released second album, Our Lives Are Not Through Just Yet. Their sound is described as "a classic clash of intrigue and pop sensibilities," influenced by Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Mew, and Radiohead. To learn more about the band, and listen to some sample tracks, visit the Miss Vintage website here, as well as their MySpace profile here. To learn more about the Liberty Live Tour, go here.
sung kang in fast and furious prequel
As you might know, Justin Lin is directing Fast and Furious (yes, minus "the" and "the"), the fourth movie in Universal's blockbuster car-centric franchise, set for release next summer. In addition to Justin back in the director's chair, the movie marks the return of stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker back to franchise.
While I'm not exactly expecting the Fast and Furious to be a life-changing viewing experience, I'm looking forward to seeing how Justin and Co. manage to weave the series' various characters into a cohesive story (I use that word "story" loosely). Dominic Toretto, Brian O'Connor... and Han?!
You'll recall that Tokyo Drift's plot sort of sidestepped the first two, introducing an entirely different storyline and characters. That's cool, because we got to see Sung Kang as Han—easily the coolest dude in the movie. But now we've got the fourth one coming up, and Han is apparently back. I'm presuming the movie's a prequel, because (SPOILER!) Han died in a fiery crash in Tokyo Drift. Whatever the case, I like it.
I bring this all up because I just came across this little item: Vin Diesel Directing Fast and Furious Prequel. Vin Diesel will reportedly be directing a 20-minute prequel to Fast and Furious, starring himself, Michelle Rodriguez and Sung Kang. No word on how exactly the prequel will be made available, whether on DVD, online, TV or whatever. But there you have it. Expect to see that much more of Sung Kang as Han, I guess.
While I'm not exactly expecting the Fast and Furious to be a life-changing viewing experience, I'm looking forward to seeing how Justin and Co. manage to weave the series' various characters into a cohesive story (I use that word "story" loosely). Dominic Toretto, Brian O'Connor... and Han?!
You'll recall that Tokyo Drift's plot sort of sidestepped the first two, introducing an entirely different storyline and characters. That's cool, because we got to see Sung Kang as Han—easily the coolest dude in the movie. But now we've got the fourth one coming up, and Han is apparently back. I'm presuming the movie's a prequel, because (SPOILER!) Han died in a fiery crash in Tokyo Drift. Whatever the case, I like it.
I bring this all up because I just came across this little item: Vin Diesel Directing Fast and Furious Prequel. Vin Diesel will reportedly be directing a 20-minute prequel to Fast and Furious, starring himself, Michelle Rodriguez and Sung Kang. No word on how exactly the prequel will be made available, whether on DVD, online, TV or whatever. But there you have it. Expect to see that much more of Sung Kang as Han, I guess.
"the korean seductress who betrayed america"
The Associated Press recently ran this crazy, fascinating story on Kim Soo-im, known as "The Korean Seductress Who Betrayed America." She was a Seoul socialite is said to have charmed secret information out of one lover, an American colonel, and passed it to another, a top communist in North Korea. Sort of like a cross between Lust Caution and M. Butterfly.
In late June 1950, Kim Soo-Im was executed by the South Korean military, shot as a "very malicious international spy." In America, fueled by anticommunist hysteria, her story was salaciously recounted and depicted in various headlines and TV dramas calling her a "seductress."
However, new information has recently emerged that could apparently clear her name. The AP has obtained the record of a confidential 1950 U.S. inquiry and other declassified files that tell an entirely different Kim Soo-Im story.
Colonel John E Baird, her American lover, had no access to the supposed sensitive information. Kim had no secrets to pass on. And her Korean lover, Lee Gang-kook, later executed by North Korea, may actually have been an American agent. Oops.
From what it looks like, the entire case against Kim was little more than a frame-up. What a crazy story. Now, Wonil Kim—son of Kim Soo-im and Colonel Baird—is on a quest to bury the damaging myths about his mother: Son fights to clear name of executed 'seductress spy.' Somebody really needs to make a movie about this. With the true story.
In late June 1950, Kim Soo-Im was executed by the South Korean military, shot as a "very malicious international spy." In America, fueled by anticommunist hysteria, her story was salaciously recounted and depicted in various headlines and TV dramas calling her a "seductress."
However, new information has recently emerged that could apparently clear her name. The AP has obtained the record of a confidential 1950 U.S. inquiry and other declassified files that tell an entirely different Kim Soo-Im story.
Colonel John E Baird, her American lover, had no access to the supposed sensitive information. Kim had no secrets to pass on. And her Korean lover, Lee Gang-kook, later executed by North Korea, may actually have been an American agent. Oops.
From what it looks like, the entire case against Kim was little more than a frame-up. What a crazy story. Now, Wonil Kim—son of Kim Soo-im and Colonel Baird—is on a quest to bury the damaging myths about his mother: Son fights to clear name of executed 'seductress spy.' Somebody really needs to make a movie about this. With the true story.
8.19.2008
out on dvd: please vote for me
Please Vote For Me
, directed by Weijun Chen, is a fascinating look at democracy in action in China, starting at the most basic level of politics—an elementary school classroom. The film examines what happens when, first time ever, the third grade students at Evergreen Primary School in Wuhan, China are asked to elect a class monitor. It's an intriguing premise that offers a really interesting chance to tackle a variety of issues, from China's One-Child policy to the very basic notions of how democracy works. What will these children do when provided with the opportunity to vote? How will the candidates behave towards each other and their peers? Will they resort to underhanded tactics to get elected?
It gets ugly pretty fast. Coached by pushy, overeager parents, the pressure of running for office begins its take its toll. At school, the candidates—Luo Lei (the current class monitor) Cheng Cheng and Xu Xiaofei—talk to classmates one-on-one, making promises, planning tactics (including negative ones) and at times expressing doubts about their own candidacies.
