Asian Outlook Fall 2006 Issue #1

Letter from the Editor...

So I was sitting in my Drugs and Behavior lecture, slipping into "student mode" (a slightly catatonic state), when the professor gets to the discussion of the history of drug regulation. Back in the 1800s, the alderman of San Francisco decided to pass some ordinance that banned the operation of opium dens. Of course, the ban didn't stop the sale or use of opium, meaning that it was specifically targeted at the people who frequent those dens: the Chinese immigrant population.

The professor then asks a rhetorical question: what do you think those legislators thought the Chinese were doing in there? It's shortly after this point that I wake up.

Earlier, before class started, I was sitting a seat over from where I ended up when the class started... A group of guys had plopped down next to me, filling in the empty seats to my right. As the class started, a friend of theirs shows up, looks at me, and then asks his friends if I was a friend of theirs. I'm still sitting there, playing dumb because I didn't feel like getting up, but he does ask me to move a seat over. It didn't really matter, but at least he asked in a decent manner. But then, as the class progressed, the jerk has the nerve use my arm rest and stick his legs into my leg space. I spent a good portion of the first half of class launching a quiet campaign of arm resistance against his invasion until the guy-who was obviously still smashed or stoned from that night he was bragging about with his friendsfinally got the point.

As the battle finally subsided, the professor asks that question about what the San Francisco officials were thinking when they passed an ordinance against their Chinese immigrants. Without hesitation, the walking stereotype-of-a-college-guy next to me says, "Eating egg rolls," followed by a labored chuckle to himself. I guess all that smoking is finally getting to him. After that comment, I couldn't help but accidentally stab him with my pen a few more times until class ended.

I'm aware it's unusual to start an introduction with a story about an admittedly minor incident of racism, but it highlights a major problem with the mindset of many of our peers. It's already hard enough to play out the ridiculous demands of being politically correct in an especially sensitive society, but it's especially disturbing when someone who's just not thinking still says something that can be so blatantly racist, and right next to a guy who was nice enough (I think I was nice about it, at least) to give up his seat so you could sit with your other genius buddies and laugh about any mention of a narcotic in a class about drugs. Obviously, something's not getting through here.

I think it's about time to remind people that we haven't been trying especially hard to change how we think about things.

I suppose that last paragraph gives a bit of insight into who's at the helm of Asian Outlook this year. I'm picking up after a very successful semester under our last Editor, Melissa Chan, and an exceptionally talented staff. I've got quite a legacy to maintain, but our members seem to think I can do that.

Certainly things will be a bit different since, well, I'm not Melissa, but I'm lucky enough to have a leg up with last semester's laurels. I'd like to take this opportunity to let our readers know that we're still in the growing phase of our life, but we can't keep going without input from our readers. How silly would it be if we, who are here to highlight and discuss the concerns of the Asian and Asian American community, continued to publish without hearing from and including the Asian and Asian Americans who read what we have to say? That's one rhetorical question that definitely doesn't need a smart-ass answer.

We're here to publish what you have to say.

We are a tool for the community to make itself heard.

How often do you hear a guy say that he's willing to be used? I'm here for that. Use us to ruffle a few feathers, and show them just how much of a "model" we can be for other groups.

--Peter ao.editor@gmail.com

1

asian outlook magazine

Table of Contents Dog Massacre in China

6

by Yi Cheung

Slideways on the Highways

7

by Justin Tan

Cyworld - A Foreign Virtual Social Network Comes To America

9

by Ronniel Fulay

A Profile of Gong Li

11

by Serena Miller

Bayanihan: A Barrio Story

13

by Ralph Amuro

On Being Single: A Brief Rant

14

by Katherine Lam

The Green Devil: Wasabi Craze Threatens our Youth

15

by David Lee

The Plight of the Asian Flush

16

by Peter Lam

Interview with Professor Zhang Laoshi

20

by Dan Dan Liu

Buja’s kimono showcase Profiles of the Asian Student Union groups

23 25

Regular Columns The Angry [UN]Fashion Columnist

4

by Jae Z

Attraction and Repulsion

5

by Dan Dan Liu

Plight of the President

19

by Man Fung Wong

Asian Outlook is the art, literary, and news magazine of the Asian Student Union at the State University of New York at Binghamton. Conceived and designed to challenged and reconceptualize forms of awareness of Asians and Asian Americans, it serves to protect the voice of those in the miority, whether by ethnicity, gender, or political orientation. All materials contained within do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.

Asian Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions and to publish materials as deemed appropriate. asian outlook magazine

2

Conscience

29

designed by David Lee

“The Dregs”

30

by Peter Lam

“Can You Promise Me?”

31

by Helen Liang

Photography

32

by Peter Lam

“Toothbrush: A Madd Real Poem”

34

by Rekatizzy the Meal Plan Peeimp

“Day”

34

by Ooi

“And Ode”

35

by Peter Lam

“Just Another Day in New York”

36

by Jae Zhou

Staff Editor in Chief: Peter Lam Assistant Editors: Yi Cheung, Fang Fang Fu, Katherine Lam Layout: Oliver Hansen, Jonathan Li Conscience Editor: David Lee Publicity: Chris Oakley Treasurer: Jie Lin

Contributors Ralph Amuro, Ronniel Fulay, Helen Liang, Dan Dan Liu, Serena Miller, Ooi, Yuta Okkotsu, Jason Tan, Man Fung Wong, Jae Zhou

Cover Image courtesy of http://www.skyscrapercity.com

3

asian outlook magazine

The Angry [UN]Fashion ColumnistBy Jae Z I am somewhat of a fashion fanatic. At the risk of sounding extremely shallow and vain, I confess that it is, in fact, my raison d'etre. The first weeks of classes flew by as I sat with my textbook-sized Vogue amidst a pile of deconstructed pants and various other DIY projects inspired by the runways of New York Fashion Week.

When I agreed to write a fashion column, my first instinct was to write about Fashion Week. But I considered my target audience and clearly Binghamton is not the place for fashion or proper attire even. So instead the first installment will be more of an easing in and I will leave the runway coverage to the disciples at Vogue and WWD. This will be my opening statement in the case for an improvement in the overall appearance of the Binghamton student body. First, I would like to say that I do not like the word fashion as it calls to mind too many images of bad trends, unreasonable standards and general pretentiousness. We are all students, and it would be extravagant to replicate the runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York; instead I advocate for a mere effort to have a more kempt student body.

If there is any uniformity on this campus, it is the everyday sloppiness of students. This is more an issue of propriety and etiquette rather than fashion. Our first impression upon the world is appearance; it is an expression of our personality and character.

A friend of mine recently broke his leg and has a cast on his entire left leg, but this has not hindered him from dressing up. He still puts on jeans, a presentable top and clean sneakers everyday. So it is truly a wonder to me exactly what it is that keeps Binghamton students from putting on real clothes on a day to day basis.

What is even more perplexing to me is that the same ladies who would walk all over campus in antique pajamas on weekdays would get dolled up to all sorts of tacky extremes. But who can be impressed with this "transformation" having seen your daily misshapen appearances? Sequin tops and "trend" necklaces do not work miracles.

There is a saying by Coco Chanel - "If a woman is badly dressed, one notices her dress. But if she is impeccably dressed, it is she that one notices."

Yes, a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a formless t-shirt might suggest that you are comfortably relaxing, but the classroom is hardly a place to lounge. If there is a time and place for everything that we do, then by the same logic there is a time and place for everything that we wear. Keep your gym shorts near a treadmill and keep your shoes on in the classroom.

asian outlook magazine

4

Attraction and Repulsion

by Dan Dan Liu Are You in a Serious Relationship?

"How many serious relationships have you been in?" a friend curiously asked me one day. Serious relationship. What is that? I asked him to define it for me. He said, "Well, it has to be a relationship that has lasted for a good amount of time-at least one year."

With such a definition, it would mean that I have NEVER been in a serious relationship!

Can the length of a relationship measure the seriousness of a relationship? I have never been in a relationship that lasted anywhere close to one year. Does this indicate that I was not serious about them?

To be brutally honest, I have never been in a relationship that has lasted more than 3 months. Some people might say that this is an early sign of a commitment problem. Is it time for me to consult a shrink?

