He may still be the nerd, but at least he gets to wear a black trench.
They say if you want to make a movie that everyone will go see, make it about Jesus or Superman. You could almost say, if you want Asian Americans to stop passing around pirated HK VCDs, put an AA actor in a mainstream film. Okay, you can't really say that since it would probably just mean we'd be passing around pirated USA DVDs, but it almost seems that way given the scarcity of us in non-"ethnic" films.
So when I went to see Superman last night, I was pretty excited that Kal Penn (Kumar) was sharing 80s-style, zooming neon credits at the beginning of the film with the likes of Parker Posey and Kevin Spacey. Since I never quite got around to subscribing to Variety magazine, this was an exciting surprise. Penn plays Stanford, one of Lex Luthors tiny band of thugs (he rolls with a crew only six deep- what?!). Great name, huh- a nod to his characters technical skills (he's the only one whose main function doesn't seem to rely on looking ugly)? Probably not. Maybe they were hoping for someone more FOB-y.
Don't get too excited, though- despite appearing to be the least replaceable of the band of four-guys-wearing-black-toughguy-costumes, I couldn't tell if he actually had a line in the movie. I think he did, but they all sounded like they were coming from off-screen. He does probably get more single shots than any of the other thugs, but for those hoping for just one snappy untterance upon which to hang the hopes of Asian Americans mainstream movie thespians, don't hold your breath. To be fair, though, he comes off with no less than the other cronies, ie he's basically a warm prop who gets it with the others by the end (assuming you make it that far in a 2.5hr long effects movie with bland characters and more relationship tension between Lex and Kitty than between Clark/Superman and Lois).
It seems not even Superman can do much to break the ethnic boundaries of the mainstream film world. That should be no shock given that most of the cities in which he performs his heroics are American or European, according to the newsreels in the movie. For the summer, maybe those hopes will have to rest on Tokyo Drift.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (3)
He may still be the nerd, but at least he gets to wear a black trench.
They say if you want to make a movie that everyone will go see, make it about Jesus or Superman. You could almost say, if you want Asian Americans to stop passing around pirated HK VCDs, put an AA actor in a mainstream film. Okay, you can't really say that since it would probably just mean we'd be passing around pirated USA DVDs, but it almost seems that way given the scarcity of us in non-"ethnic" films.
So when I went to see Superman last night, I was pretty excited that Kal Penn (Kumar) was sharing 80s-style, zooming neon credits at the beginning of the film with the likes of Parker Posey and Kevin Spacey. Since I never quite got around to subscribing to Variety magazine, this was an exciting surprise. Penn plays Stanford, one of Lex Luthors tiny band of thugs (he rolls with a crew only six deep- what?!). Great name, huh- a nod to his characters technical skills (he's the only one whose main function doesn't seem to rely on looking ugly)? Probably not. Maybe they were hoping for someone more FOB-y.
Don't get too excited, though- despite appearing to be the least replaceable of the band of four-guys-wearing-black-toughguy-costumes, I couldn't tell if he actually had a line in the movie. I think he did, but they all sounded like they were coming from off-screen. He does probably get more single shots than any of the other thugs, but for those hoping for just one snappy untterance upon which to hang the hopes of Asian Americans mainstream movie thespians, don't hold your breath. To be fair, though, he comes off with no less than the other cronies, ie he's basically a warm prop who gets it with the others by the end (assuming you make it that far in a 2.5hr long effects movie with bland characters and more relationship tension between Lex and Kitty than between Clark/Superman and Lois).
It seems not even Superman can do much to break the ethnic boundaries of the mainstream film world. That should be no shock given that most of the cities in which he performs his heroics are American or European, according to the newsreels in the movie. For the summer, maybe those hopes will have to rest on Tokyo Drift.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (3)
He may still be the nerd, but at least he gets to wear a black trench.
They say if you want to make a movie that everyone will go see, make it about Jesus or Superman. You could almost say, if you want Asian Americans to stop passing around pirated HK VCDs, put an AA actor in a mainstream film. Okay, you can't really say that since it would probably just mean we'd be passing around pirated USA DVDs, but it almost seems that way given the scarcity of us in non-"ethnic" films.
So when I went to see Superman last night, I was pretty excited that Kal Penn (Kumar) was sharing 80s-style, zooming neon credits at the beginning of the film with the likes of Parker Posey and Kevin Spacey. Since I never quite got around to subscribing to Variety magazine, this was an exciting surprise. Penn plays Stanford, one of Lex Luthors tiny band of thugs (he rolls with a crew only six deep- what?!). Great name, huh- a nod to his characters technical skills (he's the only one whose main function doesn't seem to rely on looking ugly)? Probably not. Maybe they were hoping for someone more FOB-y.
Don't get too excited, though- despite appearing to be the least replaceable of the band of four-guys-wearing-black-toughguy-costumes, I couldn't tell if he actually had a line in the movie. I think he did, but they all sounded like they were coming from off-screen. He does probably get more single shots than any of the other thugs, but for those hoping for just one snappy untterance upon which to hang the hopes of Asian Americans mainstream movie thespians, don't hold your breath. To be fair, though, he comes off with no less than the other cronies, ie he's basically a warm prop who gets it with the others by the end (assuming you make it that far in a 2.5hr long effects movie with bland characters and more relationship tension between Lex and Kitty than between Clark/Superman and Lois).
It seems not even Superman can do much to break the ethnic boundaries of the mainstream film world. That should be no shock given that most of the cities in which he performs his heroics are American or European, according to the newsreels in the movie. For the summer, maybe those hopes will have to rest on Tokyo Drift.
Posted by Seng at 12:00 AM | Comments (3)
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is conducting the largest study ever of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian and Pacific Islande Americans. (That's LGBT APIs for short.) They are looking for 500 folks to complete the online survey. It's confidential, anonymous, and available in four languages: English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
"The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian-American community is under-served, under-researched and under-studied. Its members are caught in the margins," said Alain Dang, Task Force Policy analyst and the study's lead researcher. "We need to better understand the experience of this diverse part of our community. The findings of this study will help us to include the voices of the LGBT Asian-American community at all levels of discussion."