There are tears, angry outbursts, backstabbing and dirty tricks. Just like any political campaign. Except these are kids in the third grade. The film is an intimate, captivating and entertaining portrait of kids being kids, but also providing a short glimpse of the future of democracy. I highly recommend checking it out. Learn more about the film here. It's out on DVD this week.
save koream journal
Calling all Korean Americans (and then some). I recently heard from some of my friends at KoreAm Journal, who tell me the magazine has been going through some tough times, with advertising revenue way down. Sign of the times. Like many print publications of its kind, KoreAm isn't immune to the pressures and declines facing the industry.
I first started reading KoreAm years ago when a friend got me a gift subscription for my birthday. I can't say I've always been a fan, and sometimes the content is less than consistent. But more often than not, they nail it on the head, and it's become an important voice and resource for the Korean American community. Hey, they've been around for eighteen years. They've got to be doing something right.
And they're not going out without a fight. Determined to keep things going, they've launched a three-month Save KoreAm Journal campaign. They're hoping supporters will purchase subscriptions or gift subscriptions, or make a contribution to help the magazine. Read the Open Letter that appears in the August issue, asking for your help.
I first started reading KoreAm years ago when a friend got me a gift subscription for my birthday. I can't say I've always been a fan, and sometimes the content is less than consistent. But more often than not, they nail it on the head, and it's become an important voice and resource for the Korean American community. Hey, they've been around for eighteen years. They've got to be doing something right.
And they're not going out without a fight. Determined to keep things going, they've launched a three-month Save KoreAm Journal campaign. They're hoping supporters will purchase subscriptions or gift subscriptions, or make a contribution to help the magazine. Read the Open Letter that appears in the August issue, asking for your help.
the olympics are a trap!
"Oh, they're going to wait until it gets dark, they're going to bring out their dragons." I'll admit, I laughed my ass off when I saw this "news" video from The Onion: The Beijing Olympics: Are They A Trap? Just so we're clear, this is not a "real" news show. But doesn't it feel like it could be? (Thanks, D Wizzle.)
young asian americans moving into the mainstream?
According to this New York Times story, young Asian American professionals are at the heart of a sublte demographic shift in rapidly gentrifying Long Island City and downtown Brooklyn: A New Generation Moves On, but Not Too Far. Asian Americans account for 15 to 50 percent of the initial sales in some of the new condominiums under construction in those neighborhoods.
The numbers are significant because Asians account for only 10 percent of the city's population. At first, the numbers seemed to grow organically, but some developers are now marketing heavily in the local Chinese and Korean media to better ride the trend.
Does this demographic shift mean we could be seeing satellite Chinatowns and Koreatowns eventually pop up in these neighborhoods? Not necessarily. But maybe it points to something else... going mainstream?
The article suggests that the trend may just be a sign that "like their counterparts who grew up in the early-20th-century Italian and Jewish enclaves on the Lower East Side," these young Asian Americans have more buying power than their parents' generation and they are using it to meld into mainstream New York.
The numbers are significant because Asians account for only 10 percent of the city's population. At first, the numbers seemed to grow organically, but some developers are now marketing heavily in the local Chinese and Korean media to better ride the trend.
Does this demographic shift mean we could be seeing satellite Chinatowns and Koreatowns eventually pop up in these neighborhoods? Not necessarily. But maybe it points to something else... going mainstream?
The article suggests that the trend may just be a sign that "like their counterparts who grew up in the early-20th-century Italian and Jewish enclaves on the Lower East Side," these young Asian Americans have more buying power than their parents' generation and they are using it to meld into mainstream New York.
8.18.2008
meet the artists of the asian hip hop summit tour 2008
The Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour 2008 continues its way across the country, with shows this week in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago, and Minneapolis... If the tour happens to be stopping by your town, why not check out a show? For more information about the Tour, go here, or visit the MySpace page here.
This is underground Asian American hip hop. Who are the headliners of the Asian Hip Hop Summit? We've got the artists profiles here, in their own words:
Dumbfoundead
Jonathan Park, Koreatown, Los Angeles
When did you first get into hip hop, and how?
I've been into hip hop since I was very young but didn't actually start rapping till I turned 14 years old. I am now 22 years old and hip-hop is the only
thing i can see myself doing for a living.
Favorite hip hop record?
I have several favorite albums from Redman's Muddy Waters to Pharcyde's Bizarre Ride to Alkaholiks' Liqwidation.
How would you describe your style?
My style is humorous, witty, and clever.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I've overcome all the stereotypes and all the challenges have only made me stronger as an emcee. Every race has their own challenges and stereotypes, Asians are no different.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It is a chance to show the U.S. that there is large community of Asian emcees all across the U.S. that nobody knows about.
Chosen 1
Victor Nguyen, Los Angeles
When first into hip hop and how?
After the L.A. Riots, I moved to South Carolina. In 1995, I decided to rhyme, I thought it was cool. There wasn't much to do there. The only thing I was into was music, and that's how I got into hip hop.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas' Illmatic, Doggystyle, Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt, Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes and Life
How would you describe our style?
Bi-Coastal, everything mixed in one, Asian influence with the beats.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
It's my skin color, waking up and smelling the aroma of pho. A lot of Vietnamese rappers are gangster rappers, but I'm trying to do a different style.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
I'm excited, overwhelmed to showcase our talents, not just in front of the Asian community but for all of America, and Canada.
Lyraflip
Jeffrey Salonga, Torrance, CA
When did you first get into hip hop?
I started off in fifth grade reciting Bone Thugs and Harmony. And ever since then, I've wanted to make my own music.
Favorite hip hop record?
Canibus, 2000 B.C. or Eminem, Slim Shady LP and a whole bunch more
How would you describe your style?
Very versatile, anything from smooth to fresh to really lyrical.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
A lot of stereotypes, people thinking Asians can't rap. Basically as an MC, it's a struggle for any race.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
My chance to take what I've done in L.A., locally, and bring it out to everywhere in America and show everybody what L.A. culture is about, and represent this hip hop everywhere.
DJ DStrukt
Derrick, San Jose
When did you first get into hip hop?
When my dad put in MC Hammer's album. Beats, rhythms, and rhymes.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas, Illmatic
How would you describe your style?