Two weeks ago, a close high school friend of my age emailed me with news on her engagement with the boyfriend she had been with for years. She will be getting married in March of next year. I was never more ecstatic for her. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder: Where is my fiancĂŠ?

The reason why I have not yet committed myself to a longer-term relationship is because I think that a serious relationship is not easy to maintain. A relationship requires a never-ending compromise of needs. As two people become involved, no matter how similar they may be, there will, inevitably, be conflicts. Someone not serious enough to stay in the relationship would give up and move on. Perhaps he or she is not looking for anything but fun and games. If both parties, however, are serious, they would work together to make ends meet and resolve those conflicts. A serious relationship involves a balance between the give and take.

All of my relationships were extremely short, but that does not mean that none of them were serious. Although they were mostly not serious, there was one that I hold dearly to my heart. I call it a serious relationship because we both tried to work things out between us. But alas, I did not give it my all, and I must say that I faltered. I may have been the person to blame.

But was it really my fault? Relationships are never simple; nor are they easily classifiable as black or white. The definition of a serious relationship is up to the people involved. As everyone is different, so are their relationships. In order for the serious relationship to last, there needs to be equilibrium between the parties involved.

What do you think? Please direct comments to: dliu1@binghamton.edu Images courtesy http://www.icmarriage.com and http://www.lifeoutsidethebox.com/relationship.html

5

asian outlook magazine

Dog Massacre in China

by Yi Cheung After three people died of rabies, a five-day massacre of dogs within a three-mile radius of the outbreak was ordered in the Yunnan province, located in Southwestern China. Between July 25th and July 30th 2006, a total of fifty thousand dogs were beaten to death for this purpose. About a month later, the Jinan province followed the same lead and executed the second mass dog slaughter.

Although the massacre was brutal, it was also deemed legal because there are no enforced laws in China on dog destruction or prevention by dog owners thereof. And so, regardless of their willingness, many dog owners were forced to give up their loyal companions. The only compensation dog owners received was 63 cents as "reward" for aiding the containment of rabies.

In their defense, the Chinese government claimed that this was the only effective way to curb the rabies outbreak. China has one of the world's highest rates of rabies infection-2651 deaths were reported in 2004; despite this only three percent of dogs are vaccinated each year. This is because the cost to vaccinate and license dogs costs significantly more than it does to buy a dog. Seventy percent of China's households keep dogs, but only a few are able to afford the costs, especially those living out in the country where rabies related death has been the highest.

asian outlook magazine

During the massacre, officials entered homes to search for dogs as squad cars scouted the streets for stray dogs. Some of the killings were implemented during dog walks; many of the dogs were beaten to death right in front of their owner's eyes, thereby eliciting distress and grief from dog owners. It's cruel enough that so many dogs were killed, but the method of mercilessly beating them to death is heartless.

Zhang Luping, founder of the Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Education Center commented that "I think this brutal and cold blooded campaign should stop as soon as possible."

Attempts made by dog owners to hide dogs were futile as officials strategically created loud sounds outside of homes to elicit dog barking.

Perhaps the greatest injustice was that there was no distinction made between vaccinated dogs and non-vaccinated dogs; approximately 5000 vaccinated dogs also entered the death count.

Other citizens, however, support the government's decision and have expressed relief at the thought of protecting themselves and their loved ones. "People opposed to killing dogs ought to think how they'd feel if they or a relative was infected with rabies. Are peoples’ or dogs' lives more important?" said one unsigned posting Xinhua's electronic bulletin board.

In my opinion, the issue has nothing to do with whether people's lives or dog's lives are more important. The Chinese government simply chose the cheapest and also the most inhumane method to eradicate rabies. Animal rights activists and critics have pointed out that rabies is a huge problem in China mainly because of the lack of animal control, lack of strong healthcare system, and lack of disease surveillance.

Currently, China's image has been greatly harmed by its own atrocious actions. Individuals worldwide are boycotting Chinese imports, and signing petitions on the internet, as a means of either expressing their outrage, their sorrow for the dogs, or both.

And so, I would like to express my outrage, and my belief that violence is never the answer, by ending this article with a moment of silence for the dogs that lost their lives and the dog owners who lost their friends.

6

Slideways on the Highways

by Justin Tan

In Japan, the hobby of taking average cars, and adding "aftermarket" company-made parts to increase car performance has become very common. In only a short time, the Import Car Scene has evolved into something of its own. It has made such a huge impact on American culture that everyone's feeling its effects.

What is it about the Japanese car culture that has drawn so many of our generation, not just Asian Americans, but people of all backgrounds to it? Is it the "cool" body kits, the big exhausts and big turbos, the import model sex appeal, or something more that's been drawing people to this new and evolving sport, and lifestyle? Average Americans are now getting into the tuning scene, and challenging the American automotive industry to create new cars, that are smaller and more fuel efficient, from which tuning was born.

My main focus is, however, on how one movie in particular has been affecting the car scene. I'm sure you've guessed it by now, it's The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift produced by Universal Pictures. There's a new culture of racing that has slowly been captivating racing enthusiasts here in the United States-it's called drifting and it's taking America, one hairpin corner at a time.

The counter steer, accelerator technique, heel & toe-all familiar phrases related to the culture. Drifting, the premise of the film, has evolved into a sport of its own with its roots starting off in the mountain passes of Japan. In the old days, the Japanese wanted a quicker method of driving down these windy and narrow roads. In essence, drifting is a core feature of the Japanese tuning scene; it allows the driver to take a faster turn by sliding through it rather than braking and turning normally. Here in America, there aren't very many mountain passes to try these techniques out. That's probably why the scene has been stuck with Âź mile racing.

With the huge popularity of racing comes a huge selection for aftermarket parts in America. Companies have made it easy for people like you and me to tune our cars to how ever we want, and it has become much more affordable for tuners to transform their econo-box into a 10-second-quarter-mile racecar. With this new influx of drift culture, new events and professional drift competitions, such as Formula D, have sprung up; just think NASCAR, but sideways. This is probably where Hollywood saw they could profit.

7

asian outlook magazine

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is about a southern guy named Sean Boswell, a troublemaker who drove through a house just to win a race. Because of this, he ends up moving to Japan to avoid being thrown into juvenile prison. In Japan, Sean faces new surroundings, and new ways of driving (drifting). Furthermore, he also has a stern father who forbids Sean from touching a car, and a love interest whose current boyfriend just happens to be a part of the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. These circumstances ultimately lead to utter chaos.

But in the end, the final race between the American "cowboy" and the Yakuza solves everyone's problems.

Yeah, I know. I watched this movie and (most) people wouldn't go around driving through houses and slamming into someone else's cars just so they won't lose their girlfriends to the guy they're racing against. However, the culture that they portray in the movie is really just a harsh exaggeration of the American and Japanese racing scenes. The introduction of a largebudget-drift film shows how the American tuning scene, culture and ideas are evolving to join those of its Japanese counterpart.

The tuning scene in America is divided along two lines. There are formal events such as car shows, official drag races at a drag strip, and track meets where other racers have the opportunity to pit their cars against one another. And then there's the informal side, where locals gather at the nearby shopping center parking lot to exchange information and to "strut their stuff" a bit. As clichĂŠ as Fast and the Furious makes it, there are straight-line and quarter-mile races behind abandoned factories, where racers think they can't be caught.

In the American car scene, I feel there are those that can front what they have, and those that can't but nevertheless continue priding in their Veilside body kits on their Chevy Cavalier. That's the problem with this influx of Japanese influence on cars; some have taken it out of proportion by "ricing" out their cars with ridiculous body kits and cheap exhausts to make their cars loud, but without any real performance upgrades.

Others, however, are keeping things clean and simple with slight body modifications and heavy-on-performance upgrades. We need to go back to the roots and examine why we love cars. It's not because of the scantily clad women featured at car shows or magazine covers, nor the big exhausts, 18-inch rims, superchargers, turbochargers or any of that stuff (They're just a bonus). The love of going fast and more importantly, the freedom of driving a car is what has been drawing these cultures together. This is why I feel Americans have been drawn into the Japanese lifestyle and changed so much by this new culture of drifting.

