Decisions: Fall 2011

GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION FALL 2011 • VOL 10 • NO 1

WHAT’S INSIDE 3.

Letter from the Editor Michelle Lee

Cover by Patrick Yan

FEATURES EXECUTIVE STAFF 4.

Which Asian Generation? Evelyn Cheng Editor-in-Chief

6.

Being Hapa Taylor Maloney

Michelle Lee Art Director Patrick Yan

WORLD

Public Relations Manager 8.

Rooting for the Race: Who Would You Cheer for? Hasun Won

Soo Mi Rho Online Editors

10.

Plastic Perfect Eunice Lau

12.

Comedic Relief: Western Portrayal of North Korea Soo Mi Rho

14.

The Renren Network Jennifer Zhang

Patrick Yan Evelyn Cheng EDITORIAL BOARD Associate Editors Soomi Rho

ARTS & CULTURE

Kimberly Kim 16.

Q&A with Megumi and Lara of HAFU Film Joyce Lam

18.

Fashioning Classical Pianists for Today’s World Alice Tsui

Zi Lin Charlie He Operations Manager Han Yu

20.

22.

From East to West: AZIATIX All Day: An Exclusive Backstage Interview Jane Chun & Michelle Lee

MEDIA GROUP

Chinglish on Broadway Evelyn Cheng & Alice Tsui

Videoographer, Photographer, Illustrator

24.

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas Review Emily Q. Lu

Joey Wang Reporters

25.

“We’re a Culture, Not a Costume”: Ohio University’s STARS Club Makes You Think Twice Michelle Lee

Joyce Lam Michelle Lee Emily Lu

26.

The Culture of Food in Vietnam Jacqueline Mai

Jennifer Zhang

27.

The Delicious & Humorous History of Chinese Food in America Alisa Liu

BLOGGERS Evelyn Cheng Taylor Maloney

ON CAMPUS

Eunice Lau 28.

Asian Clubs at NYU

Michelle Lee Zi Lin

30.

Top 7 Asian Dessert Joints Alisa Liu

Emily Q. Lu Soo Mi Rho

3 1.

About Us Generasian Staff

Alice Tsui Hasun Won Patrick Yan

2

Table of Contents

LETTER FROM THEEditor T

he weather is brisker, the

jackets are heavier, and the

you ever call yourself 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0

STARS campaign in calling out racial

generation? Read in on another writer’s

signs in some of today’s distributed

steamy air of warmly held coffees

experience of being biracial, and the

Halloween costumes, which may

and students’ exasperated exhales

conflicting decisions and questions

seem harmless at first. Finally, we

are vaporizing into the cool autumn

she faced with her identity. Explore

end on a yummy note—Vietnamese

air. Students are scurrying to class in

the reasons behind why young Asian

Chinese and Chinese American

their New York pace, with a number

women and even teenagers choose to

cuisines, along with a guide to some

of decisions swimming in their heads.

undergo plastic surgery. And for all

of the best dessert joints in the city.

Go out tonight or stay in and work on

sports lovers, it’s USA vs. your ethnic

that paper I’ve been pushing back?

Asian team—who do you root for?

of some of NYU’s prominent Asian and

Watch Madmen or get my 100-page

Additionally, the investigations of

Asian American clubs. To top it all off,

reading over with? While students

today’s viral social media resources

get to know us and find out how you

at NYU have been making important

continue as we reflect on memorable

can join our publication club! Let this

decisions for building the blocks of their

media moments, from the comedies

issue inspire you to ponder on what

bright futures, this semester’s diligent

presented about Kim Jong-Il through

you decide for yourselves in your

Generasian staff has been coming

YouTube, to just how far China’s own

bright futures; but also remember

to their own important decisions

not-so-discrepant version of Facebook,

that sometimes, your critical choices

about what they deem significant in

RenRen, will decide to reveal what,

may not be as limited to simply one

representing today’s decision-making

where, and when, about its users.

or two doors of opportunity, as you

Asians. Every moment, Asians in

We also pride ourselves this

End your experience with samples

may think. Whether your experience

America and around the world are

semester on our Arts & Culture section,

is local or international, like these

tackling their own personal choices,

where we continue to explore the

articles, see how some of the decisions

from the minor issues and ordinary

Asian presence in multiculturalism,

made in this issue impacted today’s

moments of their day to years of work

and get to know one of today’s hottest

Asian American community, on

ahead of them in the future. This fall’s

emerging Asian American singing

campus and around the world.

Decisions issue is thus a dedication

groups, AZIATIX, in an exclusive

to all who have thought hard about

Generasian interview! We also look

their choices, whether those choices

in on one rebellious classical pianist’s

may seem minor, or life-changing.

choice of fashion, and review plays and

Expect to find a widely diverse

movies featuring today’s up and coming

range of topics when it comes to

actors and actresses—including John

Michelle Lee is Editor-in-Chief of Generasian

what some of today’s Asians in

Cho and Kal Penn of A Very Harold

2011-2012. She majors in English & American

America and in the world have been

and Kumar Christmas. And just when

Literature, with a minor in Producing through

deciding on. Meditate with one writer

you thought Halloween was over, we

the Tisch School of the Arts. “The past, present,

classifying oneself by generation—do

investigated Ohio University’s recent

and future walk into a bar. It was tense.”

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3

FEATURES

WHICH ASIAN GENERATION?

by Evelyn Cheng

W

here are you from? Distinctive

Asian features have others assuming

either retain their Asian tastes or become more

that I come from another country. Perhaps I

Americanized, depending on their environments.

have­—four generations ago. In technical terms,

Particularly in Asian conclaves in New York,

I am a fourth generation Asian American, which

California, and Illinois, immigrants have been

displaces me far from my Asian roots. But so many

able to maintain a sense of their homeland

years after my great grandmother was born in

while enjoying benefits from the American

this country, generational distinctions may not

government and society. In these areas, the

be valid representations of my ethnic identity.

larger community has come to understand

Selective immigrant groups like Asians

Asians well and the cultural differences among

are often labeled according to how long their

generations of Asian Americans. But in the

families have been in America. This label can

rest of the country, nearly every Asian is

imply their level of connection with the mother

assumed to be an immigrant, because the local

country. Although labeling methods may vary,

experience with Asians has been minimal.

first generation Asian Americans are typically

4

or higher. I have seen these international students

I sensed this attitude of foreignness when I

either born in America to immigrant parents

moved from New York to Kentucky in high school.

or come here at a very young age. By the third,

Although there were a few other American-

or even second generation, Asian Americans

born Asians like myself, the predominately

are essentially only Asian in appearance and

white neighborhood thought that we had been

have American cultural values. Successive

born in Asia. Complicating my identity, for both

generations are usually assumed to be completely

American and Asian audiences, is the fact that

Americanized, meaning that they are mostly

my mother was born in America to a Cantonese

Western in preferences for food, music,

immigrant while my father is an immigrant from

language, cultural values and lifestyle habits.

Taiwan. To the Chinese, there is the difficulty of

Although this is the typical rubric, does

explaining that I am not from the mainland; to

how long one’s family has been in the United

Americans, there is the difficulty of explaining

States determine one’s cultural identity?

that my mother was also born in America. I

Complicating the situation is the presence of

would have liked to put both of my parents in one

“half-generations,” which consist of those who

category, America, Taiwan, or China, but doing

immigrate to America for high school education

so would also devalue the rich heritage I have.

Which Asian Generation?

Tracing through my family history, at each

These choices are visible among relatives of

generation my ancestors have chosen to marry

my own generation. Although I have realized that

a new immigrant from Asia although they

I am more Asian at heart than American, my three

themselves were American-born. As a result,

younger sisters successively identify less and

Asian influences have remained strong in my

less with Asian culture. Instead, they gravitate

life, especially with constant interaction from a

towards Asian American culture. I prefer Chinese

burgeoning group of immigrants from China. My

music while they stick to American music. Limited

grandparents visited my family every summer

language abilities may explain these differences in

from Taiwan, bringing Chinese videos, games,

cultural preferences, but we are all part of the same

and books. Weekly Chinese school lessons enabled

fourth (or third) generation. On the other hand, my

me to communicate with my grandparents and

cousin, whose parents are both immigrants from

other Asian friends and relatives. Although my

Asia, lives in California and identifies more strongly

family speaks English at home, this connection

with non-Asians. Generational labels have failed to

with Asia reinforced that part of my identity,

quantify accurately our cultural identifications.

causing me to consider myself only second or

Like other aspects of personal identity, cultural

third generation, rather than fourth. In addition,

preferences are a combination of experience,

a fourth-generation label gives Asians the

environment, and choice. The internet allows us to

perception that I am much less Asian than they

keep cultural identities regardless of our locale as

are, when at heart I often feel more connected

we communicate with friends and learn the news of

to them than their American counterparts.

our selected areas of interest. A conscious decision

When defining your 1 generational positions 1.5 compared to your parents’ 2 or grandparents’, do you classify yourself as Other 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or any Never heard of Never heard of this system this system other number?

0

But do these generational labels matter? With

5

10

15

20

to open ourselves to a certain culture and draw on

the rise of China in the world economy I have

related family connections also play a large role in

seen Asian Americans striving to maintain their

determining who we are. And as we age and are

cultural heritage. For them, America, which

exposed to other people and ideas, those identities

was once the way forward, has been exchanged

may change as well. But for now, the next time

for China. On the other hand, many Asian

someone asks me, “Where are you from?,” I

immigrants have embraced aspects of American

almost wish I could simply answer: Asia. GG

culture while holding fast to their own. Others born in America appreciate their Asian past

Evelyn Cheng is a sophomore at the College of

but have chosen to embrace a new identity as

Arts & Sciences, double majoring in Journalism

Asian American in which elements of Asian and

and Urban Studies and Architecture. She is a

American cultures are merged to form a new one.

freelance writer for world New York.

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5

HAPA BEING

by Taylor Maloney

The term “hapa” is derived from the Hawaiian word for half and is generally used to describe people of half or part Asian descent.

H

apa. Halfie. Blasian. Eurasian. Mixed.

but rather, Asians simply seem to understand

These are just several of the terms

Asian culture best. It is comforting to connect with

one can use to describe people of mixed race—

people who have similar childhoods, cultures, and

specifically mixed Asians. My mother is Japanese,

tastes. However, this connection for me seems to

and my father is Irish, making me 100% hapa. I

only go so far. Often, I’ve heard, “Oh, you wouldn’t

assumed that when I left the suburbs of Georgia

understand since you’re white.” Or, if I make a

and moved to New York, I would meet more people

mistake regarding Asian culture, others will laugh

who were also mixed and looked just like me—

and remark, “It’s because she’s not a true Asian.”

with wavy hair, pale skin, dark eyes, and lots of

No matter how hard I try to embrace my Asian

freckles. However, I’ve found it difficult to find

culture, it seems that I will never be Asian enough.

other hapas at NYU. Even once I have met them, it was hard to truly connect. I cannot speak fluent

school student, the ambassadors and faculty

Japanese, nor have I ever visited Japan. Other

would advertise the school as “a community

Asians often do not regard me as a “true Asian.”

of micro-communities” where everyone can

I seem to run into this problem regularly.