Easy listening and healing.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I don't feel there are any challenges because we're all different cultures trying to do the same thing.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It gives me a chance to expand my horizons, meet different people, and step away from the ordinary lifestyle.
Youthinasia
Youthie, Las Vegas
This is underground Asian American hip hop. Who are the headliners of the Asian Hip Hop Summit? We've got the artists profiles here, in their own words:
Dumbfoundead
Jonathan Park, Koreatown, Los Angeles
When did you first get into hip hop, and how?
I've been into hip hop since I was very young but didn't actually start rapping till I turned 14 years old. I am now 22 years old and hip-hop is the only
thing i can see myself doing for a living.
Favorite hip hop record?
I have several favorite albums from Redman's Muddy Waters to Pharcyde's Bizarre Ride to Alkaholiks' Liqwidation.
How would you describe your style?
My style is humorous, witty, and clever.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I've overcome all the stereotypes and all the challenges have only made me stronger as an emcee. Every race has their own challenges and stereotypes, Asians are no different.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It is a chance to show the U.S. that there is large community of Asian emcees all across the U.S. that nobody knows about.
Chosen 1
Victor Nguyen, Los Angeles
When first into hip hop and how?
After the L.A. Riots, I moved to South Carolina. In 1995, I decided to rhyme, I thought it was cool. There wasn't much to do there. The only thing I was into was music, and that's how I got into hip hop.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas' Illmatic, Doggystyle, Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt, Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes and Life
How would you describe our style?
Bi-Coastal, everything mixed in one, Asian influence with the beats.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
It's my skin color, waking up and smelling the aroma of pho. A lot of Vietnamese rappers are gangster rappers, but I'm trying to do a different style.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
I'm excited, overwhelmed to showcase our talents, not just in front of the Asian community but for all of America, and Canada.
Lyraflip
Jeffrey Salonga, Torrance, CA
When did you first get into hip hop?
I started off in fifth grade reciting Bone Thugs and Harmony. And ever since then, I've wanted to make my own music.
Favorite hip hop record?
Canibus, 2000 B.C. or Eminem, Slim Shady LP and a whole bunch more
How would you describe your style?
Very versatile, anything from smooth to fresh to really lyrical.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
A lot of stereotypes, people thinking Asians can't rap. Basically as an MC, it's a struggle for any race.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
My chance to take what I've done in L.A., locally, and bring it out to everywhere in America and show everybody what L.A. culture is about, and represent this hip hop everywhere.
DJ DStrukt
Derrick, San Jose
When did you first get into hip hop?
When my dad put in MC Hammer's album. Beats, rhythms, and rhymes.
Favorite hip hop record?
Nas, Illmatic
How would you describe your style?
Easy listening and healing.
What are some of the challenges you face as an Asian in hip hop?
I don't feel there are any challenges because we're all different cultures trying to do the same thing.
What does the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour mean to you?
It gives me a chance to expand my horizons, meet different people, and step away from the ordinary lifestyle.
Youthinasia
Youthie, Las Vegas
jindal says no to being mccain's vice president
Bobby Jindal will not be your next Vice President. On Sunday, the young Indian American governor of Louisiana ruled himself out of the race to become John McCain's vice-presidential pick: Indian-American governor says no to being VP pick.
On NBC's Meet the Press, when asked if he would like to be McCain's running mate, Jindal responded, "No, I've got the job I want. I'm voting for Senator McCain. I'll do what I can to help him. I'll do it as good governor." And there you have it.
He's publicly said no several times before, but that hasn't stopped speculation from swirling. This time though, I imagine it's pretty definitive. For better or for worse, we will not see an Indian American vice president this year. But he's got a bright future in the Republican party, and you can be sure you'll see Bobby Jindal rising in the ranks soon enough.
On NBC's Meet the Press, when asked if he would like to be McCain's running mate, Jindal responded, "No, I've got the job I want. I'm voting for Senator McCain. I'll do what I can to help him. I'll do it as good governor." And there you have it.
He's publicly said no several times before, but that hasn't stopped speculation from swirling. This time though, I imagine it's pretty definitive. For better or for worse, we will not see an Indian American vice president this year. But he's got a bright future in the Republican party, and you can be sure you'll see Bobby Jindal rising in the ranks soon enough.
goh nakamura's ulysses record release show
Aw yeah. Bay Area-based musician Goh Nakamura is kicking off the release of his second album Ulysses with a show this Wednesday, August 20 at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco, with special guests Scrabbel and Michelle Amador.
I'm a big fan of Goh's music, and he's just a cool guy to boot, so I've been looking forward to getting my hands on the new album. You can listen to a clip of the first track, "Somewhere." For more info on Wednesday's show, and more on Goh Nakamura's music, go here.
america's best dance crew live
All right, Dance Crew fans. The final championship performances are said and done. Super Cr3w faced off against SoReal Cru last week for the title of America's Best Dance Crew, and your votes will determine the winner. Vote for your favorite crew here. The polls close on Thursday, August 21 at 9:00am ET, and the live finale airs on Thursday night. At this point, it looks to me like Super Cre3w had the stronger performances, but to be honest, I'd be completely happy if either crew won.
Meanwhile, super fans will be happy to learn that the show is hitting the road this fall for America's Best Dance Crew Live, featuring JabbaWockeeZ, BreakSk8 and others crews to be announced. I've seen Jabba perform live, and they kick ass. I could do without those fools on BreakSk8. Anyway, learn about tour here.
2008 new york korean film festival
New York City, it's time for some Korean cinema. The 2008 New York Korean Film Festival opens this Friday, August 22, and runs through the 31 at Cinema Village in Manhattan and BAM Cinematek in Brooklyn. Things kick off on Thursday night with a VIP reception and special screening of Hwang Jin-Yi, with special guests actor Yoo Ji-tae and director Chang Youn-hyun.
With fourteen features films on the schedule, there will be all sorts of stuff to get your Korean cinema on. Some of the latest and greatest films from South Korea screening at the festival include: Spare, Epitaph, Hellcats, Once Upon a Time, Le Grand Chef and Forever the Moment.
