So what and who exactly, you may ask, is Mr. Hyphen?
The coveted Mr. Hyphen Blinged Out Belt
It all began in May of 2006, when the first ever Mr. Hyphen was crowned. Still today, the memory of Miss San Francisco Chinatown 2006 placing the crown on my head and giving me the Hyphen Blinged Out Belt still floats golden and beautifully hazy in my mind.
The much heralded competition was held at the Asian Cultural Center in downtown Oakland, California and attracted the most visionary male Asian American activist contestants from around the country to compete pageant style for the title. Hosted by the riotously funny Ali Wong, six of us partook in what would become one of the most intense pageants of talent, fashion, and intellect the Asian American world has known.
Over the course of two hours, fellow constestants Kevin Liao, Alain Dang, Mario "Nomi" DeMira, James Espinas, Brian Wang, and myself gave our best in hopes of assuming the title of Mr. Hyphen. We strutted our stuff in fashion provided by local designers, we shared our talents, we answered intense questions from a panel of judges and the audience, and we shared our passions for community leadership.
Accepting the Crown and $500 Check for Project Ahimsa
Ali Wong kicked ass as the MC for Mr. Hyphen 2006
All the contestants dressed to the nines as part of the Fashion Segment of Mr. Hyphen
The competition was fierce and the audience was ruthless in egging us on to outdo one another. In the end, the very core of who were are as men was exposed for all to judge and determine who was entitled to the crown of Mr. Hyphen…I really had no conception that I could be deemed a winner, especially amidst a crew of such talented guys. It all came down to the QA, where we were each asked a series of questions related to our passions and being Asian American. For me, it was a chance to talk about what it really means to be American and Asian, and the importance of working and serving the cultural roots of our identity. I talked about what few Asians these days are talking about: how many of us are lucky to be American because we have been through the struggle of living as illegal immigrants before naturalizing? How precious a gift is that? Sadly, with all the focus on illegal Latino immigrants, Asians have been curiously silent about our own connection to their plight, and how lucky some of us have been to have been given opportunity to prosper immensely here. I also talked about how important it is for Asian Americans to physically return to where our parents have come from and not only see the sights and stay close to our families, but work as activists in the field, to see and touch the issues that are affecting Asia today: industrialization, the environmental impact of hyper modernization, socio political injustice, and the impact of technology everywhere.
Ahh…Hyphen Magazine, our beloved Oracle...who else could put on an event where we men could voice our perspectives on the issues that matter? I must say, I love being Mr. Hyphen mainly because I love Hyphen Magazine…what is not to love?
Fast forward 5 months from that seminal day…Upholding the title of Mr. Hyphen: Sexiest Asian American Male Activist Alive hasn’t been easy but it has been glorious. It requires a daily re-evaluation of what I am doing to elevate myself to this incredible bestowal of title and prestige. It requires the evergreen expression of all the best that Mr. Hyphen represents: activist leadership in the Asian American community, eclectic style, and a vision to make a positive difference in the world. It has required me to accept the swooning masses, my Asian American activist peers looking on with respect and covetous disdain, and the paparazzi that follow me with relentless furor.
I know that I am setting the stage for Mr. Hyphen 2007. Perhaps the future Mr. Hyphen is reading this blog entry right now. I hope so, because a one year reign is just too short…and the perks are many. So, to demystify the enigmatic world of Mr. Hyphen, I have decided to share my thoughts and ponderings here on the Hyphen blog, to give you insight into what it means to be Mr. Hyphen.
Ill be writing more, but until then check out my site and the music education charity, Project Ahimsa, that I represent and love...Winning Mr. Hyphen resulted in a $500 check for Project Ahimsa and much appreciated exposure for our charitable work around the world.
Me teaching tabla to street children on a Project Ahimsa trip to India in 2003
Instruments donated by Project Ahimsa to street children in Kolkata, India
Until the next post...
Robin Sukhadia - Mr. Hyphen 2006/2007
Posted by robin at 4:08 PM | Comments (4)
So what and who exactly, you may ask, is Mr. Hyphen?
The coveted Mr. Hyphen Blinged Out Belt
It all began in May of 2006, when the first ever Mr. Hyphen was crowned. Still today, the memory of Miss San Francisco Chinatown 2006 placing the crown on my head and giving me the Hyphen Blinged Out Belt still floats golden and beautifully hazy in my mind.
The much heralded competition was held at the Asian Cultural Center in downtown Oakland, California and attracted the most visionary male Asian American activist contestants from around the country to compete pageant style for the title. Hosted by the riotously funny Ali Wong, six of us partook in what would become one of the most intense pageants of talent, fashion, and intellect the Asian American world has known.
Over the course of two hours, fellow constestants Kevin Liao, Alain Dang, Mario "Nomi" DeMira, James Espinas, Brian Wang, and myself gave our best in hopes of assuming the title of Mr. Hyphen. We strutted our stuff in fashion provided by local designers, we shared our talents, we answered intense questions from a panel of judges and the audience, and we shared our passions for community leadership.