Being Hapa

find a niche, whether it is through a dorm floor,

Asians often will not accept me fully or will even

class, or club. There are several Asian clubs,

ignore me. This made the experience of making

ranging from Asian Cultural Union to Korean

friends with some Asian people challenging.

Students Association. But, is this enough?

Some change their minds once they learn of my

6

Whenever I would visit NYU as a high

“It’s really tough for me to interact with

heritage, but why would I want to be friends with

other Asians that I’ve just met or who assume

people who judge me based on my race? There

or feel that I’m not a ‘real Asian’,” said Morgan

is something very comforting about the Asian

Bennyworth, a student of Japanese, Irish, English,

community. A strong bond exists. I don’t believe

German, and Italian descent. Where would hapas

that Asians will only be friends with other Asians,

find their niche in these microcommunities?

According to NYU’s Institutional Research and Program Evaluation, Race/ Ethnicity Unknown or Other contained 18% of the school’s total population, making it the second largest race or ethnicity at NYU. However, determining which students are mixed or simply do not report their race is impossible. Is it appropriate to group all multiracial students into the arbitrary group of “Other?”

Stephen Polniaszek, an advisor for

STUDENTS’ VOICE

cultural clubs at NYU, notes that a Hapa Club currently does not exist. The Biracial and Multiracial Students Association, however, welcomes people of all mixed race and promotes cultural unity among students.

“BAMSA tries to find a balance between discussions about mixed race identity and general meetings that are less heavy and focus on just getting to know one another as friends,” said BAMSA’s President Kevin Kenney. “We are the only mixed race society at the university.

We try our best to provide a meaningful environment, but one that is also comfortable for those less willing to talk about it. It really is about the individual, but it takes an experience with those like you to fully realize that.”

So, should hapas have their own club here at NYU? “I’m not sure if that narrowness is so necessary,” said Robyn Mar, a former member of the Hapa Club at Columbia University in 2002. “Although, it makes sense to collaborate and share ideas and experiences.”

Despite having made several Asian friends during my first semester at NYU, I still find it difficult to connect with many of the people in the Asian community. I have even met other hapas at NYU. Often, it is hard to relate culturally because we do not necessarily identify ourselves as hapas—but rather as one ethnicity or the other.

Although my heritage is still important to me, I have found my own community at NYU by looking past race. Whether you are full Asian, half, or not Asian at all, a place at NYU does exist for you.

G

Taylor Maloney is a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences. Although undecided, she is exploring her interests in economics, linguistics, and Japanese.

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Friendship and community should transcend race and ethnicity.”

— Rebekah Guerra (Dominican, Portuguese, and Scotch Irish) Act according to how you feel—don’t feel the need to act a certain way or fit into a certain stereotype just because of the way you look.”

— Morgan Bennyworth I think in such a diverse place as NYU, it’s not very hard to find a community. I wouldn’t focus so much on ethnicity and focus more on similar interests.”

— Ty Mclaren (Japanese and Irish) ACU helped me find the sense of community that I didn’t expect to find at NYU and dually helped me to connect with my heritage.”

— Ben Dumond (Korean, German, and French) You have to find that capacity within yourself to filter it all out and stay standing tall at the end of the day.”

— Ben Dumond You can a part of any community you want.”

— Elizabeth Fitting (Asian, English, German, and Irish) I’m a third culture kid, and I love it. It makes me special, and I get to celebrate and understand the histories and traditions of both races.”

— Natalie Vang Jensen (Thai, Chinese, Danish)

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Don’t allow anyone to tell you what you are and aren’t. You know who you are, and you shouldn’t be afraid to go after what you want.”

— Taylor Maloney

7

ROOTING FOR THE RACE Who would you cheer for?

by Hasun Won

Neither 27%

I

US 8%

Both 31%

Asian 35%

t’s hard to decide which team you will root for if you are an Asian American. Sure,

nowadays they have awesome cheering groups like multinational root club and such, but the problem still remains as many Asian Americans

STUDENT POLL

feel rooting for their respective nations conflict

In international sports like soccer, do you root for

with their actual nationality: America.

the American team, for an Asian team associated

So here is the question: is Asian heritage within the minds of Asian Americans nearly deep enough so that second or third generation Asians who are virtually Americans, with Asian looking faces, would still cheer against the US? According to Don “Moose” Lewis, a famous Georgia-based former

8

Rooting for the Race: Who Would You Cheer for?

with your ethnic background, Both, or Neither?

Illustration by Joey Wang

different. While one may not share national or regional heritage, the similarity in outlooks may just thus be the crucial factor to which Asian Americans can identify themselves with.

But Lewis’ argument faces tremendous opposition: his ‘all white team,’ organized to trace back to white American basketball heritage, has done terribly over the years in terms of performance and publicity. If facial similarity is all it takes for a person to cheer for athletes, then why such abysmal failure? Surely, there is a deeper story behind the ‘cheering for race’ business.

When asked, many of the Asian American sports fans around me surprisingly said that they will firmly root for their respective national teams instead of US teams, and there was a clear reason for it: US teams are too diverse whereas Asian teams are primarily, well, Asian. Asian teams also tend to be concentrated on one special sport like soccer or baseball, which only adds to the incentive for Asian Americans to root for their heritage teams as a special, non-frequent event. Sure, outlooks do matter, but the number of responses that confirmed facial appearance as the only determining factor for the decision of rooting for Asian teams were very small.

It seems to be a consensus of the general public that a great athlete is a great athlete regardless of race. Asian Americans do cheer for American teams frequently on Olympics because the event tends to concentrate more on a single athlete, thus making race a less important determinant for rooting. In comparison, international one-sports events like the World Cup or International Baseball League makes rooting a personal and unique opportunity to enjoy one’s racial heritage. After all, the act of rooting for a sport itself shows an boxing and wrestling promoter, it is. People all

interest and passion for that sport, only amplifying

like to see their ‘similar looking’ faces win. While

the reason why one could find it comfortable to

face is fundamentally a superficial covering and

also cherish his or her national heritage instead of

the heritage that runs within Asian Americans are

making it another various opportunity to cheer

what define their Asian heritage, Lewis insists that

for the US team. Cheer all you want for American

US is still consumed by the ‘us and them’ ideology

teams when no team of your interest plays, but

based on ethnic appearances. Plausibly, he says

cheer once for Asian teams during their occasional

that there is a considerable difference between

G international performance; why not? G.

Asians and Africans to winning sports for America and Caucasian American athletes winning for

Hasun Won is a junior in the College of

America—it is just visually and sentimentally

Arts & Science, majoring in history.

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9

PLASTIC PERFECT

by Eunice Lau

“M

y mom likes me. She says I’m pretty.

one singer from the Korean pop group 2NE1, Bom,

Before, not once since I was born,

a girl on 6Theory Media’s forums complained,

not once did she say I was pretty. But now, she

“Bom was always pretty, though… I don’t

says I’m pretty.” Those are the words of one

understand why they all get work done. I must

student in Kelley Katzenmeyer’s documentary,

look just awful.” We begin to realize that when

“Hahn,” filmed in 2011 at a South Korean high

beautifully perceived people feel the need to make

school. The girl was referring to her double

themselves look “more beautiful,” they send out

eyelid surgery, which gives off the appearance of

a message to their fans and viewers: if a star does

bigger eyes. With the rising emphasis on girls to

not feel comfortable in his or her own skin, should

look more Western—Western as in big eyes and

“simple” people feel the same way? Lee Min-Kyong,

tall noses—the girl’s story is not the only one.

a 12-year old ballet dancer, recently underwent

Today’s media is a major proponent of this

eyelid surgery. Despite her talents as a dancer,

extreme beauty ideal. In 2004, China crowned

she told her mother that she did not feel beautiful.

its first Miss Plastic Surgery, a beauty pageant

When the CNN reporter opened up a magazine

solely for women who had procedures. The

with two Asian models and asked Min-Kyong

magazine industry in Japan devotes time to the

who was prettier, the girl pointed to the model

speculation of which famous figures had plastic

with bigger eyes. She said the model she did not

surgeries. Before and after photos, comparing

choose was ugly because her eyes were too small.

faces side-by-side, are all over the Internet. If you

woman saved up $15,000 to open a Starbucks, only

thousands of pages and discussion boards come

to spend it later on a procedure. Another woman

up. Many fans go to these boards to vent and

said that she had to convince her boyfriend to

talk about why so-and-so got his or her nose

pay $6,000 for her surgery. According to recent

fixed or so-and-so got his or her eyes enlarged.

statistics, the desire for an ideal face isn’t going to

Irony comes into play here. You have fans, often

10

With beauty comes a hefty price. In Asia, one

go online and search “K Pop plastic surgeries,”

end any time soon. The number of plastic surgeons

young women, who believe that the people they

and practices is rising in Asian countries. In Seoul,

look up to are pretty or handsome just the way

South Korea, the largest clinic serves almost 100

they are. Singers and celebrities do not look that

patients a day. In an interview with CNN, Dr. Kim

much different from “ordinary people.” This begs

Byung-gun, one of the clinic’s doctors, said his

us to ask: if young women can see beauty in their

patients do not see plastic surgeries as abnormal.

idols, why can’t they see beauty in themselves?

They see it as a good investment for the future and

After hearing about the supposed procedure of

they firmly believe that “Westernizing” their face

Plastic Perfect

a double dose of this “beauty myth” when they hear of their Asian country’s counterparts getting plastic surgery. There is a heavy cultural and social pressure to strip away Asian facial features and replace them with something Western.

According to the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services, young Asian American women are the most prone to depression out of all race and ethnic groups, and those between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest suicide rate.