In addition to the features, the festival will also be hosting a short film festival and competition on August 25 at Cinema Village, a lecture on the work of veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki on August 27 at The Korea Society, and a screening of the documentary Cinema Korea on August 28, also at The Korea Society. For more information about the festival, visit the website here.
8.17.2008
new cause psa: embrace your power
The Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) just launched a new get-out-the-vote public service announcement, "Embrace Your Power" to encourage Asian Pacific Americans to vote in the November 4th election. Here's the press release: CAUSE LAUNCHES NEW PSA URGING THE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITY TO VOTE
Watch it here. The PSA features a couple of prominent, big name Hollywood actors, George Takei (Star Trek) and Kelly Hu (X-Men 2), and is directed by George Huang (Swimming with Sharks).
Is it just me, or is it kind of awful? To be honest, I'm pretty disappointed. I understand what they're trying to do, and no doubt, getting the APA community out to vote is an important, vital cause. But there had to be a better way to get this message across, rather than resorting to the old martial arts scenario.
Come on. George Takei as the old master and Kelly Hu kicking ninja ass? Really? Aren't we past this kind of thing? There's really no need to resort to Crouching Tiger tactics, especially when addressing our own community. You don't need to fool us with the mystical, chopsocky stuff. Save that for the Flying Daggers crowd.
CAUSE produced a similar PSA back in 2004, "The Least Likely," which, while kind of cheesy and overly dramatic, at least tried to do something different, offering an entertaining and compelling message. The whole "least likely" to vote thing—that's a powerful statistic.
Okay, I get it. You have to get people's attention. You've got two cool, likeable Asian American figures here. Surely, they could've come up with something a little more classy and challenging. I'm not even asking for something mind-blowing. This just feels a bit tired.
call for entries: sfiaaff, project sunlight, cfaff
Attention all filmmakers! The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 27th year. The SFIAAFF is the nation's largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films.
Since 1982, the SFIAAFF has been an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian Cinema. Out of all the Asian American film festivals in the land, it is, by far, my favorite.
As usual, they're looking for a little bit of everything—narrative, documentary, international features, and short films. For more information about the festival, and how to submit your film, go here. The early deadline is September 5, and the late deadline is October 3. Get to work.
While I'm talking about films, this one's for the Korean American filmmakers out there... the Project Sunlight 2008 Short Film Contest is "an incubation project for filmmakers of all levels to shed light on the untold stories of the Korean American Diaspora."
Initiated by the USC Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership's NetKAL program, Project Sunlight is looking for online YouTube submissions focusing on Korean American or native Korean stories from an American perspective. Short films should be between 3-8 minutes in length, but you can use any format of your choice, including: a traditional narrative, a feature film trailer, or animation. Submissions can be posted on the Project Sunlight YouTube channel.
The top three finalists will be selected by the Project Sunshine committee, and a panel of industry professionals will determine the first, second, and third place awards. The top three finalist films will premiere during the 9th Annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival, September 25 - October 4, 2008. For details on the contest, including how to submit your film, go here.
And finally, the 5th annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival is accepting submissions of feature-length, documentary and short films, as well as animated films and music videos. The deadline to submit is September 15, so it's coming up pretty quick. For more information about the festival, which runs November 7-9, go to the website here and download an entry form (PDF) here.
Since 1982, the SFIAAFF has been an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian Cinema. Out of all the Asian American film festivals in the land, it is, by far, my favorite.
As usual, they're looking for a little bit of everything—narrative, documentary, international features, and short films. For more information about the festival, and how to submit your film, go here. The early deadline is September 5, and the late deadline is October 3. Get to work.
While I'm talking about films, this one's for the Korean American filmmakers out there... the Project Sunlight 2008 Short Film Contest is "an incubation project for filmmakers of all levels to shed light on the untold stories of the Korean American Diaspora."
Initiated by the USC Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership's NetKAL program, Project Sunlight is looking for online YouTube submissions focusing on Korean American or native Korean stories from an American perspective. Short films should be between 3-8 minutes in length, but you can use any format of your choice, including: a traditional narrative, a feature film trailer, or animation. Submissions can be posted on the Project Sunlight YouTube channel.
The top three finalists will be selected by the Project Sunshine committee, and a panel of industry professionals will determine the first, second, and third place awards. The top three finalist films will premiere during the 9th Annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival, September 25 - October 4, 2008. For details on the contest, including how to submit your film, go here.
And finally, the 5th annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival is accepting submissions of feature-length, documentary and short films, as well as animated films and music videos. The deadline to submit is September 15, so it's coming up pretty quick. For more information about the festival, which runs November 7-9, go to the website here and download an entry form (PDF) here.
special olympics update on the daily show
Last week, The Daily Show gave their take on several of the controversies at the Beijing Olympics. You'll recognize more than a few of the things the segment touches upon: Special Olympics Update - Controversies. Amazing how they somehow managed to work in a reference to those idiotic Six Flags commercials. Right on the money.
carol huynh canada's first gold medal
Canada, you've got gold. Yesterday, wrestler Carol Huynh won Canada's first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics: Canada's Huynh grapples to gold. That kicks ass. Her win is considered something of an upset, defeating defending three-time world champion and Athens silver medalist Chiharu Icho of Japan.
The five-foot-one Huynh is a three-time world championship medallist (silver in 2001, bronze in 2000 and 2005) and placed 5th at the 2007 world championships. These are her first Olympic games. More here: Golden triumph for Canada. Finally, Canada. Celebrate.
The five-foot-one Huynh is a three-time world championship medallist (silver in 2001, bronze in 2000 and 2005) and placed 5th at the 2007 world championships. These are her first Olympic games. More here: Golden triumph for Canada. Finally, Canada. Celebrate.
