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BLOG7: Boba

Boba. Tapioca. Bubble Tea. This magical drink has many names and forms but regardless of all that, people still love it. Boba started out in Taiwan in the 1980s and made its way into America in the 2000s. In the beginning, it was a world only known to Asian Americans, but in the present day, boba has become somewhat of a lifestyle.

In recent years, the boba trend has exploded in the Bay Area. There are countless new boba shops in every major city. Personally, I like to try different places to compare and experience different flavors and textures. However, there are boba fanatics that are extremely loyal to certain shops. In San Francisco, a few notable shops include Boba Guys, T-Pumps, and Purple Kow. At peak hours, the lines at each shop can be ridiculous. 

It is safe to say that in the Bay Area, boba culture has evolved to a point where it could rival coffee. As least in most of the cases that I have experienced, most Asian Americans go out to get boba now rather than coffee. BOBA LYFE.

-Jordan

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BLOG6: Asians In Media

Hollywood has a history of frequently casting white actors for roles involving people of color, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and any other Non-white, non-Hispanic culture, including Native Americans. Some highly publicized movies include Avatar the Last Airbender, Dragonball: Revolution, and most recently Ghost in the Shell.

These movies are adaptations of popular anime and manga series that usually star an Asian protagonist. However, Hollywood decided to cast white actors to portray the main characters. There was major backlash from the fanbase of each series. 

There are roles that are played by Asians but they usually end up as a supporting actor or a villain. Rarely do they star as the main protagonist in a hollywood blockbuster. Although there is an abundance of talent in the Asian acting community, Hollywood seems to think that casting white actors would net them more money. Sadly, that is what the world of Hollywood revolves around.

-Jordan

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BLOG#11 ASIANS DO NOT LOOK ALIKE-CHRIS PARK

It infuriates me why people have this idea of Asian-Americans looking the same. It is not true whatsoever. It would be common sense to stop guessing an Asian-American their race and then say “oh well, you look Chinese.” Chinese-Americans, Korean-Americans, and Japanese-Americans and any hyphenated Asian-American share different cultures, values, and practices. Each one is authentic for their diversity and should not be dismissed just because all of them have been jumbled up by others who have no idea or even given a chance to explore the authentic culture that Asian-Americans share. To each their own, and let the individual be able to express themselves. We do not choose the race we were born in, and I think the way to fix this stereotype is that people and everyone would explore and give every culture a chance and a opportunity to show what it really is without the labeling and stigmatism.

To point out the absurdity and obvious in the statement that all Asian-Americans look the same, it is obviously not true. As one person has said, “the primary ways that society has historically denied and dismissed the human experience and expression of people of color.” And sadly, what this person has said, I experience that this is the direct consequence of what other people perceive of Asian-Americans. 

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BLOG6: CAAM

This documentary covers a real tragedy that revolves around an Asian American known as Vincent Chin. This film follows the murder of Vincent Chin, an automotive engineer mistaken as Japanese who was slain by an assembly line worker who blamed him for the competition by the Japanese auto makers that were threatening his job. Ronald Ebens, the man who murdered Chin, confessed to a judge that he committed the crime but ended walking free.

There are a few problems with this scenario. First off, Chin was not even Japanese. He was mistaken for Japanese auto workers that took were taking over the industry by storm. Just because he looked Asian, Ebens thought was one of them. Second, the fact that Ebens admitted that he murdered Chin but still managed to walk free shows that there is favoritism towards white individuals. White people can do anything they want to other ethnicities with no consequences because the other ethnicities cannot be witnesses.

-Jordan

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blog#10 ASIAN MUSIC- chris park

Whenever I tell someone who is Asian that I’m Korean, they always assume I listen to KPOP. I don’t listen to KPOP, and I kind of understand why people can be obsessed with it despite not being Korean. I admit that the stars are handsome, very talented with dancing and singing, and their songs can a bit catchy which I can understand why people like KPOP. I am just so glad that there are ways that other non-Asians can appreciate our culture. As in my personal opinion, there aren’t many opportunities in which people can appreciate other cultures. 