If a star does not feel comfortable in his or her own skin, should “simple” people feel the same way? will give them an advantage when they apply for

It is time to see typical Asian features as

jobs. Several students in “Hahn” firmly believed

something culturally beautiful and unique, not

that plastic surgery was the only way to attract

something stunting. As Jasmine Daniels, a teacher

a potential boyfriend. Not only is there a desire

at the high school in “Hahn,” said, “I wish they had

to look beautiful, there is a belief that procedures

some model who did not have double-eyelids, was

guarantee economical and social success.

short, and had tan skin.” When we focus on outer

Martin Wong, an Asian American activist

beauty too much, we fail to see potential. We fail

from Giant Robot Magazine, a publication for

to notice success. In the end, we have to remember

young Asian Americans, said when Asians get

that Western appearances are beautiful. Eastern

plastic surgery, they are “making a statement

appearances are beautiful. Without one, we fail

about their own race, about who they are, about

G to have a full perception of world beauty. G.

where they come from” and the message is tinged with “racial hatred.” Already surrounded

Eunice Lau is a freshman majoring in

by media that prints, records, and broadcasts

Applied Psychology at Steinhardt.

women with big eyes and tall noses as the main perception of beauty, Asian American girls get

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11

COMEDIC RELIEF Western Portrayal of North Korea

by Soo Mi Rho

I

t’s fascinating to see the number of

strict regime, North Korean citizens suffer from

parodies there are of North Korea and more

the violation of many human rights, so it seems

particularly of “their beloved leader,” Kim Jong-Il.

a bit demeaning to say that we’d “settle” with

The net offers a range of amusements such as a

this nonsensical viewpoint. But perhaps better

Tumblr page solely dedicated to pictures of Kim

phrased, we become complacent to the serious

Jong-Il simply “looking at things” to viral YouTube

issues regarding North Korea through such

videos in which North Korean parades are synced

impressions that popular media projects. We settle

with LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem.” We see these

with humor because when was laughter ever a

sorts of things in mainstream media as well: in

bad thing? Seemingly innocent and harmless,

a June 2011 segment of the Colbert Report titled

these comedic impressions we have of Kim Jong-Il

“Kim Bo-Jangils,” Stephen Colbert poked fun at

mars the serious consequences of his regime.

the failed smuggling attempt to bring tap shoes

He has stripped his citizens of the freedom of

into North Korea, stating “Kim Jong-Il may rule his

speech, religion, and movement and continues

people with an iron fist, but now he’ll never be able

to brainwash through unrelenting propaganda.

to trust them with a jazz hand.” That was before

Korea is one of the most secretive nations in

Korea’s leader and nursing home lunch lady,”

the world. The government is the master of

causing a roar of laughter from the audience.

propaganda and they disseminate this not only

While admittedly it is difficult to resist the

to their own citizens but to the outside world as

seamless syncing of Kim Jong-Il’s claps to a

well. One of the ridiculous propaganda pertaining

catchy electronic dance beat, it’s even more

to the North Korean’s government’s schemes

difficult to resist the urge to simply settle with

was to recently claim themselves as the second

this impression of North Korea. With such a

happiest country in the world. What’s more, the

“Kim Jong-Il may rule his people with an iron fist, but now he’ll never be able to trust them with a jazz hand.”

12

Perhaps we simply “settle” because North

he introduced the oppressive dictator as “North

Comedic Relief: Western Portrayal of North Korea

government has created a sort of ghost

Though this is more theory than

interviews with citizens who state

town called Kijŏng-dong, otherwise

hard facts, there is no denying the

that their whole income is spent on

known as “Propaganda Village” to

overwhelming amount of ludicrous

food and that their alternatives to

outsiders. No citizens live there, the

results that come up when one enters

essential nutrients have caused them

same lights go on at each night, but we

“Kim Jong-Il” in Google search. Here

to be very weak and defenseless to

are led to believe that this village is

are some of the results from the first

their hash living conditions. These

representative of North Korea because

page of results: the aforementioned

are real accounts, fresh from early

it contains what every healthy and

“kimjongillookingatthings.tumblr.

2011, and yet irrelevant impressions

civilized village should have, like

com,” “Top 10 Crazy Facts About Kim

of North Korea and Kim Jong-Il clog

schools and hospitals. With all this

Jong-Il,” “Kim Jong-Il’s regime is even

the top results of our most frequented

and plenty more schemes crafted by

weirder and more despicable than

websites. And for your information,

the government, it’s a daunting task

you think,” and “Kim Jong-Il reveals

there are a variety of sources to go to

to attempt to figure out how and to

fondness for dolphins and fancy dogs.”

for this information, including NYU’s

what extent human rights are being

While these are certainly amusing

very own North Korean human rights

violated deep within North Korea.

and sensational topics, the danger

organization, Freedoms 4 North Korea.

In trying to make sense of this

behind these popular results is the

While it is hard to look at North

country and that one weirdly dressed

disappearing of the actual meat of

Korea without the skewed dictatorial

dictator dude, we may revert to sheer

the repressive regime, what he has

regime and even their demonized

ignorance to the complicated and

done to a nation of impoverished

portrayal regarding their nuclear

undecipherable issues at hand. We

and brainwashed people.

arms, if we could just dismiss it for a

tend to cast aside North Korea and

Despite the fact that North Korea

moment and look at the dire human rights situation, we would see that

We end up laughing at the strangely uniform military parades and shows, not trying to understand the ideology that has induced such behavior from citizens.

there is much left out of common discussion revolving around North Korea. What makes some human rights issues more relevant in our everyday discussion? Why do celebrities choose to endorse some human rights issues and not others? Seldom do we see a

all its human rights violations as a

remains very secretive about its

variety of media portrayals of the

perpetually alienated and impossible

actions, the facts are there if one is

human rights situation in North

nation. When this topic does happen

willing to find them. For example,

Korea, where people do not enjoy

to come up in our everyday discourse,

United Nations representatives

necessary freedoms; where people

we avoid the difficulty of figuring

recently paid visits to North Korea

forage around for wild shrubbery

out what exactly is going on that we

and reported back that six million

for sustenance; where people must

“give up” and resort to humor instead.

North Koreans are in dire need of

suffer through concentration camps if

We end up laughing at the strangely

humanitarian aid. They, along with

they attempt to defect from their fake

uniform military parades and shows,

many non profit organizations, are

paradise. This reality is not a joke.

not trying to understand the ideology

calling upon Washington to take

that has induced such behavior from

action as soon as possible. Moreover,

Soo Mi Rho is a sophomore in Steinhardt

citizens, or that behind these elaborate

many leaders from human policy

majoring in Media, Culture, and

celebrations are millions of citizens

organizations have been calling

Communication and minoring in

suffering from malnutrition and

out for more humanitarian aid for

Business in Entertainment, Media and

suffering in concentration camps.

North Korea, drawing upon direct

Technology in Steinhardt-Tisch-Stern.

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13

the renren network

by Jennifer Zhang

I

t’s 6:00 AM in Beijing, and I’m on my way to school. I hop onto the wifi-connected

accounts. However, after the Xinjiang

subway, and the first thing I do is look through

terrorists used Facebook as a tool to build

my friends’ new profile pictures on RenRen,

their communication network and organize

the hottest social network in China.

allies against the government in 2009, the

Founded by three Chinese graduate

Chinese government officially blocked

students, the site launched in December of

Facebook in China. Renren took advantage

2005, approximately two years after the launch

of this and rapidly dominated the social

of Facebook. Wang Xing, one of the founding

network market by renaming itself, expanding

members, is also known as the father of Fanfou,

its users from students to everyone.

the Chinese version of Twitter. Since its debut,

With the same blue tone, both sites are

Renren has gradually become immersed in the

structurally and functionally the same.

lives of nearly every Chinese citizen—up to 31

From adding friends, posting news, to

million users per month. It’s not as impressive as

sharing videos, RenRen is a masterwork of

the 800 million users on Facebook. But considering

plagiarism, but with legal permission.

the fact that it is only used in a country where

14

Originally, many in China had Facebook

In Facebook, users can visit their friends’

Internet is strictly monitored (and where Facebook

pages without being noticed. However, in

is blocked), the number is still astonishing.

RenRen, there’s the “Footprint.” As soon as you

The Renren Network

visit a friend’s homepage or check

gossip and love secrets were smeared

legs, almost everything a girl could

out their latest posted photos, your

all over the network—a dark day for

ever dream of. Many are so obsessed

default photo will appear on his or her

users. The Internet is not as safe as

with this tool that they can’t post their

homepage. On the upper-right hand

we imagined. You may not want to

pictures without “decorating” them.

corner of one’s homepage, a number

trust the social network with intimate

keeps track of visitors. By clicking

conversation and “dirty secrets.”

the number, all records of visitors

Like many Facebook users, Renren

Another feature of RenRen network is the status filter—a technology designed to prevent bloggers, critics

will appear. While the cute girl may

users also enjoy posting pictures and

and commentators from speaking

wonder why the boy in her class was

changing default photos from time

freely. If there were some sensitive

snooping on her page, the boy can

to time. However, RenRen users will

issues going on recently, Renren users

only hope that she doesn’t notice his

sometimes find themselves in awkward

would be banned from posting any

footprint on her page. Over time, this

situations. Even though they have

comments on these problems. Every

obsession with tracking down visitors

been friends with someone on the

time users type related sensitive words

becomes an online popularity contest.

website for a long time, they cannot

into their statuses and click post, an

recognize him or her in person. Users

alarm pops up, warning the user that

layouts, Renren has also created

On top of similar functions and

tend to upload better-looking photos

there are inappropriate words. “Please

a similar game application called

of themselves in their albums, which

check again before posting.” What

Happy Farmer—reminiscent of

may root from the traditional Chinese

the technology fails to probe is the

Facebook’s Farmville. The concept

ideology of presenting the best of

creativity of Renren users. By putting

is “first come, first serve.” If users

oneself as possible. Whereas Facebook

meaningless punctuations and words

don’t check on their farms on time,

users are often unafraid of displaying

between the sensitive words, critics still

the crops will be long gone. The game

their funnier selves, Renren users

actively shed light on sensitive topics.

has shown to be severely detrimental

would consider this as indecent. Thanks

When I am bored in class here at NYU, or exhausted from studying, I

Do you think it would be a good idea for Facebook to allow users to see who has visited their profile?

Yes 21%

open Facebook, see what my friends are up to, comment on funny photos and reply to some event invitations.

But RenRen for me is more than just a social network. On top of commenting photos, statuses and messaging my

No 79%

closest friends, I‘ve come to rely on Renren as a source of thought provoking information, such as articles about collegiate entrance exams. I get the best of both worlds, but sometimes

to white-collar workers’ efficiency

to the amazing app MeiTuXiuXiu,

maintaining both can really makes

and concentration, making this app

Renren users can choose to make

me stress out. Communist or not,

a controversial topic in China.

themselves look even better than

nothing can stop the power of social

their better-looking selves. With this

network in today’s Internet world.

In October 2010, a bug in the web server revealed a hidden message

photo editing app and just a few clicks,

board to go public for hours. People

users can make themselves look more

Jennifer Zhang is a freshman studying

flooded to other’s pages and hastily

desirable by enlargening their eyes,

Sociology and Economics in the

deleted their messages. Scandals,

drawing thinner jawlines, and longer

College of Arts and Science.

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15

Q&A with Megumi and Lara of HAFU Film

by Joyce Lam

M

egumi Nishikura and Lara Perez

that I assumed were resolved began to crop up

Takagi are the directors and

again. “What does it mean to be Japanese?” “Am I

producers of Hafu, a film that illustrates the rising

Japanese?” “How do I find my place in this society?”

population of mixed-race individuals in Japan. By

I met a lot of other half Japanese people and

capturing the multicultural experience through

started connecting with them, where I understood

the lives of five people, the film provides the

Japan but I also got this international perspective

underrepresented population a platform to discuss

of some other country. Because this was such a

their biracial identities. Generasian had the

new subject, there was no media or literature

chance to interview Megumi and Lara over Skype

on it, and I couldn’t explore it any further. I

and get their thoughts on their upcoming film.

thought we should start making something that will inspire more videos, publications and

Hi Megumi and Lara, please tell us a little about yourselves.

Megumi: I grew up here in Japan as a child

documentaries about mixed-race Japanese.

