Senior Project

This blog has turned out to be surprisingly fun in spite of the fact that it is for my Senior Project and I HAVE to do it in order to graduate. Part of the requirement that needs to be filled is to collect evidence. This is why I would like to hear from you about what you think about my blog. Do you think it was a good representation of the concerns of the Asian American population? Did you feel as though you’ve learned something? Have any of your opinions or beliefs been changed by this blog? If so, how and why?

These are just some questions I’m tossing out there to get feedback from you guys. Please comment with your opinions. You can either comment directly on this post or on the separate tab that I’m also posting this on. *Also, vote in the poll.

JPLEASE READ & COMMENT ON THIS AND OTHER POSTSJ

"Changin' Asian" #2

Usually people tend to be under the impression that all Asians do is study, which is far from the truth. Just like with any ethnic group it varies from person to person. Lately a lot of Asian American dancers have burst onto the scene and earned recognition for what they do.

On the most recent season of “America’s Best Dance Crew” (ABDC) an Asian American crew was victorious. Poreotix was declared the winner of Season 5. The crew consists of six members: Matt “Dumbo” Nguyen, Can Nguyen, Charles Nguyen, Lawrence “Law” Devera, Justin “Jet Li” Valles, and Chad Mayate. Their innovative style focuses on popping, choreography, and robotics, which is why their name was Po-reo-tics. Their signature is wearing shaded glasses for all of their performances.

Even for those who don’t follow ABDC, you might recognize the group from several other places. If you’re a Belieber or just suffering from a case of Bieber Fever you might recognize them from Justin Bieber’s music video for the single “Somebody to Love.” Even more recently they were in Bruno Mars’ music video for “The Lazy Song.” However, these boys don’t just dance; they also have a sense of humor.

They were featured in the video “Best Crew vs Poreotics” on the YouTube channel nigahiga in which they were jokingly challenged to a dance battle against some guys who could not dance. They ‘beasted’ the competition in their signature way. They were also on an episode of Disney Channel’s “Shake it Up” where they showed off their playful, nerdy side.

Poreotix is proving to the world that Asians don’t just spend their lives with their noses in books; they can tear up the dance floor.

"Changin' Asian" #1

Ok, so this is a new segment-esque addition to the blog. It will focus on Asian Americans who are challenging Asian stereotypes by entering unexpected fields, and succeeding. So for the first installment of “Changin’ Asian” I’m profiling one of my favorite people: Jeannie Mai!

Now I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many people have no idea who she is. However, I am a personal fan of her style; she is the host of the show “How Do I Look?” on The Style Network. Even though it is actually a makeover show, the real show is Jeannie Mai. The host goes through several chic outfits in a single episode. She has a keen sense of fashion and a winning personality that have made her a success.

Her father was a Vietnamese immigrant and her mother was Chinese. She was born and raised in California among several family members that her parents had brought over from Vietnam. It was this large family that encouraged Mai’s cheerful and bright personality that helped catapult her to television personality status. However, she first got her start as a makeup artist for several celebrities and the connections she established helped to make a name for her as a style expert.

 One rarely sees Asian Americans in such a position and career as Jeannie Mai, but she has made a name for herself, which is why she is my first choice for “Changin’ Asian.” Feel free to leave your own suggestions of Asian Americans that are changing stereotypes and breaking out into different fields.

Guest Blogger #2: Lynn

            As an Asian-American, I often get judged by the typical Asian stereotypes in school. It’s already pre-expected that I should excel in classes such as math and science, which ironic because those two classes really are my favorite subjects. Chances are, you would most likely catch me carrying an AP Biology book and a heavy backpack wherever I go. However, my two classes that I have most interest in are actually the classes that I struggle most with. With that being said, I can easily break the “Asians-being-so-good-in-math-and-science” stereotype. But what is even more ironic is that I really do feel like a “typical” Asian.

            Asians are industrious, multi-talented, and (will be) successful in their lives. Asians tend to push themselves more, which is where the “nerdy” look started developing. As for myself, I am currently taking 4 AP classes in my senior year, the year where everything was supposedly “less stressful” and more fun. Talk about overachieving.