Accepting the Crown and $500 Check for Project Ahimsa
Ali Wong kicked ass as the MC for Mr. Hyphen 2006
All the contestants dressed to the nines as part of the Fashion Segment of Mr. Hyphen
The competition was fierce and the audience was ruthless in egging us on to outdo one another. In the end, the very core of who were are as men was exposed for all to judge and determine who was entitled to the crown of Mr. Hyphen…I really had no conception that I could be deemed a winner, especially amidst a crew of such talented guys. It all came down to the QA, where we were each asked a series of questions related to our passions and being Asian American. For me, it was a chance to talk about what it really means to be American and Asian, and the importance of working and serving the cultural roots of our identity. I talked about what few Asians these days are talking about: how many of us are lucky to be American because we have been through the struggle of living as illegal immigrants before naturalizing? How precious a gift is that? Sadly, with all the focus on illegal Latino immigrants, Asians have been curiously silent about our own connection to their plight, and how lucky some of us have been to have been given opportunity to prosper immensely here. I also talked about how important it is for Asian Americans to physically return to where our parents have come from and not only see the sights and stay close to our families, but work as activists in the field, to see and touch the issues that are affecting Asia today: industrialization, the environmental impact of hyper modernization, socio political injustice, and the impact of technology everywhere.
Ahh…Hyphen Magazine, our beloved Oracle...who else could put on an event where we men could voice our perspectives on the issues that matter? I must say, I love being Mr. Hyphen mainly because I love Hyphen Magazine…what is not to love?
Fast forward 5 months from that seminal day…Upholding the title of Mr. Hyphen: Sexiest Asian American Male Activist Alive hasn’t been easy but it has been glorious. It requires a daily re-evaluation of what I am doing to elevate myself to this incredible bestowal of title and prestige. It requires the evergreen expression of all the best that Mr. Hyphen represents: activist leadership in the Asian American community, eclectic style, and a vision to make a positive difference in the world. It has required me to accept the swooning masses, my Asian American activist peers looking on with respect and covetous disdain, and the paparazzi that follow me with relentless furor.
I know that I am setting the stage for Mr. Hyphen 2007. Perhaps the future Mr. Hyphen is reading this blog entry right now. I hope so, because a one year reign is just too short…and the perks are many. So, to demystify the enigmatic world of Mr. Hyphen, I have decided to share my thoughts and ponderings here on the Hyphen blog, to give you insight into what it means to be Mr. Hyphen.
Ill be writing more, but until then check out my site and the music education charity, Project Ahimsa, that I represent and love...Winning Mr. Hyphen resulted in a $500 check for Project Ahimsa and much appreciated exposure for our charitable work around the world.
Me teaching tabla to street children on a Project Ahimsa trip to India in 2003
Instruments donated by Project Ahimsa to street children in Kolkata, India
Until the next post...
Robin Sukhadia - Mr. Hyphen 2006/2007
Posted by robin at 4:08 PM | Comments (4)
So what and who exactly, you may ask, is Mr. Hyphen?
The coveted Mr. Hyphen Blinged Out Belt
It all began in May of 2006, when the first ever Mr. Hyphen was crowned. Still today, the memory of Miss San Francisco Chinatown 2006 placing the crown on my head and giving me the Hyphen Blinged Out Belt still floats golden and beautifully hazy in my mind.
The much heralded competition was held at the Asian Cultural Center in downtown Oakland, California and attracted the most visionary male Asian American activist contestants from around the country to compete pageant style for the title. Hosted by the riotously funny Ali Wong, six of us partook in what would become one of the most intense pageants of talent, fashion, and intellect the Asian American world has known.
Over the course of two hours, fellow constestants Kevin Liao, Alain Dang, Mario "Nomi" DeMira, James Espinas, Brian Wang, and myself gave our best in hopes of assuming the title of Mr. Hyphen. We strutted our stuff in fashion provided by local designers, we shared our talents, we answered intense questions from a panel of judges and the audience, and we shared our passions for community leadership.
Accepting the Crown and $500 Check for Project Ahimsa
Ali Wong kicked ass as the MC for Mr. Hyphen 2006
All the contestants dressed to the nines as part of the Fashion Segment of Mr. Hyphen
The competition was fierce and the audience was ruthless in egging us on to outdo one another. In the end, the very core of who were are as men was exposed for all to judge and determine who was entitled to the crown of Mr. HyphenI really had no conception that I could be deemed a winner, especially amidst a crew of such talented guys. It all came down to the QA, where we were each asked a series of questions related to our passions and being Asian American. For me, it was a chance to talk about what it really means to be American and Asian, and the importance of working and serving the cultural roots of our identity. I talked about what few Asians these days are talking about: how many of us are lucky to be American because we have been through the struggle of living as illegal immigrants before naturalizing? How precious a gift is that? Sadly, with all the focus on illegal Latino immigrants, Asians have been curiously silent about our own connection to their plight, and how lucky some of us have been to have been given opportunity to prosper immensely here. I also talked about how important it is for Asian Americans to physically return to where our parents have come from and not only see the sights and stay close to our families, but work as activists in the field, to see and touch the issues that are affecting Asia today: industrialization, the environmental impact of hyper modernization, socio political injustice, and the impact of technology everywhere.
AhhHyphen Magazine, our beloved Oracle...who else could put on an event where we men could voice our perspectives on the issues that matter? I must say, I love being Mr. Hyphen mainly because I love Hyphen Magazinewhat is not to love?