Lara: After a year here, I began to question what it meant for me to be living in Japan and

and then I moved to the US when I was 14, 15.

how I relate to Japanese people and foreigners.

After moving to the states, I really didn’t think

With all these questions, I decided to turn

that I would live in Japan again. My reasoning

them into a film about my dual-identity. From

was, ‘the film industry is in the US so I’m going

there onwards, we met this sociologist and

to live there.’ This all changed once I received

photographer who created The Hafu Japanese

a scholarship to a Japanese university for my

Project. I was like, ‘Wow, there are more half

master’s degree, and I told myself that this was

Japanese people out there doing projects about

a nice chance to experience Japan as an adult.

being half Japanese!’ I thought this was really

Lara: In my case I was born in Japan but grew

cool, so Megumi and I approached them about

up in Spain. I used to go to a Japanese Saturday

making a documentary that will serve as a visual

school where all my classmates were half Japanese

exploration of what it means to be half Japanese.

or Japanese, so I was always curious about this dual-view of the world where my peers and I

Biracial celebrities are receiving more coverage

understood Japanese culture and Spanish culture

in the media. In Japan’s women magazines,

simultaneously. I jumped at the opportunity to

a lot of the models are half Japanese. Is

come here through a scholarship and entered

this a sign that multiracial identities are

Waseda University for my master’s degree.

appearing more in the spotlight nowadays?

Megumi: We [Lara and I] on a daily basis

16

HAFU is a documentary film on the identities

still get “Oh you’re half Japanese?” and “How

and experiences of mixed-race Japanese

can you speak Japanese so well?” as people

living in Japan today. Can you tell me

completely assume we’re foreigners. As much

what inspired you to produce this film?

as it is becoming more present in the media, it

Megumi: In the process of living here for

doesn’t seem to have translated into daily life

over four years now, a lot of identity questions

yet. And even in Tokyo, as metropolitan and

Q&A with Megumi and Lara of HAFU Film

international as it is, I think there are a lot of

as possible—ultimately letting their experiences

half Japanese that people don’t interact with. It’s

speak for themselves. We’re simply allowing

still a very new experience for many people.

people to get a sense of diversity and it’s up to

Lara: Some people say there’s always been

them to deduce what is the HAFU experience.

half Japanese, but they’re just starting to realize the fact that it’s normal; that we’re around.

Any advice to share with those struggling with their biracial identity in terms

There are a lot of half Japanese that people don’t interact with. It’s still a very new experience for many people.

of language barriers, upbringing, education, racism and nationality?

Lara: Ultimately I think it’s all about being yourself and how comfortable you are being in your own skin. It’s not about thinking what you’re supposed to be or how you’re supposed to act—it’s all about who you are and who you want to be. There’s no stereotype you have to fit into because the bottom line is, you

Your upcoming film will help to grow this

grow up in a country and the people you hang

realization even more. The multicultural

out with are the people who make you the

experience is an element that’s heavily

person you are today. Do not let complexes

embedded into the film; how was the

regarding your multicultural background

process of capturing it through the lens?

get in the way of living and enjoying life!

G

Megumi: We wanted to have a broader scope of half Japanese people, so in the film we have

Joyce Lam is a junior majoring in Media Culture and

individuals that are half Ghanan, half Venezuelan,

Communications and minoring in East Asian Studies. She

half Mexican, half Australian and half Korean.

hails from Hong Kong and is a self-professed tea lover.

We asked these five people to open their lives up to us while we try to document them as accurately

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17

Fashioning

CLASSICAL PIANISTS for TODAY’S WORLD

by Alice Tsui

I

t is the night before my recital and I open

in today’s modern classical performance attire

my closet doors. Which combination of

is that the music itself is no longer enough to

sparkly but black conservative clothing will I

captivate the audience. Fashion at the recital is

wear this time? The choice will be something

used as a marketing tool; what the performer

formal, stereotypical, and expected of a

wears is more accessible with the current fashion

pianist in the classical music industry.

trends, yet more striking to lure the audience into

However, there is a young Asian pianist

listening. In fact, according to Anne Midgette of the

rising in the classical world who, unlike me,

Washington Post, “Wang’s manner… and attire—

has started making bold fashion statements

as well as her remarkable talent—represent some

when she performs. Her name is Yuja Wang,

of the best chances we have of getting those under-

a 24-year-old female classical pianist with

18-year-olds into the concert hall to begin with.”

incredible technique and beautiful musicality in her playing. While most reviews of her concerts praise her expression of sound, her choice of dress always ignites an intense debate in the classical piano world. In August 2011, Wang stepped on stage sporting a sparkly, form-fitting orange mini-dress and 4-inch gold stilettos. Fellow

If society has indeed created its own dress code when it comes to classical music, it is a stereotype that is represented by rigidity and formality.

Piano Performance major at NYU Steinhardt Annie Jeng exclaimed, “She’s working it!…

can be distracting to the audience. Grace

it would attract more viewers. It is a fresh look

Kwon, Steinhardt junior majoring in

that strays away from conventional attire.”

Childhood Education, states, “I think her

One of the main comments classical concert reviewers have made about the radical decisions

18

In contrast, the radical fashion choices

She is nothing but eye-catching so if anything,

Fashioning Classical Pianists for Today’s World

dress looks scandalous. I don’t think there is an ‘appropriate’ dress code for classical

and formality. When asked if there are any implications of the dress code of the performer at a classical music performance, Steinhardt Piano Performance alumni Sugar Vendil responded, “There is an expectation… that the more boring or reserved you look, the more serious you are about what you do. [Otherwise] people think you aren’t ‘respecting’ the music. Well, the music isn’t a person and I am, and if it weren’t for the performer, that music would be a sheet of paper. So I’ll wear whatever I want.”

Vendil now runs a group called the Nouveau Classical Project (NCP), which connects music with fashion. Musicians wear fashion that is designed or curated for the music performed. According to Vendil, “The fashion enhances the performance and brings a different energy to the room… Music is first, and style might be secondary, even tertiary, but it’s still there and as people, and especially as artists, we have the right to express ourselves.”

For Asians and Asian Americans, Yuja Wang is only one classical pianist of many more aspiring musicians. While she may try to change what is expected, that change is not necessarily well received. Nevertheless, her music. I believe society created [its] own dress

fashion statement represents the idea that a

code when it comes to classical music.”

classical music performance is much more than

While Jeng is excited by the forward-thinking

just the music, and the presentation of fashion

power fashion brings to the table of classical music,

onstage is significant in the creation of the

Kwon expresses her apprehension at the dress

performance. Yuja Wang is revolutionary in

Wang wore—congruent with the overwhelming

questioning and possibly redefining the standards

reaction of critics and bloggers. Ironically, for

of dress in a classical piano performance.

her New York Recital Debut at Carnegie Hall in

As for me, perhaps for my next recital I will

October 2011, she wore a simple, elegant black

look choose to wear a dress with a more vibrant

dress with shiny stilettos for the first half, and a

color and pizzazz—to amplify my own creation of

more revealing velvet blue dress slit open at the

G sound. I wonder how my audience will react. G.

side for the second half. For Carnegie Hall, one of the most prominent music halls in the world, Yuja

Alice Tsui is a senior at Steinhardt studying Piano

Wang did in fact keep it classy, but with an edge.

Performance with a Concentration in Music Education.

If society has indeed created its own dress code when it comes to classical music, it is a stereotype that is represented by rigidity

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19

FROM EAST TO WEST: AZIATIX ALL DAY AN EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW

by Jane Chun

A

ziatix, this year’s major upand-coming Asian American

hop artists such as Decipher, Ice-T, and J. Reyez. Nicky Lee, a musician

male trio, is a group that came together

and actor from Los Angeles, has

only a year and a half ago. In less than a

released five albums in Taiwan and

year, they have been able to reach to the

won the Best Male Singer award at

top in major national and international

the Golden Melody Awards in 2007.

charts. Each of their music videos

The language barrier is one of the

has hundreds of thousands of views,

biggest obstacles Asian artists face

and their singles and albums have

when trying to break into the U.S.

skyrocketed to top spots on iTunes.

market. But as Aziatix is entirely

Their dedicated global fan base,

Korean American, they do not face

“Aziaddicts,” is growing rapidly and

this problem. Their sound and look

includes well-known Asian stars

appeal to their American audience;

performed songs from their first and

such as Brian Joo and JYJ’s Jaejoong.

they have a slick, urban style that

second albums, Aziatix and Nocturnal.

Incredibly, Aziatix has achieved what

the audience is familiar with. At

I had the great opportunity to score a

many groups take years to accomplish

the same time, Aziatix has a recipe

backstage interviewer with this talented

in only a little over half a year.

for success in Asia: polished music

trio, who recently won “Best New Asian

videos, catchy songs, the ability to

Artist Group” at the Mnet Asian Music

Nicky Lee are veteran players in the

speak an Asian language, and of

Awards! Here are some excerpts from the

industry. Eddie, a singer-songwriter

course, the eye candy. While groups

interview with these charming fellas, and

from Boston, debuted in South Korea

such as Far*East Movement are

be sure to visit generasian.tumblr.com

in 2005. While promoting his career,

mostly popular in the United States,

and search “Aziatix” to watch the entire

he wrote and composed songs for

and those such as Girls’ Generation

exclusive interview! (filmed by Joey Wang)

popular Korean artists such as Lyn and

are mainly popular in Asia, Aziatix

Wheesung. Jay “Flowsik” Pak, a rapper,

appeals to both American and Asian

songwriter, and producer from Queens,

audiences, a quality that may prove to

New York, has collaborated with hip

be the key to their longtime success.

Eddie Shin, Jay “Flowsik” Pak, and

by Michelle Lee

O

n November 14, AZIATIX came to Manhattan to perform at the

packed Gramercy Theatre, where they

How did you come up with the name G

“AZIATIX” and what does it stand for?

Nicky Lee: The name AZ is the name our producer Jae Chong came up with back in 2002. At that time, I had been working with Brother Jae since 1998, in 2002 he thought of the name AZIATIX because we’re making a lot of music out there in Asia, in different parts—Seoul, Taipei, everywhere, for K-pop, C-pop markets. He just thought that AZIATIX was a real cool name because it also shows our background. We come from Asia and that’s what it basically means. That name stuck with us for a while. Then when we started this group, we thought, hey, that name fits us very well too, because even though we grew up in different parts of the world, born in different parts of the

20

From East to West: AZIATIX All Day: An Exclusive Interview

world, we got together in Asia. So OK,

was actually taking a breather

dream, do what you have to do. If

we said let’s do it, let’s use AZIATIX.

outside, so we took some wasabi

music is what you want to do, don’t

That’s where the name came from.

and mixed it into the green tea ice

ever quit. It does get hard. There

cream, and he got a whole mouthful.

are a lot of hard times, and a lot

With your memorable music, what

Flowsik: Why would you do that?!

of times you’ll be down here. I’ve been rejected by every major label

is it about you guys as a group and as individuals that makes you

Your album, Nocturnal, why did you

that’s out there, so take it from me

stand out and be so successful?

choose that as a title for that album?

man, it’s not easy, but if you have

Nicky: Because we don’t sleep!

a dream, you follow it. Don’t ever

Flowsik: Our group has different styles. Each individual member holds

Most of the time, when it came out for

give up. It’ll happen, so stick it out.

a different kind of style. For example,

the US tour, we were actually working

Flowsik: Everybody has that

I’d focus more on the hip-hop, Eddie

on jetlag, we didn’t sleep, we’ve been

moment. Everybody has that one

here would focus more on the R&B

working on one or two hours of sleep

moment where it can take you to the

/ pop, Nicky hyung (big brother)

a day. That was crazy. Throughout

next level. Jae brother, our producer,

here would focus more on the R&B

our album, our music just comes at

said this as well, which is very

and soul, so when you just put those

night—it doesn’t mean that we party

important. Association is extremely

together, it just forms something

all night. At the recording studio,

important. Who you know, who

slightly different and it stands out.

its’ always a party, when we’re just

you’re around, getting to know people,

hanging out, just chillin’. When it

getting yourself out there is very

we have sensibilities that hit both

hits 1, 2, 3 AM in the morning, that’s

important, besides just the music.

the Eastern and Western markets,

when the inspiration hits. The songs

because that’s where we’re from.

come out, and that’s when we record.

