GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION SPRING 2013 • VOL 11 • NO 2
WHAT’S INSIDE 01 Cover Illustration Jade Chen 03 Letter from the Editor Patrick Yan
COMMENTARY
ARTS & CULTURE
04 Reimagining North Korea Nathan Wong
14 Shanghaiers Robin Huang
06 The Asian Viewpoint of American Cultures
18 Is it Halloween Already? Zi Lin
Olivia Da Eun Park 20 The Angry Asian American 08 What’s in a Name? Soo Mi Rho
Evelyn Cheng
10 Wok a Mile in my Shoes Effy Jiang
22 Ikenobo Kim Chen
WORLD
SHORTS
24 The Impact of the New Chinese Authority
30 Double-You-Tee-Eff?!! Amy Lu
Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng 30 Top 10 Bollywood Movies of All Time 26 Word of Love Tina Yu
Anisha Prasad
27 LOL Victoria Wong
31 An Insightful Crunch Jennifer Tseng
28 Travels to China: Discovering a Hidden Culture
31 The Asian Gene: More than Skin Color
Vida Shi
Jonathan Yuan
EXECUTIVE STAFF
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Patrick Yan Editor-at-Large Soo Mi Rho Art Director Rachel Liu Operations Manager Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng Public Relations Manager Joyce Chen Online Editors Evelyn Cheng
Editors
Evelyn Cheng
Zi Lin
Jennifer Tseng
Copy Editor Layout Editor Layout Designers
Amelia Chu
Joyce Chen
Jennifer Tseng
Media Director
Nancy Nan
Jonathan Yuan
CHECK OUT GENERASIAN.ORG 02 Table of Contents
Cathy Ye Amelia Chu
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from the
LETTER EDITOR NOW
MANY YEARS FROM NOW
START
M
y life pretty much revolves around two
to come experience the land of opportunity.
things: eating and Generasian. The
Our contributors also dive into a foreign
cycle of my life consists of eating to fuel my body
perspective on American life and an American
and burning all that stored glucose working on
first-hand impression of North Korea.
Generasian. I think the most remarkable thing
The pure amount of diverse creativity
about Generasian is the incredible presence
and analytical thinking that we can publish
we’ve attained in just a few short years.
is unfortunately limited by budget and time,
Since we founded Generasian in 2010, the
but take it as a taste of what’s to come in the
magazine has been flying off the shelves faster
future. Of course, we aren’t only confined to
than we could refill them. Marked by bold art
our print edition. In just this past semester,
direction, uncommon Asian/Pacific/American
we revamped our entire online experience—
activism, and a passionate staff, Generasian
publishing several new regular columns on
stands out amongst all the organizations at
our blog and exploring the city’s expression
NYU. We have cultivated an award-winning
of Asian culture through video series.
community dedicated to delivering meaningful
After I graduate, Generasian will continue
content in the Asian American activism
growing under the leadership of future
space so lacking of young proponents.
editors and directors. I’m both excited and
Together, along with thirty seven other
anxious for the next throng of executives that
good-looking kids, we toiled all semester long to
will define the vision and steer the course of
present you with Sincerely, the latest edition of
Generasian for years to come. Generasian has
Generasian. Sincerely brings together genuine
the potential to become a hugely impactful force
experiences of Asian Americans and invites you
in the Asian American world, and for that I am
to take a moment and put yourself in their shoes.
thankful to everyone who has shown interest
In a world filled with deceitful and superficial
in Generasian, whether they be contributers,
caricatures, we seek to disconnect ourselves from
other media organizations, guest speakers, or
stereotypes by expressing our true hearts and
most importantly—you guys, the readers.
G
souls. Sincerely incorporates not just student narratives and intellectual discussions but also photo essays and short fiction that reveal an intrinsic truth in the muddied-up world. This issue represents a new challenge for us, as we dive further into our local and global community. We explore the life and culture
Patrick Yan is a senior studying Finance in
of immigrants who uproot their entire lives
the Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
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Letter from the Editor 03
REIMAGINING NORTH KOREA by Nathan Wong
“
Gladiator? ‘Gladiator’ with Russell
Dolphinarium (christened “The World
said Ms. Pak, standing toward the front
Feel free to ask me any questions,”
Crowe?” Not quite the North Korean
of Sea” by Supreme Leader Kim
of the tour bus as it forged through
cult classic I had in mind, considering
Jong-un himself)—there’s always the
wide, endless stretches of highway.
the country’s seemingly staunch
sneaking suspicion that something’s
With her hair tied back in a ponytail
“Anti-U.S. Imperialist Bastards”
amiss, like you’re in a Scooby-Doo
and the faint hint of a Mona Lisa smile,
rhetoric. Yet, this unexpected answer
episode and there’s a pair of cut-out
Ms. Pak somehow came to embody for
set the tone for the surprises to come.
eyes following you from behind the
me the people of North Korea. Perhaps
I was in North Korea on the grounds
painting on the wall. Things seem
this was because she was one of the
of educational exchange with the
straight out of a film set: from the
three people with whom I was legally
East West Coalition—to understand
“students” studying by chance in the
allowed to have conversations that
the country and its position within
Study House, to the dolphin show with
lasted longer than a couple of minutes.
the context of Northeast Asian
a packed crowd full of North Korean
But on a different level, her smile also
politics. While such a trip may evoke
soldiers. You simply never know who’s
represented the mystery that blanketed
memories of middle school trips
an actual, spontaneous North Korean
my entire trip to the Hermit Kingdom.
to Washington, D.C., Pyongyang
and who is planted to be there.
For example, her open invitation was not as open as it seemed on
does tourism a bit differently. Oddly enough, North Korea likes
While visiting the Grand People’s Study House, the national library, my
the surface. Many things were off
to make its tourists feel as if they were
group and I coincidentally stumbled
the table: namely, her true feelings
the only foreigners in the whole entire
upon a conversational English class
about the Kim leadership, the
country. Being in North Korea tends
by random chance. As each member
propaganda machine, or anything
to make you paranoid and filled with
of my group awkwardly took turns
else that suggested the fallibility of
immense doubt for myriad reasons,
introducing ourselves and where we
her country. Here in front of me
not least of which because there are
were from in English—and occasionally
was a North Korean in the flesh, and
three government officials following
Korean, it was refreshing hearing
what I wanted to ask was effectively
you around at every turn (allegedly to
the students in the class giggle, ooh
off limits. I had to get creative.
keep an eye on each other in the event
and ahh with seemingly genuine
of ideological deviations). Even in
curiosity. Yet at the same time, you
someone asked, posing a benign
“What’s your favorite movie?”
comparison to “a jaded New Yorker’s”
have to wonder what a motley crew of
question hoping to get an obscure
level of skepticism, the skepticism
thirty middle-aged men and women—
North Korean classic like Always
you feel in North Korea is off the
dressed in white collared shirts and
Working Together for the People, or The
charts. Regardless of the location—the
drenched in sweat due to the lack of
Anti-Japanese Struggle in response.
Grand People’s Study House, a local
air conditioning—are doing learning
bowling alley, or the newly-opened
English in the capital of North Korea.
Synchronized children form words in preparation for a military parade
A model cooperative farm wouldn’t be complete without a statue of Kim Il-sung
“I really liked...how do you say...
Students in a lecture at the Grand People’s Study House, the national library 04 Commentary
these booze-fueled gatherings, we
I saw and the self-promoting slogans
North Korea only lasted four days (the
Although the portion of the trip in
would listen to the guides share their
on those walls was astonishing.
government caps the duration that
stories: about recent heartbreaks,
foreigners can stay in the country),
their struggles learning English, the
feelings about my country, tell me so we
it became apparent to me that there
hours of incessant practice for the
can leave them here, so you don’t take
were essentially two North Koreas.
Arirang Mass Games (a spectacle of
those feelings back to your country,”
On one hand, there is North Korea
card stunts, gymnastics, and special
Ms. Pak said to us on the bus ride to
“the system” that we in the West hear
effects that puts Broadway to shame).
the Pyongyang Railway Station. Her
about in the media, characterized by
I began to see that their lives were not
request caught me off guard: this was
relentless Socialist rhetoric, Draconian
at all what I had expected. Although
the first time Ms. Pak suggested that
restrictions on speech and movement,
the environment in which they were
she knew how the rest of the world
and threats of nuclear attacks. Yet
raised was much different from my
viewed her country. With no access to
at the same time, North Koreans
own, as clichéd as it sounds, at the end
the internet—and ostensibly much of
“the people” were strangely normal. Unlike most media depictions of the country from the West, the people of Pyongyang are not cold, propagandaprogrammed robots; instead, they are affable individuals who appreciate a
“Please, if you have any negative
With no access to the internet—and ostensibly much of the outside world, I was under the impression that she would be blindly ignorant of the truth about the country.
good Kim Jong-un joke as much as the
the outside world, I was under the impression that she would be blindly ignorant of the truth about the country. Having
next person. More importantly, like
read a couple books
most of us, they also fall victim to the
of the day we are all still human. I don’t
and conducted hours of extensive
same stupefying effects of ethanol.
know why I arrived in North Korea
Wikipedia “research” before arriving
with the strange notion that somehow
in Korea, I figured myself well-
after a couple bottles of local beer
universal human experiences do not
versed on the country and its ills
and copious shots of soju, their true
apply to the people there, as if it were
before I arrived. Ironically, after her
personalities come out from behind
a place devoid of joy and humanity,
comment, I began to realize that after
their official demeanors. In case you
where people are mindless drones.
being in the country itself, instead
Behind closed doors, and typically
didn’t know before, Koreans love
Yet I wanted so badly for North
of being even more knowledgeable,
music—every soju and maekju filled
Korea to fit into my preconceived
I found myself understanding
night had to have impromptu karaoke.
notion of the country: empty streets,
even less than I did before.