Fast forward 5 months from that seminal dayUpholding the title of Mr. Hyphen: Sexiest Asian American Male Activist Alive hasnt been easy but it has been glorious. It requires a daily re-evaluation of what I am doing to elevate myself to this incredible bestowal of title and prestige. It requires the evergreen expression of all the best that Mr. Hyphen represents: activist leadership in the Asian American community, eclectic style, and a vision to make a positive difference in the world. It has required me to accept the swooning masses, my Asian American activist peers looking on with respect and covetous disdain, and the paparazzi that follow me with relentless furor.
I know that I am setting the stage for Mr. Hyphen 2007. Perhaps the future Mr. Hyphen is reading this blog entry right now. I hope so, because a one year reign is just too shortand the perks are many. So, to demystify the enigmatic world of Mr. Hyphen, I have decided to share my thoughts and ponderings here on the Hyphen blog, to give you insight into what it means to be Mr. Hyphen.
Ill be writing more, but until then check out my site and the music education charity, Project Ahimsa, that I represent and love...Winning Mr. Hyphen resulted in a $500 check for Project Ahimsa and much appreciated exposure for our charitable work around the world.
Me teaching tabla to street children on a Project Ahimsa trip to India in 2003
Instruments donated by Project Ahimsa to street children in Kolkata, India
Until the next post...
Robin Sukhadia - Mr. Hyphen 2006/2007
Posted by robin at 4:08 PM | Comments (4)
It's been about six months since Mr. Hyphen was crowned Asian American royalty. We were wondering what exactly he's been up to ...
Maybe shining his blingy Hyphen belt? Or perhaps perfecting his wave? No, no ... getting his walk down? Rubbing vaseline on his teeth?
Whatever it is, we thought we'd give the guy some room to talk about what it's like to have the coveted title and anything else that's on his mind. We also thought maybe this would give you Mr. Hyphen hopefuls some insight into what it takes to be an Asian American pageant king.
So, stay tuned for Mr. Hyphen's weekly updates... a Hyphen blog exclusive!!!
Posted by neela at 2:57 PM | Comments (1)
It's been about six months since Mr. Hyphen was crowned Asian American royalty. We were wondering what exactly he's been up to ...
Maybe shining his blingy Hyphen belt? Or perhaps perfecting his wave? No, no ... getting his walk down? Rubbing vaseline on his teeth?
Whatever it is, we thought we'd give the guy some room to talk about what it's like to have the coveted title and anything else that's on his mind. We also thought maybe this would give you Mr. Hyphen hopefuls some insight into what it takes to be an Asian American pageant king.
So, stay tuned for Mr. Hyphen's weekly updates... a Hyphen blog exclusive!!!
Posted by neela at 2:57 PM | Comments (1)
It's been about six months since Mr. Hyphen was crowned Asian American royalty. We were wondering what exactly he's been up to ...
Maybe shining his blingy Hyphen belt? Or perhaps perfecting his wave? No, no ... getting his walk down? Rubbing vaseline on his teeth?
Whatever it is, we thought we'd give the guy some room to talk about what it's like to have the coveted title and anything else that's on his mind. We also thought maybe this would give you Mr. Hyphen hopefuls some insight into what it takes to be an Asian American pageant king.
So, stay tuned for Mr. Hyphen's weekly updates... a Hyphen blog exclusive!!!
Posted by neela at 2:57 PM | Comments (1)
Back in June, 1st Lt. Ehren Watada -- a Japanese American Honolulu native -- refused deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral. Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to "the unlawful Iraq War and occupation."
Watada was court martialed by the U.S. Army and faces charges for missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer. He may face up to six years in prison.
This is the official Watada website that has updates and ways others can take action. His father, Bob Watada, who was a Vietnam war resister himself, says some interesting things in an interview here.
One of the most interesting parts of this story is the way the Japanese American Citizens League is reacting to Watada's decision. Ever since his court martial, they have been debating whether or not to support him. There has been a series of articles in the Pacific Citizen about the debate:
With various JACL chapter members present to argue the pros and cons of the divisive issue — including members of the Berkeley and Honolulu chapters who have already gone on record in full support of Watada — the NCWNP district presented a resolution to support the Sansei officer’s First Amendment right to free speech. But in the end, the national JACL board quickly voted to defeat the motion 3-7, with 2 abstentions. Thus, its July statement of concern over some of the charges, including conduct unbecoming an officer, will stand.“The national board action … was a statement that [it] was satisfied with the current JACL statement, that there was not a need for revision,” said Larry Oda, JACL national president. “This particular board takes its responsibility seriously, and as a group, is sometimes called on to make difficult and unpopular decisions, but it does so in a thoughtful and considered manner through careful and thorough deliberation.”
Five months after Watada, 28, announced his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral, the JACL — an organization that has long revered its heroic World War II veterans — continues to struggle over the issue. Some chapters believe that although the current JACL statement of concern is a good start, the organization needs to increase its support for Watada, the first officer to refuse to deploy.
“Lt. Watada is sticking up for the provisions in the U.S. Constitution. Watada took his oath to the Constitution very seriously and he decided he could not go to this War and participate,” said David Forman, Honolulu chapter president. He also noted that Watada chose to risk his career and future by his actions. “Lt. Watada … is putting himself at risk now.”