Eddie Shin: Our background—

That makes us a little unique.

Nicky: If you want to do music, do music because of the love of music, not because you want to be

Can you guys give a shout-out

famous, not because you want to

Any funny or bizarre moments

and any positive words to young

make money, because fame will be

or experiences you guys have

Asian Americans trying to make

gone like that, money can be gone

had during your US tour?

it in the music industry?

like that. Always do what you need

Eddie: We do a lot of practical

Nicky: No matter what anybody

to do. Always do the music thing

jokes. In Minnesota, we were eating

tells you, no matter how many times

because you really love music, and

some green tea ice cream, and Flow

you get rejected, just go after your

G it’ll take you somewhere. G.

Flowsik

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Eddie

21

CHINGLISH A

Y A W D A O ON BR

merican businessman Daniel Cavenaugh goes

to China hoping to strike a business deal for his family-owned business Ohio Signage. He obtains the help of Peter Timms, a business consultant from Britain who has lived in China for 19 years. Timms explains to Cavenaugh the importance of guanxi, or relationships, for success in China.

Pointing to the often horrendous errors in English translations of signs in China, Cavenaugh proposes his business’ services to Minister Cai of the city of Guiyang. However, due to translation errors and hidden motives, Cavenaugh’s offer is not easily accepted.

On the other hand, the female vice minister, Xi Yan, takes an interest in

From critics’ reviews found in print

Cavenaugh and the pair begin an affair

playbills and online advertisements,

while trying to win a contract for

I received a consistent message of

Ohio Signage. As the couple attempt to

humor—light humor, lewd humor—

cross language and cultural barriers

comedy. Translation mishaps present

with love, they learn how different

a prime opportunity for laughter, but

their two countries actually are.

would the humor benefit the Asian American status quo? If Chinglish could

Evelyn Cheng’s Expectations

prove that underneath the slapdash

“Chinglish” is a word my family and

humor there exist more substantial

I anticipated this play to reflect this

friends have tossed around jokingly

issues, then the show has done credit

specific combination of two languages

as we mix and match Chinese and

to the Asian American community.

into one unique swirl of words with

English. Seeing the Western world

sentences that would start in Chinese

picking up these idiosyncrasies of the

Alice Tsui’s Expectations

and end in English, random Chinese

Asian American language experience,

As soon as I heard about a play entitled

phrases being thrown in a regular

I wondered excitedly how a situation

Chinglish debuting on Broadway, I was

English conversation, and references

familiar to me would be reproduced

extremely excited; the spotlight would

to Chinese culture in a completely

and expanded on the stage. Although

finally shine on this language I believe

American context. I had high hopes

director David Henry Hwang set

myself to be fluent in. Every day in

of learning and experiencing new

this play in the American-Chinese

conversations with fellow American

revelations about Chinglish that would

business environment and not an Asian

born Chinese friends, immigrant

not only educate me on my culture as

American immigrant family, the same

Chinese peers, and my family, I

an Asian American, but also educate

inherent challenges of translating

would infuse English with Chinese

non-Asian Americans on the code

language and culture remain.

to communicate my exact thoughts.

switching inherent in Chinglish.

22

Chinglish on Broadway

Evelyn Cheng’s Review

relationship was able to draw out a

Alice Tsui’s Review

Although Chinglish, a new play on

complex understanding of honesty.

I left in the middle of the show. I was

Broadway, focused on Caucasian

In the play, female Vice Minister

highly disappointed by the insensitivity

Americans and Chinese in China,

Xi Yan was attracted to Cavenaugh

with which Chinglish handled the

Tony Award winning Asian American

because he was “good” and “honest.”

language and culture I hold so near

director David Henry Hwang presented

She trusted that, as an American,

and dear to my own life. From the

the greater communication struggles

Cavenaugh had no secrets to hide.

opening of the show, many jokes and

those of mixed cultural background

But what is honesty? Honesty in the

issues touched upon were catered

face. In contrast to Western reviews

American or Western sense seems to be

primarily to educate those from the

by outlets such as The New York Times

frankness. When Cavenaugh fell in love

outside perspective—non-Asians. Jokes

and The New Yorker which claimed that

with Yan, he kissed her right away and

revolved around the failed translation

characters in Chinglish were shallow, I

later repeatedly told her “I love you”;

from Chinese to English in everyday

felt that the play actually demonstrated

Chinese culture is much more reserved

life, such as in public signs in China,

the hidden complexity of Chinese

in romantic expression. Yet as the

in what I consider to be a demeaning

society. As each layer of subterfuge was

British expatriate Peter demonstrated,

approach; for example, “Small family

uncovered, Hwang showed that Chinese

a lack of forethought can lead to

firm” may be translated as “his business

These facades and jokes took less prominence in the show after the first laughs, pointing instead to a deeper difference in culture.

is insignificant.” No new insight was offered for the Chinese Americans, and while one could argue that the primary play-goers of Broadway are the Caucasian middle to upper class citizens, the show should not solely seek to entertain outsiders without

culture is subtle, a culture in which one

impulsive action that can often ruin an

respectfully entertaining first and

must read between the lines to decipher

otherwise harmonious relationship.

foremost the people who are the subject

the meaning. Minister Cai’s tentative

Honesty must then be coupled with

of the show. Nothing in the show shed

“yes” to Cavenaugh’s business proposal

wise restraint. For Yan, this restraint

any new light, and a main takeaway

was actually a “no.” On the other hand,

came in the form of respect for familial

is that the Chinese language is still

the vice minister’s firm disapproval

and societal institutions. Although

often ridiculed in American society as

of the contract in Minister Cai’s

Cavenaugh would have preferred that

something foreign and Oriental. The

presence veiled a “yes.” As for personal

their relationship be out in the open,

show would have been more effective if

boasting, the Chinese were quoted

even he initially tried to hide from Yan

sensitive language and culture subjects

in the play as saying: “Anyone who’s

the truth about his personal history and

were more subtly mentioned as opposed

really great doesn’t need to say so.”

the fact that Ohio Signage was not the

to in a jester and jeering manner.

However, stereotypes remained as the first Chinese translator

G

classy American firm it appeared to be.

With this juxtaposition of cultural

Evelyn Cheng is a sophomore at the

was obsequious and giddy while

perceptions of honesty, Chinglish

College of Arts and Sciences, double

Chinese officials rudely interrupted

showed that neither the Chinese nor

majoring in Journalism and Urban Studies

conversations with phone calls

American understanding is the perfect

and Architecture. She is a freelance

about trivial matters such as food.

one. Instead, “Chinglish” in the literal

writer for WORLD New York.

But these facades and jokes took less

sense now appears to be a merger of

prominence in the show after the first

two cultures more than languages.

Alice Tsui is a senior at Steinhardt

laughs, pointing instead to a deeper

The play thus pointed to the Asian

studying Piano Performance with a

difference in culture. Although the

American ability to take the best of

concentration in Music Education.

sexual jokes and scenes were, in my

both worlds and perhaps arrive at a

opinion, completely unnecessary,

better understanding of honesty.

the unfolding of the couple’s

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23

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS REVIEW

by Emily Q. Lu

I

t’s been three years since the last Harold and Kumar movie, but A

Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas does not lose one bit of its original flavor.

It is still just as adventurous, explicit, surprising, and heart-warming. while showing the duo have altered

lead. It remains an honor to play

between Harold and Kumar’s

As the movie starts, the changes

on an intellectual level through the

the character. It’s not about me, it’s

friendship immediately arise. Played

years. Despite the R rating, A Very

about the shift here, or at Warner

by John Cho, Harold is now a married

Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is a

Bro., to make a movie like this.

master banker on Wall Street with his

heart-warming tale that will bring

own house, while Kumar, played by Kal

friends, lovers, and family closer.

Penn, remains the same, old, weedloving self. Through a series of crazy

Being Asian American with your story on how you penetrated into Hollywood, do you have anything

incidents involving an anonymous

Q&A With Kal Penn and John Cho of Harold and Kumar!

package, Harold and Kumar are

Made possible by the IW Group, Inc., an Asian

want to break into the industry?

brought together. They end up going

American Marketing, Advertising and Promotions

on an adventure in New York City

Agency. Courtesy of interview participants.

that involves a cocaine-addict baby,

inspiring to share for people who John Cho: I don’t have specific advice, but speak to your own set of values. For any minority

Ukrainian mobsters, Santa Clause,

With a big gap between the previous

studying in a field where [they] are

Neil Patrick Harris, and a robot that

H&K film, was getting back into

underrepresented, we’ve been told what

makes waffles called Waffle-bot.

Kumar’s character hard?

to do to succeed. I’d disregard what

The plot line was comedic, but it

Kal Penn: Kumar is so different

other people say, and just listen to your

contained a lot of reasonless humor.

from real life. I had fun playing it.

One scene shows Harold and Kumar

When we started shooting, I took days

tied together against a pole because

to get back into it. I had a great time.

Any challenges during the shoot?

genitals get stuck onto the pole, and he

Are we getting more Indian Americans

learning the number and keeping up.

tries to yank it off, making the scene

in mainstream American films?

of a conflict with mobsters. Harold’s

Cho: Dancing was a challenge,

only there for comedic purposes. If

Penn: It takes a good script to

it were to be cut out from the film,

start somewhere. It was the Warner

it would not have made a difference

Bro., and fans put us to business.

or affected the plot line as a whole Are we seeing a major breakthrough for

actors’ acting was natural. Both John

Asian Americans in the film industry?

sustaining their characterizations,

24

What’s next for you?

Cho: I’m starting on Star Trek II. American Reunion is coming out. I’m developing other stuff.

in any way. On another hand, the Cho and Kal Penn did a great job at

own heart in ways that you find ethical.

Penn: Before this, you wouldn’t see two Asian Americans as the

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas Review

We’ll see what happens.

G

Emily Q. Lu is a freshman at Tisch School of the Arts, majoring in Dramatic Writing.

