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!!!