CBS has ordered a script for Red Doors, a prime-time soap opera about an Chinese American family based on the indie movie of the same name directed by Georgia Lee.
I've not seen the movie, but it's about a dysfunctional suburban family that has three daughters. This could be a breakthrough or All-American Girl (it wasn't very good and tanked) all over again.
Posted by harry at 11:08 AM | Comments (6)
CBS has ordered a script for Red Doors, a prime-time soap opera about an Chinese American family based on the indie movie of the same name directed by Georgia Lee.
I've not seen the movie, but it's about a dysfunctional suburban family that has three daughters. This could be a breakthrough or All-American Girl (it wasn't very good and tanked) all over again.
Posted by harry at 11:08 AM | Comments (6)
CBS has ordered a script for Red Doors, a prime-time soap opera about an Chinese American family based on the indie movie of the same name directed by Georgia Lee.
I've not seen the movie, but it's about a dysfunctional suburban family that has three daughters. This could be a breakthrough or All-American Girl (it wasn't very good and tanked) all over again.
Posted by harry at 11:08 AM | Comments (6)
The group Asian Media Watch is circulating an open letter to Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone protesting what it says is racially derogatory programming on MTV and Comedy Central. The shows in question are Drawn Together, The Colbert Report and The Surreal Life on VH1.
There's a fine line between satire and what's offensive when it comes to racial humor. The clips Asian Media Watch are complaining about are feeble attempts at humor that many people will find offensive. I'm almost desensitized to this stuff because it's so common. Take a look at the video links below and you be the judge.
Here's an e-mail I received about Drawn Together:
More Derogotory Depictions from Viacom - Slanted-Eyed Bad Asian Drivers
Asian Media Watch
Yet another offensive portrayal masquerading as entertainment, this time from Viacom/Comedy Central's Drawn Together. Despite being a cartoon, Drawn Together has a Mature Audience (MA) rating and targets young adult viewers. MA rated programs from Comedy Central have included sexually explicit content and profanity.
Watch the video:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/drawntogether/
ABOUT DRAWN TOGETHER
Drawn Together airs on Comedy Central, part of MTV Networks owned by Viacom -- the same company that brings you reruns of Banzai, Stephen Colbert's "Ching-Chong Ding Dong" caricature, and actors in yellowface in Surreal Life, and the Asian gibberish speaking, Middle Eastern "towelheads", and "F.A.G." puppets of Team America: World Police.
Here's the letter to Sumner:
December 16, 2005
Sumner M. Redstone
Chairman and CEO
Viacom
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Re: Racially derogatory Viacom programming and lack of employment diversity in Viacom network primetime
On behalf of the readers and supporters of Asian Media Watch, I am writing to express my disgust over yet another racially derogatory broadcast by a Viacom company. On November 8, 2005, Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report (Comedy Central/MTV Networks) made an offensive imitation of a "coolie" -- After requesting a cup of tea, Mr. Colbert acted and spoke in a fake Asian accent, broken English, and vulgar mannerisms. Colbert's revolting behavior promotes racist attitudes towards Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry.
Quote: [In a mock Asian accent] "I ruv tea. Is so good for you. You so pretty American girl. You come here. You kiss my tea make it all sweet. I no need no sugar when you around. Come on my rickshaw I give you ride to Bangkok [He then sings "ching-chong" music]" - Stephen Colbert, November 8, 2005
Watch The Colbert Report video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
In addition to this, Viacom has produced other programs that range from the racially insensitive to outright offensive. A Surreal Life (VH1) episode features an extensive segment with actors in yellowface: They wore makeup with grossly accentuated slanted eyes, and spoke in fake Asian accents and broken English. Hollywood has a history of bias against actors of color. Due to anti-miscegenation laws and the prevailing American attitudes of the time, Hollywood cast Caucasian actors in yellowface to play Asian roles including derogatory roles in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's. Asian American actors faced hiring discrimination and were relegated to menial and demeaning roles. This episode of Surreal Life is a denigrating reminder of America and Hollywood's disturbing past -- one that that must be acknowledged and that we should be educated on –- And not one to be perpetuated by such Viacom programming.
Watch The Surreal Life video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/surreallife/
Just yesterday, another Comedy Central personality characterized Asian women as prostitutes and stated that (paraphrasing) "if I wanted to see a bunch of Asian women arguing in a catfight, that he would go to his dry cleaner." – Showbiz Show (Comedy Central) Other denigrating Viacom programming includes the negative caricatures in Banzai (Comedy Central), the racist and homophobic portrayals in Team America: World Police (Paramount) targeting children and young adults, and a recent portrayal of an Asian prostitute on Two and a Half Men (CBS).
There is also a disturbing lack of diversity in Viacom primetime television programming. This Fall 2005 season, there are no Asian Pacific American actors in recurring lead roles among CBS's top primetime television programs: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Two and a Half Men, and Without a Trace. There were no Asian Pacific American contestants on Survivor: Guatemala. There is only one APA actor in a recurring supporting role among these programs: Archie Kao on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Research from the Screen Actors Guild, UCLA, and the National Asian Pacific American Media Coalition shows that Asian American actors are under-represented in motion pictures. Viacom’s CBS primetime is a disturbing example this -- the lack of quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans.
Since the 1800's, Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) have made vital social and economic contributions in the building of this nation. APAs have made important contributions to all facets of American life from the Arts and Sciences, popular culture, to government -- serving from city council members to distinguished members of Congress. Yet APAs have historically been subjected to racially discriminatory public policies and practices. The use of broken English and gibberish in a mock Asian accent, and the use of racial epithets continue today to be used to dehumanize and denigrate Americans of Asian Pacific descent. Such behavior perpetuates and reinforces harmful attitudes towards APAs and has encouraged and manifested itself as harassment and violence. Such behavior is particularly damaging to youth. News organizations recently reported that many Asian Pacific American youth regularly face harassment at school. There have also been numerous reports of harassment and violent incidents across the country, sometimes resulting in death, targeting APA youth and adults with racial bias as a factor.
I hope that Viacom will take substantive remedial action – beyond calls from public relations representatives, attempts to justify such programming as “cutting edge", "satire," or that you "don't mean to offend". There is no place in popular entertainment for such negative portrayals and characterizations given the historical and present day lack of diversity and quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans. A few days after Mr. Colbert’s Nov. 8 broadcast, he intentionally rebroadcast his offensive behavior, immediately following it with an insincere apology, and by airing another offensive segment. In Colbert’s own words, he followed and referred to his own verbal "apology" by saying that "Talk is cheap." I fully agree.
Asian Pacific Americans are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States with rapidly growing consumer power, higher median household income, and higher rates of attaining college degrees than the general population. By under-representing and misrepresenting Asian Pacific Americans, your company is also alienating a key consumer segment while promoting hatred and bigotry.
I urge Viacom to take positive proactive steps to remedy the history of Hollywood prejudice and discrimination, and follow the lead examples of your peers by featuring quality APA roles in shows such as Crossing Jordan, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC and Lost and Grey’s Anatomy on ABC. Reverse the era of war propaganda films featuring people of Asian descent as "ching-chong" speaking "chinks", "japs", "gooks", and "coolies"; yellowface; blatant racially derogatory portrayals; and discriminatory hiring practices.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response and to hearing about the actions that Viacom companies will take in the upcoming television season.
ABOUT VIACOM
Viacom is one of the world's largest media companies with over $20 billion in annual sales. Its companies include:
Television Networks - CBS Broadcasting, United Paramount Network (UPN), Black Entertainment Television (BET), MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodean , Country Music Television, Spike TV, Comedy Central, TV Land), Showtime Networks (Showtime, The Movie Channel, FLIX, Sundance)
Television and Film Production - CBS Enterprises, King World Productions, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Network Television, Paramount Home Entertainment
Radio - Infinity Broadcasting
Publishing - Simon & Schuster
Contact information and online e-mail form:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
ABOUT ASIAN MEDIA WATCH
Asian Media Watch (http://www.asianmediawatch.net and .org) is an independent non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to promoting a diverse, fair, and balanced portrayal of Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander descent in the media and entertainment industry.
Posted by harry at 9:45 AM | Comments (18)
The group Asian Media Watch is circulating an open letter to Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone protesting what it says is racially derogatory programming on MTV and Comedy Central. The shows in question are Drawn Together, The Colbert Report and The Surreal Life on VH1.
There's a fine line between satire and what's offensive when it comes to racial humor. The clips Asian Media Watch are complaining about are feeble attempts at humor that many people will find offensive. I'm almost desensitized to this stuff because it's so common. Take a look at the video links below and you be the judge.
Here's an e-mail I received about Drawn Together:
More Derogotory Depictions from Viacom - Slanted-Eyed Bad Asian Drivers
Asian Media Watch
Yet another offensive portrayal masquerading as entertainment, this time from Viacom/Comedy Central's Drawn Together. Despite being a cartoon, Drawn Together has a Mature Audience (MA) rating and targets young adult viewers. MA rated programs from Comedy Central have included sexually explicit content and profanity.
Watch the video:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/drawntogether/
ABOUT DRAWN TOGETHER
Drawn Together airs on Comedy Central, part of MTV Networks owned by Viacom -- the same company that brings you reruns of Banzai, Stephen Colbert's "Ching-Chong Ding Dong" caricature, and actors in yellowface in Surreal Life, and the Asian gibberish speaking, Middle Eastern "towelheads", and "F.A.G." puppets of Team America: World Police.
Here's the letter to Sumner:
December 16, 2005
Sumner M. Redstone
Chairman and CEO
Viacom
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Re: Racially derogatory Viacom programming and lack of employment diversity in Viacom network primetime
On behalf of the readers and supporters of Asian Media Watch, I am writing to express my disgust over yet another racially derogatory broadcast by a Viacom company. On November 8, 2005, Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report (Comedy Central/MTV Networks) made an offensive imitation of a "coolie" -- After requesting a cup of tea, Mr. Colbert acted and spoke in a fake Asian accent, broken English, and vulgar mannerisms. Colbert's revolting behavior promotes racist attitudes towards Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry.
Quote: [In a mock Asian accent] "I ruv tea. Is so good for you. You so pretty American girl. You come here. You kiss my tea make it all sweet. I no need no sugar when you around. Come on my rickshaw I give you ride to Bangkok [He then sings "ching-chong" music]" - Stephen Colbert, November 8, 2005
Watch The Colbert Report video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
In addition to this, Viacom has produced other programs that range from the racially insensitive to outright offensive. A Surreal Life (VH1) episode features an extensive segment with actors in yellowface: They wore makeup with grossly accentuated slanted eyes, and spoke in fake Asian accents and broken English. Hollywood has a history of bias against actors of color. Due to anti-miscegenation laws and the prevailing American attitudes of the time, Hollywood cast Caucasian actors in yellowface to play Asian roles including derogatory roles in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's. Asian American actors faced hiring discrimination and were relegated to menial and demeaning roles. This episode of Surreal Life is a denigrating reminder of America and Hollywood's disturbing past -- one that that must be acknowledged and that we should be educated on –- And not one to be perpetuated by such Viacom programming.