“WE’RE A CULTURE, NOT A COSTUME” OHIO UNIVERSITY’S STARS CLUB MAKES YOU THINK TWICE

by Michelle Lee

I

s it racist to dress up in a mariachi

calls attention to the kinds of ‘ethnic’

to diminish an entire cultural group

suit as a guitar-playing, sombrero-

costumes worn on one of America’s

into a comical caricature. With the

donning Mexican for Halloween? How

favorite holidays, Halloween, a gesture

make-up, the exaggerative pose and

about if one wears excessive amounts

offensive to those represented by the

face, and the kimono, the stereotypical

of make-up, puts on a kimono and

fake cultural costumes. Narrowly

doll-like image of the geisha disregards

calls herself a geisha? Just a few days before Halloween this year, a student organization at Ohio University called STARS—Students Teaching About Racism in Society—released a poster campaign online, each with its own image of a student holding a picture of

It’s one thing to wear the costumes of characters like Superman, a vampire, or a zombie.

individuals donning ethnic Halloween

its historical context and serves to remind of the exoticism and foreignness that is often attributed to Asians.

The costume look reduces the idea of an Asian woman to the form of a geisha, a term that sometimes is even used loosely and informally by non-Asians to try to describe the

costumes—including a Muslim with

beauty of Asian women today.

bombs taped to his stomach and an

translating minority cultures into

African American young woman with

stereotypical costumes is not okay,

of Social and Cultural Analysis at

grillz and a so-called gangsta rap pose.

and that was the message of this

NYU, Crystal Parikh teaches courses

The campaign was called, “We’re a

proactive student organization.

addressing the kind of critical race

Culture, Not a Costume.” The campaign Image courtesy of OHio Universty’s STARS Club

In a matter of days, the poster

generasian.tumblr.com

theory issues brought up by this

campaign went viral, becoming a

campaign. “One of the things you

subject of heated discussion and debate

learn from viewing something like

in the cyber world. Numerous online

the Ohio University student campaign

publications, blogs, and major online

as it unfolds, is the extent to which

newspapers reposted the images,

people feel like it’s their entitlement

responding to their message. “It’s a

to appropriate other people, and other

seasonal point of controversy, but even

people’s identities,” Parikh responded

after widely publicized controversies

in an interview. “But if the campaign

such as the ‘Ghetto Fab’ wig at Kohl’s

can get someone to pause and actually

and Target’s illegal alien jumpsuit,

say, wait, why is that racist?—and

costumes of stereotypes abound,”

actually have a self-reflective moment, I

reported Emanuella Grinberg of CNN

think that’s wonderful.” While perhaps

Living. A senior at Ohio University and

costume companies haven’t stopped

president of STARS, Sarah Williams,

designing and selling these costumes,

explains, “During Halloween, we see

the STARS organization nonetheless

offensive costumes. We don’t like it,

created a safe and clean means of

we don’t appreciate it. We wanted to

addressing the issue in a public sphere.

do a campaign about it saying, ‘Hey,

If demands are being made for costumes

think about this. It’s offensive,’”

that don’t take racial representations

quoted from Grinberg’s article.

seriously, then where is the line being

It’s one thing to wear the costumes

READ OUR BLOG

A professor in the Department

drawn when it comes to eliminating

of characters like Superman, a

this tendency to maintain these

vampire, or a zombie. But it’s another

G offensive, stereotypical images? G.

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25

THE CULTURE OF FOOD IN VIETNAM

by Jacqueline Mai

A

s I sit in the taxi, riding through the streets of Ho

satisfy the tastes of the local people.

As Vietnamese cuisine can be mild,

Chi Minh City in Vietnam, I can’t help

with less focus on spices and zest than

but see the differences in commercial

the cuisines of other Southeast Asian

activity since the last time I visited

countries, and more focus on freshness

four years ago. The hustle and bustle

and the “natural” flavor of the food.

is the same, but the city seems at first

For example, key staples such as Pho

sight to be making great leaps towards

and Spring Rolls are meant to be eaten

economic improvement, which is a

with savory and sweet Peanut Hoisin

great sight to see in a city such as this.

sauce, while most of the other dishes

As we move slowly along the main

involving rice cake and meat would call

street of the city, dodging the numerous

for a pungent, slightly tangy fish sauce.

motorbikes, which is the primary

It is clear that the vision of my

is not viewed so much as a delicacy as a staple that is cheap and abundant

mode of transportation among locals,

father’s Chinese restaurant in Vietnam

among the coast. The main difference

I notice an increasing number of cafes,

is focused around this concept, to

is that in contrast to the way seafood is

convenience stores, boutique stores and

reproduce the vision of authentic,

prepared near the coast; a Chinese take

most of all, newly renovated restaurants.

Chinese cuisine to cater to local tastes,

on seafood, what is considered a “fresh”

including Chinese locals’ tastes. As

take on seafood preparation, offers

the city’s commercial area, I see

As I passed by main street and

soon as you walk into the restaurant, it

variety from Cantonese Lobster, a crowd

not only chains such as Coffee Bean

is clear that the restaurant is targeting

favorite, is deep fried and then stir fried

and Highlands Coffee, with coffee

a relatively new and emerging group

with black bean, scallion, and ginger to

becoming increasingly popular but

of patrons, and this group consists of

the soy sauce Sea Bass seasoned with

also an overwhelming amount of new

the middle to upper classes, clearly

wine, garlic, scallion, and ginger.

restaurants, my dad’s being only one in

willing to indulge by eating out. Dim

a sea of dozens. Vietnam has a culture

sum, with high prices relative to

dish of all at my dad’s restaurant, is

that prides itself in its food, Vietnamese

portion size, would not fly with more

a whole pig split down the belly and

cuisine being one of my favorites in

frugal customers, who would rather eat

rubbed with maltose, wine, and oil, and

the world. Because culture is centered

elsewhere where prices would be more

then roasted to a golden brown color.

around food, it is not uncommon to be sitting at home and call out to a moving street cart that you would like two bags of mollusks with salt, or to go out at two in the morning looking for a midnight snack. City streets would

Chinese Suckling pig, my favorite

Because it is usually served for special

The whole dinner table would urge me to eat the lard along with the meat and the skin

still be filled with vespas, as young

occasions, it is rare occasion that I get to enjoy this delicacy. But I am glad the recipe is consistent even across oceans, because Chinese restaurants in New York City are catering to the large Chinese population within it, and its

couples roam around Saigon park. In

reasonable. For 30,000 Vietnamese

recipe has to stay authentic. The only

fact, even my parents would reminisce

Dong (that’s 1.50usd) per small dish, dim

difference would be that in Vietnam,

about the times when they drove around

sum is still considered to be relatively

the whole dinner table would urge me

town at midnight with baguettes in

expensive, but occasionally worth the

to eat the lard along with the meat and

hand, gathering in the park with other

splurge for what many locals would

the skin, while in America, I am advised

couples to have a midnight picnic in the

feel is a new and different experience.

to remove it before eating. The feeling

park. The food industry in Vietnam is

The lobby is filled with fishtanks

of fully indulging in every part of the

booming because if it’s one thing people

with the local catch of the day and crabs,

dish was a unique experience which also

are willing to spend on, it’s good food.

lobster, a wide variety of shellfish, to

made me realize how much of a treat

appeal to Vietnamese people’s love of

eating out is for my relatives in Vietnam,

seafood. Unlike in America, seafood

and how enjoyable food really can be.

What I noticed about the Chinese food in Vietnam is that it is made to

26

The Culture of Food in Vietnam

G

&

THE DELICIOUS HUMOROUS HISTORY OF CHINESE FOOD IN AMERICA

by Alisa Liu

F

ifteen of the Beijing Study

Abroad participants are sitting

adapted to unfamiliar American

sauce for his American dinner guests

ingredients and unfamiliar American

in the late 19th century. After word got

at the table with our site director,

taste, and as a result, Chinese-

out about the influential ambassador’s

a native of China, who is ordering

American cuisine was born.

creation, Chinese restaurants became

many obscure, authentic dishes. To

According to legend, a famous

exponentially more popular.

my surprise, he orders one Kung

Qing Dynasty military commander

Pao Chicken. Later he admits that

invented General Tso’s Chicken, one

endearing Chinese-American dessert,

he hates ordering Kung Pao Chicken

of the staples of Chinese-American

have the most confusing history of

because even though the students

cuisine. Actually, a restaurant owner

all. There are several theories of the

love it, it’s not “real” Chinese food.

on East 44th St was the true creator

origin of fortune cookies. According

of this tangy dish. Apparently

to one theory, a restaurant in San

you ask a Chinese mother, she might

restaurant manager David Keh was

Francisco started offering them as

list delicacies from Sichuan. If you

pulling a Chicago Tribune reporter’s

a dessert, which Chinese cuisine

ask your roommate, he might list

leg when he told him a long-winded

normally lacks, to please American

Suzie’s takeout menu. Obviously a

tale about General Tso’s heroics on

customers. Another theory credits

huge difference exists between Chinese

the battlefield and in the kitchen.

their invention to a Los Angeles

So what is “real” Chinese food? If

food and Chinese-American food, but

Another famous Chinese-American

Finally fortune cookies, the most

baker who handed out messages in

have you ever wondered how Chinese-

dish, chop suey, also has questionable

cookies to the poor and homeless. Yet

American food came to be? Where

origin. The most credible story

another theory claims that fortune

do fortune cookies come from? And

claims that diplomat Li Hung Chang

cookies were not even invented by

who was General Tso, exactly?

first cooked this meat dish with bean

Chinese-Americans, but were first

sprouts, cabbage, celery, and a tasty

served in a Japanese teahouse!

The concept of Chinese-American cuisine began when immigrants opened the first Chinese restaurants in the 1800’s. Chinese immigrants were first attracted to the US by mining and railroad work, but once they lost these jobs due to racial tension, they opened their own restaurants. They

Although the history of Chinese-

Just because some “Chinese” dishes are not Chinese at all doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them!

American food can be confusing, it doesn’t detract from its deliciousness.

Next time you’re ordering delivery, don’t be afraid to order the most shamelessly inauthentic dishes.

Just because some “Chinese” dishes are not Chinese at all doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them!

G

Alisa Liu is a sophomore in CAS majoring in Neural Science and minoring in Studio Art.

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27

ASIAN CLUBS AT NYU

love on campus and seek to provide a

community, acknowledging that such

comfortable and welcoming place for

issues are not necessarily fully dealt

Christians and non-Christians alike to

with at either the Women’s Center or

learn more about faith and Christianity.

various Asian ethnic clubs—through providing resources and networking

Generasian See page 31.

Chinese Mei Society (CMS)

with off-campus organizations.

Asian American Theatre Alliance (AATA)

cms.club@nyu.edu CMS promotes aspects of Chinese

Asian Fusion Dance (AFD)

nyu.aata@gmail.com

culture through different mediums

nyu.asianfusiondance@gmail.com

Serving as a community for student-

such as food, games, music, movies and

The mission of AFD @ NYU is to promote

run plays and productions, as well

fashion. We seek to share our culture

creativity and cultural expression by

as a resource for theatre workshops

with those who are foreign to it as well

introducing students to the unique and

and networking opportunities at NYU

as to those who have grown up with it

diverse styles of Asian dance, such as

and beyond, AATA aims to foster the

to form friendships and community.