Alain, by the way, was a Mr. Hyphen contestant. He came to SF all the way from NY to compete, and while he didn't win, he wowed us with his vocal stylings.
So, why participate in this survey? Well, for one, it helps determine what people's collective experiences have been, particularly with harassment and violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or ethnic heritage. And the more data they have, the more solid info they have to show what kind of problems exist that need to be addressed, and to advocate for change.
Sound good to you? Take the survey here.
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (14)
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is conducting the largest study ever of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian and Pacific Islande Americans. (That's LGBT APIs for short.) They are looking for 500 folks to complete the online survey. It's confidential, anonymous, and available in four languages: English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
"The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian-American community is under-served, under-researched and under-studied. Its members are caught in the margins," said Alain Dang, Task Force Policy analyst and the study's lead researcher. "We need to better understand the experience of this diverse part of our community. The findings of this study will help us to include the voices of the LGBT Asian-American community at all levels of discussion."
Alain, by the way, was a Mr. Hyphen contestant. He came to SF all the way from NY to compete, and while he didn't win, he wowed us with his vocal stylings.
So, why participate in this survey? Well, for one, it helps determine what people's collective experiences have been, particularly with harassment and violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or ethnic heritage. And the more data they have, the more solid info they have to show what kind of problems exist that need to be addressed, and to advocate for change.
Sound good to you? Take the survey here.
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (14)
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is conducting the largest study ever of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian and Pacific Islande Americans. (That's LGBT APIs for short.) They are looking for 500 folks to complete the online survey. It's confidential, anonymous, and available in four languages: English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
"The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Asian-American community is under-served, under-researched and under-studied. Its members are caught in the margins," said Alain Dang, Task Force Policy analyst and the study's lead researcher. "We need to better understand the experience of this diverse part of our community. The findings of this study will help us to include the voices of the LGBT Asian-American community at all levels of discussion."
Alain, by the way, was a Mr. Hyphen contestant. He came to SF all the way from NY to compete, and while he didn't win, he wowed us with his vocal stylings.
So, why participate in this survey? Well, for one, it helps determine what people's collective experiences have been, particularly with harassment and violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or ethnic heritage. And the more data they have, the more solid info they have to show what kind of problems exist that need to be addressed, and to advocate for change.
Sound good to you? Take the survey here.
Posted by Melissa at 10:14 AM | Comments (14)
Catch Chris Chan Lee's (dir. Yellow) newest film, Undoing, in Los Angeles this week.
Tuesday, June 27 and Friday, June 30 – LA
Visual Communications co-presents Undoing, a new film by Chris Chan Lee (dir. Yellow) as part of the Los Angeles Film Festival. (4:30pm, Landmark Regent Theatre, Tuesday; 7:30-m, Laemmle Sunset 5, Friday. www.lafilmfest.com for a complete list of films).
Friday, June 30 (DEADLINE) – SF
Friday is the deadline for submissions for Kearny Street Workshop’s annual multidisciplinary festival of emerging APA artists – APAture: A Window on the Art of Young Asian Pacific Americans. NEW THIS YEAR: no more age restrictions. For more information and to download an application, click here.
.
Tuesday, June 27 – International
MTV to launch third ethnic-specific network, MTVK for Korean Americans, following the launches of MTV Desi and MTV Chi in the last year – available through DirectTV. Find out more here.
Wednesday, June 28 – NYC
“The Motel,” a film by Michael Kang, opens for two weeks only in NYC (June 28-July 11). Recently premiered at the Sundance, The Motel returns for its East Coast premier at the 28th Asian American International Film Festival. Click here for times/dates. Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., NYC. 212.727.8110.
Wednesday, June 28 – SF
27 Hours: 2006 Intergenerational Writers Lab Finale Reading & Chapbook Release Party, featuring readings by Rocky Choi, Maureen Evans, Anita Daswani, Jennifer Kong, Frederick Loomis, Vanessa Merina, Florencia Milito, Marisela Treviño Orta, Cleavon Smith, Jr., Carrie Y. Takahata, Gloria Jackson Yamato and Rene Yung. (7-9 PM, Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. Visit Kearny Street Workshop for more information. $5-15 sliding).
Thursday, June 29 – SF
Ensemble Mik Nawooj, consisting of classically trained musicians, a jazz bassist and a drummer, blends genres of pop, classical, jazz and hip-hop. Catch them live at their “Great Integration” CD release party. (10pm, Poleng Lounge, 1751 Fulton Ave., SF. $10).
Thursday, June 29 – SF/Bay Area
Watch “Mighty Warriors of Comedy,” a new documentary shown on KQED/PBS on the Asian American comedy troupe 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors. (2am, 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 8pm, Channel 9. Free).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 1:12 PM | Comments (1)
Catch Chris Chan Lee's (dir. Yellow) newest film, Undoing, in Los Angeles this week.
Tuesday, June 27 and Friday, June 30 – LA
Visual Communications co-presents Undoing, a new film by Chris Chan Lee (dir. Yellow) as part of the Los Angeles Film Festival. (4:30pm, Landmark Regent Theatre, Tuesday; 7:30-m, Laemmle Sunset 5, Friday. www.lafilmfest.com for a complete list of films).
Friday, June 30 (DEADLINE) – SF
Friday is the deadline for submissions for Kearny Street Workshop’s annual multidisciplinary festival of emerging APA artists – APAture: A Window on the Art of Young Asian Pacific Americans. NEW THIS YEAR: no more age restrictions. For more information and to download an application, click here.
.
Tuesday, June 27 – International
MTV to launch third ethnic-specific network, MTVK for Korean Americans, following the launches of MTV Desi and MTV Chi in the last year – available through DirectTV. Find out more here.