Watch The Surreal Life video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/surreallife/
Just yesterday, another Comedy Central personality characterized Asian women as prostitutes and stated that (paraphrasing) "if I wanted to see a bunch of Asian women arguing in a catfight, that he would go to his dry cleaner." – Showbiz Show (Comedy Central) Other denigrating Viacom programming includes the negative caricatures in Banzai (Comedy Central), the racist and homophobic portrayals in Team America: World Police (Paramount) targeting children and young adults, and a recent portrayal of an Asian prostitute on Two and a Half Men (CBS).
There is also a disturbing lack of diversity in Viacom primetime television programming. This Fall 2005 season, there are no Asian Pacific American actors in recurring lead roles among CBS's top primetime television programs: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Two and a Half Men, and Without a Trace. There were no Asian Pacific American contestants on Survivor: Guatemala. There is only one APA actor in a recurring supporting role among these programs: Archie Kao on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Research from the Screen Actors Guild, UCLA, and the National Asian Pacific American Media Coalition shows that Asian American actors are under-represented in motion pictures. Viacom’s CBS primetime is a disturbing example this -- the lack of quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans.
Since the 1800's, Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) have made vital social and economic contributions in the building of this nation. APAs have made important contributions to all facets of American life from the Arts and Sciences, popular culture, to government -- serving from city council members to distinguished members of Congress. Yet APAs have historically been subjected to racially discriminatory public policies and practices. The use of broken English and gibberish in a mock Asian accent, and the use of racial epithets continue today to be used to dehumanize and denigrate Americans of Asian Pacific descent. Such behavior perpetuates and reinforces harmful attitudes towards APAs and has encouraged and manifested itself as harassment and violence. Such behavior is particularly damaging to youth. News organizations recently reported that many Asian Pacific American youth regularly face harassment at school. There have also been numerous reports of harassment and violent incidents across the country, sometimes resulting in death, targeting APA youth and adults with racial bias as a factor.
I hope that Viacom will take substantive remedial action – beyond calls from public relations representatives, attempts to justify such programming as “cutting edge", "satire," or that you "don't mean to offend". There is no place in popular entertainment for such negative portrayals and characterizations given the historical and present day lack of diversity and quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans. A few days after Mr. Colbert’s Nov. 8 broadcast, he intentionally rebroadcast his offensive behavior, immediately following it with an insincere apology, and by airing another offensive segment. In Colbert’s own words, he followed and referred to his own verbal "apology" by saying that "Talk is cheap." I fully agree.
Asian Pacific Americans are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States with rapidly growing consumer power, higher median household income, and higher rates of attaining college degrees than the general population. By under-representing and misrepresenting Asian Pacific Americans, your company is also alienating a key consumer segment while promoting hatred and bigotry.
I urge Viacom to take positive proactive steps to remedy the history of Hollywood prejudice and discrimination, and follow the lead examples of your peers by featuring quality APA roles in shows such as Crossing Jordan, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC and Lost and Grey’s Anatomy on ABC. Reverse the era of war propaganda films featuring people of Asian descent as "ching-chong" speaking "chinks", "japs", "gooks", and "coolies"; yellowface; blatant racially derogatory portrayals; and discriminatory hiring practices.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response and to hearing about the actions that Viacom companies will take in the upcoming television season.
ABOUT VIACOM
Viacom is one of the world's largest media companies with over $20 billion in annual sales. Its companies include:
Television Networks - CBS Broadcasting, United Paramount Network (UPN), Black Entertainment Television (BET), MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodean , Country Music Television, Spike TV, Comedy Central, TV Land), Showtime Networks (Showtime, The Movie Channel, FLIX, Sundance)
Television and Film Production - CBS Enterprises, King World Productions, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Network Television, Paramount Home Entertainment
Radio - Infinity Broadcasting
Publishing - Simon & Schuster
Contact information and online e-mail form:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
ABOUT ASIAN MEDIA WATCH
Asian Media Watch (http://www.asianmediawatch.net and .org) is an independent non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to promoting a diverse, fair, and balanced portrayal of Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander descent in the media and entertainment industry.
Posted by harry at 9:45 AM | Comments (18)
The group Asian Media Watch is circulating an open letter to Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone protesting what it says is racially derogatory programming on MTV and Comedy Central. The shows in question are Drawn Together, The Colbert Report and The Surreal Life on VH1.
There's a fine line between satire and what's offensive when it comes to racial humor. The clips Asian Media Watch are complaining about are feeble attempts at humor that many people will find offensive. I'm almost desensitized to this stuff because it's so common. Take a look at the video links below and you be the judge.
Here's an e-mail I received about Drawn Together:
More Derogotory Depictions from Viacom - Slanted-Eyed Bad Asian Drivers
Asian Media Watch
Yet another offensive portrayal masquerading as entertainment, this time from Viacom/Comedy Central's Drawn Together. Despite being a cartoon, Drawn Together has a Mature Audience (MA) rating and targets young adult viewers. MA rated programs from Comedy Central have included sexually explicit content and profanity.
Watch the video:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/drawntogether/
ABOUT DRAWN TOGETHER
Drawn Together airs on Comedy Central, part of MTV Networks owned by Viacom -- the same company that brings you reruns of Banzai, Stephen Colbert's "Ching-Chong Ding Dong" caricature, and actors in yellowface in Surreal Life, and the Asian gibberish speaking, Middle Eastern "towelheads", and "F.A.G." puppets of Team America: World Police.
Here's the letter to Sumner:
December 16, 2005
Sumner M. Redstone
Chairman and CEO
Viacom
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Re: Racially derogatory Viacom programming and lack of employment diversity in Viacom network primetime
On behalf of the readers and supporters of Asian Media Watch, I am writing to express my disgust over yet another racially derogatory broadcast by a Viacom company. On November 8, 2005, Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report (Comedy Central/MTV Networks) made an offensive imitation of a "coolie" -- After requesting a cup of tea, Mr. Colbert acted and spoke in a fake Asian accent, broken English, and vulgar mannerisms. Colbert's revolting behavior promotes racist attitudes towards Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry.
Quote: [In a mock Asian accent] "I ruv tea. Is so good for you. You so pretty American girl. You come here. You kiss my tea make it all sweet. I no need no sugar when you around. Come on my rickshaw I give you ride to Bangkok [He then sings "ching-chong" music]" - Stephen Colbert, November 8, 2005
Watch The Colbert Report video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
In addition to this, Viacom has produced other programs that range from the racially insensitive to outright offensive. A Surreal Life (VH1) episode features an extensive segment with actors in yellowface: They wore makeup with grossly accentuated slanted eyes, and spoke in fake Asian accents and broken English. Hollywood has a history of bias against actors of color. Due to anti-miscegenation laws and the prevailing American attitudes of the time, Hollywood cast Caucasian actors in yellowface to play Asian roles including derogatory roles in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's. Asian American actors faced hiring discrimination and were relegated to menial and demeaning roles. This episode of Surreal Life is a denigrating reminder of America and Hollywood's disturbing past -- one that that must be acknowledged and that we should be educated on - And not one to be perpetuated by such Viacom programming.
Watch The Surreal Life video at:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/surreallife/
Just yesterday, another Comedy Central personality characterized Asian women as prostitutes and stated that (paraphrasing) "if I wanted to see a bunch of Asian women arguing in a catfight, that he would go to his dry cleaner." Showbiz Show (Comedy Central) Other denigrating Viacom programming includes the negative caricatures in Banzai (Comedy Central), the racist and homophobic portrayals in Team America: World Police (Paramount) targeting children and young adults, and a recent portrayal of an Asian prostitute on Two and a Half Men (CBS).
There is also a disturbing lack of diversity in Viacom primetime television programming. This Fall 2005 season, there are no Asian Pacific American actors in recurring lead roles among CBS's top primetime television programs: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Two and a Half Men, and Without a Trace. There were no Asian Pacific American contestants on Survivor: Guatemala. There is only one APA actor in a recurring supporting role among these programs: Archie Kao on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Research from the Screen Actors Guild, UCLA, and the National Asian Pacific American Media Coalition shows that Asian American actors are under-represented in motion pictures. Viacoms CBS primetime is a disturbing example this -- the lack of quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans.
Since the 1800's, Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) have made vital social and economic contributions in the building of this nation. APAs have made important contributions to all facets of American life from the Arts and Sciences, popular culture, to government -- serving from city council members to distinguished members of Congress. Yet APAs have historically been subjected to racially discriminatory public policies and practices. The use of broken English and gibberish in a mock Asian accent, and the use of racial epithets continue today to be used to dehumanize and denigrate Americans of Asian Pacific descent. Such behavior perpetuates and reinforces harmful attitudes towards APAs and has encouraged and manifested itself as harassment and violence. Such behavior is particularly damaging to youth. News organizations recently reported that many Asian Pacific American youth regularly face harassment at school. There have also been numerous reports of harassment and violent incidents across the country, sometimes resulting in death, targeting APA youth and adults with racial bias as a factor.
I hope that Viacom will take substantive remedial action beyond calls from public relations representatives, attempts to justify such programming as cutting edge", "satire," or that you "don't mean to offend". There is no place in popular entertainment for such negative portrayals and characterizations given the historical and present day lack of diversity and quality roles for Asian Pacific Americans. A few days after Mr. Colberts Nov. 8 broadcast, he intentionally rebroadcast his offensive behavior, immediately following it with an insincere apology, and by airing another offensive segment. In Colberts own words, he followed and referred to his own verbal "apology" by saying that "Talk is cheap." I fully agree.
Asian Pacific Americans are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States with rapidly growing consumer power, higher median household income, and higher rates of attaining college degrees than the general population. By under-representing and misrepresenting Asian Pacific Americans, your company is also alienating a key consumer segment while promoting hatred and bigotry.
I urge Viacom to take positive proactive steps to remedy the history of Hollywood prejudice and discrimination, and follow the lead examples of your peers by featuring quality APA roles in shows such as Crossing Jordan, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC and Lost and Greys Anatomy on ABC. Reverse the era of war propaganda films featuring people of Asian descent as "ching-chong" speaking "chinks", "japs", "gooks", and "coolies"; yellowface; blatant racially derogatory portrayals; and discriminatory hiring practices.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response and to hearing about the actions that Viacom companies will take in the upcoming television season.