            In addition, Asians are not only stuffing their noses into books, there’s a good possibility that a majority of them are musically gifted. My parents put me in violin lessons starting in 3rd grade, the flute in 4th, and lastly the piano in 5th. To this day, I still keep in touch with all the instruments I play, which made me feel confident in my decision of minoring in Music Theory & Composition in college. On that note, I plan on majoring in Pre-Medicine Studies and becoming a successful doctor in the near future. Now that’s typical.

            I enjoy my hectic Asian-American life. I like telling myself that I’m unique and that I stand out from others. For starters, I’m 4’11.25’’. Apparently, everyone thinks I would be quiet and shy. I’m exactly the opposite much to everyone’s surprise. I’ve tried starting to count how many people who said exactly this: “You’re really loud for a small person.” For the record, I’ve stopped counting. I also stay active by playing sports instead of going home and doing homework as anticipated. Being on a Varsity Swimming&Diving and Tennis team builds up more character and reputation for myself.

            It’s not advised or encouraged that a person should be judged by their stereotypes of their background or by their looks. Just a tip, be careful with what you think, because that often leads to what you say. Take time to actually get to know the person; there’s so much more to what’s just on the surface.

Video Bar: Takin' it to Taiwan

So, after a long time I've finally changed it up with the Video Bar on the side panel. Now it features songs from popular Taiwanese artist Jay Chou. He is a super famous singer/songwriter, as well as actor, throughout Asia. While he may not be as well known in the States, some people might recognize him from the 2011 Hollywood film The Green Hornet where he played Kato, the sidekick.

Are You Serious? #6

Mmmmm...curry!

One of the stereotypes that I find just plain weird is that Indian people smell like curry.

I don’t know, I guess it’s supposed to be because we eat curry a lot…but it’s still weird.

Anyway, I guess it is a pretty common stereotype because one girl seemed to take it very literally. When my sister was at work one day her coworker just came up to her and literally sniffed her (which is just plain creepy) and then she just says “You smell good!” as though she was surprised. My sister just looks at this girl like she’ s crazy (which she just might be) and the girl’s only response is “I thought all Indian people smelled like curry.” Now I’ve heard people use it as an insult, but I never thought that someone would take it so literally. I bet she was the one born that minute.

Guest Blogger #1: Joanna

Hello, my name is Joanna Tso and I am an Asian-American living in Connecticut. Being an Asian-American is an awesome feeling and a privileged circumstance. Of course, being an Asian living in an American society does have its advantages and disadvantages. For example, being Asian sets you apart from other ethnic groups and you feel special in your own cultural way. Being different is a unique attribute and not being ashamed of it is very important. Although, many people today make fun of how my Asian colleagues speak, it doesn't bother me a bit because it takes a lot of courage for one to learn to speak an entirely new language. The reason why most Asians even move to the US is for better life opportunity and for many, they feel like they have achieved their dream and they are living in the new world. On the other hand, by being an Asian-American, I am able to speak two languages fluently. My first language is Cantonese which is a dialect of the Chinese language. Secondly, I can speak English very well which I learned in Kindergarten and from my older sisters. Although I was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Connecticut at a very young age, I still feel like I have embraced both the Asian and American culture, and that is the most rewarding feeling of all.

Are You Serious? #5

Well, actually I had forgotten about this one until a friend recently brought it up again.

We had a substitute in World History class that day and we were learning about Hinduism. When the sub goes over the instructions for the day she decides to add that if anyone needs help they should just ask me. My response is looking at her like she is crazy, and saying ‘I’m Catholic.’ I feel like being Indian has forced me to say that way more than necessary. Now if someone is Caucasian nobody bothers to ask their religion, but if you’re Asian the assumptions are all out. If you’re Indian you are by default Hindu; if you’re Chinese you either follow Confucianism or Buddhism.  

                It’s actually one of the more common stereotypes I get. A lot of people ask me my religion the first time we meet. Ironically that is typically poor etiquette, but when you’re Asian that whole personal-info-thing goes out the window.  I can’t even begin to say how funny it is when people freak out when they see me eat meat. It’s that ‘Oh snap!’-moment because they think I just broke my religion. But I have my own fun with it. Sometimes I freak out like I really did just commit the cardinal sin by eating meatJ. Oh, but it’s all just for fun.