Wednesday, June 28 – NYC
“The Motel,” a film by Michael Kang, opens for two weeks only in NYC (June 28-July 11). Recently premiered at the Sundance, The Motel returns for its East Coast premier at the 28th Asian American International Film Festival. Click here for times/dates. Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., NYC. 212.727.8110.
Wednesday, June 28 – SF
27 Hours: 2006 Intergenerational Writers Lab Finale Reading & Chapbook Release Party, featuring readings by Rocky Choi, Maureen Evans, Anita Daswani, Jennifer Kong, Frederick Loomis, Vanessa Merina, Florencia Milito, Marisela Treviño Orta, Cleavon Smith, Jr., Carrie Y. Takahata, Gloria Jackson Yamato and Rene Yung. (7-9 PM, Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. Visit Kearny Street Workshop for more information. $5-15 sliding).
Thursday, June 29 – SF
Ensemble Mik Nawooj, consisting of classically trained musicians, a jazz bassist and a drummer, blends genres of pop, classical, jazz and hip-hop. Catch them live at their “Great Integration” CD release party. (10pm, Poleng Lounge, 1751 Fulton Ave., SF. $10).
Thursday, June 29 – SF/Bay Area
Watch “Mighty Warriors of Comedy,” a new documentary shown on KQED/PBS on the Asian American comedy troupe 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors. (2am, 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 8pm, Channel 9. Free).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 1:12 PM | Comments (1)
Catch Chris Chan Lee's (dir. Yellow) newest film, Undoing, in Los Angeles this week.
Tuesday, June 27 and Friday, June 30 LA
Visual Communications co-presents Undoing, a new film by Chris Chan Lee (dir. Yellow) as part of the Los Angeles Film Festival. (4:30pm, Landmark Regent Theatre, Tuesday; 7:30-m, Laemmle Sunset 5, Friday. www.lafilmfest.com for a complete list of films).
Friday, June 30 (DEADLINE) SF
Friday is the deadline for submissions for Kearny Street Workshops annual multidisciplinary festival of emerging APA artists APAture: A Window on the Art of Young Asian Pacific Americans. NEW THIS YEAR: no more age restrictions. For more information and to download an application, click here.
.
Tuesday, June 27 International
MTV to launch third ethnic-specific network, MTVK for Korean Americans, following the launches of MTV Desi and MTV Chi in the last year available through DirectTV. Find out more here.
Wednesday, June 28 NYC
The Motel, a film by Michael Kang, opens for two weeks only in NYC (June 28-July 11). Recently premiered at the Sundance, The Motel returns for its East Coast premier at the 28th Asian American International Film Festival. Click here for times/dates. Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., NYC. 212.727.8110.
Wednesday, June 28 SF
27 Hours: 2006 Intergenerational Writers Lab Finale Reading & Chapbook Release Party, featuring readings by Rocky Choi, Maureen Evans, Anita Daswani, Jennifer Kong, Frederick Loomis, Vanessa Merina, Florencia Milito, Marisela Trevio Orta, Cleavon Smith, Jr., Carrie Y. Takahata, Gloria Jackson Yamato and Rene Yung. (7-9 PM, Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. Visit Kearny Street Workshop for more information. $5-15 sliding).
Thursday, June 29 SF
Ensemble Mik Nawooj, consisting of classically trained musicians, a jazz bassist and a drummer, blends genres of pop, classical, jazz and hip-hop. Catch them live at their Great Integration CD release party. (10pm, Poleng Lounge, 1751 Fulton Ave., SF. $10).
Thursday, June 29 SF/Bay Area
Watch Mighty Warriors of Comedy, a new documentary shown on KQED/PBS on the Asian American comedy troupe 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors. (2am, 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 8pm, Channel 9. Free).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 1:12 PM | Comments (1)
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta is leaving the Bush administration on July 7. Mineta is one of two Asian Americans and the lone Democrat serving in the president's cabinet.
Mineta has headed the Transportation Department since President Bush took office in 2001. Mineta was also a member of former President Clinton's adminstration as commerce secretary and was the first Asian American to hold a cabinet post.
During his time at the Transportation Department, Mineta oversaw the creation of the Transportation Security Adminstration after the Sept. 11 attacks. He is the longest-serving transportation chief since the department was created in 1967.
As a congressman from San Jose, Mineta spearheaded the effort to pass the redress law for 120,000 Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II.
Mineta's had a wonderful career and done some great things for Asian Americans and all Americans.
Posted by harry at 3:13 PM | Comments (2)
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta is leaving the Bush administration on July 7. Mineta is one of two Asian Americans and the lone Democrat serving in the president's cabinet.
Mineta has headed the Transportation Department since President Bush took office in 2001. Mineta was also a member of former President Clinton's adminstration as commerce secretary and was the first Asian American to hold a cabinet post.
During his time at the Transportation Department, Mineta oversaw the creation of the Transportation Security Adminstration after the Sept. 11 attacks. He is the longest-serving transportation chief since the department was created in 1967.
As a congressman from San Jose, Mineta spearheaded the effort to pass the redress law for 120,000 Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II.
Mineta's had a wonderful career and done some great things for Asian Americans and all Americans.
Posted by harry at 3:13 PM | Comments (2)
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta is leaving the Bush administration on July 7. Mineta is one of two Asian Americans and the lone Democrat serving in the president's cabinet.
Mineta has headed the Transportation Department since President Bush took office in 2001. Mineta was also a member of former President Clinton's adminstration as commerce secretary and was the first Asian American to hold a cabinet post.
During his time at the Transportation Department, Mineta oversaw the creation of the Transportation Security Adminstration after the Sept. 11 attacks. He is the longest-serving transportation chief since the department was created in 1967.
As a congressman from San Jose, Mineta spearheaded the effort to pass the redress law for 120,000 Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during World War II.
Mineta's had a wonderful career and done some great things for Asian Americans and all Americans.
Posted by harry at 3:13 PM | Comments (2)
Has anyone been following the story of Lt. Ehren Watada? Watada, an officer at Fort Lewis in the Seattle area, was scheduled to make his first deployment to Iraq this month and earlier this month, made public his intentions not to go.