ABOUT VIACOM
Viacom is one of the world's largest media companies with over $20 billion in annual sales. Its companies include:
Television Networks - CBS Broadcasting, United Paramount Network (UPN), Black Entertainment Television (BET), MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodean , Country Music Television, Spike TV, Comedy Central, TV Land), Showtime Networks (Showtime, The Movie Channel, FLIX, Sundance)
Television and Film Production - CBS Enterprises, King World Productions, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Network Television, Paramount Home Entertainment
Radio - Infinity Broadcasting
Publishing - Simon & Schuster
Contact information and online e-mail form:
http://www.asianmediawatch.net/colbert/
ABOUT ASIAN MEDIA WATCH
Asian Media Watch (http://www.asianmediawatch.net and .org) is an independent non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to promoting a diverse, fair, and balanced portrayal of Americans of Asian/Pacific Islander descent in the media and entertainment industry.
Posted by harry at 9:45 AM | Comments (18)
Maintaining culture through language is important, but maybe a translation would be better in this case.
Posted by Seng at 12:01 AM | Comments (4)
Maintaining culture through language is important, but maybe a translation would be better in this case.
Posted by Seng at 12:01 AM | Comments (4)
Maintaining culture through language is important, but maybe a translation would be better in this case.
Posted by Seng at 12:01 AM | Comments (4)
Yesterday I injured myself snowboarding. It wasn't one of those, ‘There’s a tree in front of me, I’d better turn. Hmm, I’m not turning. Oh, now I’m crashing.’ mistakes where you get to dread the possible consequences and visualize your impact before it happens; it was more like, ‘Whuh? Oh, crap.’ where you realize the moment you're about to be launched in the air that you can’t do anything but relax and experience the consequences of your lack of foresight. It’s hard to say whether it was my left foot that stayed in place while everything else twisted around it or whether the rotations were shared equally as my left foot headed clockwise while my left leg, right leg, right foot, upper body and snowboard turned counterclockwise; regardless, the end result was the same: my left ankle was not feeling so good. Snowboard boots provide excellent compression, however, so I stuck it out on the hill for a few more runs.
Excellent visibility near the top of the hill
When I got to my grandmother’s today, she presented me with a selection of traditional remedies including one that my mother translated as being for kung fu practitioners. Sweet. After a couple hours of application, it made sense- I was feeling no pain. I could get kicked, punched and whacked with a stick all day long and I was good to go as long as I had a few of these patches on. (She later re-translated it as something more along the lines of, “for holistic healing practices”. Shucks.)
So what’s wrong with no pain, you might ask. Well, I don’t consider myself a masochist, but I believe that pain exists for a reason. A bunch of reasons, actually, but one I really appreciate is the way it tells me how close my body is to working correctly again. It may be the control freak in me- when I don’t get that feedback when I’m supposed to, I start to worry. Like playing with a loose tooth, I am fascinated by seeing how far I can nudge that line of discomfort before my body tells me, ‘Hey, dummy! Stop it!’ I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way and isn't in therapy. Right?
In any case, as we did in issue 7, here’s the breakdown:
Remedy: Tienchi Huo Luo Bruise Analgesic Plaster (one of many brands of ‘plaster’)
Ailment: (from the packaging) Rheumatic pains, Muscular Aches, Sciatica, Lumbago Backache, Neuralgia, Bruise & sprain
Origin: Chinese
Directions: Cut to size, peel and stick, when they’re done, they fall off by themselves
Smell factor: none, but these were a few years old (full-strength must be incredible)
Effective?: Maybe a little too effective. Like something out of a William Gibson novel, these ‘derms’ make you feel a little detached from your body. ••••o (4 out of 5 stars)
Plaster- not just for house construction anymore. (price is in HK$)
The application- looks like fruit roll-ups, feels like Vicodin.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
Yesterday I injured myself snowboarding. It wasn't one of those, ‘There’s a tree in front of me, I’d better turn. Hmm, I’m not turning. Oh, now I’m crashing.’ mistakes where you get to dread the possible consequences and visualize your impact before it happens; it was more like, ‘Whuh? Oh, crap.’ where you realize the moment you're about to be launched in the air that you can’t do anything but relax and experience the consequences of your lack of foresight. It’s hard to say whether it was my left foot that stayed in place while everything else twisted around it or whether the rotations were shared equally as my left foot headed clockwise while my left leg, right leg, right foot, upper body and snowboard turned counterclockwise; regardless, the end result was the same: my left ankle was not feeling so good. Snowboard boots provide excellent compression, however, so I stuck it out on the hill for a few more runs.
Excellent visibility near the top of the hill
When I got to my grandmother’s today, she presented me with a selection of traditional remedies including one that my mother translated as being for kung fu practitioners. Sweet. After a couple hours of application, it made sense- I was feeling no pain. I could get kicked, punched and whacked with a stick all day long and I was good to go as long as I had a few of these patches on. (She later re-translated it as something more along the lines of, “for holistic healing practices”. Shucks.)
So what’s wrong with no pain, you might ask. Well, I don’t consider myself a masochist, but I believe that pain exists for a reason. A bunch of reasons, actually, but one I really appreciate is the way it tells me how close my body is to working correctly again. It may be the control freak in me- when I don’t get that feedback when I’m supposed to, I start to worry. Like playing with a loose tooth, I am fascinated by seeing how far I can nudge that line of discomfort before my body tells me, ‘Hey, dummy! Stop it!’ I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way and isn't in therapy. Right?
In any case, as we did in issue 7, here’s the breakdown:
Remedy: Tienchi Huo Luo Bruise Analgesic Plaster (one of many brands of ‘plaster’)
Ailment: (from the packaging) Rheumatic pains, Muscular Aches, Sciatica, Lumbago Backache, Neuralgia, Bruise & sprain
Origin: Chinese
Directions: Cut to size, peel and stick, when they’re done, they fall off by themselves
Smell factor: none, but these were a few years old (full-strength must be incredible)
Effective?: Maybe a little too effective. Like something out of a William Gibson novel, these ‘derms’ make you feel a little detached from your body. ••••o (4 out of 5 stars)
Plaster- not just for house construction anymore. (price is in HK$)
The application- looks like fruit roll-ups, feels like Vicodin.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
Yesterday I injured myself snowboarding. It wasn't one of those, Theres a tree in front of me, Id better turn. Hmm, Im not turning. Oh, now Im crashing. mistakes where you get to dread the possible consequences and visualize your impact before it happens; it was more like, Whuh? Oh, crap. where you realize the moment you're about to be launched in the air that you cant do anything but relax and experience the consequences of your lack of foresight. Its hard to say whether it was my left foot that stayed in place while everything else twisted around it or whether the rotations were shared equally as my left foot headed clockwise while my left leg, right leg, right foot, upper body and snowboard turned counterclockwise; regardless, the end result was the same: my left ankle was not feeling so good. Snowboard boots provide excellent compression, however, so I stuck it out on the hill for a few more runs.
Excellent visibility near the top of the hill
When I got to my grandmothers today, she presented me with a selection of traditional remedies including one that my mother translated as being for kung fu practitioners. Sweet. After a couple hours of application, it made sense- I was feeling no pain. I could get kicked, punched and whacked with a stick all day long and I was good to go as long as I had a few of these patches on. (She later re-translated it as something more along the lines of, for holistic healing practices. Shucks.)
So whats wrong with no pain, you might ask. Well, I dont consider myself a masochist, but I believe that pain exists for a reason. A bunch of reasons, actually, but one I really appreciate is the way it tells me how close my body is to working correctly again. It may be the control freak in me- when I dont get that feedback when Im supposed to, I start to worry. Like playing with a loose tooth, I am fascinated by seeing how far I can nudge that line of discomfort before my body tells me, Hey, dummy! Stop it! I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way and isn't in therapy. Right?
In any case, as we did in issue 7, heres the breakdown:
Remedy: Tienchi Huo Luo Bruise Analgesic Plaster (one of many brands of plaster)
Ailment: (from the packaging) Rheumatic pains, Muscular Aches, Sciatica, Lumbago Backache, Neuralgia, Bruise & sprain
Origin: Chinese
Directions: Cut to size, peel and stick, when theyre done, they fall off by themselves
Smell factor: none, but these were a few years old (full-strength must be incredible)
Effective?: Maybe a little too effective. Like something out of a William Gibson novel, these derms make you feel a little detached from your body. o (4 out of 5 stars)
Plaster- not just for house construction anymore. (price is in HK$)
The application- looks like fruit roll-ups, feels like Vicodin.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
I first read David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice months ago, actually. But of course, a blog about it is so much more timely now.
Sedaris is the author of Me Talk Pretty One Day, a collection of short stories which won me over immediately with its totally dysfunctional, self-deprecating humor. Plumbs the riches of growing up a gay man in North Carolina. The first story -- oh, you've got to read it. I don't want to give it away.
So clearly I've been a fan. Which is why it really smarted to pick up his holiday collection of stories (and c'mon, I don't pick up holiday collections of anything), only to be brought up short by some old school, unsophisticated, not-even-funny, just plain racism.
I'm reading along, there are elves and department store santas, and then with no warning -- the story is called "Season's Greetings to our Friends and Family!!!" for chrissake, not "Holiday Slutty Gooks" -- there she is: The Vietnam whore.
She has infiltrated the hapless household of her Vietnam Vet father, who is now married with three children, and traipses around the house in her underwear trying to seduce both her half-brother and her own *father* in broken English. Granted, the story is narrated by the hysterical white housewife, hardly a sympathetic figure herself as portrayed here, and Sedaris's style is definitely to exaggerate everything.
However, I'd believed in my heart of hearts that as a gay man, he'd be a little more savvy to the differences between satire and bigoted caricature. So what are the differences? Certainly, there's the difference between making fun of your own -- culture, family, nation -- and someone else's. Membership has its privileges, and critique is the highest of these. (Actually, I believe thoughtful critique is the highest *duty* of membership, but that's for another day.) Not least because, I presume, when you make fun of what's yours, it's from a position of understanding it rather well, of being inextricably emotionally attached to it, and even of being implicated by your own critique. When you make fun of what is someone else's, none of the above necessariily apply, and in their absence, criticism often fails to be nuanced, or complex, or sympathetic. It's just mockery, simple and mean.
How do I know that Sedaris knows nothing about -- and worse, cares nothing to know about -- who and what a Vietnamese character might be? He has named the whore-child "Khe Sahn." These are not Vietnamese names. They're not even Vietnamese spellings. (You never see "h" before "n" in Vietnamese -- it's always "n" before "h." "Anh" is Vietnamese; "Ahn" is not. "Sahn" is nothing.) Would it have been that hard to find a Vietnamese name? Ask a Vietnamese person? Rather than feel entitled to make one up? Not that that would've made the story better, to have a properly spelled name for the gook. But it's pretty damning when an experienced author can't be bothered to do a little Googling, because it matters so little to him to get it right.
Thanks, David. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Posted by erin at 2:36 AM | Comments (5)
I first read David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice months ago, actually. But of course, a blog about it is so much more timely now.
Sedaris is the author of Me Talk Pretty One Day, a collection of short stories which won me over immediately with its totally dysfunctional, self-deprecating humor. Plumbs the riches of growing up a gay man in North Carolina. The first story -- oh, you've got to read it. I don't want to give it away.