Perennial favorites include “My Heart
emotionless people, and bugged hotel
Will Go On” and Teresa Teng’s “The
rooms. But just as the great cities of the
the train platform with the same
Moon Represents My Heart.” I found
world tend to be different from one’s
smile as before on her face, I smiled
out my Korean guides spoke better
expectations (read: Paris Syndrome),
back with an enigmatic smile of my
Chinese and knew the words to Celine
the same goes for Pyongyang. That’s
own. As the train pulled away from
Dion songs better than I did. Through
when the reality of it set in: these
the station, I stared dumbfoundedly
were real people, not one-dimensional
out the window at the North Korea
entities designed as antitheses to
that I thought I knew fading further
freedom and capitalism. Instead of
and further into the distance.
an omnipotent Big Brother state, I encountered a country crudely improvising nearly every aspect of its
Later as she waved goodbye on
G
Disclaimer: Names and details have been changed to protect the identities of certain individuals.
existence: backup generators providing intermittent power to hotel bars, hunched-over women tending crops on sidewalk plots, propaganda slogans with the “Il” simply painted over with Waiting for the Pyongyang Metro during a morning commute
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Nathan Wong is a junior majoring in Finance and Economics in Stern and minoring in Media, Culture, and Communications in Steinhardt.
“Un” to reflect the change in leadership. The incongruity between the facades Reimagining North Korea 05
THE ASIAN VIEWPOINT OF AMERICAN CULTURES by Olivia Da Eun Park
T
rust me—it wasn’t easy to
York is individualistic compared to
would ask you how your day was
choose the school I would go to
Asian countries is not quite so. There
and if I “found everything okay.” She
for an exchange student program, an
are interesting and unique aspects of
would also ask if I liked the snack I
experience which I’ve heard is “one
American culture which showed me
purchased and comment on it. Finally,
of the best moments in your life.” My
that there are so many heart-warming
we would wish each other a good day
school back in South Korea offered
facets that show the opposite of what
and the conversation would be over.
several choices from various countries
I had been warned of. People living in
Sometimes, before I knew it, I’d even
for an exchange student program.
New York will probably find it normal
managed to talk about my new life in
Among the several charming choices
and not quite fascinating, but from
the city just as I would to a close friend.
of schools in the U.S., what made New
an Asian viewpoint, these cultural
I’ve also noticed that people here
York University my top preference list
aspects of America seem amazing.
was the city itself. Most people long
Before I go over the cultural
apologize a lot. New York is a crowded city so I don’t mind if someone
to visit New York at least once in their
differences between Asia and the U.S.,
momentarily blocks my way or bumps
lifetime, and I was not an exception.
I would like to mention that I don’t
into me unintentionally. In Korea or
After being accepted to NYU, I
want to overgeneralize because I do
Japan, the subways are usually really
imagined New Yorkers walking down
not even know the specific cultures of
crowded but everyone just uses their
the busy streets elegantly, holding
my own country, Korea. But from six
elbows to make room for themselves,
a cup of coffee in one hand—just as
months of living in the U.S., five trips to
and this is considered normal. It
the movies usually portrayed them.
Japan, and four trips to China, I would
becomes really odd when someone is
These were the heart-fluttering things
like to draw a conclusion from only
trying to go in the same direction as I
I imagined with high hopes of coming
the aspects that I think are common
am, and we have an awkward moment
to the city. It was also at this point,
in the three East Asian countries.
of hesitation, face-to-face. In any East
though, that people started to warn me
The first thing I found interesting
Asian country, we would have just
about the fact that the U.S., especially
was that American people in
went on without saying a word. That
New York, is a very individualistic
restaurants, drug stores, or grocery
person had not even touched me, and
place. People are absorbed only in what
stores always greet each other and
understandably there was no need to
they are doing and they wouldn’t care
ask each other how they are doing.
apologize. But I noticed that people here
even if someone walked around naked.
Not to say that there is no cashier
are not shy about saying “excuse me”
or waiter saying “Hi” to you in Asia,
to run through an aisle in a grocery
that what people had been warning
After arriving in the city, I realized
but the chances of a cashier asking
store that is not even narrow to pass.
me about might be true, as seen
how your day is, is next to nothing.
One person even apologized to me
from the individual seats in almost
Normally, in Asian countries, cashiers
for not holding the door up because
every restaurant that aren’t easily
and waiters would take your items,
he didn’t see me. I am aware that in
found in Korea. I thought it would
ask you to choose a payment, give
Japan, “excuse me” is rather used often.
be really hard for me to adjust to this
you a receipt, and finally say “thank
However, in Korea it is rarely used and
kind of life and that I would miss
you” in a forced way. In fact, I would
almost never in a situation in which
the culture of doing everything in
be really moved if the clerk were to
one did not do any harm to another.
groups. However, after staying in the
say “thank you,” as clerks rarely do.
city since January of 2013, I realized
Here in the U.S., the service culture
America is to “bless” someone when
that the common stereotype that New
is much more complicated. The clerk
he or she sneezes. I actually think this
06 Commentary
The next interesting custom of
is one of the most interesting practices
is called out for the food you order.
38,” nor for “someone who ordered a
that is different from those in Asian
This is apparently how Starbucks, a
small iced coffee,” but only for “me.” It
countries. I guarantee you that it would
worldwide company, operates when
makes my day much more delightful.
be really strange and awkward to say
giving customers their coffee. I’ve been
Every culture has positive and
it in Korean or in any other language
to Starbucks in China, Japan, and Korea,
negative aspects. It may seem like the
after someone sneezes. One time in
and I assume the same system would
American culture mentioned above
my International Law class, a girl in
be applied. However, none of them
is more preferable to Asian culture,
front of me kept on sneezing
but it also has its negative side
and every time she sneezed, a
effects. Sometimes I might
boy next to her would say “Bless you” afterwards. If the girl kept on sneezing, the boy probably might have said “Bless you” for who knows how long. They were practically sitting in the
There are interesting and unique aspects of American culture which showed me that there are so many heart-warming facets that show the opposite of what I had been warned.
not be in a mood to engage in a conversation because I’m tired or busy. It might be more efficient, convenient, and less complicated to use the buzzer than to wait
front row so it might have been
among a crowded group of
a bothersome moment for those
people until you hear your
sitting in the back trying to listen and
called out customers’ names in those
name get called. But after all, every
concentrate on the professor, but no
three countries. Instead, they called
culture is a lesson for another. You
one complained and the professor
out order numbers or item names.
adopt what is preferable about that
even paused during her own lecture
Moreover, Starbucks is rather an
culture and learn from its demerits.
to say “Bless you.” I thought saying
exceptional case, as it uses a relatively
For a newcomer, it is sometimes
that in a place where everyone is
friendly method for Asian countries.
overwhelming to adjust to a new
concentrating, such as a classroom
Most coffee shops in Korea or Japan
culture, but such is the charm of New
or a church, could be rude, but it was
use buzzers to alert customers when
York City. You never know what could
in fact a culture which shows that
their food or drink is ready. I was really
happen right around the corner. GG
you care for people around you.
grateful to hear my name called for
The last thing I found interesting
my coffee. It almost seemed like that
in New York City, and presumably
cup of coffee was made with care and
the U.S. as a whole, is that your name
sincerity, not for ‘“Customer Number
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Olivia Da Eun Park is a third year exchange student from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.
The Asian Viewpoint of American Cultures 07
WHAT’S IN A NAME? by Soo Mi Rho
I
t’s the first piece of information shared between two strangers,
name was indeed foreign to me. I remember attributing unrequited
What did change, though, was the way my name was spelled. I had
one of the first words we learn how to
playground romances, or a hindrance
spelled my name “Soomi” until I got
write, and what’s announced during a
on my way to the cool kids’ lunch
to college, at which point I reclaimed
certain impending ceremony at Yankee
table, to the fact that my name made
the gap between my name as Soo Mi
Stadium. For a word that means so
me different. Perhaps this all sounds a
in order to stay consistent with all
much, it’s so arbitrary. Maybe it was
bit over the top. Yet at this age, self-
my legal documents. Suddenly, a new
handed down like a precious family
perception and acceptance were my
world was emerging in front of me,
jewel or spontaneously given to you
world. It wasn’t until entering college
the answer to all my Crayola-filled
on account of your mother’s favorite
that I finally began to understand
prayers!—the possibility of an English
actor. As significant as it is, it’s a fickle
the inner workings of my distraught
name, Soo. Granted, it came with its
thing, too. You can legally change it
twelve-year-old state of mind.
imperfections. Soo reminded me of a
with a few bucks and paperwork—an
College paved a way to that classic
grandma whose cloud of overpowering
option that I had toiled with throughout
self-discovery path that new people
musky perfume filled local community
a good chunk of my adolescence.
in a new city can graciously grant
centers on bingo nights. But I took what
you. To start, introducing myself to
I could get. Professors and classmates
fascinated by my sharpener in my
people in college was different. To the
alike would use “Soo” while thinking
48-count Crayola box and trying to
Korean people I met, my name actually
“Mi” was my middle name, and I didn’t
affix random pieces of clothing to
became a way for us to bond from the
correct them. This was my chance to
stuffed animals, I was undergoing
get-go over an acknowledgement of a
become as common and normal as I
a serious identity crisis and it had
common heritage. A VIP pass of sorts,
had always dreamed of. At first, I was
everything to do with my name. I was
even though my awkward Korean
cautious. I tried out this new moniker
legally christened with the name,
quickly gave me away. To non-Koreans,
at Starbucks and it was magical—no
“Soo Mi Rho,” hand-picked by my late
I braced myself like I would brace
need to repeat, no confusion. Emails
grandfather and carefully handed
myself when my grade school teachers
that were sent to me with “Dear Soo,”
to me. It’s loaded with precious
would do roll call. By default, I prepared
were replied back with “Thanks, Soo.”