Watada enlisted in spring 2003, motivated by a desire to help fight against a nation whose leaders were alleged to have weapons of mass destruction. But now, after doing some research, he believes that the Bush Administration lied to the public about these weapons, and that the war and occupation of Iraq is illegal. And he refuses to participate.
"It usurps international treaties and conventions that by virtue of the Constitution become American law. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes."
Watada, 28, attempted to resign his commission in January (it was denied). This Alternet piece says Watada is not eligible for conscientious-objector status as he does not object to all wars, just the one the Bush administration is conducting in Iraq.
Yesterday, he reported to duty, but refused deployment.
The Seattle Times reports that there have been 2,000 desertions in 2005 (down from 3,678 in 2003), but that these desertions usually involve enlisted personnel, not officers. Watada has not deserted his post and remains on duty at Fort Lewis, where he is under a gag order.
In Hyphen #6, David Miyasato wrote about what it was like, 13 years after being discharged, to get a letter from the Army ordering him to serve in Iraq. He also refused to go, retaining an attorney to battle the Army in court. (He eventually prevailed.) In Miyasato's case, he had already been discharged for many years. In Watada’s case, he is the first commissioned officer refusing to go to Iraq. Other soldiers scheduled to go to Iraq have been absent without leave, but Watada is the first to refuse to deploy while on base.
Watada comes from a family that seems to stand up for what they believe in. AsianWeek reports in this opinion piece that Watada's father, a retired Hawai'i state official, did not believe in the Vietnam war. Instead of going to Vietnam, he served in the Peace Corps in Peru.
"My son has a great deal of courage, and clearly understands what is right, and what is wrong," said his father, Bob Watada. "He's choosing to do the right thing, which is a hard course."
Watada faces a court-martial, up to two years in prison for missing movement by design, a dishonorable discharge, and other possible charges. No charges have been filed yet.
I admire Watada not only for standing up for what he believes in, but for making his stance so publicly. Click here to learn more about Watada, and to see him speak about his stance in a video. Peace activists are organizing rallies in Watada’s support to take place next Tuesday, June 27th.
Posted by Melissa at 11:31 AM | Comments (14)
Has anyone been following the story of Lt. Ehren Watada? Watada, an officer at Fort Lewis in the Seattle area, was scheduled to make his first deployment to Iraq this month and earlier this month, made public his intentions not to go.
Watada enlisted in spring 2003, motivated by a desire to help fight against a nation whose leaders were alleged to have weapons of mass destruction. But now, after doing some research, he believes that the Bush Administration lied to the public about these weapons, and that the war and occupation of Iraq is illegal. And he refuses to participate.
"It usurps international treaties and conventions that by virtue of the Constitution become American law. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes."
Watada, 28, attempted to resign his commission in January (it was denied). This Alternet piece says Watada is not eligible for conscientious-objector status as he does not object to all wars, just the one the Bush administration is conducting in Iraq.
Yesterday, he reported to duty, but refused deployment.
The Seattle Times reports that there have been 2,000 desertions in 2005 (down from 3,678 in 2003), but that these desertions usually involve enlisted personnel, not officers. Watada has not deserted his post and remains on duty at Fort Lewis, where he is under a gag order.
In Hyphen #6, David Miyasato wrote about what it was like, 13 years after being discharged, to get a letter from the Army ordering him to serve in Iraq. He also refused to go, retaining an attorney to battle the Army in court. (He eventually prevailed.) In Miyasato's case, he had already been discharged for many years. In Watada’s case, he is the first commissioned officer refusing to go to Iraq. Other soldiers scheduled to go to Iraq have been absent without leave, but Watada is the first to refuse to deploy while on base.
Watada comes from a family that seems to stand up for what they believe in. AsianWeek reports in this opinion piece that Watada's father, a retired Hawai'i state official, did not believe in the Vietnam war. Instead of going to Vietnam, he served in the Peace Corps in Peru.
"My son has a great deal of courage, and clearly understands what is right, and what is wrong," said his father, Bob Watada. "He's choosing to do the right thing, which is a hard course."
Watada faces a court-martial, up to two years in prison for missing movement by design, a dishonorable discharge, and other possible charges. No charges have been filed yet.
I admire Watada not only for standing up for what he believes in, but for making his stance so publicly. Click here to learn more about Watada, and to see him speak about his stance in a video. Peace activists are organizing rallies in Watada’s support to take place next Tuesday, June 27th.
Posted by Melissa at 11:31 AM | Comments (14)
Has anyone been following the story of Lt. Ehren Watada? Watada, an officer at Fort Lewis in the Seattle area, was scheduled to make his first deployment to Iraq this month and earlier this month, made public his intentions not to go.
Watada enlisted in spring 2003, motivated by a desire to help fight against a nation whose leaders were alleged to have weapons of mass destruction. But now, after doing some research, he believes that the Bush Administration lied to the public about these weapons, and that the war and occupation of Iraq is illegal. And he refuses to participate.
"It usurps international treaties and conventions that by virtue of the Constitution become American law. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army's own Law of Land Warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes."
Watada, 28, attempted to resign his commission in January (it was denied). This Alternet piece says Watada is not eligible for conscientious-objector status as he does not object to all wars, just the one the Bush administration is conducting in Iraq.
Yesterday, he reported to duty, but refused deployment.
The Seattle Times reports that there have been 2,000 desertions in 2005 (down from 3,678 in 2003), but that these desertions usually involve enlisted personnel, not officers. Watada has not deserted his post and remains on duty at Fort Lewis, where he is under a gag order.
In Hyphen #6, David Miyasato wrote about what it was like, 13 years after being discharged, to get a letter from the Army ordering him to serve in Iraq. He also refused to go, retaining an attorney to battle the Army in court. (He eventually prevailed.) In Miyasato's case, he had already been discharged for many years. In Watadas case, he is the first commissioned officer refusing to go to Iraq. Other soldiers scheduled to go to Iraq have been absent without leave, but Watada is the first to refuse to deploy while on base.