The Irony of Movie Casting

Justin Chatwin as Goku

It would be really easy to just do a post on the countless number of Asian stereotypes in film and television, so that isn’t what I’m going to do (at least not right now). Instead, I’m going to be annoyed with really poor and just plain random movie casting. So it’s one thing to create a character for the sheer purpose of fulfilling a stereotype, but it’s a whole other thing when a role is essentially designed to be filled by an Asian, but isn’t. Although there are times when this can actually work out well, that isn’t always the case.

One of those fails would have to be the live-action film adaption of Dragonball Evolution. Not only was the movie a critical and commercial failure, it also had some of the most bizarre casting ever. I know this is coming from someone who grew up watching the anime, so maybe I just so happen to take extra offense to the poor casting, but anyone can see that it was BAD.

Since, it’s adapted from a manga and all of the characters are Japanese you would think that the casting directors would take a logical approach to this, but they didn’t. Now it’s one thing to leave the whole thing Asian and maintain the casting accordingly, or switch it up to accommodate a different cast. However, this movie didn’t take either approach, it took both. The cast was a bizarre mix of Asian American actors along with several Caucasian actors. Not only is that weird, but how is it that Goku is not even Asian!? It’s not even like Justin Chatwin looks similar, it was just a fail at casting. Who really thinks it’s a smart choice to have most of the supporting characters portrayed by Asian American actors, but then change it up with the main character? This is one of those times when not fitting the Asian template didn’t work.

However, I won’t say that it always turns out poorly. The Forbidden Kingdom starred Michael Angarano alongside Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Now typically I would be opposed to the random introduction of some scrawny little American boy into a martial arts’ film, but it worked. It was actually an entertaining plot, and a well-executed one (both of which were untrue in the case of Dragonball Evolution). And yeah I get that Asians in a martial arts’ film is pretty stereotypical that isn’t really the point of this post; this is about straying from the typical casting in Asian-geared films. The irony is that attempts to not be stereotypical can actually be worse than sticking with the original.

Japan: Nuclear Update

The issue with Japan's Fukushima- Daiichi power plant has escalated. The nuclear threat level has been raised from 5 to 7, on the international scale. This is the highest evaluation and puts the problem on level with the greatest nuclear problem in history. People are still encouraged to evacuate the surrounding towns due to fears of radiation.

            There was another aftershock this morning, as well. Surprisingly, there have been more than 900 aftershocks in the past month. The recent problems in Japan have caused international concern over nuclear safety. Even in Connecticut concerns have been raised over the security of nuclear power plants. The tragedy in Japan has brought new attention to the dangers of nuclear power.

Japan: UPDATE

Today another earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck Japan. It was strong enough to knock out electricity in surrounding areas as well as cause landslides. Even now efforts are underway to rescue people trapped by the landslides. In addition to these troubles there is still the nuclear threat. The Fukushima power plant continues to pose a threat to neighboring towns as radiation continues to leak. The extent of the evacuation has already been extended. It has been exactly one month since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake first struck Japan and things don’t seem to be looking up.

Our hearts go out to Japan as they continue with efforts to rebuild in the wake of so many tragedies. However, they aren’t in the clear. Especially with today’s earthquake the fault lines in Japan are undergoing a great deal of stress, which poses the threat of more earthquakes and aftershocks in Japan’s future. One danger is the stress on a fault line relatively close to Japan’s capital, Tokyo. An earthquake in Tokyo would inflict severe damage on Japan’s economy, infrastructure, and resources. In spite of the damage that has already impacted Japan, there is still reason to be wary for the future. Either way, my fingers are crossed that these fears go unfulfilled and that Japan recovers soon.

Are You Serious #4

There’s socially awkward, and then there’s telling someone ‘I like the color of your kids.’ Albeit this is from a good 15 years, or so, ago, I find it hilarious. When my parents first moved into the neighborhood a woman actually said that to my mother. LOL, it might just be me, but hey I’ll take a compliment where I can get it. Either way, it’s more of a sign of changing times that just 15 years ago that was the kind of reaction a South Asian family received, but now it isn’t unusual.