I remember first getting my license; driving was an amazing experience for me and my friends. It was a way for us to get away from the SATs, our parents, and whatever problems we faced at the time. American muscle cars were more associated with the old days, but as human beings, we constantly crave for something different, and desire for change. I feel this is why tuners love the import scene nowadays, and why drifting in particular has begun to influence everyone. It allows us to express our love for driving in a completely different way than we could have ever dreamed.

The Japanese have influenced the automotive industry, the people and our culture. Is that good or bad for us? Who knows, but I think things can only get better from here. The good always comes with the bad, but without the bad I wouldn't know what's good. Let's just hope companies and tuners keep pumping out good AND bad cars for us.

Keep it safe out there people. Drive safely and smartly.

Images courtesy http://www.thespeedlounge.com

asian outlook magazine

8

Cyworld: A Foreign Virtual Social Network Comes To America

By Ronniel Fulay Virtual networking has become a distinct part of popular culture. With online communities such as Xanga, Live Journal, Friendster, and MSN Space, the American internet community can now meet and read about random individuals from different places across the nation.

Web blogging is an extremely common way for people to reveal their thoughts and pictures to the public. As these communities become more popular, more social networks are being created and developed.

Cyworld is a new South Korean blogging community that features eye-catching elements, which greatly differ from the American ones. Cyworld has expanded to very few countries such as China, Taiwan, and Japan. Most of these countries are in Asia, but by mid-summer 2006, Cyworld was introduced to the United States.

Cyworld is an internet world that allows users to express themselves by creating and decorating a "minihome." A "minhome" is the internet space given to a subscriber-a profile, a guestbook a photo gallery, a sketchbook, a journal, and a "miniroom." What sets Cyworld apart from traditional blog sites such as Myspace and LiveJournal is this "miniroom", a pixelated room that users decorate with furniture, wallpaper and other items that they must buy from the Cyworld shop. Although it is free to subscribe an account to Cyworld, decorating a "miniroom" requires a form of payment. Cyworld users pay actual money with a credit card or PayPal; their payment is then used in Cyworld as "dotori", or acorns in English. Most of these items in the Cyworld shop are time-limited, and automatically disappear once that time has expired.

9 asian outlook magazine

The main purpose of Cyworld revolves around building buddy relationships with new people. Users become buddies when one accepts an invite sent by another, a concept similar to that of Myspace and Facebook. Buddies can then view each other's "minihome" and exchange contact information and messages with each other.

More than 90% of South Korean teens and young adults are said to be registered users of Cyworld. Many famous Korean celebrities and socialites have been known to have an account which they use to publicize upcoming events, tours, and appearances. With its organized structure, colorful elements, cute tidbits, and bubbly animation, Cyworld contains many Asian pop trends. Though it represents much of the current styles in Asia, the launch in America will hopefully provide American subscribers with a different perspective of internet communities through this new concept.

References: http://www.us.cyworld.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cywor ld http://mashable.com/2006/03/30/ cyworld-us-will-it-topplemyspace/ Images courtesy of http://www.cyworld.com

asian outlook magazine

10

Gong Li:

For Those Who Haven't Heard or Seen

By Serena Miller

In current films, there are plenty of actors that are attention-getting and physically appealing; however, few know how to act in serious drama. A clever director can mold an actor with insight, and a fine writer can craft together a plot with lines so compelling, that everything just fits together without the necessity of a strong talent. Some actors get only one truly great role their entire lives, so that regardless of all of the bad films they were in, one can turn to that film and say that they were once great. And most actors don't even get this chance. But then there are actors who develop their talent into an art, who continuously take part in visionary films, and come to hold a place in time.

These are the actors of the dramatic films that shake you down to your core; while the dust of mediocre films blows away over time, these films remain as masterpieces. Gong Li, for those who have never seen or heard of her, is such an actor.

Gong Li was born on December 31rst 1965, in northeastern Shenyang, China. In 1985 she entered the Beijing Central College of Drama; arriving in Beijing a decade after Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, when Chinese cinema was undergoing a renaissance of fifth generation filmmakers. Soon after, she met Zhang Yimou, and played her first role in his debut project, Red Sorghum. The film won the Golden Bear award in the 1987 Berlin Film Festival, and began a decade long personal and creative union between Li and Yimou.(i) During these years, several of their films were made unavailable to Chinese viewers through government censorship.(ii) These films dealt with issues such as oppressive social structures, mob hysteria and human rights injustice, and portrayed the ability of the individual to overcome such conflicts through love.

References: (i) AsiaFinest, Gong Li. AsiaFinest.com: Connecting the World to Asian Culture. http://www.asiafinest.com/chinese/gong-li.htm. (ii) Biography: Zhou Yimou. The New York Times.com. http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/filmography.html?p_id=117624&mod=bio (iii) Awards: Gong Li. The New York Times.com. http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/filmography.html?p_id=42289&mod=awards (iv) www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/gong_li/index.shtml. (v) Chinese Actress Gong Li named Actress for Peace. UNESCO Office of Public Information. http://www.unesco.org/bpi/eng/unescopress/2000/00-47e.shtml. (vi) A Release Date for Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower. Twitch.net. http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/006797.html

11

asian outlook magazine

After breaking with Yimou in 1995, Li continued making period pieces on ancient China, but shifted to pieces whose themes focused more on unrequited love. But in many ways, her work cannot be categorized. Li has taken on many roles: naĂŻve student, brass pregnant village woman, hero, villain, seducer, prostitute, rape victim, and hard-working mother; Li transforms herself each time. She is not just a great beauty, but an artist. There is depth in her acting, and a mixture of aggressiveness, wit, strength and sensitive vulnerability, that bends each character to a point where they become relatable. The prostitute that reminisces over innocence, the naĂŻve student that becomes cruel - neither can be categorized other than being both a woman and a human.

Gong Li is internationally renowned and has won many awards. She won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her role in The Story of Qui Ju at the Venice International Film Festival in 1992. For her amazing performance in Farewell My Concubine in 1993, she won the New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Supporting Actress.

Then in 2000, at the Montreal World Film Festival, she won both the award for Best Actress and the Special Grand Prix of the Americas in Breaking the Silence.

Recently in 2005, the National Board of review awarded her best supporting actress for her role in Memoirs of a Geisha.(iii) asian outlook magazine

In 1998, the French government even awarded her their Officer des Arts et Lettres for contributions to cinema. And if this were not enough, she acted as head juror of the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival, head juror of the 2002 Venice Film Festival, and head juror of the 2003 Tokyo International Film Festival.(iv) Her work has achieved political clout as well when she received the UNESCO Artist for Peace award in 2000.(v) Gong Li is a great lady of cinema, and everyone should at least watch one of her films, if only to discover a labyrinth of talent. It is not easy to watch films that consider such serious material, but in the end, what you gain from watching it more than enough repays the time spent before the screen.

This December, for the first time in more than a decade, Li and Yimou will team up again in a film called Curse of the Golden Flower, a visually simulating high-action court period piece that will include the acting talent of Chow-Yon Fat. Acclaimed by critics, it promises not to disappoint.(vi) So watch and judge for yourself, who knows, maybe you too will come to enjoy Li's work.

12

Bayanihan: A Barrio Story

by Ralph R. Amurao On Tuesday October 24, 2006, the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company will be performing at the Anderson Center in recognition of the celebrations of the United Nations Day, and the centennial of the Philippine immigration to the United States. The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company is the oldest dance company in the Philippines that continues to awe audiences wherever they go. With grace and flawless movements, they interpret various folk dances from all over the Philippines as well as folk dances from other countries. The word, bayanihan, is derived from the Filipino word, bayan, meaning nation, town or community. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective.

Fittingly, one of the Philippine American League's (PAL) goals is to spread Filipino culture among the student population by creating unity and awareness. This sense of unity is epitomized in PAL's Barrio Fiesta. Barrio Fiesta is the culmination of PAL's immeasurable efforts to create a Filipino night of cultural extravaganza- from making costumes, to countless hours of practice until the moves are perfect, and much more.

Coincidentally, the performances of Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company have been a source of inspiration for Barrio Fiesta. In fact, the soundtrack of the traditional dances used during Barrio Fiesta was created by this troupe and much of the choreography is based on their work. For the members of PAL and the attendees of Barrio Fiesta, the Bayanihan has awakened a new pride among Filipinos in their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, it adds a greater dimension to the country's dance tradition as well as building a rich reserve of international goodwill. Maraming salamat!