Watada comes from a family that seems to stand up for what they believe in. AsianWeek reports in this opinion piece that Watada's father, a retired Hawai'i state official, did not believe in the Vietnam war. Instead of going to Vietnam, he served in the Peace Corps in Peru.
"My son has a great deal of courage, and clearly understands what is right, and what is wrong," said his father, Bob Watada. "He's choosing to do the right thing, which is a hard course."
Watada faces a court-martial, up to two years in prison for missing movement by design, a dishonorable discharge, and other possible charges. No charges have been filed yet.
I admire Watada not only for standing up for what he believes in, but for making his stance so publicly. Click here to learn more about Watada, and to see him speak about his stance in a video. Peace activists are organizing rallies in Watadas support to take place next Tuesday, June 27th.
Posted by Melissa at 11:31 AM | Comments (14)
Here's a review in today's NY Times about the new Charlie Chan DVD boxed set.
The reviewer, Dave Kehr, writes that the decision to release a boxed set "represents a reversal for Fox, which had once removed the films from Fox Movie Channel, apparently embarrassed by the European Oland's "yellowface" portrayal of an Asian character."
He goes on:
Are the Chan films racist? Not, I think, by the standards of their time. Mr. Biggers is said to have created Chan (based on a real detective, Chang Apana, who worked for the Honolulu police) to counter the negative images of Asians being fueled by the Hearst papers' "yellow peril" campaigns and embodied most repellently by Sax Rohmer's sadistic "Oriental" villain, Dr. Fu Manchu. Mr. Oland, a popular heavy of the silent era who played practically every ethnicity available (including, on occasion, a Swede), was the screen's first Fu Manchu, in the 1929 "Mysterious Doctor Fu Manchu" and three subsequent films for Paramount.Recruited by Fox in 1931 for "Charlie Chan Carries On," a film that is now lost, Mr. Oland seemed to spend the balance of his life and career making up for the excesses of the Fu Manchu character. In the Fox set, both "Charlie Chan in London" (1934) and "Charlie Chan in Paris" (1935) contain scenes in which Chan coolly and wittily dispatches other characters' racist remarks. Chan, whose huge intellect mysteriously did not extend to an ability to master English articles ("Joy in heart more desirable than bullet"), might have been a stereotype, but he was a stereotype on the side of the angels.
Is something not racist because it was well-intentioned? Is it unfair to judge it by the standards of today? What's your verdict? Charlie Chan -- Racist? Not racist?
Posted by Melissa at 2:28 PM | Comments (10)
Here's a review in today's NY Times about the new Charlie Chan DVD boxed set.
The reviewer, Dave Kehr, writes that the decision to release a boxed set "represents a reversal for Fox, which had once removed the films from Fox Movie Channel, apparently embarrassed by the European Oland's "yellowface" portrayal of an Asian character."
He goes on:
Are the Chan films racist? Not, I think, by the standards of their time. Mr. Biggers is said to have created Chan (based on a real detective, Chang Apana, who worked for the Honolulu police) to counter the negative images of Asians being fueled by the Hearst papers' "yellow peril" campaigns and embodied most repellently by Sax Rohmer's sadistic "Oriental" villain, Dr. Fu Manchu. Mr. Oland, a popular heavy of the silent era who played practically every ethnicity available (including, on occasion, a Swede), was the screen's first Fu Manchu, in the 1929 "Mysterious Doctor Fu Manchu" and three subsequent films for Paramount.Recruited by Fox in 1931 for "Charlie Chan Carries On," a film that is now lost, Mr. Oland seemed to spend the balance of his life and career making up for the excesses of the Fu Manchu character. In the Fox set, both "Charlie Chan in London" (1934) and "Charlie Chan in Paris" (1935) contain scenes in which Chan coolly and wittily dispatches other characters' racist remarks. Chan, whose huge intellect mysteriously did not extend to an ability to master English articles ("Joy in heart more desirable than bullet"), might have been a stereotype, but he was a stereotype on the side of the angels.
Is something not racist because it was well-intentioned? Is it unfair to judge it by the standards of today? What's your verdict? Charlie Chan -- Racist? Not racist?
Posted by Melissa at 2:28 PM | Comments (10)
Here's a review in today's NY Times about the new Charlie Chan DVD boxed set.
The reviewer, Dave Kehr, writes that the decision to release a boxed set "represents a reversal for Fox, which had once removed the films from Fox Movie Channel, apparently embarrassed by the European Oland's "yellowface" portrayal of an Asian character."
He goes on:
Are the Chan films racist? Not, I think, by the standards of their time. Mr. Biggers is said to have created Chan (based on a real detective, Chang Apana, who worked for the Honolulu police) to counter the negative images of Asians being fueled by the Hearst papers' "yellow peril" campaigns and embodied most repellently by Sax Rohmer's sadistic "Oriental" villain, Dr. Fu Manchu. Mr. Oland, a popular heavy of the silent era who played practically every ethnicity available (including, on occasion, a Swede), was the screen's first Fu Manchu, in the 1929 "Mysterious Doctor Fu Manchu" and three subsequent films for Paramount.Recruited by Fox in 1931 for "Charlie Chan Carries On," a film that is now lost, Mr. Oland seemed to spend the balance of his life and career making up for the excesses of the Fu Manchu character. In the Fox set, both "Charlie Chan in London" (1934) and "Charlie Chan in Paris" (1935) contain scenes in which Chan coolly and wittily dispatches other characters' racist remarks. Chan, whose huge intellect mysteriously did not extend to an ability to master English articles ("Joy in heart more desirable than bullet"), might have been a stereotype, but he was a stereotype on the side of the angels.
Is something not racist because it was well-intentioned? Is it unfair to judge it by the standards of today? What's your verdict? Charlie Chan -- Racist? Not racist?