So clearly I've been a fan. Which is why it really smarted to pick up his holiday collection of stories (and c'mon, I don't pick up holiday collections of anything), only to be brought up short by some old school, unsophisticated, not-even-funny, just plain racism.
I'm reading along, there are elves and department store santas, and then with no warning -- the story is called "Season's Greetings to our Friends and Family!!!" for chrissake, not "Holiday Slutty Gooks" -- there she is: The Vietnam whore.
She has infiltrated the hapless household of her Vietnam Vet father, who is now married with three children, and traipses around the house in her underwear trying to seduce both her half-brother and her own *father* in broken English. Granted, the story is narrated by the hysterical white housewife, hardly a sympathetic figure herself as portrayed here, and Sedaris's style is definitely to exaggerate everything.
However, I'd believed in my heart of hearts that as a gay man, he'd be a little more savvy to the differences between satire and bigoted caricature. So what are the differences? Certainly, there's the difference between making fun of your own -- culture, family, nation -- and someone else's. Membership has its privileges, and critique is the highest of these. (Actually, I believe thoughtful critique is the highest *duty* of membership, but that's for another day.) Not least because, I presume, when you make fun of what's yours, it's from a position of understanding it rather well, of being inextricably emotionally attached to it, and even of being implicated by your own critique. When you make fun of what is someone else's, none of the above necessariily apply, and in their absence, criticism often fails to be nuanced, or complex, or sympathetic. It's just mockery, simple and mean.
How do I know that Sedaris knows nothing about -- and worse, cares nothing to know about -- who and what a Vietnamese character might be? He has named the whore-child "Khe Sahn." These are not Vietnamese names. They're not even Vietnamese spellings. (You never see "h" before "n" in Vietnamese -- it's always "n" before "h." "Anh" is Vietnamese; "Ahn" is not. "Sahn" is nothing.) Would it have been that hard to find a Vietnamese name? Ask a Vietnamese person? Rather than feel entitled to make one up? Not that that would've made the story better, to have a properly spelled name for the gook. But it's pretty damning when an experienced author can't be bothered to do a little Googling, because it matters so little to him to get it right.
Thanks, David. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Posted by erin at 2:36 AM | Comments (5)
I first read David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice months ago, actually. But of course, a blog about it is so much more timely now.
Sedaris is the author of Me Talk Pretty One Day, a collection of short stories which won me over immediately with its totally dysfunctional, self-deprecating humor. Plumbs the riches of growing up a gay man in North Carolina. The first story -- oh, you've got to read it. I don't want to give it away.
So clearly I've been a fan. Which is why it really smarted to pick up his holiday collection of stories (and c'mon, I don't pick up holiday collections of anything), only to be brought up short by some old school, unsophisticated, not-even-funny, just plain racism.
I'm reading along, there are elves and department store santas, and then with no warning -- the story is called "Season's Greetings to our Friends and Family!!!" for chrissake, not "Holiday Slutty Gooks" -- there she is: The Vietnam whore.
She has infiltrated the hapless household of her Vietnam Vet father, who is now married with three children, and traipses around the house in her underwear trying to seduce both her half-brother and her own *father* in broken English. Granted, the story is narrated by the hysterical white housewife, hardly a sympathetic figure herself as portrayed here, and Sedaris's style is definitely to exaggerate everything.
However, I'd believed in my heart of hearts that as a gay man, he'd be a little more savvy to the differences between satire and bigoted caricature. So what are the differences? Certainly, there's the difference between making fun of your own -- culture, family, nation -- and someone else's. Membership has its privileges, and critique is the highest of these. (Actually, I believe thoughtful critique is the highest *duty* of membership, but that's for another day.) Not least because, I presume, when you make fun of what's yours, it's from a position of understanding it rather well, of being inextricably emotionally attached to it, and even of being implicated by your own critique. When you make fun of what is someone else's, none of the above necessariily apply, and in their absence, criticism often fails to be nuanced, or complex, or sympathetic. It's just mockery, simple and mean.
How do I know that Sedaris knows nothing about -- and worse, cares nothing to know about -- who and what a Vietnamese character might be? He has named the whore-child "Khe Sahn." These are not Vietnamese names. They're not even Vietnamese spellings. (You never see "h" before "n" in Vietnamese -- it's always "n" before "h." "Anh" is Vietnamese; "Ahn" is not. "Sahn" is nothing.) Would it have been that hard to find a Vietnamese name? Ask a Vietnamese person? Rather than feel entitled to make one up? Not that that would've made the story better, to have a properly spelled name for the gook. But it's pretty damning when an experienced author can't be bothered to do a little Googling, because it matters so little to him to get it right.
Thanks, David. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Posted by erin at 2:36 AM | Comments (5)
Hullo. Hopefully some groggy, post-holiday blog readers snapped to attention on that one.
Sale. Yup, once a year (and once a year only!) Hyphen reduces our online subscription rates. From the standard $18 for 4 issues (which is already so cheap, we make no money off of it once you cover printing & postage), to $15 (which is actually less than our barest costs of production).
Why do we do it? Subscribers are more important than the money you bring in. Not only because we can (and we do) make up the costs other ways if we have to -- our events make up a lot of our budget. Also because subscribers are how a magazine is measured, by our potential advertisers, by our potential partners. This is how they assess our value to you. But most of all because that's how we assess our value to you. As we get better at what we do, we need to see those efforts reflected in a growing readership, or else it's as if, in this capitalist society, the people have spoken and they don't need what we offer.
Even if that's not necessarily the case, the funny thing about subscriptions is that every issue you print is the last issue of someone's subscription. So with every new issue, we lose a batch of subscribers who, for whatever reason, haven't renewed. This is the classic one step forward, two steps back -- so our subscription base needs to grow two steps with every issue to stay in the same place, and three steps with every issue for Hyphen to grow.
So this is the pitch I make: If Asian Americans want Asian American media, then we need to support it. With word of mouth, with time and love, but at some point, also with money. If you read this blog, and you like this blog, please subscribe. It won't be around if we're not around. Click here or on the Get Hyphen link above. Consider the $15 you spend on a subscription this month -- whether for yourself or for someone else -- a way of giving yourself independent Asian American media in 2006 and beyond. That is, if you want it. And we hope you do.
Posted by erin at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)
Hullo. Hopefully some groggy, post-holiday blog readers snapped to attention on that one.
Sale. Yup, once a year (and once a year only!) Hyphen reduces our online subscription rates. From the standard $18 for 4 issues (which is already so cheap, we make no money off of it once you cover printing & postage), to $15 (which is actually less than our barest costs of production).
Why do we do it? Subscribers are more important than the money you bring in. Not only because we can (and we do) make up the costs other ways if we have to -- our events make up a lot of our budget. Also because subscribers are how a magazine is measured, by our potential advertisers, by our potential partners. This is how they assess our value to you. But most of all because that's how we assess our value to you. As we get better at what we do, we need to see those efforts reflected in a growing readership, or else it's as if, in this capitalist society, the people have spoken and they don't need what we offer.
Even if that's not necessarily the case, the funny thing about subscriptions is that every issue you print is the last issue of someone's subscription. So with every new issue, we lose a batch of subscribers who, for whatever reason, haven't renewed. This is the classic one step forward, two steps back -- so our subscription base needs to grow two steps with every issue to stay in the same place, and three steps with every issue for Hyphen to grow.
So this is the pitch I make: If Asian Americans want Asian American media, then we need to support it. With word of mouth, with time and love, but at some point, also with money. If you read this blog, and you like this blog, please subscribe. It won't be around if we're not around. Click here or on the Get Hyphen link above. Consider the $15 you spend on a subscription this month -- whether for yourself or for someone else -- a way of giving yourself independent Asian American media in 2006 and beyond. That is, if you want it. And we hope you do.
Posted by erin at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)
Hullo. Hopefully some groggy, post-holiday blog readers snapped to attention on that one.
Sale. Yup, once a year (and once a year only!) Hyphen reduces our online subscription rates. From the standard $18 for 4 issues (which is already so cheap, we make no money off of it once you cover printing & postage), to $15 (which is actually less than our barest costs of production).
Why do we do it? Subscribers are more important than the money you bring in. Not only because we can (and we do) make up the costs other ways if we have to -- our events make up a lot of our budget. Also because subscribers are how a magazine is measured, by our potential advertisers, by our potential partners. This is how they assess our value to you. But most of all because that's how we assess our value to you. As we get better at what we do, we need to see those efforts reflected in a growing readership, or else it's as if, in this capitalist society, the people have spoken and they don't need what we offer.
Even if that's not necessarily the case, the funny thing about subscriptions is that every issue you print is the last issue of someone's subscription. So with every new issue, we lose a batch of subscribers who, for whatever reason, haven't renewed. This is the classic one step forward, two steps back -- so our subscription base needs to grow two steps with every issue to stay in the same place, and three steps with every issue for Hyphen to grow.
So this is the pitch I make: If Asian Americans want Asian American media, then we need to support it. With word of mouth, with time and love, but at some point, also with money. If you read this blog, and you like this blog, please subscribe. It won't be around if we're not around. Click here or on the Get Hyphen link above. Consider the $15 you spend on a subscription this month -- whether for yourself or for someone else -- a way of giving yourself independent Asian American media in 2006 and beyond. That is, if you want it. And we hope you do.
Posted by erin at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)
Here's a Japanese review on Memoirs of a Geisha. The writer seems annoyed at what she calls the "kitschy oriental cliches"
Unfortunately, the whole thing reeks of a souvenir shop extravaganza, like they upended the shelves of Oriental Bazaar right onto the streets.
How about some cliches about Asian women? This story looks at the stereotypes that are perpetuated in the film. Hollywood loves a stereotype or two.
Has anyone seen this thing yet? Can you explain to me why the print ad shows a blue-eyed geisha?
Posted by Melissa at 5:41 PM | Comments (13)
Here's a Japanese review on Memoirs of a Geisha. The writer seems annoyed at what she calls the "kitschy oriental cliches"
Unfortunately, the whole thing reeks of a souvenir shop extravaganza, like they upended the shelves of Oriental Bazaar right onto the streets.
How about some cliches about Asian women? This story looks at the stereotypes that are perpetuated in the film. Hollywood loves a stereotype or two.
Has anyone seen this thing yet? Can you explain to me why the print ad shows a blue-eyed geisha?
Posted by Melissa at 5:41 PM | Comments (13)
Here's a Japanese review on Memoirs of a Geisha. The writer seems annoyed at what she calls the "kitschy oriental cliches"
Unfortunately, the whole thing reeks of a souvenir shop extravaganza, like they upended the shelves of Oriental Bazaar right onto the streets.
How about some cliches about Asian women? This story looks at the stereotypes that are perpetuated in the film. Hollywood loves a stereotype or two.
Has anyone seen this thing yet? Can you explain to me why the print ad shows a blue-eyed geisha?