13

asian outlook magazine

On Being Single: A Brief Rant

by Kat Lam This summer I was blessed to turn 21. In New York City, this means hanging out at the Lower East Side bars until 3 or 4 in the morning, and not worrying about getting carded.

After turning 21, I realized that I am nearing the end of my college career--I graduate in December 2006. This made me wonder how guys and gals mingled and got together in serious relationships outside the college bubble. Being exposed to the bar scene was an unexpected enlightenment. Before then, I had always deemed that bars and clubs were the worst place to find someone to be with unless you were looking for a one night stand. I was fortunate enough to be proved wrong, because I met the sweetest bunch of people, both guys and gals, at a Lower East Side bar.

I was convinced that they weren't the only sweet New Yorkers in town. There had to be more of them out there, and I got to wondering why my single friends hadn't met any of them yet. It also just so happened that I had been getting a couple of requests from single female friends who hoped to be set up with single guys. They figured that because of my new social nightlife, I would be able to give them some sort of hope. I was a bit reluctant to pimp out my new friends at first, but I figured it was worth a try.

I started putting together a list in my head of single guys that I knew, and I ran them through my friends. I'm not entirely naĂŻve, and I know that girls have standards, so I placed my friends in really good positions, not that they were bad people at all. But no matter how hard I tried, the girls didn't seem to care.

I finally mustered enough courage to ask why my really great friends were being rejected even before they actually met-there was a whole slew of what I thought were ridiculous reasons. One of my friends was only interested in dating guys with blond hair and blue eyes; another was only interested in Taiwanese guys.

Their preferences, I suppose, would have been fine if they hadn't kept bugging me to find new guys to fit their desires. As much as I respect standards that women hold and my friends' preferences, I concluded that women are much too picky and need to ditch their checklist for guys. If you're at a bar or a club looking for someone, you are not going to find Prince Charming. That, and Prince Charming might not be the guy that you have mapped out on your checklist. Besides, you aren't dating for marriage right now, why not go out and have some fun? Date around, learn something about yourself, and give all types of guys a chance. You never know who you'll meet. Just because guys go out to bars doesn't make them evil at all. Just because they have one fault in them doesn't make them entirely imperfect, because you're just as young and imperfect. Don't be afraid to make the first move, it's always more fun that way.

Dating‌ The Scientific Approach (to appear in the next installation)

asian outlook magazine

14

The Green Devil:

Wasabi Craze Threatens our Youth

by David Lee There is a new substance on the streets that is becoming more and more popular among the youth. Among its users it is known as "dub-bombs," "Japanese sting dust," "gumby," "devil gum," "kryptonite" and "dragon snot." To most people, it is known simply as wasabi (Wasabia japonica), and it is driving teenagers wild. Once consumed, the user will feel a bitter and hot sensation in their mouth and nose, and in severe cases can lead to a pain similar to the dreaded brain freeze. The difference between this drug and most others is that the high is the same for first time users as for regular users. Researchers say that the rise in wasabi abuse can be accredited to its relatively cheap prices, its availability and its status as a spice rather than as a stimulant as it should be.

Wasabi is a green root that can be made into a pasty substance that is usually consumed through the mouth accompanied by soy sauce and raw fish. However, there has been an influx in cases in which the powdered form is snorted through the nose. For this reason, researchers believe it to be the new gateway drug, with users quickly moving up to cocaine. Not only that, but the act of "snorting" itself has become a social event, drawing crowds resembling those at a sporting venue. Its popularity as a spectator sport strikes a startling parallel to underage binge drinking parties. Its potential as a date rape drug is also being taken into consideration because of its regular appearance in the social dating scenethat certainly cannot be considered mere coincidence.

When asked about their introduction to the substance, most teenagers point at the persons most responsible for their health and safety: their parents. Mothers and fathers introducing their children to this most abominable of drugs redefines irresponsible parenting, calling into question whether adoption agencies are provided sufficient funding to stem the tide of wasabi abuse and dependence. When asked to respond, the legal guardians of these misled children said they did not find anything wrong with sharing the green menace with their children.

Considering that the Controlled Substances Act classification of wasabi as a Schedule III drug-as dangerous and addictive a drug as marijuana if found in the wrong hands-has only been a recent decision, there has been a paucity of data on the truly evil effects of the drug. However, where there is a gap in evidence there is an abundance of anecdotal data that have been told by trustworthy and concerned sources. One teenager broke into tears even before he could explain that his friend had barely survived a terrible car accident after a night of alcohol, sushi and wasabi. One admitted user recounted a dreadful story about snorting wasabi, resulting in pools of mucus spilled out off his face. The boy said that he "shrieked like a little girl" that night, screaming that he never wanted to see another clump of wasabi ever again; unfortunately he has yet to quit. This kind of unsteady behavior in which a user has unsuccessfully tried to end his use of the substance is a key symptom of substance dependence.

In a world where there are already countless drugs to be wary of, the wasabi craze poses a new threat. Hopefully, it can be illegalized and contained before it grows out of control.

Otherwise, the threat of global warming will be quickly cooled by a surge in spicy wasabi-related tragedies.

15

asian outlook magazine

The Plight of the Asian Flush

By Peter Lam The night starts out innocently enough: a few friends get together on a Saturday night.

There's plenty of buffalo wings for everyone to go around, and a few drinks to wash them down.

Suddenly, someone pulls out a deck of cards and declares it's time to play a drinking game. But before you can say anything, someone looks over at you and declares, "Asian flush!!!" And you thought they were playing Kings, not Poker.

Roughly half of the Asian population in the world has what some call the "Asian flush." I'm sure all of you are aware of this embarrassing problem: a friend of yours has one beer, or even a few sips of some sort of spirit, and suddenly the poor guy turns as red as a bloated cherry. This problem isn't entirely contained to the Asian population; however, it appears significantly more often in the Asian community. Some use it as an excuse to lambaste the fellow about having a low tolerance for booze and proceed to humiliate the poor soul. I certainly don't approve of the attack-especially since I flush quickly as well-but there is some truth to the accusation.

The half of the Asian group that flushes after small amounts of alcohol carries a mutated version of the enzyme that helps in the breakdown of alcohol. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), when performing properly, breaks down acetaldehyde, a byproduct in the digestion of alcohol. The genetic aberration, referred to as ALDH*2, is 500 times less effective in metabolizing the stuff. The subsequent buildup of acetaldehyde causes the reddening of the face after which the condition is so aptly named. Not only that, it can also lead to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

In other words, you're left feeling pretty bad, and looking pretty bad. Others will think that you're much drunker than you actually are, and believe me, it gets incredibly frustrating trying to refute that when you're glowing like an overripe tomato.

There is a plus to the whole issue of Asian flush, though. Many researchers point to the genetic mutation as a natural defense against alcoholism. It's quite unlikely that you'll be drinking any more when you're already feeling terrible after a drink or two. This tends to be the case when one examines prevalence of alcoholism in the Asian population (it's really low compared to other ethnic groups). But upon closer examination of the Asian population over in, say, Asia (and not the United States), the numbers can be deceiving.

One researcher explored the alcohol culture across China.

In Hong Kong, the locals deny that there is a problem with drinking, and yet the local '7-11' chain of convenience stores sells alcohol to customers of all ages. In the mainland, alcohol has been embraced as a social event. asian outlook magazine

16

China has become the second largest beer-producing country in the world. With the relatively rapid spread of alcohol as the social norm, there is a serious lack in the number of treatment centers and support systems for problem drinkers (i.e. alcoholics).

Meanwhile, back in the United States, alcoholism is a recognized psychopathology by the American Psychological Association. Their manual on diagnosing pathology (the Diagnotisc and Statistical Manual IV, DSM IV) lists a set of criteria for both substance dependence and abuse (see insert). There are a fair number of paths to follow for treatment, ranging from support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous to drugs like disulfiram, which actually acts like the malfunctioning ALDH2 gene by increasing the amount of acetaldehyde in the body. The only problem-when it comes to the Asian community at least-lies in the employment of these treatment options.

Many studies on the health of Asian communities reveal low rates of alcohol dependence and substance abuse.