Posted by Melissa at 2:28 PM | Comments (10)
This weekend here in San Francisco, it’s Pride. Hyphen is co-sponsoring the API Wellness Center’s booth at Pride. Check out their website to learn about their programs for gay men and the transgender community. And stop by the booth. We’ll have some free mags to give away!
Also, Trikone will be doing their part by hosting DesiQ2006, a conference on South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. It starts tomorrow.
They’ve got a lot of workshops, with topics ranging from serious ones like marriage equality and immigration, to practical matters like how to be an effective spokesperson, to fun and frivolous like an introduction to leathersex. Click here to check out the workshops. The expansive list of topics goes to show there’s so much going on in this community. Which issues are most pressing right now for gay Asian Americans?
Posted by Melissa at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
This weekend here in San Francisco, it’s Pride. Hyphen is co-sponsoring the API Wellness Center’s booth at Pride. Check out their website to learn about their programs for gay men and the transgender community. And stop by the booth. We’ll have some free mags to give away!
Also, Trikone will be doing their part by hosting DesiQ2006, a conference on South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. It starts tomorrow.
They’ve got a lot of workshops, with topics ranging from serious ones like marriage equality and immigration, to practical matters like how to be an effective spokesperson, to fun and frivolous like an introduction to leathersex. Click here to check out the workshops. The expansive list of topics goes to show there’s so much going on in this community. Which issues are most pressing right now for gay Asian Americans?
Posted by Melissa at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
This weekend here in San Francisco, its Pride. Hyphen is co-sponsoring the API Wellness Centers booth at Pride. Check out their website to learn about their programs for gay men and the transgender community. And stop by the booth. Well have some free mags to give away!
Also, Trikone will be doing their part by hosting DesiQ2006, a conference on South Asian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. It starts tomorrow.
Theyve got a lot of workshops, with topics ranging from serious ones like marriage equality and immigration, to practical matters like how to be an effective spokesperson, to fun and frivolous like an introduction to leathersex. Click here to check out the workshops. The expansive list of topics goes to show theres so much going on in this community. Which issues are most pressing right now for gay Asian Americans?
Posted by Melissa at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
See South Asian hip-hop group Karmacy perform in NYC in association with MTV Desi.
Saturday, June 24 – NYC
(8pm, The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., NYC. 212.219.3132. Purchase tickets here. $20).
Saturday, June 24 – LA
The 7th annual summer arts festival, ArtWallah, displaying international work form the South Asian diaspora, including artists from Africa, Canada, Europe, South Asia and the US. (11am-10:30pm, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. (1)800.595.4849. www.artwallah.org. Daytime programming $12, Evening show $25-50, after party $30, all festival pass $70).
Friday & Saturday, June 23-24 – SF
See the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors in “Asian Bird Flu Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The 18MMW are the most prominent APA sketch comedy group in the U.S., founded in the Bay Area over 12 years ago. Watch one of their skits, ”Memoirs of a Chinese Geisha”. Special half-price tickets here (just use the password HYPHEN). (8pm, Theater Artaud, 450 Florida St., SF. 800.838.3006. www.18mmw.com, www.asianamericantheater.org $10-25).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)
See South Asian hip-hop group Karmacy perform in NYC in association with MTV Desi.
Saturday, June 24 – NYC
(8pm, The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., NYC. 212.219.3132. Purchase tickets here. $20).
Saturday, June 24 – LA
The 7th annual summer arts festival, ArtWallah, displaying international work form the South Asian diaspora, including artists from Africa, Canada, Europe, South Asia and the US. (11am-10:30pm, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. (1)800.595.4849. www.artwallah.org. Daytime programming $12, Evening show $25-50, after party $30, all festival pass $70).
Friday & Saturday, June 23-24 – SF
See the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors in “Asian Bird Flu Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The 18MMW are the most prominent APA sketch comedy group in the U.S., founded in the Bay Area over 12 years ago. Watch one of their skits, ”Memoirs of a Chinese Geisha”. Special half-price tickets here (just use the password HYPHEN). (8pm, Theater Artaud, 450 Florida St., SF. 800.838.3006. www.18mmw.com, www.asianamericantheater.org $10-25).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)
See South Asian hip-hop group Karmacy perform in NYC in association with MTV Desi.
Saturday, June 24 NYC
(8pm, The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., NYC. 212.219.3132. Purchase tickets here. $20).
Saturday, June 24 LA
The 7th annual summer arts festival, ArtWallah, displaying international work form the South Asian diaspora, including artists from Africa, Canada, Europe, South Asia and the US. (11am-10:30pm, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. (1)800.595.4849. www.artwallah.org. Daytime programming $12, Evening show $25-50, after party $30, all festival pass $70).
Friday & Saturday, June 23-24 SF
See the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors in Asian Bird Flu Over the Cuckoos Nest. The 18MMW are the most prominent APA sketch comedy group in the U.S., founded in the Bay Area over 12 years ago. Watch one of their skits, Memoirs of a Chinese Geisha. Special half-price tickets here (just use the password HYPHEN). (8pm, Theater Artaud, 450 Florida St., SF. 800.838.3006. www.18mmw.com, www.asianamericantheater.org $10-25).
E-mail events to: momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)
Attend two programs at the 2006 Filipino Film and Arts Festival in NYC for the price of one.
Monday, June 12 – NYC
Catch the career in film panel discussion at 7pm and watch Slow Jam King for free. (7pm panel and 8pm film. Imaginasian Theater, 239 E. 59th St., NYC. $10).
Monday, June 12 – NYC
Sandra Oh, who recently won a Golden Globe for her role on Grey’s Anatomy, will speak about her acting career. Moderated by writer Toure. (7pm, Cantor Film Center, 36 East 8th St., NYC. Visit Asian Cinevision or call 212.989.1422 to purchase tickets. $10-12).
Wednesday, June 14 – SF
See Dan (aka Scrabbel) perform with special guest musician Han of The Invisible Cities. (9pm, Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., SF. 415.621.4455. $8).