JACL’s statement “is not strong enough,” said Jim Duff of the Berkeley chapter. “The tendency of the executive branch is to punish those who speak out. The attack on Lt. Watada is just one of those incidents. We need to step up and support Watada.”
But others believe JACL’s statement of concern over some of the charges without taking any position on the Iraq war is a prudent and well-thought out stance for an organization that has a long history with the WWII veterans.
“We commend national JACL for its excellent statement … the balance it struck is incredible,” said Chip Larouche of the Portland chapter and a veteran of 20 years. He noted that he is against any move to change the JACL’s current stance. “It would jeopardize that stance … it will only hurt JACL’s statement.”
Larouche noted that non-military folks who discuss the Watada issue inevitably present an unbalanced argument, especially in terms of the Military Code. “[Watada] took an oath which includes defending the Constitution but also an oath to obey the president and to obey the Uniform Code of Justice. He is not living up to those portions of the oath.”
The U.S. Army announced Nov. 9 that it will go forward with a court martial for Watada on the charges of missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer but has dismissed the charge of contempt towards officials. Watada will likely have a court martial sometime early next year and could face up to six years in prison.
Watada currently works in an administrative position at Fort Lewis, Washington. Prior to making his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq he offered his resignation on two occasions and has offered to serve in other parts of the world including Afghanistan.
The national JACL board first took up the Watada issue at its September board meeting where it was decided that the districts would go back to discuss with its members whether the organization should increase its support for the officer. In the months since then the Midwest, Central California, Pacific Northwest and Intermountain districts all voted to reinforce the current JACL statement of concern and will not increase their support for Watada.
The NWCNP district voted to support Watada’s right to free speech thus taking the furthest steps of any of the districts to support the officer. The PSW district recommended that national JACL take a more aggressive posture in two areas: “protecting his right to a hearing in accordance with military law” and “ensuring fair and equal treatment in regards to his comments” although this motion was not taken up by the national board.
“PSW’s primary concern was to ensure that Lt. Watada was treated equally as others who had spoken in a similar fashion and that he not receive undue punishment just to be made an example,” said Alayne Yonemoto, PSW governor, who noted that her district did not vote on the First Amendment issue.
John Tateishi, JACL executive director, had advised the national board to increase its support for Watada noting that their decision would continue to have ramifications on the organization for years to come.
“Personally, I’m disappointed in the board’s action on the motion to support Watada’s right to free speech. As I stated during the discussion, I honestly think the decision made by the board will define who and what the JACL is for younger generations, just as the decision in 1942 defined the JACL and left a cloud hanging over the organization,” he said. “But it’s not because of this that I urged the board to support Watada’s right to express his moral convictions — it’s simply because it’s a fundamental right of an American, whether he’s in uniform or not.”
What Tateishi says about who the JACL will be as we move forward is really interesting. This issue seems especially powerful as it is a Japanese American -- just a few generations removed from those soldiers who left internment camps to fight for the U.S. -- is the first soldier to really stand up and question the War in Iraq.
Thoughts?
Posted by neela at 2:33 PM | Comments (10)
Back in June, 1st Lt. Ehren Watada -- a Japanese American Honolulu native -- refused deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral. Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to "the unlawful Iraq War and occupation."
Watada was court martialed by the U.S. Army and faces charges for missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer. He may face up to six years in prison.
This is the official Watada website that has updates and ways others can take action. His father, Bob Watada, who was a Vietnam war resister himself, says some interesting things in an interview here.
One of the most interesting parts of this story is the way the Japanese American Citizens League is reacting to Watada's decision. Ever since his court martial, they have been debating whether or not to support him. There has been a series of articles in the Pacific Citizen about the debate:
With various JACL chapter members present to argue the pros and cons of the divisive issue — including members of the Berkeley and Honolulu chapters who have already gone on record in full support of Watada — the NCWNP district presented a resolution to support the Sansei officer’s First Amendment right to free speech. But in the end, the national JACL board quickly voted to defeat the motion 3-7, with 2 abstentions. Thus, its July statement of concern over some of the charges, including conduct unbecoming an officer, will stand.“The national board action … was a statement that [it] was satisfied with the current JACL statement, that there was not a need for revision,” said Larry Oda, JACL national president. “This particular board takes its responsibility seriously, and as a group, is sometimes called on to make difficult and unpopular decisions, but it does so in a thoughtful and considered manner through careful and thorough deliberation.”
Five months after Watada, 28, announced his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral, the JACL — an organization that has long revered its heroic World War II veterans — continues to struggle over the issue. Some chapters believe that although the current JACL statement of concern is a good start, the organization needs to increase its support for Watada, the first officer to refuse to deploy.
“Lt. Watada is sticking up for the provisions in the U.S. Constitution. Watada took his oath to the Constitution very seriously and he decided he could not go to this War and participate,” said David Forman, Honolulu chapter president. He also noted that Watada chose to risk his career and future by his actions. “Lt. Watada … is putting himself at risk now.”
JACL’s statement “is not strong enough,” said Jim Duff of the Berkeley chapter. “The tendency of the executive branch is to punish those who speak out. The attack on Lt. Watada is just one of those incidents. We need to step up and support Watada.”
But others believe JACL’s statement of concern over some of the charges without taking any position on the Iraq war is a prudent and well-thought out stance for an organization that has a long history with the WWII veterans.