These findings agree with the previouslymentioned genetic factor, but the studies themselves are flawed in explaining exactly what the case is. Some have suggested that Asians as a whole simply do not report their substance usage, nor do they seek assistance.

One study looked at exactly what those rates are among the Asian community in the US by examining the numbers from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 2000-2002.

Substance abuse and alcohol dependence (according to DSM IV guidelines) on its own were already unlikely to be reported independent of ethnicity. When compared to Caucasians, however, Asians were even less likely to report, even though some studies suggest that Asians were more susceptible to substance-related diseases and disorders (head and neck cancers, alcohol-related esophageal, etc). It's not as though, in the case of alcoholism, Asian alcoholics are substantially different in quality than alcoholics of other ethnicities--they drink just as much as any other alcoholic. When looking at the proportion of alcohol dependence within groups, prevalence rates were statistically the same. Some researchers like to point to the idea that the Asian culture nurtures a family network, in which problems are resolved within the family, or, rather, seeking treatment would shame the family. This brings up the issue of acculturation; the same researchers who cite cultural values as a cause of underreporting also consider the issue of cultural assimilation, suggesting that the generations that follow recent Asian immigrants may present us with different data.

17

asian outlook magazine

Another study explored the role of binge drinking and in Asian Americans based on level of acculturation (which included the use of English at home, place of birth, and length of residency in the US) and best friend's alcohol usage. The data revealed that higher levels of acculturation was positively associated with binge drinking--the more "attuned" an Asian American is to American society, the more likely he or she would have engaged in binge drinking. The interesting factor is that the best friend's use of alcohol mediated the association. It's really an issue of peer pressure, essentially. Oh, no differences were found between male and female binge drinking levels, if you were wondering.

The study was performed on high school kids, most of whom are underage drinkers (though I don't recall meeting a 21-year old high school kid, I'm sure they must exist). More pertinent research considered college kids and their drinking habits. Matching the ethnic distribution to data from the US Census, the drinking habits of college students were compared with the drinking habits of their non-attending peers. As might be expected, college kids drank more when considering drinking rates on a yearly, monthly, and weekly basis, but non-attending kids drank more daily. Men drank, on a monthly basis, 5.9 drinks, while women drank 3.8 drinks. College students were more likely to report two symptoms of alcohol dependence than their non-attending peers: tolerance and time spent obtaining, using, or getting over the use of alcohol. They were, however, less likely to exhibit actual dependence than the non-attending group; they just show more cases of abuse. I'd like to think that most college students just grow out of the alcohol abuse phases‌eventually.

What have we learned from this rather long discourse on alcohol use amongst Asians and college students? Well, besides from the fact that it's not that entertaining of an article topic as when first proposed, Asians aren't particularly lucky when it comes to alcohol.

Half of us carry a faulty enzyme encoder that makes us look drunk after drinking little. Plus, Asians as a whole don't admit to their alcoholism very often at all. And there aren't as many more future alcoholics in college than outside of college. Of course these are gross simplifications, but I hope next time anyone sees me blushing after a beer, he or she remembers: at Personal Health Tip of the Day: least I'm less likely to become an I've been told that heartburn medicines like Pepcid AC helps alcoholic. Well, at least, not more in reducing the symptoms of Asian flush if taken about an likely than the next guy on campus. hour before drinking. It appears that famotidine, a substance in the heartburn medicine that inhibits stomach acid production, may give the ALDH2 enzyme more time to process the acetaldehyde, but no one's quite sure if that's the case. Plus, the process slows the digestion of alcohol in the body and increases blood-alcohol levels, meaning it'll definitely take less to get you drunk. Maybe you'll be a cheap date, then.

asian outlook magazine

18

DSM IV Guidelines Abuse: " A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: 1. recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, sus pensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household) 2. recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or oper ating a machine when impaired by substance use) 3. recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct) 4. continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxica tion, physical fights) " The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of substances.

Dependence: A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period: 1. tolerance, as defined by either of the following: o a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect o markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance 2. withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: o the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance o the same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms 3. the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended 4. there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use 5. a great deal of time is spent in activities to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects 6. important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use 7. the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychologi cal problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption) References: American Psychological Association. (2000a). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., rev.).

Washington, DC: APA. Arthur, D. (2005). Drinking across China: Lessons from a complex culture. Drugs and Alcohol Today, 5(4), 15-18.

Hahm, H.C., Lahiff, M., & Guterman, N.B. (2004). Asian American adolescents' acculturation, binge drinking, and alcohol-and tobacco-using peers. Journal of Community Psychology, 32(3), 295-308.

Lisman, S. Personal correspondence, Sept 20, 2006.

Sakai, J.T., Ho, P.M., Shore, J.H., Risk, N.K., & Price, R.K. (2005). Asians in the United States: Substance depend ence and use of substance-dependence treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 29, 75-84.

Slutske, W.S. (2005). Alcohol use disorders among US college students and their non-college-attending peers.

Archive of General Psychiatry, 62, 321-27.

Wikipedia (2006). Alcohol flush reaction. [Accessed: Sept 25, 2006] www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_flush

Plight of the PresidentBy Man Fung Wong "The situation with Asian American's on campus has not gotten better nor has it gotten worse; it is just that no one cares enough to help with the situation." My friend mentioned this to me in a recent conversation. As the Asian Student Union President, I find it shocking that this statement can be so harsh yet so real. It is true-not much has changed since I joined this group 3½ years ago. Apathy: it is one of the biggest problems any student group has to deal with. We create a variety of activities for the benefit of the students on campus, but with so many choices out there, most choose simply to do nothing.

Apathy is one hell of a problem. Every student has the choice to do something if they want to. However, it is a lot easier to do nothing than something. Active involvement in campus does not guarantee you good grades and a stable future. But we come to college to prepare for the future in the first place.

19 asian outlook magazine

"So why should I do more for nothing?"

What you have to realize that most of the student groups on campus are "organizations" rather than "clubs." This isn't like high school with advisors and guidelines. We are no longer just a group of people with a common interest sitting around just hanging out. All organizations on this campus have some sort of structure to it. We all deal with large amounts of money, and we all strive to spread our club's knowledge. We organize special programs, fundraisers, and community service events; we are the liaisons between the student body and the administration. We are all self-sufficient and self-sustaining, and we put in a lot of hard work into everything we do. By joining us, you can walk away with the knowledge of running a team of people, organizational skills and the means of being a leader. This is one of the key ingredients between becoming back office and front office worker.

With the new semester coming off a rolling start, I implore everyone to do something, join something, and basically get involved on campus. Join one of the many special interest groups on campus, get involved with the SA, join a fraternity, do something. Don't wait to realize that it is too late to make an impact when you're an alumni. The E-boards of every student group can only do so much-it is up to the students on campus to take us to the next level and help make our mark for future generations to come.

With that said, I am extending an open invitation to all students and student groups to a flood relief project being spearheaded by the Binghamton extension of the Cornell ROTC program as well as the Asian Student Union. This summer, the Conklin area was devastated by heavy rains and flooding. There were some efforts from Binghamton University to help ease the situation, but this issue has been pretty much ignored. With the Binghamton winter fast approaching, the situation is only going to get more desperate. What we are offering is a chance for you to help make a difference in the surrounding community. I'm sure some of you were surprised when everything you had in storage was destroyed from the flood. Now take that and throw in your house and car, then top it off with snow. Perhaps you can now understand what it is like for the people of Conklin. The only thing I can promise you is that it involves a lot of hard work. Houses need to be gutted and rebuilt, debris need to be taken away, and lives will have to be restructured. But what you will walk away with is knowing that you made an impact on someone's life.

If you are interested with this project, just look me up. There is only one Man Fung Wong within the tri-city area.

Interview with Zhang Laoshi by Dan Dan Liu The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. Even your ancestors are from a different country. Research also shows that Native Americans immigrated to the Americas through a land bridge that connected Alaska and Asia.

In the past, many of those striving for a new beginning looked to the New World as their last sliver of hope. Some immigrants left their homes to avoid political or religious prosecution.

Many, however, just left to look for a better life.