Wednesday, June 14 – LA
If you missed Brent Weinbach last time he was in town, here's your chance. He will be joined by San Francisco comics Jasper Redd, Sheng Wang, and Jacob Sirof. (9pm, Largo, 432 Fairfax Ave., LA. 323.852.1073. $5 and two drink min.).
Thursday, June 15 – LA
Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) and the Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater LA (OCA-GLA) present "Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: Where Do We Stand?" an educational discussion forum. Speakers include Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Councilmember and Former Mayor; Immigration Law Attorney; Anna Prasad, Executive Director, US-Asia Business Forum; Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director, Pilipino Workers' Center; John Trasviña, Interim President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Center for Labor Research; and Su Yon Yi, Director of Special Projects, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium. (6-7pm reception, 7-8:30pm panel discussion, Chinese American Museum and Pico House, 425 N. Los Angeles St., LA. Visit apaforprogress.org and oca-gla.org for more information. RSVP to: apafp@apaforprogress.org. Free. Complimentary food and refreshments).
Beginning Friday, June 16 – NYC
ImaginAsian TV and Subway Cinema present NY Asian Film Festival 2006 (June 16-July 1). New York City will play host to masked alien wrestlers, monsters, and zombie mermaids, when the fifth annual New York Asian Film Festival opens on June 16 with a showcase of the best cult and contemporary Asian movies. Visit www.nyaff.org for more information.
Saturday, June 17 – SF
Returning after a brief hiatus (and new addition to their family), The Skyflakes brings their sweet, underground, indie-pop sounds to the I-Hotel. With Taiyo Na of Feedback Poets, performing for the first time at Locus, bringing New York sounds to the Bay. Co-Presented by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation and the Chinatown Community Development Center. (7pm, Manilatown Center at the I-Hotel, 868 Kearny St., SF. $7-10 sliding/free for youth under 19. After party fundraiser at 11pm at Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. $5-10 sliding. Visit Locus Arts for more information).
E-mail events to momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 2:08 PM | Comments (0)
Attend two programs at the 2006 Filipino Film and Arts Festival in NYC for the price of one.
Monday, June 12 – NYC
Catch the career in film panel discussion at 7pm and watch Slow Jam King for free. (7pm panel and 8pm film. Imaginasian Theater, 239 E. 59th St., NYC. $10).
Monday, June 12 – NYC
Sandra Oh, who recently won a Golden Globe for her role on Grey’s Anatomy, will speak about her acting career. Moderated by writer Toure. (7pm, Cantor Film Center, 36 East 8th St., NYC. Visit Asian Cinevision or call 212.989.1422 to purchase tickets. $10-12).
Wednesday, June 14 – SF
See Dan (aka Scrabbel) perform with special guest musician Han of The Invisible Cities. (9pm, Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., SF. 415.621.4455. $8).
Wednesday, June 14 – LA
If you missed Brent Weinbach last time he was in town, here's your chance. He will be joined by San Francisco comics Jasper Redd, Sheng Wang, and Jacob Sirof. (9pm, Largo, 432 Fairfax Ave., LA. 323.852.1073. $5 and two drink min.).
Thursday, June 15 – LA
Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) and the Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater LA (OCA-GLA) present "Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: Where Do We Stand?" an educational discussion forum. Speakers include Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Councilmember and Former Mayor; Immigration Law Attorney; Anna Prasad, Executive Director, US-Asia Business Forum; Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director, Pilipino Workers' Center; John Trasviña, Interim President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Center for Labor Research; and Su Yon Yi, Director of Special Projects, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium. (6-7pm reception, 7-8:30pm panel discussion, Chinese American Museum and Pico House, 425 N. Los Angeles St., LA. Visit apaforprogress.org and oca-gla.org for more information. RSVP to: apafp@apaforprogress.org. Free. Complimentary food and refreshments).
Beginning Friday, June 16 – NYC
ImaginAsian TV and Subway Cinema present NY Asian Film Festival 2006 (June 16-July 1). New York City will play host to masked alien wrestlers, monsters, and zombie mermaids, when the fifth annual New York Asian Film Festival opens on June 16 with a showcase of the best cult and contemporary Asian movies. Visit www.nyaff.org for more information.
Saturday, June 17 – SF
Returning after a brief hiatus (and new addition to their family), The Skyflakes brings their sweet, underground, indie-pop sounds to the I-Hotel. With Taiyo Na of Feedback Poets, performing for the first time at Locus, bringing New York sounds to the Bay. Co-Presented by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation and the Chinatown Community Development Center. (7pm, Manilatown Center at the I-Hotel, 868 Kearny St., SF. $7-10 sliding/free for youth under 19. After party fundraiser at 11pm at Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. $5-10 sliding. Visit Locus Arts for more information).
E-mail events to momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 2:08 PM | Comments (0)
Attend two programs at the 2006 Filipino Film and Arts Festival in NYC for the price of one.
Monday, June 12 NYC
Catch the career in film panel discussion at 7pm and watch Slow Jam King for free. (7pm panel and 8pm film. Imaginasian Theater, 239 E. 59th St., NYC. $10).
Monday, June 12 NYC
Sandra Oh, who recently won a Golden Globe for her role on Greys Anatomy, will speak about her acting career. Moderated by writer Toure. (7pm, Cantor Film Center, 36 East 8th St., NYC. Visit Asian Cinevision or call 212.989.1422 to purchase tickets. $10-12).
Wednesday, June 14 SF
See Dan (aka Scrabbel) perform with special guest musician Han of The Invisible Cities. (9pm, Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., SF. 415.621.4455. $8).
Wednesday, June 14 LA
If you missed Brent Weinbach last time he was in town, here's your chance. He will be joined by San Francisco comics Jasper Redd, Sheng Wang, and Jacob Sirof. (9pm, Largo, 432 Fairfax Ave., LA. 323.852.1073. $5 and two drink min.).