Posted by Melissa at 5:41 PM | Comments (13)
Photos by Seng Chen
Hyphen Holiday Gift Guide
Goods made by Asian Americans
If you’re anything like us, you’re a last-minute gift shopper. Good thing shopping now is as easy as pointing and clicking. (Let’s say it all together now: What did we do before the Internet?)
Need some last-minute ideas? Hyphen’s here to help. Our first piece of advice? Stay away from the malls. Instead, find that one-of-a-kind present from an independent designer, artist or small business. Throughout the year, Hyphen brings you creative goods in Take Out, our products section. Not only are these items unique, but they are all made by Asian Americans. Here’s some of the items we’ve covered in past issues, as well as some new ones. Now go out there and stuff some stockings.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Adrian Tomine’s comic Optic Nerve #10 was just released and continues the saga of Ben Tanaka, a movie theater manager stumbling through romances. This is the second installment of three, which will eventually be published together as a graphic novel. Buy Adrian’s work at Drawn and Quarterly.
Real life doesn’t get any more visceral than Hamburger Eyes. This photo zine serves as an outlet for a new generation of documentary photographers who carry on the traditions of National Geographic and Life magazines.
Debbie Huey’s graphic novel, Bumberboy Loses his Marbles, is one great adventure. You don’t have to be an avid comics fan, or know diddly about marbles to be swept into Huey’s universe, cheering for Bumperboy and pal Gordy, as they vie for Bubtopia’s grand marble tournament title.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Carol Young’s Undesigned clothing for women has an organic, fluid feel. Her skirts, tops and pants flatter with a look of modern and urban elegance.
Chudo Loo’s 70six offers T-shirts for men and women with an Asian flavor. How about a shirt with a Warhol-like drawing of Nissin's Cup Noodle? Why? Because Cup Noodle hits the spot better than Campbell's Tomato Soup.
Want to make your mark? Get custom monogramming at China Doll which has shirts for the ladies, onesies for the babies, and even tees for your dog.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Founded in 1991 by Philip Lee and Thomas Low, Lee & Low Books is one of the few Asian American-owned publishing houses in the United States. With more than 100 books in print, they specialize in multicultural children’s books for everyone.
Real Kidz are dolls for a real world, a world that is diverse. Each of the Real Kidz’s 17-inch bi-racial dolls is named after a street in a Brooklyn.
Sanjay Patel’s Little India books and posters explains Hindu mythology in the cutest drawings you’ve ever seen. Inspired by Indian miniature painting and influenced by a retro-chic illustration style, this is a who’s who of the Hindu pantheon.
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE BLING
With a flirty touch, Anita Lin and Sara Schwittek handcraft earrings, necklaces and more at Shy Siren. (Use the code HYPHEN to get 15% off!)
Hovey Lee seamlessly combines uncommon elements: ebony wood, purple freshwater pearls that look as if they were shards of a lost volcano, and pieces of coral caught on a silver web. In her designs for men, delectable carnelian ovals and hammered steel settle against the hollows of a masculine throat.
Be prepared to splurge! Jane Ko’s Linea Nervenkitt pairs the Italian word for style with an archaic German term for brain cell. Her collection of jewelry offers necklaces of uneven, delicate chains, and show-stopping earrings of rutiliated quartz, smoldering briolettes and irregularly shaped nuggets.
ASSORTED GOODS & ACCESSORIES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING
We all need a little beauty in our lives. Fortunately for us, there are several little beauties in each box of chocolates from Jin Patisserie.
As a surprise Christmas gift one year, Sun-Min Kim created a plush toy version of her boyfriend’s drawings. And so the Uglydolls were born. Now you can surprise someone yourself with one of these cute monsters.
Poketo wallets are limited edition creations by some of the hottest names in the art scene and the music world. Poketo has collaborated with the Shins and Postal Service, just to drop a few names. Each piece of art is covered with clear vinyl and stitched into a one-of-a-kind billfold. They also have onesies, tees and other wearables with original artwork.
Lin Ong’s Linoleum Bags are a study in texture. Get carried away with one her stylish bags.
Go retro in Kitschnglam aprons, which are form-fitting with flared skirts, sassy sashes and gravity-defying halter tops. In styles with saucy names like “Ivy League,” “Mochi,” and the tongue-in-cheek “Melon Patch,” these aprons invite you to bend over and throw some pre-frozen cookie dough into the oven.
What could be more relaxing than an island-inspired line of yoga-lifestyle clothing? Lily Lotus Hawaii bridges both the whimsical and the ageless, from tees emblazoned with the spiritual Third Eye (in velvet) to “Buddha Is My Om Boy.”
Words by Melissa Hung, Han Phan, Sita Bhaumik, Nish Nadaraja, Cheryl Locke, Eva Chao, Lisa Ko & Jane Liaw
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
Photos by Seng Chen
Hyphen Holiday Gift Guide
Goods made by Asian Americans
If you’re anything like us, you’re a last-minute gift shopper. Good thing shopping now is as easy as pointing and clicking. (Let’s say it all together now: What did we do before the Internet?)
Need some last-minute ideas? Hyphen’s here to help. Our first piece of advice? Stay away from the malls. Instead, find that one-of-a-kind present from an independent designer, artist or small business. Throughout the year, Hyphen brings you creative goods in Take Out, our products section. Not only are these items unique, but they are all made by Asian Americans. Here’s some of the items we’ve covered in past issues, as well as some new ones. Now go out there and stuff some stockings.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Adrian Tomine’s comic Optic Nerve #10 was just released and continues the saga of Ben Tanaka, a movie theater manager stumbling through romances. This is the second installment of three, which will eventually be published together as a graphic novel. Buy Adrian’s work at Drawn and Quarterly.
Real life doesn’t get any more visceral than Hamburger Eyes. This photo zine serves as an outlet for a new generation of documentary photographers who carry on the traditions of National Geographic and Life magazines.
Debbie Huey’s graphic novel, Bumberboy Loses his Marbles, is one great adventure. You don’t have to be an avid comics fan, or know diddly about marbles to be swept into Huey’s universe, cheering for Bumperboy and pal Gordy, as they vie for Bubtopia’s grand marble tournament title.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Carol Young’s Undesigned clothing for women has an organic, fluid feel. Her skirts, tops and pants flatter with a look of modern and urban elegance.
Chudo Loo’s 70six offers T-shirts for men and women with an Asian flavor. How about a shirt with a Warhol-like drawing of Nissin's Cup Noodle? Why? Because Cup Noodle hits the spot better than Campbell's Tomato Soup.
Want to make your mark? Get custom monogramming at China Doll which has shirts for the ladies, onesies for the babies, and even tees for your dog.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Founded in 1991 by Philip Lee and Thomas Low, Lee & Low Books is one of the few Asian American-owned publishing houses in the United States. With more than 100 books in print, they specialize in multicultural children’s books for everyone.
Real Kidz are dolls for a real world, a world that is diverse. Each of the Real Kidz’s 17-inch bi-racial dolls is named after a street in a Brooklyn.
Sanjay Patel’s Little India books and posters explains Hindu mythology in the cutest drawings you’ve ever seen. Inspired by Indian miniature painting and influenced by a retro-chic illustration style, this is a who’s who of the Hindu pantheon.
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE BLING
With a flirty touch, Anita Lin and Sara Schwittek handcraft earrings, necklaces and more at Shy Siren. (Use the code HYPHEN to get 15% off!)
Hovey Lee seamlessly combines uncommon elements: ebony wood, purple freshwater pearls that look as if they were shards of a lost volcano, and pieces of coral caught on a silver web. In her designs for men, delectable carnelian ovals and hammered steel settle against the hollows of a masculine throat.
Be prepared to splurge! Jane Ko’s Linea Nervenkitt pairs the Italian word for style with an archaic German term for brain cell. Her collection of jewelry offers necklaces of uneven, delicate chains, and show-stopping earrings of rutiliated quartz, smoldering briolettes and irregularly shaped nuggets.
ASSORTED GOODS & ACCESSORIES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING
We all need a little beauty in our lives. Fortunately for us, there are several little beauties in each box of chocolates from Jin Patisserie.
As a surprise Christmas gift one year, Sun-Min Kim created a plush toy version of her boyfriend’s drawings. And so the Uglydolls were born. Now you can surprise someone yourself with one of these cute monsters.
Poketo wallets are limited edition creations by some of the hottest names in the art scene and the music world. Poketo has collaborated with the Shins and Postal Service, just to drop a few names. Each piece of art is covered with clear vinyl and stitched into a one-of-a-kind billfold. They also have onesies, tees and other wearables with original artwork.
Lin Ong’s Linoleum Bags are a study in texture. Get carried away with one her stylish bags.
Go retro in Kitschnglam aprons, which are form-fitting with flared skirts, sassy sashes and gravity-defying halter tops. In styles with saucy names like “Ivy League,” “Mochi,” and the tongue-in-cheek “Melon Patch,” these aprons invite you to bend over and throw some pre-frozen cookie dough into the oven.
What could be more relaxing than an island-inspired line of yoga-lifestyle clothing? Lily Lotus Hawaii bridges both the whimsical and the ageless, from tees emblazoned with the spiritual Third Eye (in velvet) to “Buddha Is My Om Boy.”
Words by Melissa Hung, Han Phan, Sita Bhaumik, Nish Nadaraja, Cheryl Locke, Eva Chao, Lisa Ko & Jane Liaw
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
Photos by Seng Chen
Hyphen Holiday Gift Guide
Goods made by Asian Americans
If youre anything like us, youre a last-minute gift shopper. Good thing shopping now is as easy as pointing and clicking. (Lets say it all together now: What did we do before the Internet?)
Need some last-minute ideas? Hyphens here to help. Our first piece of advice? Stay away from the malls. Instead, find that one-of-a-kind present from an independent designer, artist or small business. Throughout the year, Hyphen brings you creative goods in Take Out, our products section. Not only are these items unique, but they are all made by Asian Americans. Heres some of the items weve covered in past issues, as well as some new ones. Now go out there and stuff some stockings.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Adrian Tomines comic Optic Nerve #10 was just released and continues the saga of Ben Tanaka, a movie theater manager stumbling through romances. This is the second installment of three, which will eventually be published together as a graphic novel. Buy Adrians work at Drawn and Quarterly.
Real life doesnt get any more visceral than Hamburger Eyes. This photo zine serves as an outlet for a new generation of documentary photographers who carry on the traditions of National Geographic and Life magazines.
Debbie Hueys graphic novel, Bumberboy Loses his Marbles, is one great adventure. You dont have to be an avid comics fan, or know diddly about marbles to be swept into Hueys universe, cheering for Bumperboy and pal Gordy, as they vie for Bubtopias grand marble tournament title.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Carol Youngs Undesigned clothing for women has an organic, fluid feel. Her skirts, tops and pants flatter with a look of modern and urban elegance.