(Btw, I’m not the baby in the picture. Whoever she is she’s adorable, but I was waaaayyy cuter! J)

Another Aftershock for Japan

     Our prayers are with Japan in the wake of yet another tragedy. Thursday night Japan suffered from the effects of another aftershock.  Initially measured at magnitude 7.4 it was later downgraded to 7.1. It’s a relief that no serious damages were reported, especially considering it came from around the same area as the March 11^th aftershock that claimed the lives of over 25,000 people and spurred the recent nuclear crisis. After the extreme devastation that has struck Japan recently, this aftershock just adds to the problem. Although it didn’t cause much severe damage the aftershock still had its impact. Goods were knocked off of shelves in stores and multiple nuclear power plants temporarily lost power. Many buildings were shaken—some damaged—and many areas were left without power. Due to the tsunami warning several people went to stores to prepare in fears of a repeat of the events from March. Luckily, there was no tsunami and the warning was soon removed. Considering the threat that this aftershock posed to a mid-recovery Japan, it’s a relief that there was so little damage. Our thoughts are with those in Japan as well as their family and friends around the world.

The Short End of the Minority Stick



The 'Minority Stick'



We all know affirmative action is intended to promote equal opportunity, but that doesn’t mean it’s effective. Minorities are often given preferences with jobs and universities often having racial quotas. However, in the U.S. this mainly applies to African Americans and Hispanic Americans. In spite of the fact that Asian Americans are also a minority group they don’t receive the same benefits that other minority groups do. Does affirmative action really level the playing field?

I doubt it; I see it is reverse racism. Now African Americans and Hispanic Americans are being given preference solely based on race, not ability. If equal opportunity is what affirmative action is trying to promote they should think about focusing on ability rather than race. Often times the needs of poor European Americans and Asian Americans are neglected in favor of upper-class African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Since I’m an Asian American I’m technically part of a minority group, but I never receive the same benefits as one.  When colleges have racial quotas students are no longer competing against every other student; they are now competing against people in their racial group. The problem with this system is that preference is being given to race as opposed to hard work, which is hypocritical of what America is supposed to be. Hard work is supposed to be worth more than race, but affirmative action brings that into question. I don’t think it’s fair that some students are deprived of spots that they deserve all in the name of equal opportunity. Not only is the system unfair from the ground up, but it is also biased in favor of African Americans and Hispanic American, whereas the Asian American group is not entitled to the same benefits.

Feel free to leave your own thoughts on affirmative action. Are you ‘for’ of ‘against’?

Video Bar

So, I actually decided to put up a Video Bar. This is an amazing act considering its me — technology challenged me— that is. Right now it has a couple of recent-ish Malayalam film songs. I was trying to pick specific songs, but it wasn't working so you're just going to have to make due with what's there. Anyway, you should check out the songs. I think I'm going to change it up every now and then and have different languages and different styles of music (all Asian of course). Either way I'm starting off with my own bias and going with Malayalam music (even though these aren't my favorite songs). You should check them out, along with the blog, and stay tuned for when I change up the videos.

Are You Serious #3

Now this is a really common one, so shout out to anyone that has ever had this happen to them.

Some Random Person: Oh, so you’re Indian. Do you speak Indian?

Me: (Looking at them like they’re crazy)

I still find it amazing the number of people that ask me if I speak Indian when they first meet me, as though it’s actually a language. The bitter sarcastic part of me just wants to say ‘No, but when I find someone that does I’ll be sure to let you know, so that you can have some company in stupidville,’ but I typically leave it at ‘no.’ There is no offense intended because it is an understandable mistake, considering that people in France speak French and people in Japan speak Japanese one could easily assume that people in India speak Indian. The hostility is more from the amount of people that ask that question, and it’s a lot.

India Wins the (Cricket) World Cup!!

It was a close game today in Mumbai. Everyone in India and Sri Lanka were kept on the edges of their seats watching the World Cup final. After winning the toss Sri Lanka chose to bat, and scored 274 runs. India needed just 275 runs to win the game, and they did it! Scoring 277 runs India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets and with 10 balls to spare. This is India’s first World Cup championship win in 28 years, and a well deserved victory at that.  The host country has done it. INDIA HAS OFFICIALLY WON THE 2011 WORLD CUP!!!