Korean heritage and family honor,
myself to repeat my name and to even
facts that my dad never failed to
spell it if need be. Subconsciously, I
feel like a traitor. When I replaced
remind me whenever I brought up
began to present myself as I thought
Soomi with Soo Mi on Facebook indeed
the possibility of getting rid of it for
others would see me, a foreigner and
making it Facebook official, friends
good. From an early age I could feel
consequently an outsider. It didn’t
from home jokingly claimed they
the way my name awkwardly hung
matter if I had lived in America all my
didn’t know me anymore. I did feel
in the air among the sea of Jennifers
life. Different. And in the nervousness
different though, this time not from
In a time when I was busy being
and Ashleys as people would stumble over unfamiliar grouping of syllables, slowly and painfully. And in an age when acceptance meant everything,
Yet all this time I was starting to
From an early age I could feel the way my name awkwardly hung in the air among the sea of Jennifers and Ashleys
I wanted to shrug off all that precious Korean cargo and be able to enjoy a carefree English name. As a second
and awkwardness that accompanies
the influence of others but from the
generation Korean American who had
meeting new people, any ounce of
inside out. After 18+ years of going by
never spent an extended amount of
being different weighs 10x more than
one name, even the slightest stylistic
time in the land my parents immigrated
normal. Things don’t change much from
change in my name was uncomfortable.
from, the concept of having a foreign
elementary school to college, really.
While I easily skirted past this
08 Commentary
uncomfortableness via the web or those
in self-identity came in waves of one
sassy Starbucks ladies at Faye’s, it was
ultimate realization: Soo wasn’t going to
difficult to introduce myself as Soo
solve this apparent identity crisis; I was.
when put on the spot. I often resolved
Sitting in my cramped bedroom one
to introduce myself by Soo to the
night, I made the all too easy decision to
next person I met but in a last minute
change my name back to one-word Soomi
panic, I was back to Soomi/Soo Mi.
on Facebook. I justified this commitment
This gaping space between my
with the reasoning that I didn’t want
name caused me more confusion that it
employers judging me through my cover
should have. And this chance to avoid
photos. But in my typical drama queen-
the awkwardness of being pinned as
esque self, I also felt it was a deeper
an outsider was working conversely
decision. I was returning to Soomi, the
to make me feel even more muddled
person I had known, hated, and—in brief
about my self-identity. Soo was the
moments of enlightenment, loved—for
girl of my dreams. My dad no longer
a good 18 years before a two year hiatus
could guilt-trip me about abandoning
during which, in typical undergrad-
my Korean heritage or my grandpa,
fashion, I questioned my identity as an
and this gap in my name seamlessly
individual and as an Asian American
worked its way into my life at a point
whose Asian-ness was just a bit more
when I was able to use a new name
emphasized through my moniker. That
amongst new people and a new city.
typical college evening, Facebook greeted
I couldn’t have asked for a better
me with “How are you doing, Soomi?”
solution yet here I was, unable to take
and I didn’t bother to correct it. GG
this opportunity by storm. I couldn’t become Soo. It became increasingly clear to me that there was not much to a name at all. And the greatest lesson
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Soo Mi Rho is a senior majoring in Media, Culture, and Communications and minoring in Business in Entertainment, Media & Technology.
What’s in a Name? 09
WOK A MILE IN MY SHOES Life of an Asian Immigrant Restaurant Owner by Effy Jiang Restaurant management seems to be a popular business choice among Asian immigrants in the United States, likely because Asian food has a history of having been welcomed not only by the Asian Americans, but also by other races. These Asian restaurants are often cheap and have delicious food. Generasian conducted a photographic interview of 69 Chinese Restaurant, located in Chinatown, offering some insight of the story behind an Asian immigrant’s restaurant business.
The owner of the restaurant, Mr. Zhang, took over this little restaurant on Bayard Street about six years ago. “This is probably the oldest restaurant in Chinatown,” he told me, “it has been here for over 70 years.” Even though it is a traditional Cantonese diner in Chinatown, almost half of the customers are not Chinese. Mr. Zhang said, unlike most other Chinese restaurants here in the United States that have been greatly “Americanized,” 69 Restaurant still manages to keep the authentic cooking style of traditional Chinese.
10 Commentary
One of the oldest decorations in Mr. Zhang’s restaurant is the dollar bills on the wall. “They have been there for more than 25 years.” Mr. Zhang told me. These were left by the customers. People have their meals, then doodle or write on the one-dollar bills and stick them on the wall with tape to leave memories. This unique mural has been a special highlight of this tiny diner. READ OUR BLOG
generasian.org
Wok a Mile in my Shoes 11
Early in the morning, the employees start bringing food materials into the restaurant and cleaning up the tables to prepare for the opening.
12 Commentary
According to Mr. Zhang, the earliest generations of immigrants in the US faced a formidable language barrier when it came to career paths, so opening a restaurant, in which they could converse and operate in their native tongues, seemed to be the easiest method by which they could make a living. Mr. Zhang comes from the Cantonese part in China. He moved here with his parents about twenty years ago. He told me he personally prefers living in China. “In China, we have more options.” Another younger employee in the restaurant said he likes here better. “New York City has everything,” he said. Different generations of immigrants clearly have very different expectations for the life in here. READ OUR BLOG
generasian.org
G
Wok a Mile in my Shoes 13
SHANGHAIERS by Robin Huang
T
I
ran to the bathroom. The hardwood
“It’s a French braid. I saw Angelina
he boiling sun struck the white
floor—cool from air conditioning—
Jolie doing this at the Golden Globes, so
villa like a drum, and sunlight
memorized a trail of footprints in
I thought I would try it. Do you like it?”
oozed through the Victorian window
warm condensation that glowed
shades of Silvia Alean’s bedroom.
softy in the morning light.
While the rest of the Alean household
She rested her eighteen-year-old
Her mother thought for a second—“I liked it better before”— and walked out the door.
awoke, Silvia dozed on, appearing
elbows on the sink, nostrils full of
Her mother had never liked
for the moment uninterested in the
moist lavender from the lotion on
change. Yet, so much had changed.
new day. Her room was a mixture of
her smooth thighs. Silvia gazed into
Two years ago, Silvia’s father was
the sophisticated and the superficial:
the mirror and thought herself very
offered the job of Regional Director
An empty gold picture frame was
beautiful that morning. Her sleek
of General Motors in Asia. He took it,
visible on a cluttered desk. A white
brown hair was charmed into a neat
and moved the family from Groton,
closet tattooed in black swirls and
French braid. Her intelligent green eyes
Connecticut to Shanghai, China.
ellipses stood against the wall.
gazed back inquisitively at her body.
Through an open door, a collection of expensive cocktail dresses and silk
“I should be a queen,” she whispered.
“We’re only going to stay for two years,” he promised. But Silvia threw a fit.
stockings was visible. In the center
The brief reverie was
“We’re moving to China?” she
of the room was the bed. The double
interrupted when her mother
demanded, “We can’t speak Chinese.
mattress appeared tyrannical next
poked her head into the room.
Why would we move to China?”
to a vanity desk pilled high with books and a spectrum of cosmetics. However, the bed sheets were soft and white like the rest of the room. Silvia jumped out of her silk blankets in a wave of excitement that comes only in the summer, and 14 Arts & Culture
“I’m putting the laundry on your bed Silvy,” her mother said. “Thanks, Mom!” Silvia yelled. On her way out, her mother glanced in the bathroom. “Did you change the way you tie your hair?”
“Well, I am taking introductory classes right now. And, I’m sure they will teach you that in school.” “I’m going to a Chinese school?” Silvia looked pale as death. “No, darling. You are going to an international school called Concordia.
I’ve heard great things about it, and
“I’m Yeona, that’s Sally,” the
at the Dragonfly Massage Parlor.
the best part is that all of your teachers
gold one pointed to the other.
During the sixty minutes of heaven
and peers are foreigners just like you.”
“Where are you from?”
the masseuse gave her, Silvia could
“What about food? I can’t just eat Chinese food all the time.” “I’ve asked about that as well, and
“Connecticut.”
only think of one thing. She wanted
“Wahhh, the United States,” they
to experience all of the things she had
whispered mysteriously. “We’re
already heard about. She wanted to
apparently the foreigners in Shanghai
from Belgium.” There was a pause.
enter this new world. No longer did
eat better than the Donald Trumps
Silvia wondered what two Belgian
she resist—she had fallen head over
of New York. Shanghai has a dish
girls were doing in Shanghai.
heels for this new city—no, her city.
“Do you want to come
After the massage, Silvia bid
called Xiao Long Bao,” Mr. Alean gave his best Chinese impression, “which is like a bun, but the skin is thin as paper and the meat is delicate as china.” He chuckled at his own pun. “That sounds stupid.” “Hey, you’re not the only
to the spa with us?”
good-bye to her new friends and went
“There’s a spa?” Silvia cried.
home. When her mother greeted
“Yes! Come, we’ll show
her at the door, Silvia smiled.
you,” Yeona squealed. “Sally can you call Ding Shi Fu.” “Who is that?” Sally asked.