For me, I appreciate other cultures through food, and I am glad other people appreciate other cultures through music. Although I am not a fan of KPOP and I don’t really see myself getting into it, I am glad that there will be a day that people who non-Koreans will know more about Korean culture more than I do. And I don’t think that it is necessarily a disgrace for me, but I think it is a opportunity to connect and share something despite not knowing each other fully. 

I am glad people are open to the way Asian-Americans share their culture. For myself, I am in love with Japanese food and hence I am into Japanese culture. Because of this, I’m persuaded to visit Japan and its major cities and try all their delicious foods. The way I am in love with Japanese food, the same for others and they will also gain awareness and appreciation for the authenticity for diverse cultures.

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BLOG #9 ASIAN AMERICAN FOODS- CHRIS PARK

Despite growing up in an Asian household, I have never had any experience eating outside of my own cultural foods until in high school. Because I’ve grown up with Caucasians, I have been influenced enough to say that I have been “whitewashed”. I have been more accustomed to eating American foods like pizza, burgers, and fries more than eating Asian foods. At first, I wasn’t fond of Asian foods due to my bad experience. I thought all Asian foods smell bad, but never have I been so wrong ever in my life. Now, I’m in love with Asian foods to the point that I always suggest to my caucasian friends to go and try it. Unfortunately, they are not the type to try new things, but the Asian foods I have fed them, their opinions are changing. I plan to take them to more places so they can be blown away as I have. My favorite Asian foods are sushi, ramen, soondooboo, and more. The list would be endless. I wish to expand my non-Asian friend's tastes in Asian foods and I’m hoping that I am able to change their opinions and ideas about Asian cultural foods. Although trying Asian-American foods can be a bit daunting; maybe sometimes the way it smells and the way it looks, I believe for any kind of food, Asian or not, don’t judge the way it is presented and just try it. 

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BLOG#8 BEING MISREPRESENTED IN MEDIA AS AN ASIAN- CHRIS PARK

There are many areas in which Asians are misrepresented in America. However, I want to talk about how there are so much whitewashing done in Hollywood. Even despite having major backlash from the Dragonball Z movie done in Hollywood, Hollywood continues to turn asian concentrated roles into caucasian major roles. In the most recent example, Ghost in the Shell main character was casted by Scarlet Johansson. It is not the question of whether or not there are good asian actors, there are many good asian actors around. However, Hollywood does not choose to cast these asian actors. It is sad to get the sense that well-known white actors attract more audiences and maximize profits which is not true at all. Asian-Americans can be just as good if not better than caucasian actors. It is shown in many different countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China whom is also one of the biggest movie consumers despite casting Asians as main characters. 

There are definitely a shortage of Asian stars in hollywood as many awards are being occupied by white actors. If Asian-Americans were given the opportunity to shine, I believe earnestly that they would. We need more roles that represent the diversity of their audiences who are seeking more authenticity. Looking back to the movie, DragonBall Z, you would think after receiving such bad reviews and backlash, that there would be improvement to giving Asian-Americans the main role of an Asian-made art, but Ghost in the Shell tells us otherwise. 

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BLOG#7 INTERRACIAL COUPLES- chris park

I honestly don’t have a problem with asian women having an interest in caucasian males than asian males. HOWEVER, do not be like this girl who decided to make a stupid article about “I'm an Asian Woman and I Refuse to Ever Date an Asian Man.” because the person who wrote about this misunderstands something: NO ONE CHOOSES TO BE ASIAN AND NO ONE CHOOSES TO BE CAUCASIAN. It is God-given and it’s something out of our control. Sure, you may have a bad experience dating asian guys, but every individual is every individual and not an individual is every group. We are all different and to be honest, I have had bad experiences dating caucasian females and I have had bad experiences dating asian females. It doesn’t mean that I am going to label that individual as an entire group and stigmatize them while telling everyone my bad experiences. To be honest, it disappoints me even more that the person who wrote that stupid article is an asian just like me. The way she dismisses asian males is plain hypocrisy and infuriating. Please do keep your opinions to yourself and stop giving everyone else the idea that it must be caucasian or it’s a bust. 