“We commend national JACL for its excellent statement … the balance it struck is incredible,” said Chip Larouche of the Portland chapter and a veteran of 20 years. He noted that he is against any move to change the JACL’s current stance. “It would jeopardize that stance … it will only hurt JACL’s statement.”
Larouche noted that non-military folks who discuss the Watada issue inevitably present an unbalanced argument, especially in terms of the Military Code. “[Watada] took an oath which includes defending the Constitution but also an oath to obey the president and to obey the Uniform Code of Justice. He is not living up to those portions of the oath.”
The U.S. Army announced Nov. 9 that it will go forward with a court martial for Watada on the charges of missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer but has dismissed the charge of contempt towards officials. Watada will likely have a court martial sometime early next year and could face up to six years in prison.
Watada currently works in an administrative position at Fort Lewis, Washington. Prior to making his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq he offered his resignation on two occasions and has offered to serve in other parts of the world including Afghanistan.
The national JACL board first took up the Watada issue at its September board meeting where it was decided that the districts would go back to discuss with its members whether the organization should increase its support for the officer. In the months since then the Midwest, Central California, Pacific Northwest and Intermountain districts all voted to reinforce the current JACL statement of concern and will not increase their support for Watada.
The NWCNP district voted to support Watada’s right to free speech thus taking the furthest steps of any of the districts to support the officer. The PSW district recommended that national JACL take a more aggressive posture in two areas: “protecting his right to a hearing in accordance with military law” and “ensuring fair and equal treatment in regards to his comments” although this motion was not taken up by the national board.
“PSW’s primary concern was to ensure that Lt. Watada was treated equally as others who had spoken in a similar fashion and that he not receive undue punishment just to be made an example,” said Alayne Yonemoto, PSW governor, who noted that her district did not vote on the First Amendment issue.
John Tateishi, JACL executive director, had advised the national board to increase its support for Watada noting that their decision would continue to have ramifications on the organization for years to come.
“Personally, I’m disappointed in the board’s action on the motion to support Watada’s right to free speech. As I stated during the discussion, I honestly think the decision made by the board will define who and what the JACL is for younger generations, just as the decision in 1942 defined the JACL and left a cloud hanging over the organization,” he said. “But it’s not because of this that I urged the board to support Watada’s right to express his moral convictions — it’s simply because it’s a fundamental right of an American, whether he’s in uniform or not.”
What Tateishi says about who the JACL will be as we move forward is really interesting. This issue seems especially powerful as it is a Japanese American -- just a few generations removed from those soldiers who left internment camps to fight for the U.S. -- is the first soldier to really stand up and question the War in Iraq.
Thoughts?
Posted by neela at 2:33 PM | Comments (10)
Back in June, 1st Lt. Ehren Watada -- a Japanese American Honolulu native -- refused deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral. Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to "the unlawful Iraq War and occupation."
Watada was court martialed by the U.S. Army and faces charges for missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer. He may face up to six years in prison.
This is the official Watada website that has updates and ways others can take action. His father, Bob Watada, who was a Vietnam war resister himself, says some interesting things in an interview here.
One of the most interesting parts of this story is the way the Japanese American Citizens League is reacting to Watada's decision. Ever since his court martial, they have been debating whether or not to support him. There has been a series of articles in the Pacific Citizen about the debate:
With various JACL chapter members present to argue the pros and cons of the divisive issue including members of the Berkeley and Honolulu chapters who have already gone on record in full support of Watada the NCWNP district presented a resolution to support the Sansei officers First Amendment right to free speech. But in the end, the national JACL board quickly voted to defeat the motion 3-7, with 2 abstentions. Thus, its July statement of concern over some of the charges, including conduct unbecoming an officer, will stand.The national board action was a statement that [it] was satisfied with the current JACL statement, that there was not a need for revision, said Larry Oda, JACL national president. This particular board takes its responsibility seriously, and as a group, is sometimes called on to make difficult and unpopular decisions, but it does so in a thoughtful and considered manner through careful and thorough deliberation.
Five months after Watada, 28, announced his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq because he believes the war is illegal and immoral, the JACL an organization that has long revered its heroic World War II veterans continues to struggle over the issue. Some chapters believe that although the current JACL statement of concern is a good start, the organization needs to increase its support for Watada, the first officer to refuse to deploy.
Lt. Watada is sticking up for the provisions in the U.S. Constitution. Watada took his oath to the Constitution very seriously and he decided he could not go to this War and participate, said David Forman, Honolulu chapter president. He also noted that Watada chose to risk his career and future by his actions. Lt. Watada is putting himself at risk now.
JACLs statement is not strong enough, said Jim Duff of the Berkeley chapter. The tendency of the executive branch is to punish those who speak out. The attack on Lt. Watada is just one of those incidents. We need to step up and support Watada.
But others believe JACLs statement of concern over some of the charges without taking any position on the Iraq war is a prudent and well-thought out stance for an organization that has a long history with the WWII veterans.
We commend national JACL for its excellent statement the balance it struck is incredible, said Chip Larouche of the Portland chapter and a veteran of 20 years. He noted that he is against any move to change the JACLs current stance. It would jeopardize that stance it will only hurt JACLs statement.