8.15.2008
Chink-Eye Photos: The Week in Review
Oh look, it's Spain's men's basketball team doing the good ol' chink-eye for this ridiculous photo, in honor of their trip to the Beijing Olympics. Slant-eye = Chinese. Get it? Ha ha. What better way to mark the occasion than to potentially offend a billion people? Smart.
But wait, there's more...
ther other best swimmer at the olympics
Another Olympian to be proud of: U.S. swimmer Natalie Coughlin. No, she's not the female Michael Phelps, but she is arguably the best woman swimmer at the Beijing Olympics: Coughlin takes bronze for 5th medal.
Yesterday, she earned her fifth medal, a bronze-winning performance in the 100-meter freestyle. She's also collected bronze medals in the 200-Meter Freestyle Relay and 200-Meter Individual Medley, a silver in the 100-Meter Freestyle Relay, and a gold in the 100-Meter Backstroke. Kickass.
And in case you're wondering about her background, Coughlin's mother Zennie is from the Philippines. Here's a story on Natalie from the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Natalie Coughlin: The 'gold' that got away. And here's an interview with her in the Asian Journal: Natalie Coughlin: Like Fish to Olympic Waters.
Yesterday, she earned her fifth medal, a bronze-winning performance in the 100-meter freestyle. She's also collected bronze medals in the 200-Meter Freestyle Relay and 200-Meter Individual Medley, a silver in the 100-Meter Freestyle Relay, and a gold in the 100-Meter Backstroke. Kickass.
And in case you're wondering about her background, Coughlin's mother Zennie is from the Philippines. Here's a story on Natalie from the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Natalie Coughlin: The 'gold' that got away. And here's an interview with her in the Asian Journal: Natalie Coughlin: Like Fish to Olympic Waters.
international secret agents concert 2008
Southern California, mark your calendars. The guys from Far East Movement are partnering up with Wong Fu Productions, along with a bunch of other artists, to bring you one big-ass all-ages concert in San Gabriel Valley next month: International Secret Agents Concert. They're throwing a positive concert for the youth to show the industry that there's not only a scene of Asian American entertainers breaking into the mainstream on their own, there's also a large untapped community audience that's hungry for it too. Here's the event info:
September 7th - International Secret Agents ConcertThere you have it. September 7th at the San Gabrial Mission Playhouse. They're aiming for this show to be big, and they want to pack the house, so if you're interested, call your friends and get your tickets now. For more info and updates, go to the event website here.
Location: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA, 91776
Time: 5pm-9pm
**ALL AGES EVENT**
Showcasing the new generation of Asian American Talent breaking through to mainstream media
Line up:
FAR EAST MOVEMENT (FM) - Hip Hop
WONG FU PRODUCTIONS - Film Producers
QUEST DANCE CREW - Dance Crew
TATUM JONES - R&B Group
MAGNETIC NORTH - Hip Hop
JENNIFER CHUNG - Acoustic
Special Guest Presenters:
Sung Kang (Fast and Furious 4, Ninja Assassin)
PK (Kollaboration)
Power 106 Mixers and Street Team
MORE CELEBRITY GUESTS WILL BE ADDED!
**AND A SECRET SPECIAL GUEST!!!** (Korean/Japanese Pop Star that we’ve worked with..)
AUTOGRAPH SIGNING WILL BE HELD DIRECTLY AFTER THE EVENT AT THE MERCHANDISE BOOTHS.
Press and Media Coverage at event.
PRESALE TICKET INFO:
$15 ($25 at the door) - General Admission
$45 ($55 at the door) - VIP Tickets
- VIP/ No Waiting in line for entry into the show
- Priority line for Autograph Sessions for all artists
- Autographed Poster from event
$90 ($100 at the door) - Backstage Access/Vip
- Private VIP Backstage Lounge with Free drinks and food.
- Backstage Access (Before, during and after event)
- Autographed Poster from event
- Dance Like Michael Jackson Tee Shirt
- VIP/ Priority Entrance To event
former sweatshop workers become u.s. citizens
This is a great story on a group of former enslaved sweatshop laborers who, exactly 13 years after winning their freedom, became sworn U.S. citizens this week: Thai slave laborers freed in El Monte become U.S. citizens.
The workers, from Thailand, made national headlines in 1995 when their sweatshop was discovered in El Monte, California. Enslaved behind razor wire and around-the-clock guards, more than 70 laborers were forced to work 18-hour days for what amounted to less than a dollar an hour.
Ultimately, law enforcement officers arrested eight operators of a Chinese Thai garment sweatshop in an early morning raid in August 1995 and freed 72 Thai immigrants, some of whom had been held captive for at least four years.
More than 40 of them gathered last Sunday to celebrate with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, which successfully fought for a $4-million settlement from manufacturers and retailers for their exploitation and won an uphill battle to gain legal status for the workers.
It's been a long, hard, sometimes horrific journey for them to becoming Americans, but they made it. And hopefully, because of their plight and international attention it drew, fewer immigrants will have endure what they had to go through.
The workers, from Thailand, made national headlines in 1995 when their sweatshop was discovered in El Monte, California. Enslaved behind razor wire and around-the-clock guards, more than 70 laborers were forced to work 18-hour days for what amounted to less than a dollar an hour.
Ultimately, law enforcement officers arrested eight operators of a Chinese Thai garment sweatshop in an early morning raid in August 1995 and freed 72 Thai immigrants, some of whom had been held captive for at least four years.
More than 40 of them gathered last Sunday to celebrate with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, which successfully fought for a $4-million settlement from manufacturers and retailers for their exploitation and won an uphill battle to gain legal status for the workers.
It's been a long, hard, sometimes horrific journey for them to becoming Americans, but they made it. And hopefully, because of their plight and international attention it drew, fewer immigrants will have endure what they had to go through.
cnn's "asian women seek groveling men" t-shirt
I've had a lot of confused folks writing in to tell about this headline shirt being sold by CNN: Asian women seek groveling man. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. What the hell? If I'm not mistaken, the shirt is actually a reference to this stupid story that ran last month.