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BLOG #4 ASIAN GIRLS ARE SUBMISSIVE?- CHRIS PARK

HELLO , I AM GOING TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY SISTER. DUE TO PRIVACY ISSUES, I WILL NOT STATE HER NAME (JENNY PARK) 

BY THE WAY, WHO SAID THAT ASIAN WOMEN ARE SUBMISSIVE? WELL, THAT IS NOT THE TRUTH. MY SISTER WHO IS ASIAN BY THE WAY IS NOT SUBMISSIVE. SHE IS DEMANDING AND WHEN SHE DEMANDS SOMETHING, SHE USUALLY GETS IT. I’VE SEEN HER EX-BOYFRIENDS COME AND GO AND I SEE IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. I DON’T KNOW WHERE THE IDEA OF ASIAN WOMEN BEING SUBMISSIVE CAME FROM AND ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME ASIANS OUT THERE WHO ARE SUBMISSIVE, YOU SHOULDN’T GENERALIZE A GROUP EVER BECAUSE EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT JUST LIKE MY SISTER AND HONESTLY, SOMETIMES IT LOWERS THEIR SELF-ESTEEM. SOME NORMAL GIRLS MIGHT WANT A TO B. BUT MY SISTER WANTS A TO Z. MAYBE PERHAPS IT IS THE LACK OF REPRESENTATION OF ASIAN WOMEN IN THE MEDIA. WELL DANG OK THEY SHOULD JUST HIRE MY SISTER TO DO A REALITY TV SHOW TO BREAK AND DESTROY ANY BARRIERS TO THIS IDEA OF “ASIAN WOMAN ARE SUBMISSIVE.” THEY ARE NOT IGNORANT, SILENT, OR PASSIVE. MY SISTER IS A FIRE BREATHING DRAGON WITH A MEDUSA-LIKE-HAIR WHO WILL PROBABLY ASK FOR 8 WISHES FROM A 3 WISH GENIE AND WILL PROBABLY GET HER 8 STUPID WISHES BECAUSE SHE IS NOT IGNORANT, SILENT, OR PASSIVE. 

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BLOGPOP - YellowWashed

This class has been a class of many firsts for myself. I’ve taken so many classes and gone through so many years of school, yet this was the first time I’ve taken a class like this. A class where the learning experience was formatted for enjoyment. 

This is the first time I’ve had a class where we create our own content to display our work. Although I’ve done a little photo editing, this is the first time filming and editing a video. It was a fun and somewhat frustrating experience. I spent countless hours learning about editing while putting together all the clips for both Iron Chef and POP. I’ve always known that editing takes time but I never thought that a 5-6 minute video would take me hours to put together. Maybe I’m just horrible at editing. Filming is also much more difficult than I anticipated. If one part of the scene goes wrong, we would have to re-film the entire scene. I thought, maybe if we just snip two good parts of the scene together it would be okay. But the transition would look horrible and it would look all weird. Maybe I was just too picky.

POP was also a first for myself. A first timer at POP and a first timer running stage ninjas. When I heard that our group was going to help out as stage ninjas I thought we would just be told what to do and move things around. Little did I know that I would have to run around asking everyone what they need and where they need it. 

Overall it was an experience that I’m glad I went through. I learned a lot about what goes on behind filming, editing, and backstage. Props to the people who do this as a living. All the effort that goes into coordinating everything is no joke. 

For anyone who hasn’t seen our video or wants to watch it again:

-Jordan

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blog# 5 caamfest  CHRIS PARK

What I got out of the film, “Who killed vincent Chen?” was that Orientalism is shown in many aspects, masking the not so obvious but known truth about the reason for Vincent Chin’s death. To first recognize that there was orientalism that was at work in the death of Vincent Chin, we must first recognize that Vincent Chin was not Japanese, but indeed Chinese. In addition, at this time in the 1980’s, the unemployment rate was at its highest since World War II and because U.S. automobile manufacturing jobs were being lost to Japanese workers because of the importation of Japanese Toyotas, imported cars then became a hated symbol of foreign usurpation. As a result, caused many American white male ex-automobile manufacturers such as Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz to “run out of work”So what caused Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz to go out of their unusual behavior? It was perhaps the alcohol or their built up of boiled anger from a few bad days, but it was indeed the not so obvious but known truth of orientalism. Orientalism is the way the west perceives of the east in the same way how Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz saw Vincent Chin as. Calling Vincent Chin a “little fucker” and even blaming Vincent Chin; “It's because of you little motherfuckers that we're out of work” referring to the Japan’s auto industry and Ronald’s Ebens’ and Michael Nitz’s layoff from the U.S. automobile industry in 1979 was the very indication behind Vincent Chin’s death that Chin who was a Chinese-American and not Japanese or a foreigner was somehow associated with Japan’s importation of Toyota cars, was blamed for the loss of American white male auto manufacturer jobs