Larouche noted that non-military folks who discuss the Watada issue inevitably present an unbalanced argument, especially in terms of the Military Code. [Watada] took an oath which includes defending the Constitution but also an oath to obey the president and to obey the Uniform Code of Justice. He is not living up to those portions of the oath.
The U.S. Army announced Nov. 9 that it will go forward with a court martial for Watada on the charges of missing a military movement and conduct unbecoming an officer but has dismissed the charge of contempt towards officials. Watada will likely have a court martial sometime early next year and could face up to six years in prison.
Watada currently works in an administrative position at Fort Lewis, Washington. Prior to making his decision to refuse deployment to Iraq he offered his resignation on two occasions and has offered to serve in other parts of the world including Afghanistan.
The national JACL board first took up the Watada issue at its September board meeting where it was decided that the districts would go back to discuss with its members whether the organization should increase its support for the officer. In the months since then the Midwest, Central California, Pacific Northwest and Intermountain districts all voted to reinforce the current JACL statement of concern and will not increase their support for Watada.
The NWCNP district voted to support Watadas right to free speech thus taking the furthest steps of any of the districts to support the officer. The PSW district recommended that national JACL take a more aggressive posture in two areas: protecting his right to a hearing in accordance with military law and ensuring fair and equal treatment in regards to his comments although this motion was not taken up by the national board.
PSWs primary concern was to ensure that Lt. Watada was treated equally as others who had spoken in a similar fashion and that he not receive undue punishment just to be made an example, said Alayne Yonemoto, PSW governor, who noted that her district did not vote on the First Amendment issue.
John Tateishi, JACL executive director, had advised the national board to increase its support for Watada noting that their decision would continue to have ramifications on the organization for years to come.
Personally, Im disappointed in the boards action on the motion to support Watadas right to free speech. As I stated during the discussion, I honestly think the decision made by the board will define who and what the JACL is for younger generations, just as the decision in 1942 defined the JACL and left a cloud hanging over the organization, he said. But its not because of this that I urged the board to support Watadas right to express his moral convictions its simply because its a fundamental right of an American, whether hes in uniform or not.
What Tateishi says about who the JACL will be as we move forward is really interesting. This issue seems especially powerful as it is a Japanese American -- just a few generations removed from those soldiers who left internment camps to fight for the U.S. -- is the first soldier to really stand up and question the War in Iraq.
Thoughts?
Posted by neela at 2:33 PM | Comments (10)
Jeff Yang comments on the men in his Asian Pop column
Do You Think We're Sexy? From Gedde Watanabe in 16 Candles to Daniel Dae Kim in Lost, it seems like the image of the Asian male has come a long way, baby. Or ... has it?
The thing is, anytime you talk race and gender, people freak out. In fact, all the angry responses came from men (surprise!) accusing me of sexism.
Ah, telling it like it is.
Mayor Newson says this wouldn't be an issue if she wasn't an Asian American woman.
I'd have to agree with that. She's got a double whammy of stereotypes against her. Interestingly, one of the criticis is supervisor Fiona Ma.
Posted by Melissa at 1:17 PM | Comments (1)
Jeff Yang comments on the men in his Asian Pop column
Do You Think We're Sexy? From Gedde Watanabe in 16 Candles to Daniel Dae Kim in Lost, it seems like the image of the Asian male has come a long way, baby. Or ... has it?
The thing is, anytime you talk race and gender, people freak out. In fact, all the angry responses came from men (surprise!) accusing me of sexism.
Ah, telling it like it is.
Mayor Newson says this wouldn't be an issue if she wasn't an Asian American woman.
I'd have to agree with that. She's got a double whammy of stereotypes against her. Interestingly, one of the criticis is supervisor Fiona Ma.
Posted by Melissa at 1:17 PM | Comments (1)
Jeff Yang comments on the men in his Asian Pop column
Do You Think We're Sexy? From Gedde Watanabe in 16 Candles to Daniel Dae Kim in Lost, it seems like the image of the Asian male has come a long way, baby. Or ... has it?
The thing is, anytime you talk race and gender, people freak out. In fact, all the angry responses came from men (surprise!) accusing me of sexism.
Ah, telling it like it is.
Mayor Newson says this wouldn't be an issue if she wasn't an Asian American woman.
I'd have to agree with that. She's got a double whammy of stereotypes against her. Interestingly, one of the criticis is supervisor Fiona Ma.
Posted by Melissa at 1:17 PM | Comments (1)
Last week, an Iranian UCLA student named Mostafa Tabatabainejad was tasered several times by campus police when he did not show his student ID in the library.
My friend Vivek Mittal, an UCLA law student, writes extensively about this incident and the aftermath here -- there is a link to the really disturbing video on his blog as well. This part of his entry really struck me:
If we don’t call things as they are - that Mostafa was targeted because he was a Persian male, that he was cuffed and then tazed more than four times because he was a person of color, that the UCPD’s actions have created a climate of fear for people of color all over campus, that ’safety’ as a message only means more cops and no change in accountability - then we all suffer.
Otherwise, a colleague of mine said he talked to someone at a Persian news outlet in L.A. who says there are some rumors going around that the incident was some kind of hoax perpetrated by Tabatabainejad in order to sue the police. I guess we'll see how this plays out.