Chudo Loos 70six offers T-shirts for men and women with an Asian flavor. How about a shirt with a Warhol-like drawing of Nissin's Cup Noodle? Why? Because Cup Noodle hits the spot better than Campbell's Tomato Soup.
Want to make your mark? Get custom monogramming at China Doll which has shirts for the ladies, onesies for the babies, and even tees for your dog.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Founded in 1991 by Philip Lee and Thomas Low, Lee & Low Books is one of the few Asian American-owned publishing houses in the United States. With more than 100 books in print, they specialize in multicultural childrens books for everyone.
Real Kidz are dolls for a real world, a world that is diverse. Each of the Real Kidzs 17-inch bi-racial dolls is named after a street in a Brooklyn.
Sanjay Patels Little India books and posters explains Hindu mythology in the cutest drawings youve ever seen. Inspired by Indian miniature painting and influenced by a retro-chic illustration style, this is a whos who of the Hindu pantheon.
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE BLING
With a flirty touch, Anita Lin and Sara Schwittek handcraft earrings, necklaces and more at Shy Siren. (Use the code HYPHEN to get 15% off!)
Hovey Lee seamlessly combines uncommon elements: ebony wood, purple freshwater pearls that look as if they were shards of a lost volcano, and pieces of coral caught on a silver web. In her designs for men, delectable carnelian ovals and hammered steel settle against the hollows of a masculine throat.
Be prepared to splurge! Jane Kos Linea Nervenkitt pairs the Italian word for style with an archaic German term for brain cell. Her collection of jewelry offers necklaces of uneven, delicate chains, and show-stopping earrings of rutiliated quartz, smoldering briolettes and irregularly shaped nuggets.
ASSORTED GOODS & ACCESSORIES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING
We all need a little beauty in our lives. Fortunately for us, there are several little beauties in each box of chocolates from Jin Patisserie.
As a surprise Christmas gift one year, Sun-Min Kim created a plush toy version of her boyfriends drawings. And so the Uglydolls were born. Now you can surprise someone yourself with one of these cute monsters.
Poketo wallets are limited edition creations by some of the hottest names in the art scene and the music world. Poketo has collaborated with the Shins and Postal Service, just to drop a few names. Each piece of art is covered with clear vinyl and stitched into a one-of-a-kind billfold. They also have onesies, tees and other wearables with original artwork.
Lin Ongs Linoleum Bags are a study in texture. Get carried away with one her stylish bags.
Go retro in Kitschnglam aprons, which are form-fitting with flared skirts, sassy sashes and gravity-defying halter tops. In styles with saucy names like Ivy League, Mochi, and the tongue-in-cheek Melon Patch, these aprons invite you to bend over and throw some pre-frozen cookie dough into the oven.
What could be more relaxing than an island-inspired line of yoga-lifestyle clothing? Lily Lotus Hawaii bridges both the whimsical and the ageless, from tees emblazoned with the spiritual Third Eye (in velvet) to Buddha Is My Om Boy.
Words by Melissa Hung, Han Phan, Sita Bhaumik, Nish Nadaraja, Cheryl Locke, Eva Chao, Lisa Ko & Jane Liaw
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
New Yorkers, the Grace Lee Project opened last night at the Film Forum in New York. If you missed it on the film festival circuit last year, you should check it out! I've been a fan of Grace Lee's work since programming one of her short films in my own little film festival in Houston. The subject for this film is a seemingly simple one. Grace interviews a bunch of other women named Grace Lee, creating a thoughtful and funny exploration of the identity of Asian American women. But don't take my word for it. Here's a New York Times review by Stephen Holden.
Here are the details:
Two weeks only! Dec 14-27
Film Forum
209 W. Houston St., NYC
Screens Daily at 1:15, 3:15, 6;00, 8:15, 10:00
Get yer tickets here.
Grace will also be there in person Friday (tomorrow) for a Q&A after the 8 pm screening
Posted by Melissa at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)
New Yorkers, the Grace Lee Project opened last night at the Film Forum in New York. If you missed it on the film festival circuit last year, you should check it out! I've been a fan of Grace Lee's work since programming one of her short films in my own little film festival in Houston. The subject for this film is a seemingly simple one. Grace interviews a bunch of other women named Grace Lee, creating a thoughtful and funny exploration of the identity of Asian American women. But don't take my word for it. Here's a New York Times review by Stephen Holden.
Here are the details:
Two weeks only! Dec 14-27
Film Forum
209 W. Houston St., NYC
Screens Daily at 1:15, 3:15, 6;00, 8:15, 10:00
Get yer tickets here.
Grace will also be there in person Friday (tomorrow) for a Q&A after the 8 pm screening
Posted by Melissa at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)
New Yorkers, the Grace Lee Project opened last night at the Film Forum in New York. If you missed it on the film festival circuit last year, you should check it out! I've been a fan of Grace Lee's work since programming one of her short films in my own little film festival in Houston. The subject for this film is a seemingly simple one. Grace interviews a bunch of other women named Grace Lee, creating a thoughtful and funny exploration of the identity of Asian American women. But don't take my word for it. Here's a New York Times review by Stephen Holden.
Here are the details:
Two weeks only! Dec 14-27
Film Forum
209 W. Houston St., NYC
Screens Daily at 1:15, 3:15, 6;00, 8:15, 10:00
Get yer tickets here.
Grace will also be there in person Friday (tomorrow) for a Q&A after the 8 pm screening
Posted by Melissa at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)
Hi everyone!
Fellow Hyphen staffers have probably noticed I've been MIA at meetings and events for a little bit. Sorry about that, guys. Contrary to what you might think, I haven't just been sitting on my ass doing nothing :) One of my very best friends, Taylor Pham, is an AMAZING make-up artist, and I've been helping her implement an e-commerce website featuring a brand new line of luxury cosmetics and accessories designed exclusively to enhance the natural beauty of Asian women. Taylor's work has been featured in Modern Bride, San Franciso Magazine, Audrey magazine, Today's Bride, and the Knot (to name a few). Check out her portfolio at facesbytaylor.com.
So, the online shop is finally launched!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. Check it out at: www.thicosmetics.com (Note: the site requires the Flash plugin, but its well worth it .. a lot of really gorgeous pictures -- definitely nice eye candy.)
I've been using her products, and absolutely *love* them, especially the blushes and lip glosses.
I know, I know .. its a bit of a shameless plug, but hey, blame Harry .. he's the one who started talking about launches first ;) (see previous blog entry)
Take care, everyone, and happy holidays!
Posted by my at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)
Hi everyone!
Fellow Hyphen staffers have probably noticed I've been MIA at meetings and events for a little bit. Sorry about that, guys. Contrary to what you might think, I haven't just been sitting on my ass doing nothing :) One of my very best friends, Taylor Pham, is an AMAZING make-up artist, and I've been helping her implement an e-commerce website featuring a brand new line of luxury cosmetics and accessories designed exclusively to enhance the natural beauty of Asian women. Taylor's work has been featured in Modern Bride, San Franciso Magazine, Audrey magazine, Today's Bride, and the Knot (to name a few). Check out her portfolio at facesbytaylor.com.
So, the online shop is finally launched!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. Check it out at: www.thicosmetics.com (Note: the site requires the Flash plugin, but its well worth it .. a lot of really gorgeous pictures -- definitely nice eye candy.)
I've been using her products, and absolutely *love* them, especially the blushes and lip glosses.
I know, I know .. its a bit of a shameless plug, but hey, blame Harry .. he's the one who started talking about launches first ;) (see previous blog entry)
Take care, everyone, and happy holidays!
Posted by my at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)
Hi everyone!
Fellow Hyphen staffers have probably noticed I've been MIA at meetings and events for a little bit. Sorry about that, guys. Contrary to what you might think, I haven't just been sitting on my ass doing nothing :) One of my very best friends, Taylor Pham, is an AMAZING make-up artist, and I've been helping her implement an e-commerce website featuring a brand new line of luxury cosmetics and accessories designed exclusively to enhance the natural beauty of Asian women. Taylor's work has been featured in Modern Bride, San Franciso Magazine, Audrey magazine, Today's Bride, and the Knot (to name a few). Check out her portfolio at facesbytaylor.com.
So, the online shop is finally launched!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. Check it out at: www.thicosmetics.com (Note: the site requires the Flash plugin, but its well worth it .. a lot of really gorgeous pictures -- definitely nice eye candy.)
I've been using her products, and absolutely *love* them, especially the blushes and lip glosses.
I know, I know .. its a bit of a shameless plug, but hey, blame Harry .. he's the one who started talking about launches first ;) (see previous blog entry)
Take care, everyone, and happy holidays!
Posted by my at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)
SAM magazine, which we wrote about in Issue 7, is celebrating its first issue with a launch party Saturday in San Francisco.
The prototype issue was high in the babe quotient, but had a bit to be desired in terms of quality. From the looks of the cover of SAM, the babes are there. We'll have to see about the quality.
There's a number of magazines targeting Asian American women, such as Jade and Audrey, so it's nice to see something for the guys. I just hope SAM can balance the cleavage with enough real content to be taken seriously. Otherwise, it won't be around long.
Posted by harry at 8:29 AM | Comments (36)
SAM magazine, which we wrote about in Issue 7, is celebrating its first issue with a launch party Saturday in San Francisco.
The prototype issue was high in the babe quotient, but had a bit to be desired in terms of quality. From the looks of the cover of SAM, the babes are there. We'll have to see about the quality.
There's a number of magazines targeting Asian American women, such as Jade and Audrey, so it's nice to see something for the guys. I just hope SAM can balance the cleavage with enough real content to be taken seriously. Otherwise, it won't be around long.
Posted by harry at 8:29 AM | Comments (36)
SAM magazine, which we wrote about in Issue 7, is celebrating its first issue with a launch party Saturday in San Francisco.
The prototype issue was high in the babe quotient, but had a bit to be desired in terms of quality. From the looks of the cover of SAM, the babes are there. We'll have to see about the quality.
There's a number of magazines targeting Asian American women, such as Jade and Audrey, so it's nice to see something for the guys. I just hope SAM can balance the cleavage with enough real content to be taken seriously. Otherwise, it won't be around long.
Posted by harry at 8:29 AM | Comments (36)
Thanks to everyone who made it out to our Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday! What a great turnout! Hope y'all had fun and learned a new factoid or two. Special thanks to Bernice Yee, Paul Cruz and John Liau who made this event happen.
Posted by Melissa at 3:01 PM | Comments (1)
Thanks to everyone who made it out to our Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday! What a great turnout! Hope y'all had fun and learned a new factoid or two. Special thanks to Bernice Yee, Paul Cruz and John Liau who made this event happen.
Posted by Melissa at 3:01 PM | Comments (1)
Thanks to everyone who made it out to our Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday! What a great turnout! Hope y'all had fun and learned a new factoid or two. Special thanks to Bernice Yee, Paul Cruz and John Liau who made this event happen.