I can see how the shirt would be completely confusing without any context. It still makes little sense, since the headline has actually changed to "Cafe provides royal treatment." Funny, the wording on the shirt has actually been changed from "groveling, white" to just "groveling," though the original headline is still up at the top of the page.
Depending on how you look at it, the shirt conveys multiple, equally confusing messages about Asian women. I'd be curious to see if anyone actually buys it and wears it... and why.
natasha kai's goal sends u.s. soccer to semifinals
On Friday, U.S. soccer's Natasha Kai headed in an overtime goal to give the United States a 2-1 victory over Canada, securing the Americans a spot in the Olympic women's soccer semifinals: US makes Olympic soccer semis with win over Canada.
It was a diving header in the 101st minute, off a cross from the left flank by Shannon Boxx. The team now moves on in an attempt to maintain its record of reaching every Olympic final. The U.S. won in 1996 in Atlanta, was runner up to Norway at Sydney 2000, and won again in Athens in 2004.
Natasha Kai is one of those hard-to-miss athletes on the field. She's the rocking the badass tattoos, the emblazoned headband and the odd-colored shoes—one white shoe and one red shoe and a white headband with the uniform numbers of three U.S. players injured just before the Olympics. Here's a local Hawaii news story on Natasha: Kai stepping it up for injured teammates.
It was a diving header in the 101st minute, off a cross from the left flank by Shannon Boxx. The team now moves on in an attempt to maintain its record of reaching every Olympic final. The U.S. won in 1996 in Atlanta, was runner up to Norway at Sydney 2000, and won again in Athens in 2004.
Natasha Kai is one of those hard-to-miss athletes on the field. She's the rocking the badass tattoos, the emblazoned headband and the odd-colored shoes—one white shoe and one red shoe and a white headband with the uniform numbers of three U.S. players injured just before the Olympics. Here's a local Hawaii news story on Natasha: Kai stepping it up for injured teammates.
watch akira's hip hop shop online
Take a look at this. Joe Doughrity's short film, the interracial hip hop love story Akira's Hip Hop Shop, starring James Kyson Lee, is currently available for viewing online for a limited time (this month only) as part of the Con-Can Film Festival out of Japan. And if you like it, why not vote for it? The winner gets a trip to Japan and meetings with people in the Japanese film community. View it here.
Joe also informs me that he's actually written a feature version of Akira's Hip Hop, changing up some of the movie's characters and elements and setting it Los Angeles' historic Crenshaw/Rodeo neighborhood. It sounds pretty cool. They're hoping to get the project off the ground in 2009. To learn more about the movie, visit the website here, and the MySpace profile here.
responses to the spanish basketball teams' chink-eye photo
Here's the Organization of Chinese Americans' joint press releaase with the Comittee of 100 speaking out against the Spanish basketbal teams' chink-eyed photo pose, which hit mainstream attention this week. As you can probably guess, they are offended:
OCA & C-100 Find Spanish Olympics Basketball Team's Photo OffensiveMore than the photo, what bugs me is Spain's basketball players' insistence that the gesture is not in any way meant to be offensive or insulting. Here's a great column from the Los Angeles Times' Bill Plaschke, who hits the nail on the head in regards to why Pau Gasol and his teammates' response to their racial slight is unacceptable: Plaschke points a finger at Gasol.
Washington, DC & New York, NY – OCA and the Committee of 100, two national organizations serving the Asian Pacific American and Chinese American community, join forces to speak out against the Spanish men's Olympics basketball team's slanted eye photo.
"The photograph is offensive to people of Asian and Chinese descent. It was a poor decision for these professional athletes to make this historically denigrating gesture and it was a poorer decision for the team sponsor and the Spanish paper to put it in print," said OCA National President Ginny Gong. "And it is disturbing that neither the Olympic athletes nor their sponsors have adequately apologized for their decisions."
Despite a worldwide uproar over the image, Spanish basketball player Jose' Manuel Calderon, who plays for the NBA's Toronto Raptors, stated that the photograph and the gesture were "something appropriate and that it would always be interpreted as somewhat loving."
"Even if this image was produced without any ill will, its effects are still damaging," said C-100 Chairman General John L. Fugh (U.S. Army – Ret.). "It affects individuals of Chinese descent, as well as others of Asian descent who also have experienced the same mockery, and it also affects the relationships among communities and nations."
George C. Wu, OCA's Deputy Director added: "as Asian Pacific Americans support the U.S. Olympic athletes, many of whom are Asian Pacific Americans, it is disturbing to OCA that Spain's basketball team would introduce such offensive and divisive imagery into the Olympics. Highly regarded NBA players like Pau Gasol and Calderon need to also understand that these gestures are often associated with bullying and taunting in schools and are harmful to the communities that support their teams."
OCA and C-100 will continue to monitor both the actions of the participants in the Olympics and the media coverage of the Olympics to ensure that this type of imagery or rhetoric does not negatively impact race relations in the United States.
the coach behind shawn johnson
As you've probably heard by now U.S. gymnast Nastia Liukin won the all-around gold medal in Beijing on Friday, beating teammate Shawn Johnson, who took the silver medal, by a mere six-tenths of a point: Liukin edges Johnson for all-around gold.
Here's a nice story from last week on 16-year-old Shawn Johnson and the longtime coach behind her success, Liang Qiao, a former Chinese gymnastics star who is now called Chow: Johnson Balances Life and Gymnastics.
He was never an Olympian, but in his 12 years on China's national team, he won more than 30 international medals. Chow moved to Iowa in 1991, eventually opening his own gym with his wife, Liwen Zhuang. One day, 6-year-old Shawn Johnson walked in, and he's been coaching her ever since.
Here's a nice story from last week on 16-year-old Shawn Johnson and the longtime coach behind her success, Liang Qiao, a former Chinese gymnastics star who is now called Chow: Johnson Balances Life and Gymnastics.