Posted by neela at 3:03 PM | Comments (10)
Last week, an Iranian UCLA student named Mostafa Tabatabainejad was tasered several times by campus police when he did not show his student ID in the library.
My friend Vivek Mittal, an UCLA law student, writes extensively about this incident and the aftermath here -- there is a link to the really disturbing video on his blog as well. This part of his entry really struck me:
If we don’t call things as they are - that Mostafa was targeted because he was a Persian male, that he was cuffed and then tazed more than four times because he was a person of color, that the UCPD’s actions have created a climate of fear for people of color all over campus, that ’safety’ as a message only means more cops and no change in accountability - then we all suffer.
Otherwise, a colleague of mine said he talked to someone at a Persian news outlet in L.A. who says there are some rumors going around that the incident was some kind of hoax perpetrated by Tabatabainejad in order to sue the police. I guess we'll see how this plays out.
Posted by neela at 3:03 PM | Comments (10)
Last week, an Iranian UCLA student named Mostafa Tabatabainejad was tasered several times by campus police when he did not show his student ID in the library.
My friend Vivek Mittal, an UCLA law student, writes extensively about this incident and the aftermath here -- there is a link to the really disturbing video on his blog as well. This part of his entry really struck me:
If we dont call things as they are - that Mostafa was targeted because he was a Persian male, that he was cuffed and then tazed more than four times because he was a person of color, that the UCPDs actions have created a climate of fear for people of color all over campus, that safety as a message only means more cops and no change in accountability - then we all suffer.
Otherwise, a colleague of mine said he talked to someone at a Persian news outlet in L.A. who says there are some rumors going around that the incident was some kind of hoax perpetrated by Tabatabainejad in order to sue the police. I guess we'll see how this plays out.
Posted by neela at 3:03 PM | Comments (10)
What a weekend! Thanks to everyone who attended our Music Issue Release party on Friday at 111 Minna. All Hyphen events are fundraisers and the money we earn goes right back into printing and promoting the magazine. So thanks to everyone for the support, especially to those who subscribed.
Also, an extra special thanks to the musicians who performed:
Native Guns
Marque
Mud
LoveLikeFire
Kero One
We were stoked to be able to have all these performers on one stage. (Not at the same time, of course.)
Did you catch LoveLikeFire’s set? They just made top 25 for Live 105’s Not So Silent Night local band contest. The winning local band gets to open for the Killers, Modest Mouse, The Shins, and the Raconteurs! Their song, "wish you dead", is on www.live105.imeem.com ― check it out and rate it!
Finally, click here to see more photos from the party.
Posted by Melissa at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
What a weekend! Thanks to everyone who attended our Music Issue Release party on Friday at 111 Minna. All Hyphen events are fundraisers and the money we earn goes right back into printing and promoting the magazine. So thanks to everyone for the support, especially to those who subscribed.
Also, an extra special thanks to the musicians who performed:
Native Guns
Marque
Mud
LoveLikeFire
Kero One
We were stoked to be able to have all these performers on one stage. (Not at the same time, of course.)
Did you catch LoveLikeFire’s set? They just made top 25 for Live 105’s Not So Silent Night local band contest. The winning local band gets to open for the Killers, Modest Mouse, The Shins, and the Raconteurs! Their song, "wish you dead", is on www.live105.imeem.com ― check it out and rate it!
Finally, click here to see more photos from the party.
Posted by Melissa at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
What a weekend! Thanks to everyone who attended our Music Issue Release party on Friday at 111 Minna. All Hyphen events are fundraisers and the money we earn goes right back into printing and promoting the magazine. So thanks to everyone for the support, especially to those who subscribed.
Also, an extra special thanks to the musicians who performed:
Native Guns
Marque
Mud
LoveLikeFire
Kero One
We were stoked to be able to have all these performers on one stage. (Not at the same time, of course.)
Did you catch LoveLikeFires set? They just made top 25 for Live 105s Not So Silent Night local band contest. The winning local band gets to open for the Killers, Modest Mouse, The Shins, and the Raconteurs! Their song, "wish you dead", is on www.live105.imeem.com ? check it out and rate it!
Finally, click here to see more photos from the party.
Posted by Melissa at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
George Takei, aka Sulu from Star Trek, is going to play Hiro Nakamura's father in Heroes.
Takei's character is big honcho who shows up in America with his bodyguard to try and kidnap his son and take him back to Japan, said Masi Oka, who plays Hiro, in TV Guide.
"I just hope I get to say, 'Dad! Sulu is my hero, not you!' The sci-fi fans would love it!" Oka said.
It's a natural fit for Takei, a legendary sci-fi icon, to join the hottest science fiction show on TV.
Posted by harry at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
George Takei, aka Sulu from Star Trek, is going to play Hiro Nakamura's father in Heroes.
Takei's character is big honcho who shows up in America with his bodyguard to try and kidnap his son and take him back to Japan, said Masi Oka, who plays Hiro, in TV Guide.
"I just hope I get to say, 'Dad! Sulu is my hero, not you!' The sci-fi fans would love it!" Oka said.
It's a natural fit for Takei, a legendary sci-fi icon, to join the hottest science fiction show on TV.
Posted by harry at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
George Takei, aka Sulu from Star Trek, is going to play Hiro Nakamura's father in Heroes.