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Blog Post #13 POP Review

Today I am going to be talking about our POP SPRING 2017 event. So to start off my personal thoughts about this event was that it was great to see all the talent our classes have in all the communities. For my class personally I thought everyone did a good job in their presentations and put a real effort into making sure everything was perfect.

For my group personal as I reflect on it it made me realize how great of a job we did for all of us to make that video and turn it into to something great. I really liked how we all worked as a team together no matter what. Chris’s drone really helped out a lot too, especially with his drone taking the video that it did. Another thing that came to my mind in my reflection of the 2017 Spring POP event was how even in the end of the semester we as a group are still very a close knit group. I remember my first group which was with the Boyz and how we all did not know each other that well, but now towards the end of the semester we know a bit more about each other through this class of Asian American studies. 

Overall, I am glad that I was able to take this class during my Spring semester because of all the different view points it has taught me. I would suggest anyone who would want to take this class to definitely take it because of al the things you will learn

-Enric 

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BLOG #3 UNITED AIRLINES INCIDENT BY CHRIS

Should flying on a plane from united airlines something Asians should fear? Well, one Asian doctor, Mr. Dao, was dragged and injured after refusing to give up his seat due to an overbooked flight. He received a broken nose and a major concussion after being mistreated by security despite showing no ounce of violence or aggressiveness from the Asian doctor. Could this be a race issue? Perhaps, in my opinion, I think it is. The way the CEO of united airlines, in the beginning, dehumanized Mr. Dao stating that he was being disruptive and belligerent even when the video proved otherwise and realizing his mistake due to his stocks crashing and backlash that he was receiving, he finally apologized and took a step forward to making this situation right. However, if it weren't for the consequences, I'm not exactly sure if he would have felt the same way. Again, in my opinion, I think he would have not responded and even take a step forward to making this situation right despite it was the fault of his own company for overbooking in the first place. This event has opened a conversation about discrimination against Asians and the myth of the being the model minority having an effect on how Mr. Dao was treated. Even despite having no volunteers to give up their seat, in what way and how was an Asian American chosen "randomly"? It's plainly racial discrimination in any normal person's eyes. Have we made progress? And if we did, how much? How many people are willing to see Asian Americans for who they are rather than observing us as the "other"?

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BLOG5: MC Jin

Jin Au-Yeung ( 歐陽靖 ) better known as MC Jin is a Chinese American rapper.  Jin is the single most well-known, written-about, revered, disrespected, loved and hated Asian American rapper ever. I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say he is one of the first Asian Americans to make it in the rap game. 

Jin made his big debut when he showed up as a challenger on BET’s Freestyle Friday. He went 7-0 in the battles which secured his position in the Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame. While his opponents uses stereotypical Asian remarks, Jin uses his verbal prowess to fire back without using an stereotypes.

After this undefeated streak in 106 & Park, Jin signed on with a major label Ruff Ryders. However, his time with the Ryders was short lived, Although he debuted multiple singles with the Ryders, none of them became the mainstream hit that they imagined to be. Jin left the Ruff Ryders in 2005.

Fast forward a few years, Jin made his way to Hong Kong after his renewed faith in Christ. He found success while he was in Hong Kong. He scored television and film roles, endorsement deals and awards.

After his son was born in 2012, Jin decided to move back to America to raise his son along with his wife in New York City.

-Jordan

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BLOG4: Angela Lee

Although she was born in Canada, Angela Lee moved to the United States at a young age. She is half Singaporean and half Korean.  Her parents are both martial artists, so she began training at a very young age and competing at the age of six.Her younger brother Christian Lee is also an MMA fighter and she has two younger siblings who both train in martial arts.