Posted by Melissa at 3:01 PM | Comments (1)
This is an announcement and shameless self-promotion. But what can you do when you can't afford advertising in other media outets?
Hyphen is hosting a trivia night tomorrow. Click on the guy to the right there. Or you can click here for the info too. We've got some prizes for the winning team, and even if you don't want to play, stay for the party afterwards.
Also, if you're buying anything from Amazon for the holidays, and you want to help Hyphen out a little, please go to the Amazon site from the Hyphen site. All you have to do is click on the Amazon ad that is below in the right-hand column. Hyphen will get a little change for the referral. It's just one small way to help out your friendly neighborhood volunteer-run nonprofit magazine.
OK, now for some news.
There was the stranger, pointing to me, "He is going to blow up the Amtrak!"
The man told police he understood Arabic and had overheard my conversation. He thought I was talking to some terrorist cell when I was chatting with my mother.
Turns out the stranger doesn't speak Arabic at all. I wonder if the police, who Ahmad says were courteous, let the stranger go, or if they can press charges against him for making the whole thing up, like in the run-away bride case. In some places you can be fined for placing false emergency calls.
Posted by Melissa at 11:03 AM | Comments (1)
This is an announcement and shameless self-promotion. But what can you do when you can't afford advertising in other media outets?
Hyphen is hosting a trivia night tomorrow. Click on the guy to the right there. Or you can click here for the info too. We've got some prizes for the winning team, and even if you don't want to play, stay for the party afterwards.
Also, if you're buying anything from Amazon for the holidays, and you want to help Hyphen out a little, please go to the Amazon site from the Hyphen site. All you have to do is click on the Amazon ad that is below in the right-hand column. Hyphen will get a little change for the referral. It's just one small way to help out your friendly neighborhood volunteer-run nonprofit magazine.
OK, now for some news.
There was the stranger, pointing to me, "He is going to blow up the Amtrak!"
The man told police he understood Arabic and had overheard my conversation. He thought I was talking to some terrorist cell when I was chatting with my mother.
Turns out the stranger doesn't speak Arabic at all. I wonder if the police, who Ahmad says were courteous, let the stranger go, or if they can press charges against him for making the whole thing up, like in the run-away bride case. In some places you can be fined for placing false emergency calls.
Posted by Melissa at 11:03 AM | Comments (1)
This is an announcement and shameless self-promotion. But what can you do when you can't afford advertising in other media outets?
Hyphen is hosting a trivia night tomorrow. Click on the guy to the right there. Or you can click here for the info too. We've got some prizes for the winning team, and even if you don't want to play, stay for the party afterwards.
Also, if you're buying anything from Amazon for the holidays, and you want to help Hyphen out a little, please go to the Amazon site from the Hyphen site. All you have to do is click on the Amazon ad that is below in the right-hand column. Hyphen will get a little change for the referral. It's just one small way to help out your friendly neighborhood volunteer-run nonprofit magazine.
OK, now for some news.
There was the stranger, pointing to me, "He is going to blow up the Amtrak!"
The man told police he understood Arabic and had overheard my conversation. He thought I was talking to some terrorist cell when I was chatting with my mother.
Turns out the stranger doesn't speak Arabic at all. I wonder if the police, who Ahmad says were courteous, let the stranger go, or if they can press charges against him for making the whole thing up, like in the run-away bride case. In some places you can be fined for placing false emergency calls.
Posted by Melissa at 11:03 AM | Comments (1)
MTV's new network for Chinese Americans, MTV Chi, went on the air today with Jin's Learn Chinese as its first video. MTV Desi launched earlier this year as part of MTV's effort to reach the Asian American demographic.
MTV K, aimed at Korean Americans is planned for next year. I hope they have a lot of channels. If they want to hit every group, they're going to need a lot of new networks.
Posted by harry at 6:16 PM | Comments (5)
MTV's new network for Chinese Americans, MTV Chi, went on the air today with Jin's Learn Chinese as its first video. MTV Desi launched earlier this year as part of MTV's effort to reach the Asian American demographic.
MTV K, aimed at Korean Americans is planned for next year. I hope they have a lot of channels. If they want to hit every group, they're going to need a lot of new networks.
Posted by harry at 6:16 PM | Comments (5)
MTV's new network for Chinese Americans, MTV Chi, went on the air today with Jin's Learn Chinese as its first video. MTV Desi launched earlier this year as part of MTV's effort to reach the Asian American demographic.
MTV K, aimed at Korean Americans is planned for next year. I hope they have a lot of channels. If they want to hit every group, they're going to need a lot of new networks.
Posted by harry at 6:16 PM | Comments (5)
"I am very glad that the judge agreed Charlene can continue to stand up for her rights. I love and fully support Charlene, but that’s not the case for every gay student out there. The person to decide when and how to talk with our family about her sexual orientation should have been my daughter, not the principal.”
Right on, mom!
Posted by Melissa at 12:29 PM | Comments (4)
"I am very glad that the judge agreed Charlene can continue to stand up for her rights. I love and fully support Charlene, but that’s not the case for every gay student out there. The person to decide when and how to talk with our family about her sexual orientation should have been my daughter, not the principal.”
Right on, mom!
Posted by Melissa at 12:29 PM | Comments (4)
"I am very glad that the judge agreed Charlene can continue to stand up for her rights. I love and fully support Charlene, but thats not the case for every gay student out there. The person to decide when and how to talk with our family about her sexual orientation should have been my daughter, not the principal.
Right on, mom!
Posted by Melissa at 12:29 PM | Comments (4)
I don't want to turn this into a medical TV show blog, but has anyone else noticed that three female Asian American TV characters on hospital shows and have all been romantically involved with African Americans? Not that there's anything wrong with Asian Americans and African Americans dating, but it just seems odd that these characters end up in similar relationships.
Ming-Na's Dr. Chen on ER gave up a baby for adoption whose father was black and dated fellow Dr. Pratt a couple of seasons ago. Also on ER, Paraminder Nagra's Neela Rasgotra character just married Dr. Gallant in last week's episode. In Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh's Dr. Cristina Yang is involved with Dr. Preston Burke.
Hollywood likes repitition, so it must be some sort of carryover from Mississippi Masala, which featured a relationship between Denzel Washington's character and British Indian actress Sarita Choudhury.
I'm not sure what the statistics are for Asian female/African American male couples, but it doesn't appear to be a huge trend. Maybe it's just a coincidence that those three make-believe Asian female doctors happen to be romatically linked to African American characters.
Like Melissa said in her post, I also Asian Spot when watching TV, and with so few Asian Americans (especially men), I pay attention to how the characters are portrayed and who they're jumping into bed with. The commonalities for the Asian females in ER and Grey's Anatomy are just peculiar to me.
Melissa pointed out there are only 17 Asian Americans who appear regularly on prime-time network TV shows. If there were more Asian Americans on TV in more diverse and meaningful roles, this blog entry would probably not exist (and I'd have nothing to blog about). If there were more Asian American men on TV, maybe the Drs. Chen, Rasgotra and Yang would be dating them. But knowing Hollywood, probably not.
Posted by harry at 5:54 PM | Comments (28)
I don't want to turn this into a medical TV show blog, but has anyone else noticed that three female Asian American TV characters on hospital shows and have all been romantically involved with African Americans? Not that there's anything wrong with Asian Americans and African Americans dating, but it just seems odd that these characters end up in similar relationships.
Ming-Na's Dr. Chen on ER gave up a baby for adoption whose father was black and dated fellow Dr. Pratt a couple of seasons ago. Also on ER, Paraminder Nagra's Neela Rasgotra character just married Dr. Gallant in last week's episode. In Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh's Dr. Cristina Yang is involved with Dr. Preston Burke.
Hollywood likes repitition, so it must be some sort of carryover from Mississippi Masala, which featured a relationship between Denzel Washington's character and British Indian actress Sarita Choudhury.
I'm not sure what the statistics are for Asian female/African American male couples, but it doesn't appear to be a huge trend. Maybe it's just a coincidence that those three make-believe Asian female doctors happen to be romatically linked to African American characters.
Like Melissa said in her post, I also Asian Spot when watching TV, and with so few Asian Americans (especially men), I pay attention to how the characters are portrayed and who they're jumping into bed with. The commonalities for the Asian females in ER and Grey's Anatomy are just peculiar to me.
Melissa pointed out there are only 17 Asian Americans who appear regularly on prime-time network TV shows. If there were more Asian Americans on TV in more diverse and meaningful roles, this blog entry would probably not exist (and I'd have nothing to blog about). If there were more Asian American men on TV, maybe the Drs. Chen, Rasgotra and Yang would be dating them. But knowing Hollywood, probably not.
Posted by harry at 5:54 PM | Comments (28)
I don't want to turn this into a medical TV show blog, but has anyone else noticed that three female Asian American TV characters on hospital shows and have all been romantically involved with African Americans? Not that there's anything wrong with Asian Americans and African Americans dating, but it just seems odd that these characters end up in similar relationships.
Ming-Na's Dr. Chen on ER gave up a baby for adoption whose father was black and dated fellow Dr. Pratt a couple of seasons ago. Also on ER, Paraminder Nagra's Neela Rasgotra character just married Dr. Gallant in last week's episode. In Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh's Dr. Cristina Yang is involved with Dr. Preston Burke.
Hollywood likes repitition, so it must be some sort of carryover from Mississippi Masala, which featured a relationship between Denzel Washington's character and British Indian actress Sarita Choudhury.
I'm not sure what the statistics are for Asian female/African American male couples, but it doesn't appear to be a huge trend. Maybe it's just a coincidence that those three make-believe Asian female doctors happen to be romatically linked to African American characters.
Like Melissa said in her post, I also Asian Spot when watching TV, and with so few Asian Americans (especially men), I pay attention to how the characters are portrayed and who they're jumping into bed with. The commonalities for the Asian females in ER and Grey's Anatomy are just peculiar to me.
Melissa pointed out there are only 17 Asian Americans who appear regularly on prime-time network TV shows. If there were more Asian Americans on TV in more diverse and meaningful roles, this blog entry would probably not exist (and I'd have nothing to blog about). If there were more Asian American men on TV, maybe the Drs. Chen, Rasgotra and Yang would be dating them. But knowing Hollywood, probably not.
Posted by harry at 5:54 PM | Comments (28)
So, I was watching Grey’s Anatomy on Sunday. If you follow this blog you will know that I watch it because I like Sandra Oh and also well, as a friend of mine puts it, it’s like Ally McBeal MD. Totally guilty pleasure.
The show is about surgical interns at a Seattle hospital. The title character, Meredith Grey, has been depressed lately because a one-night stand turned out to be her boss at the hospital, and then turned out to be married and on the run from his cheating wife. Meredith knew nothing about the existence of her boyfriend's wife. At the end of last season, Wifey, also a top-notch surgeon, shows up the hospital to win her husband back. So this season, they reconciled. Everyone works together, just to make it as drama-filled as possible. Yes, Meredith has a totally unenviable situation, but must she go through every episode whining, pouting and being completely self-absorbed? (I am so over her character.) To deal with her pain, she’s having lots of one-night stands.