Takei's character is big honcho who shows up in America with his bodyguard to try and kidnap his son and take him back to Japan, said Masi Oka, who plays Hiro, in TV Guide.
"I just hope I get to say, 'Dad! Sulu is my hero, not you!' The sci-fi fans would love it!" Oka said.
It's a natural fit for Takei, a legendary sci-fi icon, to join the hottest science fiction show on TV.
Posted by harry at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
Dear Hyphen Reader,
We're always talking about ourselves over here. (Well, it is our blog). Now it's time for you to tell us about you. We're conducting a reader survey to find out who you are and what you like and don't like about Hyphen. It's all about making it a better magazine for you, so have your say!
And if that's not a lofty enough goal for you, we'll throw in another incentive: you could win a prize. Survey participants who give us their contact info could win a Hyphen t-shirt or a CD by various bands. (Of course, if you don't want to give us your contact info and enter the prize drawing, you don't have to. You can be anonymous if you like.)
The survey originally ran in the print version of Issue 10, so it assumes you have a copy of the magazine. If you've never picked up a print copy of the magazine, you can still take the survey. Just let us know that you don't have a copy of the mag and why.
It only takes a few minutes to answer the questions. So we hope you'll share your thoughts with us.
Love, the all-volunteer staff of Hyphen
Posted by Melissa at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
Dear Hyphen Reader,
We're always talking about ourselves over here. (Well, it is our blog). Now it's time for you to tell us about you. We're conducting a reader survey to find out who you are and what you like and don't like about Hyphen. It's all about making it a better magazine for you, so have your say!
And if that's not a lofty enough goal for you, we'll throw in another incentive: you could win a prize. Survey participants who give us their contact info could win a Hyphen t-shirt or a CD by various bands. (Of course, if you don't want to give us your contact info and enter the prize drawing, you don't have to. You can be anonymous if you like.)
The survey originally ran in the print version of Issue 10, so it assumes you have a copy of the magazine. If you've never picked up a print copy of the magazine, you can still take the survey. Just let us know that you don't have a copy of the mag and why.
It only takes a few minutes to answer the questions. So we hope you'll share your thoughts with us.
Love, the all-volunteer staff of Hyphen
Posted by Melissa at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
Dear Hyphen Reader,
We're always talking about ourselves over here. (Well, it is our blog). Now it's time for you to tell us about you. We're conducting a reader survey to find out who you are and what you like and don't like about Hyphen. It's all about making it a better magazine for you, so have your say!
And if that's not a lofty enough goal for you, we'll throw in another incentive: you could win a prize. Survey participants who give us their contact info could win a Hyphen t-shirt or a CD by various bands. (Of course, if you don't want to give us your contact info and enter the prize drawing, you don't have to. You can be anonymous if you like.)
The survey originally ran in the print version of Issue 10, so it assumes you have a copy of the magazine. If you've never picked up a print copy of the magazine, you can still take the survey. Just let us know that you don't have a copy of the mag and why.
It only takes a few minutes to answer the questions. So we hope you'll share your thoughts with us.
Love, the all-volunteer staff of Hyphen
Posted by Melissa at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
Just wanted to share a couple stories in the news lately, before I run away from the office (and by office, just to clarify, I don't mean the Hyphen office. We don't have one of those.)
Posted by Melissa at 5:19 PM | Comments (15)
Just wanted to share a couple stories in the news lately, before I run away from the office (and by office, just to clarify, I don't mean the Hyphen office. We don't have one of those.)
Posted by Melissa at 5:19 PM | Comments (15)
Just wanted to share a couple stories in the news lately, before I run away from the office (and by office, just to clarify, I don't mean the Hyphen office. We don't have one of those.)
Posted by Melissa at 5:19 PM | Comments (15)
Join us this Friday for a night of movement, magazines and music as we celebrate the release of our newest issue -- The Music Issue.
DJs politik and modest mark are spinning and the following bands will also be performing:
native guns
marque
mud
lovelikefire
and a special dj set by kero one.
Friday, November 17th. 9-2am.
@111 Minna Gallery
$10 ($20 with subscription at 50% off list price!)
21 & up
Posted by Melissa at 7:04 PM | Comments (0)
Join us this Friday for a night of movement, magazines and music as we celebrate the release of our newest issue -- The Music Issue.
DJs politik and modest mark are spinning and the following bands will also be performing:
native guns
marque
mud
lovelikefire
and a special dj set by kero one.
Friday, November 17th. 9-2am.
@111 Minna Gallery
$10 ($20 with subscription at 50% off list price!)
21 & up
Posted by Melissa at 7:04 PM | Comments (0)
Join us this Friday for a night of movement, magazines and music as we celebrate the release of our newest issue -- The Music Issue.
DJs politik and modest mark are spinning and the following bands will also be performing:
native guns
marque
mud
lovelikefire
and a special dj set by kero one.
Friday, November 17th. 9-2am.
@111 Minna Gallery
$10 ($20 with subscription at 50% off list price!)
21 & up
Posted by Melissa at 7:04 PM | Comments (0)
Reading the papers these days is actually kind of exciting. A woman speaker of the house? Rumsfeld resigning? Democratic control of Congress? We're feeling a little ― dare we say it ― hopeful. Here's an election roundup of a few races Hyphen editors have been following and how they turned out.