“I’m so glad to see you outside, darling. Are you feeling better?” She smiled again—bright and
one who has to sacrifice. Mom
“Our driver.”
radiant—unique to young girls who
is giving up her job!”
“You have a driver?”
have not smiled in a long time.
Silvia did not reply. She was close to tears now, and pouted her lips in a way that only daughters could, and fathers could not resist. Mr. Alean softened up, and
Sally cried again. It was then that Silvia smiled for
“I think I can live here, Mama.” Her mother returned the smile.
the first time in this new country.
“That’s wonderful, baby.”
As they waited for Ding Shi
Mother and daughter embraced.
Fu, Yeona and Sally told her
“Now, come inside and look at the
knelt down beside his daughter.
many things. They had lived
food Xiao Fang made for us.”
He held her face in his warm
here for four years already.
“Who is Xiao Fang?”
hands, and kissed her head.
Sally listened, mesmerized. The
“Our maid.”
“You’re going to love it, darling.”
world that Yeona and Sally promptly
Silvia almost hugged her.
Silvia wished he were wrong.
described was one that Silvia could
The sound of her mother calling
They arrived in a similarly
never have imagined for herself before.
her to breakfast brought Silvia back to
torrid August summer. Jetlagged,
It was a fantastical world aborted
reality from her recollections of three
and heartbroken, Silvia cried for
from a Fitzgerald novel. The buildings
years past by. She quickly slipped into
three days straight. It wasn’t until
covered the sky. The people covered
a tiny skirt and a uniform polo and
her anguish ceased, that she could
the land. Food, and music gushed
bounced downstairs. Fang Xiao had left
begin to notice that she wasn’t such a
through the streets—and, the parties.
her breakfast, a bowl of rice noodles,
stranger in this part of Shanghai. While
Sally described the dazzling parties
on the table. Pieces of neatly cut apple
her parents were busy unpacking,
so vividly that Silvia could hear the
and orange were sitting in a bowl. A
she wandered outside the house.
music and the laughter, the sputtering
cup of steaming coffee sat neatly in
Beside the driveway was a
of red Volkswagen taxis pulling up on
a white saucer. She finished quickly,
beautiful garden where an old man
the side of the road, the vibrating bass.
and went out the door. A wave of heat
meticulously trimmed and weeded.
She could smell the pungent perfumes
hit her as she exited her cool home.
Red and brown stone tiles formed
and sweet sweat and see strobe lights
the sidewalk that bordered the
dancing obtrusively in the darkness.
neat lawns of each house, not at all
The world painted before her was one
like the dull concrete of Groton.
of gleaming intentions, unmatched
From the freshly paved road, two
exotic garden; it was a place where the
pink bicycles, gold hair fluttering in
moon is the dullest thing in the sky. This illusion was interrupted only
“Hi, you just moved in right?”
by Ding Shi Fu’s honk. The three girls
“Yeah, my name is Silvia.”
climbed into the Buick and soon arrived
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“Good morning Silvia,” he said politely.
heights, and infinite variety; it was an
Caucasian girls approached her on the wind. They appeared to be twins.
Her driver, Mr. Chen, stepped out of his car and opened the door for her.
Shanghaiers 15
II At 8:00 AM, Zhang Yu was firmly packed into the back of a Shanghai
Yu’s chair, and sat down on the desk. He wore a patronizing look. “Zhang Yu, I know you are
thought about what her doctor had said. Zhang Yu looked up from his daze. “Yes, please sir. I would
subway pen. Travellers were hot and
new so I will explain to you how
sweaty from the summer heat, and
things work here. There is no
the rush hour soon became disgusting.
such thing as overtime. There
When he finally arrived at the office,
are so many recently graduated
his back was drenched with sweat.
university students I could replace
Wiping perspiration from his temples,
you like a pencil. Everybody works
“Perfect.”
he sat down. Cringing from the coolness
overtime. Look around the room.”
“Excellent, I’ll see you tonight
of the chair that invaded his wet back, he turned on his old Dell computer. A large stack of test cases was already on
Zhang Yu followed his boss’ index finger as it traced around the room. “All of these programmers
love the opportunity.” Cai Laoban scribbled something on his notepad. “Wonderful. I’m buying dinner. Does KFC sound good?”
then.” Cai LaoBan gave Zhang Yu a wink and walked away. Zhang Yu put his head down
his desk. With a sigh, Zhang Yu logged
work twelve hours every single
and continued to work. At 11:45
into a computer system based in the
day. Do you know why?”
AM, his cell phone rang. Zhang
United States and began his work. “Zhang Yu, you are fifteen minutes late.” Zhang Yu turned around and saw his supervisor standing behind him. “I’m very sorry Cai Laoban. The subway was very slow this morning.” “I know Zhang Yu; I was on it.” The man stared at Zhang Yu behind
Zhang Yu shook his head. “It is the only way to get promoted. It is the only way to move up. Nobody cares about the money. The most productive get promoted—end of story. It is how I got to where I am today, and
Yu slowly swiped to answer. “Mother. I have something to tell you…”
III At 12:45 PM that day, a corpulent
how you will get here—if you ever
glutton walked into the Tang Dynasty
do. So what I am really asking you is:
restaurant. An explosion of gold and red
Where do you want to be in five years?”
assaulted his vision. The room split into
square glasses. He was in his early
Zhang Yu said nothing.
two sections. One side had a glittering
forties, but already had a head
“Do you want me to sign you up
panoramic view of the Shanghai Bund.
peppered with white hair. He often thought to himself that his white hairs
for the overtime shift tonight?”
The floor alternated chestnut and white
Many things flashed through
marble slabs, and was decorated with
were there because of the wisdom
Zhang Yu’s mind in this instant; he
black squares frames that engineered
he gained from his experiences.
thought about how expensive the rent
a modernist style. The opposite side
People like Zhang Yu of the younger
was in Shanghai; he thought about
of the room was carpeted in a beige
generation do not value wisdom as
rising food prices, his new expensive
canvas strewn with abstract lines that
much, he thought with contempt.
coffee dependence, and how sexy that
looked like clouds in Chinese watercolor
Mercedes Coupe he saw at the Auto
paintings. The tables were covered with
Shanghai was; he thought about his
white tablecloth. The chairs were red.
“Anyways. I need people to work over time tonight. Can I sign you up?”
He thought about how expensive the rent was in Shanghai; he thought about rising food prices, his new expensive coffee dependence...he thought about how he owed his mother who had supported him, raised him alone, loved him, and now needed him.
Massive chandeliers that hung from the ceilings spouted golden light, and illuminated the enormous water lilies that grew on the enormous expanse of the silk tapestry on the back wall. His stomach bulged out of a cruel body. A greasy forehead sat atop of a checkered black suit. A waitress
“I would love to, sir. However,
girlfriend pressuring him to make more
uniformed in a clean red blouse, and
I promised my mother I would
money; he thought about impressing
knee-length skirt with traditional
eat with her tonight.”
his university friend Liu Shi, who was
patterns on it greeted him.
“Are you sure?”
now a flashy businessman; he thought
“I’m sorry, sir. My mother
about how he owed his mother who
is—I’m hope you understand.” Cai Laoban walked around Zhang 16 Arts & Culture
had supported him, raised him alone, loved him, and now needed him. He
“Good afternoon Mr. Zhu. Mr. Dai is waiting for you?” The waitress led the way towards a small square table in the corner of
IV
the room where an older man in a new
York back in the twenties.”
tuxedo awaited. She left three leather-
If the Jinmao is the king of
bound menus on the table, and smiled.
Shanghai, then the Bund is surely
of the high school kids here and they
its princess. Stretching a kilometer
work so hard to get into university. All
along the west bank of the Huangpu
they care about are numbers, but they
River, she is never more beautiful
kind of have to in such a big country.
Zhu sat down at the table. The seams
than at night. It was a scene taken
And all of the migrants from the
at the back of his suit protested. Mr.
from Van Gogh: The western bank
provinces come here and live eight in
Zhu stared greedily at the menu but the
glittered in the golden brilliance of
a room, just to make money and send
other man had no intentions of eating.
millions of lights that illuminated the
it home. Makes me feel so fortunate.”
“Please give us a moment,” said the man in the tuxedo. The chair creaked rudely as the Mr.
“Why is the land not purchased yet?” the man in the tuxedo demanded.
old European architecture from the 1920’s. This brilliance was reflected by
“My apologies. The villagers protested the dark river and rippled all the way
“But, humbled too. You talk to all
“And, the glamour. Shanghai is flashy.” “Oh, yes.”
the demolition—as you know many of
to the eastern end. There, two students
them have lived there for decades.”
from New York University walked
live here, and love it. Nobody
on the broad esplanade in profound
misses home, living here.”
“Look at this face,” he said with an expressionless face. “Does it say I care? Every day of delay is costing me money. I need to buy this land while
serenity and the dark of evening. “James, you all right?” said the taller one.
“And so many foreigners
“It’s amazing how one city can be so diverse and bring so many people together—I mean—it’s just a
prices are low. You’re a government
“Yeah, Edward. Just thinking.”
unbelievable. I can’t put my finger
official. Just demand them to move. I
“Me too.”
on it. It’s so beautiful, and so ugly—
am offering compensation already.”
A few moments later, James
it’s like a thousand paradoxes.”