America is the land of opportunities; everyone can start over from the beginning and everyone has a chance to succeed. This idea of the American Dream still lives on today. It is not only apparent in the ever increasing number of immigrants entering this country but we also see it in the later generations of immigrant families striving to find their place in this society.

asian outlook magazine

20

But can you imagine how desperate you AO: Did you like Shanghai? must be to pack up your entire life into two suit- ZL: Yes, [My husband and I] liked Shanghai cases, and leave everything else behind? You very much. Shanghai is a big city in comparison to Binghamton. We were born and raised there. will leave the things that are most precious to you: your family, your friends, your memories, Shanghai was not as attractive and prosperous without ever knowing whether you will return to as it is now. At that time, Shanghai was still a big city but it was mostly an industrial center. them or not.

As we investigate this issue, I decided to We went back two years ago. We were amazed interview Professor Hong Zhang, an immigrant by all the department stores, restaurants and who came to seek the American Dream. She is nighttime lights; Shanghai has changed a lot. now the senior lecturer for the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages. If you AO: Was that the first time you went back to China? ever took CHIN 101, she was most likely the ZL: No, we first went back in 1990, because a Laoshi ("Teacher," in Chinese) you had. So family member of mine was ill. (Zhang Laoshi what was it like for her to leave everything gazes out the window of her 11th story office of behind? What has she accomplished since the Library Tower in remembrance of this time) then?

Asian Outlook: Zhang Laoshi, can you give me It was almost 10 years before I first went back. some background information about where were you born and what your city of birth was like?

Zhang Laoshi: I was born in Shanghai, China.

I came to the United States near the end of 1982.

21

asian outlook magazine

AO: Was it difficult to organize such a large scale concert?

ZL: See, last year I held a similar concert. It was very successful. It was held in the Chamber Hall. My department chair said I should hold it annually. There were very good reviews. But it was a lot, a lot of work on top of AO: So when you came to the US, did you miss my teaching. I didn't want to hold it again. But your family?

ZL: Oh yeah. I missed my family a lot. At that time, when I first saw this dance troupe in Cornell, I international phone calls were very expensive. We decided to bring them to Binghamton. I have also invited a famous Pipa player from New could only write letters to each other.

York City. This year, it will be held in a bigger AO: How did you overcome missing your family and concert hall. This is a very rare opportunity. I devoted my whole year to this concert. going from the city you grew up in to somewhere Everyday of this summer, I had to organize, precompletely foreign to you? pare and rehearse for it.

ZL: I had to be confident and brave. I couldn't be afraid of any difficulties. I also had to seek help.

That time was tough. I was lonely, but I studied very, AO: If you could go back in time, would you still choose the path of coming to the US? very hard, so I could forget the loneliness.

ZL: Probably‌not. (chuckles at my surprised expression) I'm not sure. The gap between AO: After arriving to the U.S., what would you say China and the U.S. has been reduced dramatiyou have accomplished?

ZL: Like I mentioned, I studied for a Bachelors and cally these years. There are many opportunities a Masters in voice performance. I began my teach- in China now. Indeed, now many people go to China to study and work. It's hard to think about ing career in Cornell, but I came to teach in Binghamton because my home is here, and I have starting life over again, but I enjoy living in this country now. been teaching for 20 years now. I also raised two children here. They are outstanding, exceptional AO: So would you consider yourself Chinese or children.

American?

ZL: I consider myself Chinese and American. I AO: What are you most proud of today? am an US citizen, but I speak both languages ZL: I am most proud of teaching in the U.S. I am and my way of thinking has been influenced by proud of my job, and I am proud of my students. I both cultures. am also proud of my family, my children.

AO: Thinking back, what was the hardest thing for you to leave behind?

ZL: The hardest thing [to leave behind] was probably my family, and leaving the environment I was used to.

AO: You will be holding the Song of Silk concert on October 7th in the Anderson Center, what motivated you to hold this concert?

ZL: Generally speaking, it is because of China's economic boom. The whole world wants to do business with China, but they are not aware of the Chinese culture. Our concert is rich in Chinese culture. I will be singing Chinese songs. My daughter Angela will play Chinese masterpieces on the violin and piano. Pej Reitz, a famous pianist from our Music Department, will play accompaniments for Angela and me. I have invited a world-renowned pipa player from New York City. Dancers I brought here from Cornell will present six beautiful dances from different ethnic groups, including Dai, Yi, Uygur, Tibetan, and Han. The audience will learn a lot about Chinese culture: music, dance, instruments, ethnic groups, and costumes.

asian outlook magazine

AO: After accomplishing so much as an immigrant of another nation, if you could tell everyone reading this article something, what would you tell them?

ZL: I would tell them first: study hard, and have a clear future goal. No matter what your family background is, remember your roots. Find time to study your native language. Learn your cultural heritage. Be proud of your heritage, but also be proud of being an American. Make all kinds of friends. This year's Mid-Autumn Festival will take place on October 6, one day before our Song of Silk concert. I chose October 7th for our concert, to serve as a part of the celebration. I would like to say to the readers of Asian Outlook: Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

22

Buja’s Kimono showcase If you attended the ISSS Cultural Showcase on September 17, you may have witnessed some attendees in unusual fare. BUJA invited guests to try on various kimono and yukata and offered free photos to boot. Here’s a sample of the models.

BUJA will also be hosting another kimono try-on at Late Nite on November 3rd.

If you’re hungry before that, they’re also co-hosting a Sushi Tasting with Taste Buds on October 15th at 3pm in the Mohawk Great Room.

23

asian outlook magazine

Photos courtesy of BUJA, Yuta Okkotsu, Oliver Hansen asian outlook magazine

24

asu profiles Established for over a decade, the Asian Student Union (ASU) serves as the umbrella organization of the seven Asian-interest student groups. The ASU works to unify the Asian subgroups and consequently magnifies the impact the Asian and Asian American community has on campus.

"The growing populations of Asians in America make it especially important to be sensitive to cultural diversity. Thus the Asian cultural groups serve to make others aware of different Asian cultures as well as to allow Asian Americans to reconnect with their family's heritage." Says ASU president Man Fung Wong.

Although student cultural groups help promote unity and awareness, Man Fung believes "we still have a long way to go." This year he will be working to reconnect the ASU's subgroups, as well as with other groups on campus.

This semester, the ASU will be holding its 6th annual Asian Night in collaboration with its subgroups and other groups on campus. This celebration of culture, traditions, and most importantly unity is on November 11, 2006 in the Mandela Room. It will be a night full of unique performances and excellent food. Ticket sales will begin at the end of October. We hope to see you all there.

The purpose of the Binghamton University Japanese Association (BUJA) is manifold. BUJA aims to promote Japanese culture and language in Binghamton University. We achieve this by holding a number of cultural events throughout the academic year.

Another responsibility of BUJA is to help Japanese international students have an easier time in Binghamton. Likewise, it is a great place for other students to be introduced to Japanese culture, language, and its people.

BUJA has an Executive Board position unique to cultural clubs at BU called the "Language and Culture Coordinator" (LCC). Students can come to weekly "Language Tables" (a session at which we teach Japanese and discuss current events or culture) to learn about Japanese language and culture from the LCC(s).

The events for this semester include- A Japanese Food Instructional (10/15) with the BU culinary group, Taste Buds; our annual Ghost House, the Japanese Haunted House (10/27), and various smaller projects within the next two months.

If you are interested in any of our events, or in BUJA itself, please contact yuta@binghamton.edu to join the listserv, or join the BUJA Facebook group!

25

asian outlook magazine

The Chinese American Student Union (CASU) was formed to promote cultural awareness in the interest of the Chinese and Chinese American students on campus and in surrounding communities. Our mission is to bring together, to assist and to promote mutual interest and understanding among the Chinese and Chinese American community.

Our goal is to create wonderful and lasting memories as well as learning experiences within the Asian community and throughout campus. To accomplish this, we hold workshops and events with themes revolving around Chinese culture and its broad history that will bring students and community members of all backgrounds together to experience Chinese culture. We will be working with many different groups, including those under the Asian Student Union umbrella, to promote Asian awareness throughout campus.

The Korean American Student Association (KASA) was officially chartered by the Student Association in March 1981. KASA is now officially a sub-group among the seven others under the Asian Student Union (ASU). KASA is a cultural organization that is built on the foundation of seeking, maintaining, and fostering different aspects of Korean and Korean American identity, tradition, and culture. It is organized and run solely by the students of Binghamton University.