Thursday, June 15 LA
Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) and the Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater LA (OCA-GLA) present "Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: Where Do We Stand?" an educational discussion forum. Speakers include Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Councilmember and Former Mayor; Immigration Law Attorney; Anna Prasad, Executive Director, US-Asia Business Forum; Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director, Pilipino Workers' Center; John Trasvia, Interim President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Center for Labor Research; and Su Yon Yi, Director of Special Projects, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium. (6-7pm reception, 7-8:30pm panel discussion, Chinese American Museum and Pico House, 425 N. Los Angeles St., LA. Visit apaforprogress.org and oca-gla.org for more information. RSVP to: apafp@apaforprogress.org. Free. Complimentary food and refreshments).
Beginning Friday, June 16 NYC
ImaginAsian TV and Subway Cinema present NY Asian Film Festival 2006 (June 16-July 1). New York City will play host to masked alien wrestlers, monsters, and zombie mermaids, when the fifth annual New York Asian Film Festival opens on June 16 with a showcase of the best cult and contemporary Asian movies. Visit www.nyaff.org for more information.
Saturday, June 17 SF
Returning after a brief hiatus (and new addition to their family), The Skyflakes brings their sweet, underground, indie-pop sounds to the I-Hotel. With Taiyo Na of Feedback Poets, performing for the first time at Locus, bringing New York sounds to the Bay. Co-Presented by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation and the Chinatown Community Development Center. (7pm, Manilatown Center at the I-Hotel, 868 Kearny St., SF. $7-10 sliding/free for youth under 19. After party fundraiser at 11pm at Space180, 180 Capp St., SF. $5-10 sliding. Visit Locus Arts for more information).
E-mail events to momo@hyphenmagazine.com.
Posted by momo at 2:08 PM | Comments (0)
Just wanted to publicize this chapbook. One of these days, we'll have a place to post Call For Entries, etc. But for now, we'll mention items from time to time on our blog. Here's the posting:
***
On June 19, 1982, in Detroit, Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by a man and his stepson. The two laid-off autoworkers mistook Chin for Japanese — an Asian group they blamed for the ailing U.S. auto industry. The assailants never served jail time, and later federal civil-rights courts acquitted them entirely of the crime.
For many today, this is a rarely remembered footnote in American history. However, the tragedy of Vincent Chin marked an important change in how Asian Americans viewed themselves. It was the first time, according to APA advocates and academics, that people who traced their ancestry to different countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands crossed ethnic and socioeconomic lines to fight [politically] as a united group of Asian Pacific Americans. They were Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino; they were waiters, lawyers, and grandmothers who were moved to action by what happened to Vincent Chin.
For the first time, Asian Americans banded together against the discrimination and racism directed toward the APA community. Decades later, the need for Asian Americans to unite as a population and to project a voice into the cultural mainstream is as urgent as ever.
In honor of Vincent Chin and this watershed moment in Asian American history, Kundiman and Barrow Street are sponsoring The Vincent Chin Memorial Chapbook Prize. This annual prize is an opportunity for both Kundiman and Barrow Street to support and spotlight the talent of an emerging Asian American poet, a new voice in the landscape of Asian American expression and power.
The Vincent Chin Memorial Chapbook Prize
Deadline: June 30, 2006
Judge: John Yau
Prize: $500, Barrow Street publication, & Full Scholarship to Kundiman Retreat 2007
Fee: $15
Eligbility: Asian American poets who have not published more than one book of forty-eight pages or more.
For guidelines, click here
Posted by Melissa at 1:43 PM | Comments (1)
Just wanted to publicize this chapbook. One of these days, we'll have a place to post Call For Entries, etc. But for now, we'll mention items from time to time on our blog. Here's the posting:
***
On June 19, 1982, in Detroit, Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by a man and his stepson. The two laid-off autoworkers mistook Chin for Japanese — an Asian group they blamed for the ailing U.S. auto industry. The assailants never served jail time, and later federal civil-rights courts acquitted them entirely of the crime.
For many today, this is a rarely remembered footnote in American history. However, the tragedy of Vincent Chin marked an important change in how Asian Americans viewed themselves. It was the first time, according to APA advocates and academics, that people who traced their ancestry to different countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands crossed ethnic and socioeconomic lines to fight [politically] as a united group of Asian Pacific Americans. They were Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino; they were waiters, lawyers, and grandmothers who were moved to action by what happened to Vincent Chin.
For the first time, Asian Americans banded together against the discrimination and racism directed toward the APA community. Decades later, the need for Asian Americans to unite as a population and to project a voice into the cultural mainstream is as urgent as ever.
In honor of Vincent Chin and this watershed moment in Asian American history, Kundiman and Barrow Street are sponsoring The Vincent Chin Memorial Chapbook Prize. This annual prize is an opportunity for both Kundiman and Barrow Street to support and spotlight the talent of an emerging Asian American poet, a new voice in the landscape of Asian American expression and power.
The Vincent Chin Memorial Chapbook Prize
Deadline: June 30, 2006
Judge: John Yau
Prize: $500, Barrow Street publication, & Full Scholarship to Kundiman Retreat 2007
Fee: $15
Eligbility: Asian American poets who have not published more than one book of forty-eight pages or more.
For guidelines, click here
Posted by Melissa at 1:43 PM | Comments (1)
Just wanted to publicize this chapbook. One of these days, we'll have a place to post Call For Entries, etc. But for now, we'll mention items from time to time on our blog. Here's the posting:
***
On June 19, 1982, in Detroit, Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by a man and his stepson. The two laid-off autoworkers mistook Chin for Japanese an Asian group they blamed for the ailing U.S. auto industry. The assailants never served jail time, and later federal civil-rights courts acquitted them entirely of the crime.
For many today, this is a rarely remembered footnote in American history. However, the tragedy of Vincent Chin marked an important change in how Asian Americans viewed themselves. It was the first time, according to APA advocates and academics, that people who traced their ancestry to different countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands crossed ethnic and socioeconomic lines to fight [politically] as a united group of Asian Pacific Americans. They were Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino; they were waiters, lawyers, and grandmothers who were moved to action by what happened