“But, they don’t want the money. They just want to go on living.” “Then force them to move.” “How?”
turned to Edward and said, “I just
They walked for a few minutes in
love it, you know? I just love this.”
silence. The golden lights of the city
He waved his hands before them.
fluttered in moments of brilliance
“We’ve only been here two months,
that seemed would last forever.
The man gave him a flat look.
but I just feel so captivated by this
“It’s a mystery,” said Edward.
“Listen. I’m a government official,
city. But, I’m not sure what it is.”
“A mystery,” agreed James, “Maybe,
not a dictator. I can’t in good conscience leave these people homeless.” “Again, I don’t care about your
“I know what you mean, man. Ever since I’ve been here I’ve felt so energized, you know? There
conscience. Just get it done. Or
are 30 million people in the city,
perhaps I will stop giving you those
and they all want to get to the top.
wonderful gifts: The BMW from New
It’s a rat race—sort of like New
that’s why it stays with you.” And, without looking at each other, they both smiled.
G
Robin Huang is a freshman studying in CAS.
Years? Or the unknown transfers to your bank account. What will your little girlfriend say to that?” Mr. Zhu paled considerably. After much deliberation, he said, “Fine.” “I knew you would see it my way. Now, we can enjoy this meal happily.” “Waitress,” he yelled. “Can we have two shark fin soup, your best steak, today’s fish, creamy scallops, the Hong Kong fried rice, and a bottle of Bordeaux red wine, please.” “Will others be joining you, sir?” She asked. “No, it’s just us. We’re celebrating,” he winked. READ OUR BLOG
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Shanghaiers 17
Top Left: Lucy Shen as Kagamine Rin and Elaine Lau as Kagamine Len from the popular Vocaloid series Bottom Left: Lucy Shen as Ciel Phantomhive from Black Butler Middle: Louisa Wong as Hatsune Miku as she appears in the music video, “The Full Course for Candy Addicts” Right: Meri Tachibana Hambalek as Hatsune Miku from the popular Vocaloid series Photo Courtesy of lunarasea@deviantart, Ron Perez Photography, & blackcatsrule@deviantart
IS IT HALLOWEEN ALREA by Zi Lin
A
couple years ago, I trekked out to New York Comic Con
The term “cosplay” (an abbreviation
in America, many westerners have come
of the English words “costume” and
to see Japan as an safe haven for all things
at the Jacob K. Javits Convention
“roleplay”) was first coined by a
anime, manga and video game related.
Center dressed up as a female video
Japanese magazine writer in 1984
But according to cosplayer Elaine Lau,
game character. I wore a pair of
and refers to fan activity of dressing
many American fans who proudly label
pink sunglasses with an enormous
up in costume and roleplaying as pop
themselves “otaku” fail to realize that
red bowtie strangling my neck and
culture characters. While fans bring to
the term carries extremely negative
a flowing white lab coat covered in
life a variety of characters from comic
connotations in Japan. Overseas, otakus
handmade accessories. As I strode
books, television shows, films—even
are looked down upon by Japanese society
down 34th Street, daydreaming
inanimate objects—through cosplay,
as childish and creepy. Japanese cosplayer
about posing in character for close-
the term has come to be associated
are sometimes conflated with sexual fetish
up photographs at the convention, a
with Japan and its hugely popular
freaks and cosplay is regarded as taboo.
particularly vocal mother quipped
cultural products: anime, manga and
Meri Tachibana Hambalek, a cosplayer
at her teenage son, “I didn’t know
video games. But outside of niche
originally from Japan, sees cosplay as a way
Halloween was early this year!”
communities, cosplay in America
of enhancing her self esteem and a hobby
While the American cosplay scene
is sometimes seen, in cosplayer
to brag about to her friends. But she warns
has certainly grown recently, many
Louisa Wang’s words, as “a strange
that “being otaku in Japan is just suicidal”
Americans still consider dressing up
Asian hobby.” Cosplayers are even
and many Japanese cosplayers keep
as a fictional character an activity
denounced as nerds, weirdos with a
their otaku identities hidden. Whereas
reserved for children on the last
“loose grip on reality” or “depressed
convention-going cosplayers in the United
day of October. But playing dress
lifeless Japanese wannabees.”
States are free to wear their costumes in
up only scratches the surface of
Perhaps because cosplayers and
public, doing the same in Japan would be
the frequently misunderstood and
“otakus,” or fans with obsessive
considered ill-mannered and offensive to
stigmatized cosplay hobby.
interests, are oftentimes misunderstood
others. Ironically, while cosplay is generally
18 Arts & Culture
associated with Japan and Japanese
for that character and
pop culture in the United States,
wanting to portray
Meri firmly believes that “if you’re a
that love and trying to
cosplayer, you want to be in America.”
mimic a part of them.”
However, dedicated and enthusiastic fans, both in Japan and
certain characters
America, are not
because “there are
discouraged from
always qualities that
cosplaying by these
I can understand
negative perceptions.
or really love in a character that
character from the Sailor Moon
As cosplayer Louisa
would make me want to be them.”
franchise, as “Ghetto Venus” because
Creating accurate and detailed
her skin color and race was different
Wong remarks, “these
ADY?
She chooses to cosplay
While many cosplayers enjoy wearing a pretty costume and receiving attention from photographers at conventions, fans also see cosplay as the highest and most visceral expression of their dedication to a character.
are all just opinions
costumes, staying true and faithful to
from that of the original character.
from people who don’t
a character, then, become important
On the other hand, cosplayers who
understand the hobby.”
aspects of the cosplay process. For
change their skin color through tanning
For many cosplayers, the
example, Louisa’s cosplay projects are
or makeup to be “more accurate” are
hobby has had a positive
hand-sewn and her most expensive
accused of putting on blackface. The
effect on their personal
projects running up to $100. She spends
issue of having an “accurate” body
and social lives. Louisa
anywhere from several days to several
type for a character is also a constant
first became aware of
months making a costume depending
issue amongst cosplayers. Fans like
cosplay through the internet,
on its complexity but drafting a pattern
internet blogger Tabitha Grace Smith
only cosplaying casually at
for the costume is, by far, the most
are afraid of cosplaying at conventions
first until she befriended other
difficult and time consuming part of
because of “people who snicker and
cosplayers. She then decided to pursue
her cosplay process. Similarly, Lucy
laugh at plus-sized Batgirls.” But most
cosplay seriously and was soon addicted
believes “it’s a cosplayer’s pride to try
cosplayers will agree with Louisa
to the hobby. Cosplay has influenced not
and make it look like a character just
when she says that cosplay should
only Louisa’s friendships and creativity
kinda walked out of the anime.” But for
be regarded as “a type of art that
but has also encouraged her to “eat
some cosplayers, creating hand-sewn
can be experienced by anyone.” She
better and exercise” to be physically fit
cosplays can be time consuming and
elaborate further, “there is a freedom
for photographs, ultimately becoming
expensive. Lucy, Elaine, and Meri create
of expression regardless of what or
a huge part of who she is today.
their cosplays by customizing and
who you are so race should not become
Likewise, for Lucy, Elaine, and Meri,
altering conventional clothing found
an impediment.” Elaine echoes similar
community and social interaction
through “thrifting or shopping at the
sentiments, confirming that the cosplay
take on a critical role in their cosplay
mall or online shopping” to save on time
community is generally respectful of
experiences. Cosplay is so essential to
and money. Wigs and contact lenses
each fan’s particular character choices.
convention community and culture
are also needed to capture the different
that, according to Meri, “not cosplaying
traits of each particular character.
As thousands of costumed fans flock to anime, manga, and video
at a con just seemed wrong.” Moreover,
Despite the cosplay community’s
game conventions each year in major
Lucy cosplays “more for the community
generally accepting stance, translating
cities like Los Angeles and New York,
than anything else,” often choosing to
two-dimensional characters into
the obscure hobby of cosplay has
cosplay certain characters in order to
three-dimensional fan creations
become the subject of dense photo
complement larger group cosplays.
raises a plethora of thorny issues for
collections, books, documentaries,
While many cosplayers enjoy
cosplayers. Prevalent amongst them
and numerous newspaper and
wearing a pretty costume and receiving
is the issue of race and skin color as
blog articles in the United States.
attention from photographers at
Chaka Cumberbatch’s February post
Perhaps this growing interest will
conventions, fans also see cosplay as the
on xojane.com titled “I’m a Black
help shed a more positive light on
highest and most visceral expression
Female Cosplayer and Some People
cosplay as something more than just
of their dedication to a character. In an
Hate It” demonstrates. Some internet
Halloween that has come too early. GG
online interview, Louisa explained that
commenters referred to Cumberbatch’s
cosplay “is all about being passionate
rendition of Sailor Venus, a popular
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Zi Lin is a junior studying Philosophy in CAS. Is it Halloween Already? 19
NGRY ASIAN AMERICAN THE AANGRY by Evelyn Cheng
W
hen we are wronged, our
which seeks to give a voice to Asian
have also expressed childhood hurts.
first reaction is to be hurt.
American Buddhists overlooked in
Whether subtly as in “The Joy Luck
evaluation of American Buddhists.