Chinese, Korean, and many others.

presence of Asian Americans on stage

Future Event: Yuan—a celebration

Many other private universities already

and screen, encourage dialogue on

of Chinese culture through the

have their own forms of Asian dance

race and media culture, and strive

combination of raw talent in the

clubs; we would also love to be able

to close the representation gap for

musical, visual, and performing arts.

to provide our fellow NYU students

Asian Americans in the entertainment

100% of profits from the Yuan show are

with these same opportunities and

industry and mainstream media.

donated to the China Care Foundation, a

seldom-witnessed art forms.

Future Event: This Spring we

not-for-profit organization dedicated to

are planning to put on a production

providing medical care and nurturing

Lambda Phi Epsilon (LFE)

much like we did last year. We will be

to orphaned children in China.

billy.yuan@nyu.edu

putting out a call for cast and crew early next semester, please come try out!

Our mission is to promote Lambda

Asian Heritage Month (AHM) asian.heritage.club@nyu.edu

Phi Epsilon and its brothers by: Developing active members to become

Asian Cultural Union (ACU)

The purpose of Asian Heritage

leaders through training and hands-on

acu.club@nyu.edu

Month is to empower—to appreciate

experience, to advance personal growth,

Established in 1972, ACU remains

the strength, honor, beauty, and

and to achieve academic excellence.

the only Asian umbrella group at

wisdom of various Asian cultures.

NYU. Our mission is to celebrate and

We are dedicated to unifying the

alumni members in the community,

promote Asian cultures through

diverse Asian and Asian American

creating opportunities, and

cultural, social, business-oriented,

groups on campus as well as in the

encouraging the spirit of fellowship.

and community service initiatives.

surrounding communities. We are

ACU seeks to promote the learning

looking forward to providing a

awareness and providing the highest

and understanding of individual

spectacular array of educational, social,

level of philanthropy in the community.

heritages, while creating unity among

cultural, and political programs.

students of all ethnic backgrounds.

Future Events: In April: Opening

Perpetuating leadership of our

Promoting positive Asian American

Ceremony, New York City Asian

Thai Students Association (Thai-SA)

place in spring this year, offering

American Student Conference

Charlene.Lee@nyu.edu

guests a glimpse of traditional

(NYCAASC), and Closing Ceremony.

We are a club dedicated to celebrating

Future Event: Teahouse will take

Asian culture through the wonders of tea and performance.

and promoting Thai culture through

Asian American Women’s Alliance (AAWA)

cultural, social, and educational events.

Asian American Christian Fellowship (AACF)

aawa.club@nyu.edu

know a diverse group of people, and are

AAWA addresses, confronts, and raises

looking to learn more about Thai culture,

cy429@nyu.edu

awareness for issues of importance

come out to our monthly meetings!

We are dedicated to sharing God’s

to Asian American women in the NYU

You do not have to be Thai to join.

28

Asian Clubs at NYU

If you love trying new foods, getting to

Future Event: This coming Spring, Thai-SA will be hosting its 2nd Annual

culture to the NYU community.

Future Event: Philippine Cultural

As a student-run activist organization, our primary goal is to propagate

Thai Food & Music Festival. Expect free

Night on April 28th! Originally a

awareness about the plight of those

food from various restaurants around

variety show of sorts, PCN has been a

residing under the persistently

the city as well as live bands performing

showcase, a drama, and most recently

oppressive regime of North Korea, and

contemporary American & Thai music.

a full-blown original musical.

about North Korean defectors hiding

Bengali Students Association (NYU BSA)

Pi Delta Psi (PDPsi)

being ejected back into North Korea

disciple@nyupdpsi.com

by Chinese authorities in defiance of

bengali.clubs@nyu.edu

Our mission statement consist of

international law. We intend to work

The Bengali Students Association

instilling values that help in the

our way towards this goal principally

is designed to unify the Bengali

growth of our members as upstanding

through self-directed education by

community in order to provide a

individuals through academic

reading, viewing and discussing

better understanding of the Bengali

achievement, cultural awareness,

materials from various sources. That

language, culture, and history.

righteousness, friendship and loyalty.

having been said, we are currently

out in China with the continual fear of

Future Event: NARI—Helping

Future Event: Let’s just say

cooking up experimental ways to raise

Women in Need: We are planning a

that there may be a gentlemen’s

awareness of this pressing matter in the

formal event in E&L Auditorium where

workshop in the coming semester

public to the wider community at NYU.

E-board, friends, and members are

that will allow students to voice their

going to perform dances, skits, and

opinions on dating, relationships

have guest speakers to raise money to

and behavior of both sexes.

help women in Bangladesh who are in need. It will be in March and in the theme of Women’s History Month.

Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) mlp377@nyu.edu Future Event: Our main event

Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA)

for the year is the Semi-Formal in

hksa.club@nyu.edu

the spring. We hold a dinner to raise

Pakistani Students Association at NYU (PSA)

NYU HKSA’s mission is to connect

money for a relevant Vietnamese

the student body with the culture of

charity. Last year we raised over

usman.khan@stern.nyu.edu

Hong Kong through food, games, and

$3000 for Sunflower Mission, which

The Pakistani Students Association

other activities. We provide students

helps build schools in Vietnam.

at New York University is a student-

with a place to engage with others that

led organization that seeks to bring

are from Hong Kong or are interested

students together to explore their

in learning more about the culture.

common ethnic background, as well

Through our events and programs,

as promote an understanding of

we hope to provide students with a

Pakistani people and their culture.

way to experience what Hong Kong

Future Event: Hungama—a

has to offer within New York City.

mock Pakistani wedding held

Sensations—an annual variety show

outwardly customs of a wedding

that provides a night of Hong Kong

are performed, such as singing and

cultural entertainment. The audience

dancing, as well as lots of food.

experiences a night full of fun and excitement through The Miss HKSA

International Filipino Association at New York University (IFA)

pageant, HKSA play, and various

ifa.eboard@gmail.com

Hong Kong’s most famous delicacies.

other performances while dining on

IFA goals are to stimulate the academic,

Taiwanese American Students’ Society (TASS) Asian Initiative Chinese Students’ Society (CSS) Chinese for Careers Singapore Students Association Korean Students’ Association

cultural and social interests of Filipino-

Freedoms 4 North Korea (F4NK)

Americans and introduce the Philippine

f4nk.club@nyu.edu

generasian.tumblr.com

Iota Nu Delta Fraternity

Future Event: HKSA’s

uptown at Columbia, in which all

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29

TOP 7 ASIAN DESSERT JOINTS

by Joyce Lam

Panya

store is cramped with limited seating, but

their cream puffs world renowned?

8 Stuyvesant St

people seem to appreciate the spanking

The vanilla custard filling is perfectly

This no-frills Japanese bakery has

clean interior and the dreamy cake case.

chilled and the golden puff is flake—an

delicious goodies in the savory and sweet department. Asian-fusion cakes like Green Tea Tiramisu? Check.

Speciality: Green Tea Shaved Ice (patbingsoo) Price: $$

Rice balls (onigiri) reminiscent of

unbeatable combination that has won the hearts (and stomachs) of many.

This branch has café-style seating and serves coffee as well, making it

the ones from convenience stores

Taipan Bakery

the perfect pit-stop for casual dates or

in Japan? Check. And of course,

194 Canal St

a spontaneous foodie rendezvous.

delicious breaded goods—check.

Smack in the middle of Chinatown,

Specialty: Dulce de Leche

this bakery’s ambiance is noisy and a

Price: $

Tip: after 8pm, you can get their bakery goods at a discounted price!

bit unsettling—but who can resist a

Specialty: EVERYTHING. But

mouthwatering selection of bread and

especially the Green Tea Tiramisu.

pastries at wallet-friendly prices? The

Price: $

language barrier may be a little bit off-putting at times, but once you have

Spot Dessert Bar

all that carb-y goodness in your hands,

13 St Marks Pl

you’ll know that it was worth the trip.

For those looking to have a special

Specialty: Egg tarts

dessert experience, this is the place to

Price: $

get comfortable and enjoy sweet courses that fuse the East and West. Desserts

Kung Fu Tea

are innovative with an Asian twist;

241 E 10th St

incorporating ingredients like kabocha,

Kung Fu Tea has finally expanded

Rice to riches

yuzu and even white miso into cakes,

outside of Flushing, and the city is happy

37 Spring St

ice creams, and macarons. Best time

to welcome it. This chain has a wide

Rice pudding is the underdog of desserts;

to go? After dark. Starting evening

assortment of tea concoctions bound

not everyone likes it. But this joint takes

they dim the lights and the entire place

to anyone’s head spin. They developed

a fun twist on the humble dessert, giving

becomes a total date-spot (To all those

an extraordinary customization

each pudding flavor a whimsical name

boys: take your girlfriends here!).

process in making the drinks, so your

such as Fluent in French Toast, Hazelnut

Speciality: Soft Cheesecake

personalized tea can be both unique and

Chocolate Bear Hug, and Coast to Coast

Price: $$

troublesome. Five sugar levels + five

Cheesecake. Here’s to an unconventional

ice levels + five bubble levels to choose

dessert - grainy yet creamy, sweet and

from = elaborate tea time special.

definitely a chock full of surprises.

Paris Baguette 6 W 32nd St

Specialty: Red Bean Wow Milk

Specialty: Chocolate Chip Flirt

First things first: Paris Baguette is not

Price: $

Price: $$

from France—if it was, it wouldn’t be on this list. This K-town joint is a Korean

Beard Papa’s

Joyce Lam is a junior majoring in Media

bakery chain that sells pastries, donuts,

2167 Broadway

Culture and Communications and minoring

cookies, and beautiful cakes—so stay

Fun fact: Beard Papa’s originated from

in East Asian Studies. She hails from Hong

away if you’re on a diet! The space of the

Osaka, Japan in 1999. What makes

Kong and is a self-professed tea lover.

30

Top 7 Asian Dessert Joints

ABOUT US What is Generasian’s mission?

Why should I join Generasian?

Generasian’s mission is to unify and represent

If you have any interest in Asian American

the diverse population of Asian American

issues of all kinds (from culture, politics, and

students across campus, by providing a common

business to arts, entertainment, even food, and

forum through which they can be kept informed

anything more!), and if you enjoy putting work

about social, political, and cultural activities,

together to make a printed publication happen,

as well as off-campus. We provide the forum

Generasian is for you! You don’t have to be just

for students’ expression, regarding their own

Asian to join. Whether you like writing, art,

thoughts and matters of interest to the student

photography, design, anything that has to do with

body, especially for Asian American students.

a magazine publication directed towards the Asian American community, Generasian can suit you.

How can I join Generasian?