KASA holds annual cultural, political, social and educational events such Korean Banquet and Korean Night as well as among many other events to promote cultural awareness. KASA works continuously alongside other affiliated Korean student organizations such as KCF, LiNK, KABSO, Mentor Program, HAN perspective and BUKUSA to raise communication and empower unity on the Binghamton campus and surrounding communities.

asian outlook magazine

26

The Philippine American League (PAL) is an organization dedicated to the promotion and awareness of Filipino culture to all members of the student community. Through various educational and social events, PAL strives to create unity and help foster a greater sense of diversity on campus and beyond. Since its creation in 1989, PAL has always possessed a strong social network and in essence has become a "family away from home." Together, members of PAL have participated in events such as the Fall banquet, potlucks, volunteering at the Special Olympics, and of course, Barrio Fiesta, our annual cultural night in the Spring. It is the members of PAL that make it successful, and as always we welcome new members.

This Fall, PAL is planning the following events: 1.

Cold Stone and a Movie-10/6 2.

Dance Workshop-10/24 3.

Barrio Fiesta GIM-10/19 4.

Bayanihan-10/24 5.

PAL Banquet-10/27 6.

Ghost Stories Workshop-10/30 7.

Games Night-11/7 8.

Thanksgiving Potluck-11/19 9. etc‌ For more information, join our listserve by contacting Dorothy at dlee11@gmail.com

The Binghamton University Taiwanese American Student Coalition (TASC)is a network of college students who come together based on a common interest in Taiwanese culture. We are here to provide a support group, to facilitate the defining of one's Taiwanese American identity and to afford an opportunity to actively address the issues and concerns of Taiwanese and Taiwanese Americans.

The goals of TASC for the year are to promote an environment in which the student body can get to know each other, learn about Taiwan and Taiwanese culture and to promote events that share many aspects of the Taiwanese culture to the public.

Upcoming events for the school year are Night Market which recreates the atmosphere of an authentic night market from Taiwan, Asian Night done with the Asian Student Union, and the TASC Banquet which will serve Taiwanese food and perform cultural performances. TASC will be looking forward to seeing you at their events

27

asian outlook magazine

The purposes of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) at Binghamton University, are exclusively: to unite Vietnamese students, to promote Vietnamese culture to the University's students, to get involved with the Vietnamese community in the Binghamton area, to reach out and be connected with VSA's at other Colleges/Universities. Our big event for this semester will be Saigon Cafe which will be held in late October. If you would like to get involved please come to our weekly meetings held on Tuesdays 7:30pm at UU 103.

If you're reading this, that means you're reading the description for the magazine you're‌reading. Asian Outlook (AO) acts as the voice of the Asian American community here in Binghamton. While we have strayed from our original purpose as the media outlet for the Asian Student Union, we're still here to promote Asian awareness and to broadcast the voice of the Asian community on campus and abroad. We're here to give you a voice. Come to our weekly meetings (Monday 8:00pm in the ASU office, UUW329) and speak your mind. Then see it in print. Let's show them what we can do.

asian outlook magazine

28

conscience

The Dregs I watched the world go by as I sipped my coffee by the window.

By the time I found the grounds at the bottom of my cup, the world had already ended.

I'll make some tea next time.

-Peter Lam

asian outlook magazine

30

Photo Courtesy Dallas Kilponen

Can You Promise Me? Can you promise me that we will be able to open up a magazine and see a picture of us?

There’s a Hong Kong Magazine out now where they have these models Looking through it for the first time I couldnt tell how they were different Sitting in a room with a few friends, I was shocked to find such an exotic oddity Models of mixed blood, Chinese and European; a Eurasian hybrid The girl said that this magazine was obsessed with European features and only allowed the faces of white women or strange creatures with slanted eyes and freckles Seeing their faces for some reason upset me, I had never seen a mixed Asian before Thick big lips and wide eyes with slight slants, it was somewhat inorganic As though they were making this show of becoming more European, more white Looking over every face, I was reminded of a website you had shown me, After I had boasted that I could recognize the difference between Korean, Japanese and Chinese people ? Their bone structures were different!

It was called, “Does every Asian look the same?”

And I felt somewhat uncomfortable But I had already boasted, so I had to take the web-site’s test; this you insisted 8 out of 10 wrong, so embarrassing But why won’t that Hong Kong Magazine show women who aren’t mixed?

Is the magazine for their population, and if so, are they all mixed?

Or is it just that this is what they want their population to become? Mixed people, belonging to both groups and thus less likely to be stereotyped by either?

Or will they belong to neither and create some new hybrid that we cannot belong to or understand ? Are they the future, and will we look unnatural to them?

-Helen Liang

31

asian outlook magazine

asian outlook magazine

32

33

asian outlook magazine

Toothbrush: A Madd Real Poem Last break I went home and I almost sobbed “Thank you dad, and thank you mom” The proud rubber handle, super bristles, unremoved My toothbrush was still there, ready to use I don’t even care if someone dropped it on tha floor and didn’t run it under water Feral Martian

-Rekstizzy tha meal plan peeimp

Day she walked down the street, like every amy, joe and bob listening to her IPOD, making Apple proud passed by a convenience store, a parking lot a toddler so small she was afraid it would be stepped on. she jumped over a fire hydrant skipped to her lou ran from a dog so tiny but barked loud to make up for it's size. she cradled a blown out dandelion watched a sky writing airplane draw hell.......o sang hallelujah outside of a church and pertended to fix her hair after saying hi to someone she thought she knew.

www.explodingdog.com

and at the end of the day she was quite pleased at how these little things could make her smile these tiny things which made up her day a simple day the best kind.

-Ooi asian outlook magazine

34

An Ode What's it like to live alone in Washington Heights for the last few years of your life?

There was once this old woman who lived across from us. We didn't really know her, except as that Old Woman over there.

I remember one Easter she gave my sister and me Cadbury eggs. That was my first Cadbury egg ever. It's still been my only one since.

There was also this one time my grandmother decided to give her a red envelope for Chinese New Year. I remember she sent me over to give it to her. When she opened the door, I remember how...sad...the apartment looked. I'm not even going to try to say that the apartments here inspire a sense of warmth, but this was occupied by a frail old woman. That's all I can remember of that incident.

There was also another time when our super had to fix a leak in her apartment. I don't even remember why exactly I was there, but I was there. I had a better peek inside. There was a very large piece of artwork over her television. And there was a very small kitchen, with carrot slices being boiled in water. There was also a bar incandescent bulb leading to the bathroom. That's all that sticks out in my mind.

And last night, during one of my all-nighters, I saw the guys who now live in her apartment come in around 4am. There's a sign on the door prominently advertising that it was protected by ADT, the security system. It's home even when you're not.

And I can't help but wonder...what was it like? I honestly can't remember there being any notice of her leaving. Because that's really all I can say; there's no way of knowing what exactly happened.

Maybe her family showed up and took her to a home. There's always a chance.

And as is the case with me, I always wondered what she thought of me as a child. Well, she must have seen me as a child, because I haven't seen her since middle school. Would she be surprised with the way that chubby chinito turned out over a decade later? Am I really a part of what's to be left behind once she leaves? I just can't really say, but I feel like I owe the Old Woman something.

At least, just to find out her name.

--Peter Lam

www.twentyfirstcenturyart.com

Don’t be grimey. Share.

SUBMIT POEMS, STORIES, PHOTOGRAPHS, ART TO AOCONSCIENCE@GMAIL.COM ANYTHING ELSE? AO.EDITOR@GMAIL.COM

35

asian outlook magazine

Illustration By Glenn McCoy

Just another day in New York

by Jae Zhou

On the corner of 43rd Street and 7th Avenue, under the larger than life Cup-ONoodle model, generating simulated steam twenty-four hours a day, the first Big Apple Tour of the day began to form. At the tail of the morning rush hour tide, this group of thirty or so would be starting their tour of New York City at the center of it all – Times Square – the most filmed and so famous location in the city. In their idiosyncratic tourist garb, they stood out against the wave of the city’s residents rushing to and fro muttering their distaste for the likes of these badly dressed obstacles to their daily lives. Oblivious to such hostilities, the tourists stood in awe of the massive buildings and structures, artificially illuminated with lights in all colors of the rainbow even in these clear hours of the day. This is nothing, beamed the cheerful tour guide full of pride, wait till we get downtown to the twin towers. O, yes, those symbols of New York City, they cheered with excitement.