Club,” flippantly as in “American Born
Particularly as Asian Americans, we are culturally accustomed to
On the angrier end of the spectrum,
Chinese” or casually in street-talk as in
pretend to forgive on the outside, and
the blog “Angry Asian Girls United”
“Fresh Off the Boat,” these books have
be demure and respectful. So it is a
writes in its description: “ We are
garnered attention for their discussion
breakthrough and encouraging to
not open to hearing white people’s
of Asian American’s buried feelings.
all Asian Americans when someone
anecdotes, stories, or submissions.” The
actually dares to come out and express
blog administrators adds that “This is a
is right for this time and age. The
the experiences and thoughts we have
space for Asian women primarily and
Asian American voice has spent long
had. We feel liberated and excited. But
also for people of color more generally.”
enough expressing frustration with
since what we are most anxious to say
The bloggers pick up on racist and
academically-minded parents, societal
comes from the anger and hurt we have
feminist remarks about Asian American
stereotypes and racism. Many are
suppressed, our initial outpourings
women and reblog them with indignant
already aware of the issues Asian
tend towards anger: How dare society
comments. Founded just last December,
Americans face. Anger, even satirical,
treat us this way, label us as exotic,
the site highlights many issues about
is not conducive to a positive image.
place a bamboo ceiling over us…
relationships and education relevant to
Perhaps Asian Americans feel so
a minority community, but many posts
insecure that mocking ourselves and
lean towards coarse online language.
others is the only way we feel in control.
For many years anger has been a significant part of the Asian American voice, most obviously manifested
Another site, “Angry Little Asian
But I wonder if this attitude
Although angry comments and jokes
online in blogs such as “Angry Asian
Girl,” launched in 1998, features
may stir popular support, I believe
Man.” Founded in 2001, the blog
videos and a comic strip about Kim,
that rather than continued ranting,
highlights recent instances of racism
a spunky Asian American girl who
the best way to improve the image of
against Asian Americans as well as
“gets mad a lot and has the mouth of a
Asian Americans is to be professional
specific Asian American individuals
sailor,” as the site says. One character
and not sequester ourselves to the
and events. The founder, Korean
asks Kim, “Do you consider yourself
angry corners of the internet.
American Phil Yu, started the site as
as Asian or American?” Kim replies,
a place to vent about racism against
“Neither. I’m just angry.” When two
magazine, which presents a
Asian Americans. Given that Yu writes
little boys remark on the smallness of
professional dialogue on Asian
about injustices on his own people, his
her eyes, Kim explodes that they have
casual language can be ironic if not
golf balls in their sockets. She also calls
outright upset. But Yu goes deeper,
her teacher a “stupidhead” when told
recognizing in his blog’s description
that her English is good. The cartoon
that “racism does exist, and Asian
character was created by Lela Lee in
Americans still do struggle with issues
1994 while she was a sophomore at
of acceptance in this country.” He
UC Berkeley. “I was so angry and I
adds that “my context for discussing
could not articulate why,” Lee told the
these problems often came from
Washington Post in a 2001 interview.
comic exaggeration, because at times,
To express these pent-up feelings,
it was the only way to make such
Lee created Kim and her friends.
ugly issues open and approachable.”
Blogs are a natural medium for
A good example is Hyphen
Other Asian American blogs with
venting because they are personal and
the idea of anger exist as well, such
have uncensored, widespread reach.
Taiwan-born Ang Lee almost gave up his filmmaking career at age 30. Since then he has won two Oscars for his work.
as the site “Angry Asian Buddhist,”
Prominent Asian American works
Photo courtesy of The Oregon Herald
20 Arts & Culture
American issues. Available online and
Asian, American or otherwise on her
comfort in sharing the same pain,
in print, the publication will celebrate
blog. She makes Asian customs such
especially regarding topics seldom
its 11th anniversary this June. Their
as Chinese New Year gifts accessible to
discussed by mainstream media. But
articles highlight social trends, such as
non-Chinese, while describing common
anger isn’t our only available outlet.
the rise of Asian American politicians
experiences of online dating, trips to
Anger can light a fuse, but to keep
in the South, or Asian American roles
Paris, and selecting running shoes. Yet
it burning requires different fuel.
in the entertainment industry. As
Liu also notes how she was the first
an established magazine, in contrast
Asian American journalist in several
to many of the blogs, Hyphen is a
newsrooms, including Crain’s New York.
level-minded publication of issues of interest to Asian Americans.
“The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” erupted in conversation in both Asia and America about education practices. While the book in itself was not angry, Chua touched a nerve on a defining aspect of being Asian American. What many overlook is that Chua speaks of
examples of a trend away from
Asian parenting methods as part of her
anger. Ang Lee, who won his second
family’s story, of how she compromised
Oscar this year, is a Taiwanese-born
with her 13-year-old daughter to make
American who has won awards for
life more pleasant. With her book, Chua
both his Chinese and American films.
prompts discussion about an important
From “Crouching Tiger, Hidden
child-parent issue in the Asian American
Dragon” to “Life of Pi,” Lee’s works
community without blaming others.
touch on human issues at large rather
As Asian Americans, we are
than focusing on Asian American
sensitive to discrimination, which I
injustices. But his personal story of
admit as Generasian’s co-online editor
rejection and working on the sidelines
I’m also guilty of. We have many hurts,
for six years before rising to fame
whether from parents as expressed
encapsulates the American dream.
in highexpectationsfather.tumblr.
On a smaller scale is blogger
com or from the words of non-Asian
and journalist Betty Ming Liu who
friends. We are quick to identify with
describes all aspects of her life,
these angry blogs because we take
Published in 2006, this graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang tells how adolescent Jin Wang discovers his identity in the American schoolyard.
Korean American Phil Yu founded “Angry Asian Man” as a site to express his views on racism against Asian Americans.
Illustration courtesy of blogs.america.gov READ OUR BLOG
generasian.org
Evelyn Cheng is a junior studying Journalism and Urban Design & Architectural Studies in CAS.
The publication of Amy Chua’s
But anger isn’t our only available outlet. Anger can light a fuse, but to keep it burning requires different fuel. Several individuals are also
G
Photo courtesy of Northwestern University
Alternative Energy Check out these writers and websites for insight into the Asian American community: “Asian Nation: Asian American History, Demographics and Issues” C.N. Le, Sociology professor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst http://www.asian-nation.org/ “Blog: Letter from China” Evan Osnos, China Correspondent for New Yorker magazine http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/evanosnos/ “China File” Asia Society’s English-language site on China news http://www.chinafile.com/ Michael Luo Investigative reporter for the New York Times http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/ timestopics/people/l/michael_luo/index.html Mochi Online fashion and beauty magazine by and for Asian American women http://mochimag.com “Our Chinatown” Project Local news sites sponsored by the Asian American Writers’ Workshop http://www.ourchinatown.org/
Lela Lee, creator of Angry Little Asian Girl, is an actress in California. Photo courtesy of lelalee.com Illustration courtesy ofangrylittleasiangirl
The Angry Asian American 21
Step 1: Stand the birds of paradise flowers
Step 2: Add the leaves and secure with twist
Step 3: Add the spray of yellow
upright. Secure them in place with a stand.
ties. Adjust the height as desired.
flowers close to the leaves
IKENOBO
The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement by Kim Chen Flower arrangement courtesy of Wang Li-Mei
Materials: Phalaenopsis orchid, Chinese brake fern, pine, winter daphne, Oncidium orchid 22 Arts & Culture
Step 4: Add the bougainvillea flowers to the base of the arrangement to offset and balance the overall composition
I
kenobo originated in Kyoto, Japan, as a Buddhist flower offering, and was founded
by the Buddhist monk Ikenobō Senno. It is one of the many schools of Ikebana, Japanese floral art, which can be translated to mean “living flowers” when translated from hiragana or “the way of the flowers” when translated from kanji. However it is distinguished by being the oldest school, with more than 500 years of history. The first flower arrangment was created in The Rokkaku-dō Temple in Kyoto, and thus that is where the school calls its home. Ikenobo as an art form has survived,and is currently
insight into life, and gaining a sense of heaven
Materials: Camellia,
headed by its 45th generation Iemoto (headmaster),
and earth in the meantime. The practice of flower
Reeves’ spirea
Ikenobō Sen’ei. It is still based in the Rokkaku-
arranging consists of the integration between
dō Temple in Kyoto. Additionally, it has many
humans and flowers, as well as flower and other
practitioners and active chapters around the world.
decorations. Only in such an integration will one
When practicing Ikenobo, the purpose is not just to
G be able to create beautiful and inspiring work. G
appreciate the beauty of the flowers but also to learn from the process, growing closer to nature, gaining READ OUR BLOG
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Kim Chen is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry in CAS. Ikebono 23
Xi Jinping standing in front of the national flag of China. Photo courtesy of The Foreign Policy Initiative.
THE IMPACT OF THE NEW CHINESE AUTHORITY by Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng
M
any living in the United States seeking information
Xi has found himself in a favorable
her article, Xi Jinping: “Princeling”
position in the eyes of few American
to China’s President, “What makes
about global changes will turn to
media. The news agency Voice of
Xi click?” His appeal is supposedly
Western news sources. With Xi
America also gives a review of Xi
his “pragmatism, competence and a
Jinping’s ascendance to Party Head of
Jinping, showing optimism about his
heritage of political reliability.” She
China in March of 2013, the Western
coming to power and hope that “he
praises him for his willingness to
news media has shifted its attention
vows to continue China’s policy of
maintain good relations with the United
to this new international figure, such
reforming and opening up, saying the
States, citing his five-day trip to the
as CNN’s new category, “On China.”
improvement of people’s lives is one
United States to visit authorities such
of his main priorities.” There is less
as President Obama, Vice President
who has been leader for ten years.
negativity in the article compared
Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary
Forbes rated Xi the ninth most powerful
to Forbes or the Los Angeles Times,
Clinton, and the Defense Secretary Leon
man in the world. According to the
but there are still lingering hints of
Panetta. In addition, Yuan articulates
Global Firepower 2013 World Military
uncertainty and suspicion of future
positive impressions of him, describing
Strength Ranking, he is also the third
prospects under Xi’s leadership.
how “Xi [is] ‘relaxed, very at ease to
Xi Jinping, 59, replaced Hu Jintao,
most powerful man in the world. 24 World
CNN’s Elizabeth Yuan asks in
talk with people’ and a departure from
Communist leaders who tend to be ‘very
Xi’s helping his family amass wealth,
York University Professor from the
cautious’ when talking.” Yuan’s article
the provided statistics of economic
department of Anthropology, sums up:
exemplifies a more positive attitude
gain are enough to make any reader
towards Xi and his potential as a leader.
question whether Xi intervened in
of the Chinese state, and almost all
Other Western writers, however,
his family’s business investments.