You can join Generasian at any time! Simply email

Bloggers!

nyu.generasian@gmail.com so that you can come

We have our very own Tumblr where our bloggers

attend our meetings and appointments. Please

can post responsive blogs about anything,

specify what it is that you would be interested

from current events, news, entertainment

in helping out with, and it can be more than

reviews, to other issues pertaining to the

one of the following: editing, writing, blogging,

Asian American community, as well as current

illustrating, photography, videography, reporting,

Asian American events in the NYU community and outside in the local Manhattan area.

Who are Generasian’s members?

We have our E-board (Editor-in-Chief,

Calling all reporters and videographers!

Associate Editor-in-Chief, Public Relations

This semester, we’ve just established our very

Officer, Operations Manager, Creative Director,

own Generasian Media Group, where we

Assistant Creative Director, Online Editor),

hope to do more live reporting on NYU Asian-

our Editorial Board (Associate Editors, Staff

related events (club events, launch events,

Writers), and our Media Group (Videographers,

conferences, speakers, shows, etc.) as well as

Photographers, and Reporters).

events outside of NYU (conferences, networking events, etc.). Our past gigs include Korean

How do I join Generasian’s E-board?

Students’ Association’s Choosuk event, East

At the end of each year, we allow members of

Coast Asian American Student Union’s tour stop

Generasian to apply for E-board positions. We take

event at Columbia University, and AZIATIX’s

into account your past involvement, commitment

performance at Gramercy Theatre! If you like

and contributions, as well as the kind of skills you

reporting, interviewing, broadcast journalism,

can bring into the position. Your dedication counts!

filming, photography and video-editing, we want you! Please email us at nyu.generasian@gmail. com if you are interested in any of the above!

When do you meet?

We meet weekly, especially with writers for individual appointments for their pieces. Next

Happy reading and thanks for picking up our issue!

semester there will be board meetings. Kimmel 7th floor is our main location, and time is normally TBA based on people’s availabilities.

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staff picks BEST OF 2011

staff picks BEST OF 2011

.KIMBERLY KIM.

BEST LOCAL EATS

BEST YOUTUBE VIDEO

Fried chives and pork dumplings

Don’t have one.

from Vanessa’s. 1.99 a platter of 5 dumplings! Cheapest in the city.

.ALICE TSUI.

Honey Green Tea at Saint’s

Annie WU’s “Three Beats for Beatbox Flute”

Alp … cold or hot, both are

features Annie Wu playing flute while beatboxing…

amazingly soothing to the soul!

talk about awesome talent! And she’s only 15! youtu.be/ObUREzucuW8

.EVELYN CHENG.

Curry-Ya on E. 10th St. between 1st and 2nd Ave.

No video has surpassed a compilation of scenes from

offers delicate and fine curry spooned over fluffy

“Whisper of the Heart” and the song “Awakening”

white rice in an exquisite setting, all for $8!

by Mae, but, since it was deleted, the mysteriously romantic trailer for Studio Ghibli’s “Ocean Waves.”

.ALISA LIU.

Angel Thai on Grand St

Natalie Tran! She’s

between Crosby and Lafayette. I

hilarious. And Australian.

definitely recommend their vegetable dumplings! .ZI LIN.

.SOOMI RHO.

Udon West on St. Mark’s Place

“LIVE - Shiny Ponyta after 25968

serves delicious curry, perfect

encounters!!! (Leaf Green #1).” Boy freaks

comfort food for a cold winter day.

out after catching a shiny pontya.

Dim sum at Oriental Garden

That one video of the Korean narcoleptic, smiley

in Chinatown is the best. I

baby is the cutest of all viral baby videos.

recommend everything!

.JOYCE LAM.

Num Pang on University Place for the world’s

‘Surprised Kitty (Original)’ … because I love

greatest Cambodian sandwiches. Words can’t

all things fluffy and cute. ‘Nuff said!

describe how good they are, so just go.

32

Generasian Staff Picks

BEST BOOK

BEST MUSIC

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by

Lena Park (Park Jung Hyun), great

Barbara Demick—a journalistic document of one of

vocals; her music is known in both

the most secretive nations in the world. It’s one step

the States and Korea. One of the few

closer to know the actual lives of these people.

musicians I respect for real talent!

An Island of English: Teaching ESL in Chinatown —

Noboyuki Tsujii’s performance of Mussorgsky’s

an extremely insightful read on Chinese immigrant

“Pictures at an Exhibition” at Carnegie hall—deep,

students at M.S. 131 adjusting to life in NYC, especially

powerful, and incredibly expressed from within.

since I saw the issues addressed first-hand at the school.

My Country and My People by Lin Yutang expresses

Joe Hisaishi’s renditions of “Summer” on

the inherent differences between Chinese and

both the cello and piano bring the refreshing,

American culture from the perspective of a renowned

lighthearted sounds of a blissful season.

Chinese expatriate living in the United States.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is simply

Anything by Maroon 5.

a beautiful book—it makes you think about humanity, friendship, redemption, and Afghani culture all at the same time.

Country Driving by Pete Hessler

“Solanin” by Asian Kung

follows the author on a road

Fu Generation

trip across China’s factories.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

Rapper Kero One has caught my

contains the accounts of many North Korea defectors,

attention lately with his jazzy

depicting the extent of the famine of the 1990’s and

instrumentals and positive lyrics.

other hardships the refugees have had to deal with.

Because I love anything Murakami,

Birdy’s covers of ‘The A Team’ and ‘Skinny Love’. She

my vote goes to Norwegian Wood.

may be younger than Justin Bieber, but this prodigy’s vocals have the ability to move my heart and soul.

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GENERASIAN .EUNICE LAU.

more staff picks BEST OF 2011 BEST LOCAL EATS

BEST YOUTUBE VIDEO

Quickly is a small shop that serves

Wong Fu Productions’ refreshingly bittersweet

drinks and snacks (warm cream puffs

video “Strangers, Again” follows the rise and

anyone?). They have locations in

fall of a relationship. Don’t forget your tissues!

Flushing, Elmhurst, and Chinatown. .JACKIE MAI.

.HASUN WON.

.JANE CHUN.

.EMILY LU.

Pho Viet Huong on Mulberry

Kevjumba. Also recently

Street off Canal in Chinatown has

I’ve been watching Jenna

great bun bo hue and beef dishes.

Marbles’ hilarious videos.

Boka on St. Marks. Their Korean-

Nyan cat, an Asian video that

style deep fried chicken is relatively

became so famous in the States.

light and super jucy, plus awesome

It’s one of the most recognized

watermelon-infused drinks rock!

internet memes to this date.

Kung Fu Tea on Chrystie St. between Canal and

Tablo’s Fever’s End commentary explains the

Hester in Chinatown serves fantastic bubble tea…

meanings behind his album with astoundingly

and this is coming from someone who used to

intricate details and how they relate to the

hate the drink. It’s the best I’ve had so far!

depression he struggled with for the past two years.

Wonjo in K-town. It’s a Korean BBQ

Parents Are So Unreasonable! by Luanlegacy

place, there’s also a regular eatery

makes me laugh out loud every single time. His

on its ground level. Very delicious

superlatively fast speech is a jaw-dropper.

food and good-looking waiters. .TAYLOR MALONEY.

.JENNIFER ZHANG.

Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown has excellent

YouTube star and fellow hapa Kina Grannis released

pork soup dumplings. One order comes with

her new music video for “In Your Arms.” The

eight dumplings and is about 7 dollars, so it’s

artistically creative video took over 22 months to

great to share on a date or for a warm snack.

shoot and involved about 288,000 jelly beans!

Don’t have one.

Tower Heist, a cliche story—a bunch of poor employees manage to steal property from their evil boss. But the hilarious performance of Ben Stiller and other great actors definitely made my day!

.MICHELLE LEE.

.PATRICK YAN.

34

Gahm Mi Oak in K-town. Their

“REPRESENT! Asian Americans in Politics.”

sul lung tang (ox bone noodle soup

A great short, documentary-styled clip

with noodles) heartily satisfies,

that shows Asian Americans gradually

especially on a cold winter day.

making their mark in American politics.

Since NYC has no Tous Les Jour (the

In their channel Eat Your Kimchi, Canadian couple

Korean, not French, bakery chain),

Simon and Martina broadcast their musings about

I will have to satisfy my dessert

life in Korea, and everything from face v-line

desires at K-town’s Paris Baguette.

shaping tools to the latest K-pop music videos.

Generasian Staff Picks

BEST BOOK

BEST MUSIC

In Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro

Jason Chen, a Chinese American YouTube

spins a riveting tale of three friends

singer, released a new single titled “Best

searching for their identity in a world

Friend.” If you adore mushy, sentimental

that deems them empty creatures.

love songs, this one is for you.

The Dragon’s Village by Yuan-tsung Chen, a historical

“Mundian To Bach Ke” by Panjabi MC

personal account of the events that took place during

is a catchy Bhangra Punjabi song. Also

the land reform of the Cultural Revolution in China.

check out the remix with Jay Z.

Eugene Sledge’s With The Old Breed shows

Hands down Cho-Su Mi’s “Ave Maria.” Not many Asian

how war predominantly shaped the bias

singers can pull off classical this well, perhaps matched

against Japanese and Asians in general.

by the alternative violin style of Vanessa Mae.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I don’t think

Tablo’s first solo album Fever’s End is an

I can adequately describe how wonderful Murakami’s

absolute masterpiece discussing love,

prose is without going on for paragraphs, but it

loss, isolation, and self-reflection and

resonated strongly with me and was a cathartic read.

are beautiful, intriguing, heartbreaking, and hopeful.

Homesick by Jean Fritz, a white American born in

Girls’ Generation “make [sic]

Shanghai, China, who seeks her identity; whether she

you feel the heat, and they do

is Chinese or American, Asian or white. Her struggle

it like they can’t be beat.”

is truly sympathetic to us in the same self-conflict.

Although Silent Novel is a fictional romance novel, it

Victor Kim just released his new

powerfully depicts and reminds us of the hardships and

EP. His voice is soothing and sexy,

prejudices faced by Japanese Americans during WWII.

and one of his songs even features Nigahiga and Kevjumba!

In Psycho On The Left, Genius On The Right, Chinese

“The Boys” by Girls’

writer Ming Gao analyzes the amazing world of

Generation. I was stunned by

mentally ill people and how normal people are simply

the amazing choreography

too dumb to understand these brilliant philosophers.

in the music video.

Girl in Translation, a debut by a fresh, new Chinese

“A Game” by Aziatix in their album released

American author, Jean Kwok, who writes about a

this past summer, Nocturnal! Swaggy lyrics

young immigrant girl forced to live a double life;

by Flowsik, dope beats, hype, and good soulful

smart schoolgirl by day, sweatshop worker by night.

singing by Eddie Shin and Nicky Lee.

Don’t waste your money, but check out the hilariously

Aside from the amazing Tablo

true Amazon.com reviews of The Uncharted Path,

and Girls’ Generation, I’ve fallen

the autobiography of the widely criticized, corrupt

in love with Korean hip-hop duo

president of South Korea, Lee Myung-Bak.

Leessang’s album Asura Balbata.

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