Further down south on the island, about thirty blocks downtown, Freesia Leonard was finally returning home after his/her eight hour shift at Flamingo’s – where the girls have a little extra something. His/her leopard print dress that had seemed so glamorous and sexy at night in the dim lighting and smoky atmosphere of the club now clang to her body awkwardly and seemed gaudy and inappropriate in the daylight even in its feeble attempt to be modest by ending at the knees of Freesia’s modelesque legs. Click clack, her heels broke the silence of the Chelsea area full of nightclubs, which were deserted at this hour. The party of Midwestern tourists passed by in their loud red tour bus, staring at this ambiguous individual, their eyes full of disbelief and disapproval. Perhaps that’s really the thing that separated outsiders from the indigenous; almost nothing surprised New Yorkers.

Preparing for another day at his dead-end job as the doorman of the Chanel boutique, Camilo Lopez sat on one of the stoops lining the block of high-end fashion retailers in Soho. He took his time puffing on his Newports and took in the morning breeze, occasionally taking sips from his street vendor manned up coffee: black, straight up caffeine without the fussy milk and sugar. He had ten minutes for his routine, a little less than usual, because he had been up late at a block party in the Bronx; yes, on a Monday night. Why shouldn’t he go out and have a good time with some real women after bowing to rich white ladies and bourgie bitches all day?

“Good morning, Mrs. Waldorf, here for another Chanel purse while I tend to your $5,000 poodle?” He would never let his woman drop that much money on a dog. He always caught himself wishing bad things on the customers then.

I, myself, was on my way to school that morning, running late again due to a vain decision between a light pink shirt and a dark pink shirt. I finally decided on black, the never failing last resort for an almost sixteen year old girl trying to appear beyond her years. All along Chambers Street, people were rushing to places in every direction; I was on my way to Stuyvesant High School on the west end of the island, others rushed toward the opposite direction to Murry Bergtraum High School, some were rushing to the Courts in City Hall, still others rushed in another direction to the financial district. No one seemed to be taking notice of anyone or anything but their own destinations that morning. New Yorkers don’t have the time to stop and smell the fucking roses; we’ll just have a moment of silence and mourn the losses when it’s gone.

It’s not that I always intentionally took the time out to admire the World Trade Center; they were just always there, standing tall. Even if I didn’t want to, I would look up to see the sky and, in the process, see those towers. That’s how close they were, it was almost mandatory. So as usual I looked up at the overcast skies and cursed the humidity for the stale cigarette in my hand. But it was a sunny day, just another pleasant September Photo courtesy Stan Honda day. The momentary eclipse was caused by a plane flying unusually low as if this was Queens and the plane was approaching LaGuardia Airport. asian outlook magazine

36

Momentarily distracted by the loud disturbance of the plane, more than a few people finally stopped and looked up from their cell phones, morning papers, and coffees. Confusion clouded our expressions, what the fuck is going on here? Seconds later the ground underneath seemed to resound to the crash six blocks away. I stood, vacillating, mouth agape at the gigantic fire and smoke coming from the grandeur that used to be World Trade Center Tower #2. It didn’t occur to me that it could have been premeditated, much less a terrorist effort. My only thought at the moment was how it could have happened. How could the pilot have missed such a large target?

I still had to get to school; it was still another day in September as far as I was concerned. www.decadentplace.org My cell phone failed me despite numerous attempts to reach someone, anyone I knew. Running the two remaining blocks separating me from the school, I was not sure whether my breathless state was a result of the impact or just a side effect of smoking. I entered the front door just in time for an announcement from the principal informing us of the crash.

Someone cracked a joke, saying that we really need better pilots since Aaliyah had died in a plane crash only a month before this idiot crashed into the biggest building ever; inadvertently making light of the thousands who died that day. After a few minutes of disruption, teachers returned to regular instruction of quadratic equations, mitosis, The Odyssey, and what have you. The World Trade Centers won’t break, no way. They will just patch up the gaping whole and everything will be as it always was.

No, No, it would not. Emergency evacuation was commanded after another crashed into the second tower. Panic spread after a momentary elapse of electricity and numerous failed attempts to reach family members, some of whom worked in the towers. No, you can’t go downtown to your homes even if they’re only blocks away. Follow the crowd, the only way to go now is up, far from the site of accident.

It wasn’t an accident; didn’t you watch the CNN report about the elaborate terrorist plan? It was those damned Habibs.

So we walked, up, up, and away; the seniors in packs still maintaining their cool, the freshmen with tears in their eyes, and us, the in-betweens, unsure of where to go. Just start walking and don’t look back, which of course prompted us to look back toward the calamity and like that we witnessed images previously only seen in movies. Except, there were no special effects; these were real people jumping out of the towers as a desperate attempt to live, real limbs on fire. I heard screams, blood-chilling screams. Limbs on fire, flying out of those beautiful buildings. It might be a little far-fetched, those stories of survival among those courageous jumpers. It is still comforting to believe that the immense heat created a vacuum by some power of physics or chemistry, enabling a few to descend at a moderate speed and land in safety, defying gravity and reversing fate. A miracle in a disaster.

wwww.evanzucker.com

asian outlook magazine

37

Black, dense clouds of smoke took over our skies, surrounding the top of the skyline. Later, we’d hear speculations of how the smoke resembled the face of a devil or something equally evil like Osama Bin Laden, which is just ridiculous, because those clouds of smoke were much too expansive to resemble anything.

Blindly we kept walking, without an end in mind. JUST GO UP, NO QUESTIONS. Like that we fell in step with what seemed like all of New York, marching in the same direction, stopping only once to observe the collapse of the first tower, crumbling like a failed soufflé. The West Side Highway was congested not with cars, but pedestrians marching in a melancholy beat, like pallbearers at a mass funeral procession, each of us carrying a piece of the towers.

Even Mrs. Waldorf, in her four inch Manolo Blahnik heels, would have to walk, with Princess Diana the $5000 poodle, to her Upper East Side penthouse. Her driver was unreachable by cell phone, city cabs have long been filled by the time she finished her shopping spree. She would return to the boutique once downtown is open again, only to buy a somber but chic suit for the funeral of her investment banker husband. Princess Diana stayed home and Mrs. Waldorf took a yellow cab instead of the chauffer driven Jaguar, saving on extraneous expenses.

Camilo hailed a cab for her, not a part of his regular job description; she fumbled for a twenty dollar bill to give him. “Nah, Miss, it’s not like that.” He wanted to tell her to stop feigning, that it’s alright, she doesn’t have to keep up the appearances now, not at least for a few months. He smoked a few extra Newports that day, and decided to quit on account that the asbestos around there was cutting down more years on his life, and he wanted to live now, because he can.

Freesia never reached her apartment in the Lower East Side that day, she had no one to contact; her family has long abandoned her due to her betrayal of tradition. Nor did she have a job to return to that evening or any evenings after that. Her brown skin posed a threat to business. She stood, watching the smoke emanating from what seemed like a world away, she wondered about her family, her brown family. Wig in hand, makeup smeared, she stood like a zoo animal being gawked at by every passerby, not for the dress that she shouldn’t be wearing, this time they were looking on with disgust, at her skin. People pay to see a deviant of sex, but they can’t tolerate the color of Freesia’s skin shared by the few culprits, but also millions around the world.

The Big Apple Tour never got to see the Towers in their full glory. That glory will never be again. Years later they would return with people from their town to see Ground Zero and be able to say that they were there. Of September 11th, 2001, they were witnesses. They saw New Yorkers, scrambling frantically, for the first time, scared of their own city, their pride and joy. They were a little like the tourists that day, vulnerable sans their confident facades, unsure of what they will encounter next in this vast city.

Walking aimlessly, empty stores and deserted train stations were mirages. I felt like I was looking at the city for the first time, stripped away of the glamour and sparkle, it was just a home. Will we ever return to normal?

What is normal in New York, was it ever normal?

asian outlook magazine

38