American media articles about China
In relation to discussion about
fall into one of these three categories.
do not regard him so favorably. Despite one of Xi’s major political
“There are three basic critiques
his family and background, the Los
First, there are political-ethical
stances against corruption of Party
Angeles Times, Barbara Demick cites
critiques of the one-party system and
officials so as to earn the trust of the
Xi’s ascendancy to power and attributes
the human rights violations resulting
Chinese locals, reporters still largely
a big part of that to his family history
from the Party’s attempts to maintain
negatively portray him in Western
of “red nobility,” AKA those born into
control over the media and civil
media. Xi said in a CPC disciplinary
a political family. She explains the
society. Second, there are economic
watchdog meeting in January of
culture of the “princelings” (the sons
critiques of the way that China has
The western media fishes for loopholes and flaws in his past to establish a negative outlook on his leadership. The American media is full of skeptics and critics, especially towards the Chinese nondemocratic government.
pursued economic development–the critique from the left is that inequality in China is too high, and pollution too severe; the critique from the right is that the economy is over-managed or the state too powerful in economic issues (such as the value of the yuan). Third, there is a geopolitical concern
2013, “We must have the resolution
and daughters of government officials
about China’s emerging status as an
to fight every corrupt phenomenon,
within the Party), and attributes
economic and military power.”
punish every corrupt official and
Xi’s success to this background. She
constantly eradicate the soil which
ultimately argues Xi may not be the
state, the American media is highly
breeds corruption, so as to earn
best candidate for the position. Because
critical of him. With all of political,
people’s trust with actual results.”
of family privilege and the inexistent
ethical, and economic differences
Xi presses on for reform, especially
free elections in China, everything
between China and the America,
regarding the rapid development
is decided within the Party. She also
the scrutiny Xi faces is expected.
and use of social media despite many
mentions, “he gained admission to
Nonetheless, negative impacts are
contrasting opinions within the Party.
Tsinghua University with a party
derived from this attitude. There is a
recommendation; after graduation,
sort of bias that people come across
Lawrence reveals Xi’s wealth and
his father secured him a job as an aide
when their source of information
hints at the possibility of corruption.
to the powerful head of the Central
about China and the new leader is so
Lawrence, as a writer for a publication
Military Commission.” Demick and
Westernized. These portrayals of Xi
specifically focused on finance,
many reporters like her portray Xi
in the media will definitely affect the
examines the financial background of
as undeserving, using every piece of
way in which Americans perceive
not only Xi, but his entire extended
support they can from his educational
Chinese leaders and how that defines
family. According to him, “as Xi
and political history to prove that he
Xi Jinping in the Western world. As
climbed the Communist Party ranks,
did not achieve success and status
followers of the Western media, it is
his extended family expanded
solely through his own efforts.
important to recognize the negativity
Nonetheless, Bloomberg’s Dune
their business interests to include
Because Xi is leading the Chinese
As seen from the sample of news
present in these articles about Xi and
minerals, real estate and mobile-phone
sources cited above, the general attitude
understand the political and cultural
equipment.” There are obvious benefits
towards Xi is negative. The western
differences behind this bias. GG
that his family received by mere
media fishes for loopholes and flaws in
association with Xi. The investments
his past to establish a negative outlook
are even obscured from the public, as
on his leadership. The American media
multiple companies withheld access
is full of skeptics and critics, especially
to certain documents. Although
towards the Chinese nondemocratic
Lawrence denies any evidence for
government. Lily Hope Chumley, a New
READ OUR BLOG
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Natalie Weng is a freshman majoring in Economics and Mathematics in LSP.
The Impact of the New Chinese Authority 25
WORDS OF LOVE
Once these radicals are combined, the meaning becomes
by Tina Yu
more complex; there becomes space for interpretation. The second and third illustrations convey two of my
The Chinese writing system is over 4,000 years old and one
interpretations of the meaning of love, each using all of
of the oldest known written languages known to humankind.
the objects represented by radicals. One shows a more
Throughout time, the pictographs originally found carved
logical reading of the formless concept—a hand unveils
into bones and turtle shells have been simplified. When
an anatomical heart, which leaves a deep imprint on its
several of these simpler symbols—known as radicals—are
beholder. The other reader is more sentimental—a hand
combined, they form the characters found in the modern
is nursing on the effervescence of two affection beings. In
Chinese language. These can possess literal meanings, but
these interpretations, the meaning of the radicals can extend
have the capacity to represent conceptual ideas. For example,
beyond their literal meanings. The claw becomes a human
the character for love, 愛 , is composed of four symbols that
hand; the cover becomes a veil or apparition, and so forth.
represent very concrete objects: a claw (爫), a cover (宀), a heart (心), and a pair of walking legs that leaves footprints ( 攵). The first illustration depicts this literal translation.
26 World
Tina Yu is a sophomore studying English and Studio Art in CAS.
LOL
The interwebs, language, and lulz. Forgetting about the political and historical relations, tensions, and disputes between the East Asian countries, through laughter, through the online “lols” (or in this case, ㅋ ㅋ ㅋ, 嘻嘻哈哈, (笑), and wwww), harmony and peace can be found.
by Victoria Wong generasian.org
READ OUR BLOG
Victoria Wong is a sophomore in GLS.
International Love: Adoption from Asian Countries 27
TRAVELS TO CHINA: DISCOVERING A by Vida Shi
special geode.” Around the bend was a small shrine where a bowling ballsized geode perched in a little cavern of amethyst. Set on the side was a framed picture that looked more like a drawing then a photograph—the colors probably hand-inked. I squinted at the old man in the photo as the women pointed out, “This is my ancestor, honored still by the geode he found long ago. It is a sacred family shrine to us, and if you reach out with a hand to touch the geode, you will take from it some luck.” Each of the tourists obediently swept a hand over the gemstone, yet all the while I looked at the amethyst
E
and thought of similar ones in Chinese ons ago, before China was one
Tibetan slopes on foot, our tour traveled
souvenir stores that were triple its size.
united empire, a few tribes
to the mountaintop on a small airplane.
People here did not have a Buddha to
sought a land of their own. Their quest
One rocky bus ride later, the tour guide
worship until the late infiltration of
was a religious one and they turned
left us in front of a two-story, bleach-
the government, and apparently many
towards the mountains, overcoming
white stone house at the center of the
tribes kept to their polytheistic ways.
the extreme heights, relentlessly cruel
National Heritage site. Women dressed
weather, and full brunt of the sun in
in layers of fuschia-pink and emerald
us through to rooms of hand-painted
pilgrimage to their pagan gods. What
traditional robes greeted us with a
murals, where we sat uncomfortably
they found was a harsh paradise no
hearty native salutation, “Za shi de le!”
in low benches with our knees pressed
one would rediscover until 1975. Today
in the courtyard. Although we were
against the tables of food. But what
the region is known as Jiu Zhai Gou
told to expect this completely foreign
food meant to them seemed more
Valley, named literally after the Nine
dialect, the tour guides failed to convey
suitable to feed their yaks. Copious
Villages that settled there during its
how strikingly unusual the women’s
dishes of undressed lamb swimming
founding. Of the nine original villages,
appearances would be. They each bore
in watery stew, potatoes, and some
seven are still populated and house
inflamed “Tibetan suns”, a euphemism
unidentifiable vegetables that tasted
up to 200,000 indigenous Chinese
for the sunburned circles they bear on
like grass made up our meal. After
“Qiang” people. Ethnically distinct
their cheeks and sky jade beads hung
the first bite I declined seconds. What
due to years of isolation, many of
heavily around their necks as a symbol
they called milk tea tasted like ash,
their old ways survive intact today.
of wealth. With hospitably warm
they had sour cranberry juice for beer
Now that the mountain is a National
smiles, the women motioned us forward
and tubers instead of real vegetables,
Heritage Site, the tribes thrive on yaks
to wash our hands for purification,
but they presented it as if it were a
and tourism while surrounded by 114
the first custom we encountered.
feast. We nibbled at the bread and
tranquil lakes and other protected
Around us, a wind had picked up,
kept waiting for the promised main
ecological wonders. In the summer of
stirring the peacock strings of prayer
course, a whole yak that would surely
2010, I had the chance to tour China and
flags into slapping the air. “Every
save our dinner. Finally, a baked yak
encounter the hidden culture myself.
breeze that passes through, a blessing
carcass was proudly paraded in in all
comes”, or so the women told us.
of its lean glory. The fur must have
While the natives might have climbed those three thousand feet of 28 World
“Everyone, look over here at this
The Tibetan hosts subsequently lead
accounted for much more of its mass
HIDDEN CULTURE than I previously thought, for it was the
of our people entirely, and there was
created naturally from the earth. Eyes
size of a turkey or pig. My last hopes
no hope left.” It hadn’t struck me until
are the most common and valued. To
for dinner was dashed as the pieces
now that the woman could pronounce
have stones with eight eyes is a sign
of yak meat stuck dry in my throat.