Well the latest one-night stand this last episode was a South Asian guy named Steve. Yes it’s a bit part, but hey, when do you see an Asian man getting it on in mainstream media? Especially in an interracial coupling? Not very often. I was cheering him on. Go Steve go! Yeah, an Asian American man! South Asian at that! In a non-Asian-specific role! Boinking the title character!
Unfortunately he shows up at the hospital the next day because he has a problem. You see, what went up hasn't come down yet. One of the doctors, the mean one, accuses him of taking Viagra. I winced. Just when an Asian man shows up on TV, not as a waiter or a laughable foreign exchange student, or an asexual nerd, but as a manly man bedding the main character, he gets accused of faking his manliness? Aahh!
Steve insists he and his performance are 100% natural and that he did not take any drugs. Thus poking and prodding (of the medical kind) ensues. He gets a little needy and starts to cling to Meredith a little. Understandable I think. I mean, he's got a problem down there and has to be in the hospital for it. How embarrassing. She, meanwhile, spends the entire episode being mortified that she "broke his penis." The whining goes on and on. Can she shut up already?
In the end, Steve is vindicated. He wasn't faking anything. He has a tumor that is putting pressure on some nerve, which is causing the Mr. to stand up. The episode ends with his manliness in tact. Yeah Steve! Steve asks Meredith if she would consider being more than a one-night stand. She declines as she is clearly not over ex-boyfriend-who-has-a-wife. Oh well, guess we won't see Steve anymore. Too bad. (By the way, does anyone know who the actor is?) At least we had a good episode with a positive portrayal of an Asian American man.
And for that I was really excited. It's kind of pathetic actually, that I'd get excited over such a little thing like a bit character on a guilty pleasure TV show. But we are so absent in the media that I can't help but take note when I see one of us on TV. For example, a couple years ago, I was really stoked to see a South Asian woman in a Ross commercial. Do I remember who else was in the Ross commercial? No. I remember the South Asian woman. She was bowling. I don't think I had ever seen a South Asian on TV before, with the exception of Parminder Nagra (Bend it Like Beckham) playing Neela on ER. And then there was a stylish Asian American couple in a Target ad (but hey, everyone in a Target ad is stylish). And recently, has anyone seen the Old Navy ad where Jeff (of East Asian descent) gives his white girlfriend a scarf for Christmas?
A friend of mine calls it Asian-spotting, this habit of taking note of the Asians in TV and movies. It's like an elusive sport since we're just not around all that much. I'm not the only one doing this of course. The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition just released a report on Asian Americans on TV.
They found that diversity on network TV over the past year has not only stalled, but is deteriorating in some cases. The number of regular roles in primetime television for APAs increased by 1 for a grand total of 17. But these weren't always quality roles. The number of recurring roles fell. I don't know if there will ever be a day when a Steve or Jeff or Ross Bowling Girl comes on TV and I won't even think about it because it would be such a normal everyday thing to see representation of the normal everyday world, a world that is diverse. Wouldn't that be nice?
Posted by Melissa at 12:24 PM | Comments (14)
So, I was watching Grey’s Anatomy on Sunday. If you follow this blog you will know that I watch it because I like Sandra Oh and also well, as a friend of mine puts it, it’s like Ally McBeal MD. Totally guilty pleasure.
The show is about surgical interns at a Seattle hospital. The title character, Meredith Grey, has been depressed lately because a one-night stand turned out to be her boss at the hospital, and then turned out to be married and on the run from his cheating wife. Meredith knew nothing about the existence of her boyfriend's wife. At the end of last season, Wifey, also a top-notch surgeon, shows up the hospital to win her husband back. So this season, they reconciled. Everyone works together, just to make it as drama-filled as possible. Yes, Meredith has a totally unenviable situation, but must she go through every episode whining, pouting and being completely self-absorbed? (I am so over her character.) To deal with her pain, she’s having lots of one-night stands.
Well the latest one-night stand this last episode was a South Asian guy named Steve. Yes it’s a bit part, but hey, when do you see an Asian man getting it on in mainstream media? Especially in an interracial coupling? Not very often. I was cheering him on. Go Steve go! Yeah, an Asian American man! South Asian at that! In a non-Asian-specific role! Boinking the title character!
Unfortunately he shows up at the hospital the next day because he has a problem. You see, what went up hasn't come down yet. One of the doctors, the mean one, accuses him of taking Viagra. I winced. Just when an Asian man shows up on TV, not as a waiter or a laughable foreign exchange student, or an asexual nerd, but as a manly man bedding the main character, he gets accused of faking his manliness? Aahh!
Steve insists he and his performance are 100% natural and that he did not take any drugs. Thus poking and prodding (of the medical kind) ensues. He gets a little needy and starts to cling to Meredith a little. Understandable I think. I mean, he's got a problem down there and has to be in the hospital for it. How embarrassing. She, meanwhile, spends the entire episode being mortified that she "broke his penis." The whining goes on and on. Can she shut up already?
In the end, Steve is vindicated. He wasn't faking anything. He has a tumor that is putting pressure on some nerve, which is causing the Mr. to stand up. The episode ends with his manliness in tact. Yeah Steve! Steve asks Meredith if she would consider being more than a one-night stand. She declines as she is clearly not over ex-boyfriend-who-has-a-wife. Oh well, guess we won't see Steve anymore. Too bad. (By the way, does anyone know who the actor is?) At least we had a good episode with a positive portrayal of an Asian American man.
And for that I was really excited. It's kind of pathetic actually, that I'd get excited over such a little thing like a bit character on a guilty pleasure TV show. But we are so absent in the media that I can't help but take note when I see one of us on TV. For example, a couple years ago, I was really stoked to see a South Asian woman in a Ross commercial. Do I remember who else was in the Ross commercial? No. I remember the South Asian woman. She was bowling. I don't think I had ever seen a South Asian on TV before, with the exception of Parminder Nagra (Bend it Like Beckham) playing Neela on ER. And then there was a stylish Asian American couple in a Target ad (but hey, everyone in a Target ad is stylish). And recently, has anyone seen the Old Navy ad where Jeff (of East Asian descent) gives his white girlfriend a scarf for Christmas?
A friend of mine calls it Asian-spotting, this habit of taking note of the Asians in TV and movies. It's like an elusive sport since we're just not around all that much. I'm not the only one doing this of course. The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition just released a report on Asian Americans on TV.
They found that diversity on network TV over the past year has not only stalled, but is deteriorating in some cases. The number of regular roles in primetime television for APAs increased by 1 for a grand total of 17. But these weren't always quality roles. The number of recurring roles fell. I don't know if there will ever be a day when a Steve or Jeff or Ross Bowling Girl comes on TV and I won't even think about it because it would be such a normal everyday thing to see representation of the normal everyday world, a world that is diverse. Wouldn't that be nice?
Posted by Melissa at 12:24 PM | Comments (14)
So, I was watching Greys Anatomy on Sunday. If you follow this blog you will know that I watch it because I like Sandra Oh and also well, as a friend of mine puts it, its like Ally McBeal MD. Totally guilty pleasure.
The show is about surgical interns at a Seattle hospital. The title character, Meredith Grey, has been depressed lately because a one-night stand turned out to be her boss at the hospital, and then turned out to be married and on the run from his cheating wife. Meredith knew nothing about the existence of her boyfriend's wife. At the end of last season, Wifey, also a top-notch surgeon, shows up the hospital to win her husband back. So this season, they reconciled. Everyone works together, just to make it as drama-filled as possible. Yes, Meredith has a totally unenviable situation, but must she go through every episode whining, pouting and being completely self-absorbed? (I am so over her character.) To deal with her pain, shes having lots of one-night stands.
Well the latest one-night stand this last episode was a South Asian guy named Steve. Yes its a bit part, but hey, when do you see an Asian man getting it on in mainstream media? Especially in an interracial coupling? Not very often. I was cheering him on. Go Steve go! Yeah, an Asian American man! South Asian at that! In a non-Asian-specific role! Boinking the title character!
Unfortunately he shows up at the hospital the next day because he has a problem. You see, what went up hasn't come down yet. One of the doctors, the mean one, accuses him of taking Viagra. I winced. Just when an Asian man shows up on TV, not as a waiter or a laughable foreign exchange student, or an asexual nerd, but as a manly man bedding the main character, he gets accused of faking his manliness? Aahh!
Steve insists he and his performance are 100% natural and that he did not take any drugs. Thus poking and prodding (of the medical kind) ensues. He gets a little needy and starts to cling to Meredith a little. Understandable I think. I mean, he's got a problem down there and has to be in the hospital for it. How embarrassing. She, meanwhile, spends the entire episode being mortified that she "broke his penis." The whining goes on and on. Can she shut up already?
In the end, Steve is vindicated. He wasn't faking anything. He has a tumor that is putting pressure on some nerve, which is causing the Mr. to stand up. The episode ends with his manliness in tact. Yeah Steve! Steve asks Meredith if she would consider being more than a one-night stand. She declines as she is clearly not over ex-boyfriend-who-has-a-wife. Oh well, guess we won't see Steve anymore. Too bad. (By the way, does anyone know who the actor is?) At least we had a good episode with a positive portrayal of an Asian American man.
And for that I was really excited. It's kind of pathetic actually, that I'd get excited over such a little thing like a bit character on a guilty pleasure TV show. But we are so absent in the media that I can't help but take note when I see one of us on TV. For example, a couple years ago, I was really stoked to see a South Asian woman in a Ross commercial. Do I remember who else was in the Ross commercial? No. I remember the South Asian woman. She was bowling. I don't think I had ever seen a South Asian on TV before, with the exception of Parminder Nagra (Bend it Like Beckham) playing Neela on ER. And then there was a stylish Asian American couple in a Target ad (but hey, everyone in a Target ad is stylish). And recently, has anyone seen the Old Navy ad where Jeff (of East Asian descent) gives his white girlfriend a scarf for Christmas?
A friend of mine calls it Asian-spotting, this habit of taking note of the Asians in TV and movies. It's like an elusive sport since we're just not around all that much. I'm not the only one doing this of course. The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition just released a report on Asian Americans on TV.
They found that diversity on network TV over the past year has not only stalled, but is deteriorating in some cases. The number of regular roles in primetime television for APAs increased by 1 for a grand total of 17. But these weren't always quality roles. The number of recurring roles fell. I don't know if there will ever be a day when a Steve or Jeff or Ross Bowling Girl comes on TV and I won't even think about it because it would be such a normal everyday thing to see representation of the normal everyday world, a world that is diverse. Wouldn't that be nice?
Posted by Melissa at 12:24 PM | Comments (14)
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