He was never an Olympian, but in his 12 years on China's national team, he won more than 30 international medals. Chow moved to Iowa in 1991, eventually opening his own gym with his wife, Liwen Zhuang. One day, 6-year-old Shawn Johnson walked in, and he's been coaching her ever since.
viva la union show in los angeles
Hey John Cho fans... if you're in Los Angeles, you might want to check out his band Viva La Union (formerly Left of Zed) playing this Saturday, August 16 at Cafe-Club Fais Do. Yes, the guy we know and love as Harold has been in a band for years, but they haven't played in a while. The details:
Viva La UnionAccording to Peachies, they've invited two great musicians, blues ukulele player Jason Arimoto and singer/guitarist Sam Geunjin Kang, to play as well. Sounds like it's going to be a cool show. For more info, and to check out some of their music, visit Viva La Union's MySpace profile here.
Saturday, August 16
Café-Club Fais Do-Do
5257 W. Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
323.931.4636
18 and Over
Doors open at 8:30PM
VLU starts at 9:30PM
$8.00 at the door.
why is the chinese gymnastics team so awesome?
Former U.S. Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes offers her final expert analysis of the Chinese women's gymnastics team's gold medal win over the U.s. Basically, it comes down to one key fact: Chinese were better.
And this is only the beginning. Could this be the start of Chinese domination in gymnastics? Yes. As Dawes concludes, "The Chinese women are now the full package. They have combined their high difficulty skills with an unshakable mental toughness, and those were the reasons why they won their first team final gold on Wednesday."
Also check out the embedded side video interview with Dawes giving her take on whether Chinese gymnasts are underage (because, let's face it, they look REALLY young). She gives a really great, well thought-out analysis, despite the interviewer tossing her such leading questions. Big props to her for not taking the bait.
And this is only the beginning. Could this be the start of Chinese domination in gymnastics? Yes. As Dawes concludes, "The Chinese women are now the full package. They have combined their high difficulty skills with an unshakable mental toughness, and those were the reasons why they won their first team final gold on Wednesday."
Also check out the embedded side video interview with Dawes giving her take on whether Chinese gymnasts are underage (because, let's face it, they look REALLY young). She gives a really great, well thought-out analysis, despite the interviewer tossing her such leading questions. Big props to her for not taking the bait.
8.14.2008
spain's tennis team does the chink-eye too!
Oh snap! Wait a minute. Just in case you can't get enough of Spanish athletes pulling the ol' chink-eye...
Gawker has uncovered another photo, this time of Spain's 2008 Federation Cup Tennis team, doing the same slant-eyed pose: Spanish Tennis Team Also Strikes "Chinky-Eyed Chinaman" Pose!
More here: Second Spanish team photographed making 'slit-eyed' gesture.
The photo can be found on the Spanish Tennis Federation website. Spain apparently beat China to move into the Fed Cup finals. And as we all know, there's only way to celebrate a win like that. All together now. Chink-eyes! Purely done out of respect and affection, of course. Making their nation proud. (Except for that one dude in the back sort of doing kind of a limp rock 'n' roll thing.) That's racist!
UPDATE: Mainstream press is picking up on this one too: Another Spanish team discovered making eye-slant gesture.
robbers targeting asian women
Police in Sacramento are warning residents to be on the lookout after a rash of robberies targeting Asian women: Police: Robbers Targeting Asian Women. There have been five attacks since the end of July, all happening between 9:00pm and 11:00pm, when victims pull into their driveway and step out of their car.
According to authorities, two men, between the ages of 16 and 20 years old, are being sought in connection with the robberies.
Although all the victims have been Asian women, police say they're not considering the robberies a hate crime since the alleged robbers are only going after money and goods. So they're not haters... just thieves.
But there's got to be a reason why these guys are targeting Asians. Maybe they think it'll be easier, and the victims won't fight back, or they'll be less willing to report the crime. Whatever the case, the victims' race is informing their actions. Watch your back, ladies, and be careful out there.
According to authorities, two men, between the ages of 16 and 20 years old, are being sought in connection with the robberies.
Although all the victims have been Asian women, police say they're not considering the robberies a hate crime since the alleged robbers are only going after money and goods. So they're not haters... just thieves.
But there's got to be a reason why these guys are targeting Asians. Maybe they think it'll be easier, and the victims won't fight back, or they'll be less willing to report the crime. Whatever the case, the victims' race is informing their actions. Watch your back, ladies, and be careful out there.
actor shelley malil charged with attempted murder
Actor Shelley Malil was arrested this week for investigation of attempted murder after his former girlfriend, Kendra Beebe, was stabbed more than 20 times, leaving her critically injured: '40-Year-Old Virgin' actor arrested near San Diego.
You might remember the Indian American actor from a small role in The 40-Year-Old Virgin as one of Steve Carell's co-workers, as well as a number of other small roles in movies and television over the years. He also has a small role in Jessica Yu's Ping Pong Playa.
Malil was arrested and charged with attempted murder, allegations of using a knife, domestic violence and causing grave bodily injury. Crazy. He pleaded not guilty today in court: Actor Shelley Malil pleads not guilty to attempted murder charges.
You might remember the Indian American actor from a small role in The 40-Year-Old Virgin as one of Steve Carell's co-workers, as well as a number of other small roles in movies and television over the years. He also has a small role in Jessica Yu's Ping Pong Playa.
Malil was arrested and charged with attempted murder, allegations of using a knife, domestic violence and causing grave bodily injury. Crazy. He pleaded not guilty today in court: Actor Shelley Malil pleads not guilty to attempted murder charges.
racial minorities will be the majority in 2050
Get ready, America. According to new projections released by the U.S. Census Bureau, racial minorities will be the majority in America by 2050: Minorities expected to be majority in 2050.
Minorities, classified as those of any race other than non-Hispanic, single-race whites, currently constitute about a third of the U.S. population. But that's going to change, baby. By 2042, they are projected to become the majority, making up more than half the population. By 2050, 54 percent of the population will be minorities. And by 2023, more than half of all children will be minorities.
The Asian American population is expected to increase from 15.5 million to 40.6 million, or from 5.1 percent to 9.2 percent of the population.