Angela breaks the mold of your typical Asian American and the standard portrayal of women across the world. Most AAs are pressured to pursue a career that is stable and pays well. The way to obtain that job is to go through college and get your degree. Angela was pursuing a degree in business administration at the University of Hawaii until she won her debut fight in the ONE championship. She dropped out of UH and moved to Singapore to join Evolved MMA.

Angela is an icon that represents the American Dream. Although she could have just went to school, got her degree and made a living working a comfy job in an office,she decided to pursue what she loves: Martial Arts She breaks every stereotype about Asian women being timid and vulnerable. 

Angela is currently undefeated in the MMA with a dominating record of 7-0 earning her the nickname Angela “Unstoppable” Lee. Go Angela!

-Jordan

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Blog#13 POP//Producing Our Power

This is Asiamount Productions. With the exception of a couple group members since we didnt get an all group photo.

POP was my first time being in a large scale production since being in a school play in 5th grade. It gave students an opportunity to display what we had learned over the last 13 weeks. Given that most of our crew was the original Boyz2zMenz (Holla Holla We Dem Boyz), we wanted to continue making film that incorporated humor and breaking Asian American stereotypes. 

Our film “Yellow Washed” was designed to highlight the under representation in Hollywood. Time after time, movies have been produced that an Asian role was played by a white actor. At Asiamount we wanted to flip the tables and show just how outrageous it would be to have an all Asian casts in movies. We took some of the most recognized and iconic movies to prove our point including Forrest Gump, Wolverine, and Titanic. We thought it, planned it, and executed it to the best of our abilities and we believe that the film was effective in bringing attention to the massive lack of Asian representation in Hollywood films. 

For the actual POP show, i had the privilege of being a part of the Stage Ninjas. It was incredibly rewarding helping other groups to set up everything they need to ensure a great performance. Although our roles were given to us last minute, in one run through of the show, we were able to coordinate everything that needed to happen, and performed it. 

This POP show was something i’ve never been able to experience before. I never really liked being on a big stage, but through POP, i feel like that could change. I hope this experience of POP can be utilized in my own life to be able to produce the power we Asians have to the world.

-Nathan Yeung

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Blog #13 CHRIS PARK

AAS 218 Although this class feel was the first for me, I don’t regret going through that embarrassing moment of trying to get into this class. My group was so much fun to hang out with and when it came down to the actual work, the fun didn’t get in the way of producing quality projects. I wish there were more classes like this where you are encouraged to meet new people and get to know them instead of focusing on the homework and exams. I always had a good time every week and never stopped laughing. The class was full of good vibes with many talents to show off. I even learned more about Asian culture as I didn't know some Asian American foods were influenced by outside influences who were at that time were occupying their country. And how much Asians have struggled and continue to still struggle today to get to where they should be in terms of attempting to overshadow the notion of being the "other". Especially watching the film, "who killed Vincent Chen?" during Caamfest helped me realized that although I was fortunate enough to be born in an era and generation where it seems to be getting better, there are still a lot of work that needs to be done. Moving onto projects, Iron chef was our first project and I can't believe we brought in so many funny and creative ideas for the video that I never laughed so hard creating a video ever. Everyone was so down to earth and relax that everything went very smoothly. Our mid-semester project was quite difficult to work on as spoken word was not our strength at all. It was so embarrassing to perform a spoken word live when there were many spoken word performances before us that was actually well written and excellently executed. However, everyone was nice to encourage our group during our performance. Finally, our last project was the pop project where we decided to speak out against whitewashing in Asian movies. We wanted to do the opposite where we "asianwash" "white" movies. At first, it was hard for us to get started, but once we did, we went to work right away. Everything went very smoothly other than trying to fit everyone's schedule but nevertheless, it was fun filming and pooling in fun and creative ideas. When I look back, our group made some hella fun memories and hella fun projects and I even met some people who have the same interests and hobbies as I do. I’m sure I will still be friends with some of these people even after this class ends. I had a great time and thank you to the boyz2zmen group for taking me in! Lastly, POP was a fun experience for me as I was able to watch everyone’s projects knowing that every group gave it their all to give their best performance. (Good job everyone!) good luck and I hope everyone does well on their finals!