Chinese fluently other than a hint of
of benevolence and great wealth, for a
The stones could very well be as old as their people, forgotten by the world until they seemed relevant enough to be brought into society. “Who wants to hear a song?” the women suddenly asked. Before anyone could answer, the tour was assaulted by
a syllabic twang. Had
king would wear them. They are old,
she been taught the
very old, with decades of history.”
language since she was
Looking at the browned skin of
small, alongside their
her hands, I realized the stones could
traditional speech,
very well be as old as their people,
or was the Qiang’s
forgotten by the world until they
ancient tongue dying
seemed relevant enough to be brought
with the elders after the oncoming
into society. They had lost their
of a tourism-based economy?
private lands to the government and
“A passing demoness noticed their
are subsidized as a protected ethnic
acapella mountain ballads. After each
troubles. She looked upon the faces
group. Yet at the end of the day, they
song, the women jab at the air with two
with pity and decided to help them.
were a face of the Chinese people too.
peace signs, comically modern. “Oh
At her command, petals dropped all
At last the woman lifted the chain
yeah!” she shouts in English, “Some
around the mountain sides, and when
for us to take in, “Three eyes, see?
Hong Kong tourists told me that I had
they touched the ground they became
Not the richest, but good all the same.
to do this after every song.” They had
sky jades. All that touched them were
Long life, success, and happiness;
started out with piercing tunes that
healed, and it became thereafter
if you have that then you are lucky.
might have had to do with the loneliness
synonymous as a source of power and
Sometimes it is all you need.”
of yak herding and the immovable
health.” After she spoke, the woman
force of the mountain…at least, if we
stroked the smooth sides and pointed
had understood it. “Ya So Ya So Ya Ya
out the eye-shaped markings, “There
So!” We recited the half-joking reply
are many different symbols on them,
G
Vida Shi is a sophomore majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing in CAS.
taught to us, finding the native humor a little startling. Two times meant encore please, three for “I love you”, and four something along the lines of “No need for more talk, let’s get married!” After a few no-doubt poignant traditional verses, they immediately broke into well-known Chinese songs like “The Moon Represents My Heart” (groan). At the very end of the tour, a native woman came up to us with clacking sky jade beads. Cupped in her palm, they glowed. My eyes trailed the thread of beads as her voice washed upon my mind. “This is the legend of the sky jade. Long ago, it was said that a terrible plague hit the mountains. Everyone was dying, and more growing sick every day. It appeared to be the end READ OUR BLOG
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Top left: The yak in all of its...turkey-sized glory? Top right & bottom left: Rooms for entertaining guests are decorated with painted murals and low benches. Bottom right: Qiang natives dancing in brightly colored traditional robes. Travels to China: Discovering a Hidden Culture 29
Photo Courtesy of Andy Dean
Photo Courtesy of Fanpop.com
OU DOUBLE-YTEE-EFF?
by Amy Lu
We, fellow bloggers, writers, and journalists, endorse occasional swearing as the best way to relieve stress and anger, but others may disapprove. Here are swearing words in languages other than English. Use in moderation. 1. Uluu Hindi for “owl” and an insult forsomeone who is slow or stupid “My teammate is an uluu. He is always late for our meetings.” 2. 仆街 (pok gai)
TOP 10
BOLLYWOOD MOVIES OF ALL TIME
by Anisha Prasad
With lavish soundtracks and colorful characters, Bollywood movies have cult followings both in India and overseas. But only a few movies truly stand out from each year’s myriad of releases. Below is a list of ten recent and classic Bollywood movies that truly stood out from the rest. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kal Ho Na Ho (2003)
Cantonese slang for “go die on the street” and
A tear-jerking story of
Set in New York, KHNH
another way to say “F’ you” in English
innocent college love and
explores betrayal, love
“What a pok gai! My roommate manhandles all of my stuff!”
friendship, KKHH is worth
triangles, and familial
watching and re-watching!
bonds through modern
3. Gavaar
songs and dances.
Hindi for “illiterate” and used to mock
3 Idiots (2009)
someone’s educational background
Two boys go on a journey
My Name is Khan (2010)
“What a gavaar. That taxi driver almost ran over me!”
through India to search
An autistic man living in a
for their long lost college
post 9/11 world struggles
buddy only to discover
with discrimination
Chinese for “turtle egg” and used to call someone a bastard
more than they expected
in America.
“Wang ba dan! My roommate never cleans up after herself. ”
about their friend.
4. 王八蛋 (wang ba dan)
Taare Zameen Par (2007) 5. (Tumi ahkta kuthar bacha)
Dilwale Dulhania Le
As the first film in Bollywood
Bengali for “you’re a dog’s son” and is the
Jaayenge (1995)
history to talk about child
equivalent of “son of a b*tch” in English
Considered the classic
disabilities and to point
“The MTA increased subway fare and added surcharge
Bollywood love story,
out the flaws in the Indian
for new metrocards? Tumi ahkta kuthar bacha!”
DDLJ journeys through
education system, this movie
scenic Europe and
will leave you in tears.
6. 씨발 새끼 (ssibal saekki)
leads back to India.
Korean for “F’ing bastard” “My roommates ate all my cereal. Again! Ssibal saekki!”
Baarfi! (2012) Kabhi Khushi Kabhi
Winner of the 2012 Filmfare
Gham...(2001)
awards, this silent film
This emotional story of one
features a love triangle and
Hindi for “bitch”
Indian family will have you
deals with the struggles of
“That kuthiya who cut us in line is blind. Can’t
laughing, singing along to
people with disabilities.
he see that we’re waiting in line too?”
its catchy soundtrack and
7. कुतिया (kuthiya)
crying at the same time. 8. 操你妈/操你姥爷 (cao ni ma)/(cao ni lao ye)
Dostana (2008) Despite its comedic
Chinese for “F’ your mom/grandpa” and insults
Don (1978)
exterior, this film was
both said person and his/her family
Amitabh Bachchan’s
the first in Bollywood to
“How could you sleep with my boyfriend!?
thrilling breakthrough
make people aware of
Cao ni ma! Cao ni lao ye!”
film is about a clever
gay rights and issues.
criminal who you cannot Amy Lu is a sophomore with an Economic Development concentration in Gallatin. 30 Shorts
help but fall in love with.
Anisha Prasad is a freshman in the Liberal Studies Program studying Psychology.
AN INSIGHTFUL CRUNCH
Words of wisdom can come from places in which you would least expect to find them. Take for instance the fortune cookies at Kimmel’s Asian stir-fry station. They offer insightful advice, as well as a sweet crunch after your savory stir-fry.
by Jennifer Tseng
Studying is important, but so is taking
College is a time to try new things but
For some people, college means
a night off from hitting the books at
sometimes venturing into the unknown
pursuing majors for careers that they
Bobst to hang out with friends and
can result in mishaps and even regrets.
aren’t sincerely interested in. They
see the city. Attending NYU means
Maybe you enrolled in a new course
overlook the fact that there is still the
you are in New York City and there
and found it disappointingly different
possibility that they can find success
is always something going on. Know
from its description. Even things we
in their passions, whatever they
when to put your studies away and
are familiar with can throw us off.
may be. Take Ang Lee, NYU Tisch
check out the concert at Central
Perhaps you haven’t managed to land
graduate film program alumnus and
Park or the pop-up store in SoHo.
any jobs after graduation. But take a
Oscar winning director. His father
moment to appreciate this curve ball.
wanted him to become a professor,
This unexpected setback may just be
but Lee decided to follow his passion
the pleasant jolt your life needed.
for drama. As Life of Pi, Crouching
Jennifer Tseng is a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Studies in CAS.
Tiger Hidden Dragon and his other great films can attest to, pursuing your
THE ASIAN GENE: MORE THAN SKIN COLOR
interests can indeed bring you success.
by Jonathan Yuan
E
thick hair
ast Asians, most prominently
that the mice had thicker hair shafts,
Chinese, Koreans, and
but also less breast tissue. Surprisingly,
Japanese, are known for many
the mice also had developed more
physical traits, such as tan skin,
eccrine sweat glands, which primarily
small breasts, and thick, dark hair.
excrete odorless salt water, as opposed
Some lesser known qualities include
to the odor-producing apocrine sweat
less body odor and dry ear wax.
glands of which Asians have less. When
This February, researchers at
compared to humans in East Asia and of
the Broad Institute of Massachusetts
East Asian descent, these traits
published their conclusions that
were found to be consistent.
some of these traits are controlled
small breasts
less body odor
Speculated causes for selection
by a mutated version of the EDAR
of this gene include sexual and
gene that appeared as recently as
thermoregulatory. Many regions
35,000 years ago in East Asians, but
of East Asia would have been hot
not in Africans and Europeans.
and humid, so increased excretion of
EDAR is an ancient mammalian
shovel-shaped incisors
sweat would increase heat expulsion.
gene that influences hair, skin and
Thick hair and smaller breasts signify
teeth growth in the embryonic stages
youthfulness and thus sexual prowess—
of life. Because mice also have EDAR,
perhaps a contradiction to today’s
the researchers were able to engineer
popular obsession with large breasts. GG
a strain of mice with the East Asian mutation of EDAR. They found not only READ OUR BLOG
generasian.org
Jonathan Yuan is a freshman studying in Gallatin. 31
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