No, it's not part of some nefarious master plan for people of color to take over the nation. It's just the way the population happens to be shifting. Calm down. Still, expect lots of misguided white people to freak out after hearing these projections.
Minorities, classified as those of any race other than non-Hispanic, single-race whites, currently constitute about a third of the U.S. population. But that's going to change, baby. By 2042, they are projected to become the majority, making up more than half the population. By 2050, 54 percent of the population will be minorities. And by 2023, more than half of all children will be minorities.
The Asian American population is expected to increase from 15.5 million to 40.6 million, or from 5.1 percent to 9.2 percent of the population.
No, it's not part of some nefarious master plan for people of color to take over the nation. It's just the way the population happens to be shifting. Calm down. Still, expect lots of misguided white people to freak out after hearing these projections.
8.13.2008
new ping pong playa poster
I know I just recently mentioned table tennis and this movie, but I had to post this new theatrical poster for Ping Pong Playa. It's pretty freaking awesome, capturing just the right attitude. Jimmy Tsai looks like he might be hurting himself with that pose. The movie opens in limited release on September 5.
immigration detainee dies in custody
This is an awful, tragic story about Hiu Lui Ng, who died last week in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a Rhode Island hospital, with his spine fractured and his body riddled with cancer that had gone undiagnosed and untreated for months: Ill and in Pain, Detainee Dies in U.S. Hands.
Ng had been living the American dream. He came to New York from Hong Kong in 1992 and built a life in the U.S. over the last fifteen years, working as a computer engineer, with a house in Queens, a wife who is a United States citizen and two American-born sons.
But when Mr. Ng, who had overstayed a visa years earlier, went to immigration headquarters in Manhattan last summer for his final interview for a green card, he was unexpectedly taken into immigration detention and shuttled through jails and detention centers across three different New England states. And then things got even worse.
In April, Mr. Ng began complaining of excruciating back pain. By mid-July, he couldn't walk or stand anymore. And last Wednesday, two days after his 34th birthday, he died from cancer in his liver, lungs and bones.
According to his lawyers, when Mr. Ng complained of severe pain that did not respond to analgesics, and grew too weak to walk or even stand to call his family from a detention pay phone, officials accused him of faking his condition. They denied him a wheelchair and refused pleas for an independent medical evaluation.
Instead, according to affidavits, guards at the detention facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island dragged him from his bed, carried him in shackles to a car, bruising his arms and legs, and drove him two hours to a federal lockup in Hartford, where an immigration officer pressured him to withdraw all pending appeals of his case and accept deportation.
They had a man literally dying in front of them, and all they could really think about was deporting him! His lawyers are now demanding a criminal investigation from federal and state prosecutors in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, and the Department of Homeland Security, which runs the detention system.
Hopefully, Mr. Ng's death will draw more scrutiny to increasing complaints of inadequate medical care, human rights violations and a lack of oversight in immigration detention. It's ridiculous and appalling. No man should be forced to suffer and die like this.
UPDATE: A scholarship fund has been established for Mr. Ng's two children. Checks can be made payable to the "Ng Family Fund." Put account No.
825-31181 in the memo line, and mail the checks to:
Hiu Lui Ng Family Fund
c/o Litao Mai
Merrill Lynch
100 Campus Drive, Third Floor
Florham Park, N.J. 07932
If people would like to wire money, please email the family at:
hiuluingfamily@gmail.com for instructions.
Ng had been living the American dream. He came to New York from Hong Kong in 1992 and built a life in the U.S. over the last fifteen years, working as a computer engineer, with a house in Queens, a wife who is a United States citizen and two American-born sons.
But when Mr. Ng, who had overstayed a visa years earlier, went to immigration headquarters in Manhattan last summer for his final interview for a green card, he was unexpectedly taken into immigration detention and shuttled through jails and detention centers across three different New England states. And then things got even worse.
In April, Mr. Ng began complaining of excruciating back pain. By mid-July, he couldn't walk or stand anymore. And last Wednesday, two days after his 34th birthday, he died from cancer in his liver, lungs and bones.
According to his lawyers, when Mr. Ng complained of severe pain that did not respond to analgesics, and grew too weak to walk or even stand to call his family from a detention pay phone, officials accused him of faking his condition. They denied him a wheelchair and refused pleas for an independent medical evaluation.
Instead, according to affidavits, guards at the detention facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island dragged him from his bed, carried him in shackles to a car, bruising his arms and legs, and drove him two hours to a federal lockup in Hartford, where an immigration officer pressured him to withdraw all pending appeals of his case and accept deportation.
They had a man literally dying in front of them, and all they could really think about was deporting him! His lawyers are now demanding a criminal investigation from federal and state prosecutors in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, and the Department of Homeland Security, which runs the detention system.
Hopefully, Mr. Ng's death will draw more scrutiny to increasing complaints of inadequate medical care, human rights violations and a lack of oversight in immigration detention. It's ridiculous and appalling. No man should be forced to suffer and die like this.
UPDATE: A scholarship fund has been established for Mr. Ng's two children. Checks can be made payable to the "Ng Family Fund." Put account No.
825-31181 in the memo line, and mail the checks to:
Hiu Lui Ng Family Fund
c/o Litao Mai
Merrill Lynch
100 Campus Drive, Third Floor
Florham Park, N.J. 07932
If people would like to wire money, please email the family at:
hiuluingfamily@gmail.com for instructions.
why are asians the baddest ping pong playas?
In honor of the Beijing Olympics, Jeff Yang's latest "Asian Pop" column for SFGate explores the fascination Asians have with sports like table tennis and badminton: Balls and birdies.
He discusses the massive international appeal and strong Asian presence in Olympic badminton and table tennis, including ping pong's history and tremendous popularity in China. Here in the U.S., it's relegated to basement rec rooms. Over there, it's no joke. They take their ping pong seriously, like NASCAR or the NFL here.
Jeff also talks a bit about Jessica Yu's upcoming indie sports comedy Ping Pong Playa, which starts playing in select theaters on September 5. Turns out, Jessica is a ping pong playa too. It must be in the blood.
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