rePresentations: Spring 2011

GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION

re PRESENTATIONS SPRING 2011 • VOL 9 • NO 2

WHAT'S INSIDE COVER.

Illustration by Patrick Yan EXECUTIVE STAFF

3.

Letter from the Editor Sondra Morishima

Editor-in-Chief Sondra Morishima

NOTEWORTHY

Art Director Patrick Yan

4.

Fashion Week 2011: The Growing Asian Movement Hits the Runway

Copy Editor

Michelle Lee, Aaron De Jesus & Aaron Hui

Online Editor

Kenny Hsu Patrick Yan

8.

10.

Rise of the Asian American Politician Kenneth Hsu

EDITORIAL BOARD

Individuality Matters: Rising Asian Star Jay Chou

Associate Editors

Sarah Weiyang Chen

Joseph Lin Patrick Yan

12.

The Tube and You

Operations Manager

Soomi Rho

Vicky Yau Staff

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS

Sarah Weiyang Chen Jae Han

14.

v

Cínské, Japonské nebo Korejské?

An Honest and Curious Peering Into the Czech Life Through the Eyes of an Asian American

Kenneth Hsu

Michelle Lee

Jacqueline Mai

Michelle Lee Joseph Lin Soomi Rho

17.

20.

Finding Chino Latino Joseph Lin

REACH OUT TO US

Abroad in Florence: The Process of Generalizing Identity

Email

Caroline Osse

nyu.generasian@gmail.com Blog generasian.tumblr.com

REFLECTIONS

Twitter 22.

Asians Who Can Dance Michelle Lee & Jacqueline Mai

25.

Hikikomori & The Model Minority Jae Han

28.

Staff Picks: Best of 2011 Generasian Staff

2

What’s Inside this Issue of Generasian

@nyugenerasian

LETTER EDITOR from the

A

s I write this, winter is coughing up its last few cold spells and slowly giving

US, even, Asian Americans are faced with what seems like foreign territory, entering never-

way to a warmer and sunnier spring. To honor this

before-accessed political offices and pioneering a

renewal of life, the staff at Generasian has been

strong YouTube presence. Similarly, contributors

busy chronicling fresh shifts in the representations

from the fashion industry give you the insider’s

of Asians in America and around the world.

look into the complex relationship between Asian

Although stereotypes of Asians as a monolithic

Americans and fashion production, charting

group confined to specific roles in society are still

the rise of Asian designers where normally they

very prevalent, there has been definite progress

would be found in the factories and behind-the-

in the past few years. Quite recently, we have seen

scenes production. In pop culture, attitudes and

Asians in unexpected places—internationally,

stereotypes are further challenged by Asians

professionally, and culturally—challenging

who can dance (what? really?) and old Hollywood

mainstream beliefs and paving the way into

roles revamped, such as Kato in The Green Hornet.

historically exclusive spaces. re PRESENTATIONS

Loopholes in the Model Minority Myth also

is not only about how we present ourselves in

complicate long-standing assumptions, and expose

“new” fields such as fashion, media, the arts,

the need to continue changing our representations

and other areas where Asians are a definite

in society. Throughout this issue, you will find

minority, but also how we are key to changing

our writers offering re-presentations of the Asian

perspectives on race—replacing outdated ideas of

American image. Whether from international

what it means to be Asian socially and politically.

experiences or from your television or computer

re PRESENTATIONS is also a nod towards the new

screen, the wide variety of material they draw

ways Asians are referenced in popular culture

from is a clear indicator that the Asian American

and how these new images mark a changing face

identity and presence is quickly entering new

from the old. While there is still a ways to go in

territories. So dive in, and see how those on

righting long-standing misrepresentations and

campus and around the world are changing

redefining for ourselves our complex identities and

preconceived notions through re PRESENTATIONS

experiences, there has been significant change.

of themselves and their communities.

G

This edition of Generasian delves deeply into the challenges of Asian American identity in the modern age. Follow three writers to various study abroad sites—Argentina, Florence, and

Sondra Morishima is Editor-in-Chief of Generasian,

Prague—and hear about the questions they face

studying Politics and Asian/Pacific/American studies. She

defining themselves in foreign situations. In the

hopes you’re more prepared for your future than she is.

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3

FASHION WEEK 2011 Growing Asian Movement Hits the Runway

by Michelle Lee, Aaron De Jesus, & Aaron Hui

In light of Fashion Week's fall collection events, Catherine A. Traywick, blogger for San Francisco-based Hyphen magazine, raised the issue of the “mainstays of Asian-inspired fashion.” Her entry is one of many recent articles that have acknowledged the fiercely growing pool of Asian American designers and models in the past several decades.

Arts and style enthusiasts and critics of publications, including CNN, The New York Times, FashionMag.com, and the San Francisco Chronicle, have kept an eye on the emerging Asian American face and look in fashion. In her recent blog about NYU professor Thuy Linh Nguyen Tu’s book, The Beautiful Generation: Asian Americans and the Cultural Economy of Fashion, Traywick highlighted commentary made by Tu, who hones in on the impact of Asian American designers, as well as how the Asian American look has manifested itself throughout history as part of the continuously changing and developing fashion sphere. Two NYU students and fashion-aspiring enthusiasts offer their take on what this means for Asian Americans and the fashion industry.

Michelle Lee is a junior majoring in English & American Literature at the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in Producing through the Tisch School of Arts.

T

4

here are countless articles published about

Professor Tu mentioned that one of the

the “emerging talent of young Asian American

only times when the designers she interviewed

designers” which go on to mention names like

mentioned their Asian identity was in relation to

Phillip Lim, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, and

the garment workers who produced their fashions.

Jason Wu. And while it may be hard to ignore

In this ironic situation, an Asian occupies one of

this “movement,” I often wonder whether their

the highest paying levels of the industry (fashion

being Asian has little to do with their clothes.

designer) and one of the lowest (garment worker).

While each may employ some Asian-style

Professor Tu also shared that many of these

silhouettes (just as Marc Jacobs or Nicole Miller

designers did not graduate with a degree and were

would), many of the Asian American designers

often self-taught or learned from their families.

have a classic American sportswear aesthetic.

Moreover, many of the younger generation got

However, after a discussion in my “Cultures

their start interning for someone like Vera Wang

and Contexts: Asian Pacific Americans” class

or Anna Sui. Such conditions do not explicitly

led by Professor Thuy Linh Tu, I learned that

deal with the aesthetics of the fashion, yet they

the connecting thread goes beyond the visual.

contribute to the total experience. Their clothes

Fashion Week 2011: Growing Asian Movement Hits the Runway

1

don’t have to revolve around kimono sleeves or

that I call non-fashion, works differently. It

embroidered silk to make them Asian American

creates its visual projections primarily to illustrate

designers. The experiences that lead up to the

the confirmation of established custom, and to

clothes are what inform this movement.

embody the desire for stable meaning even if

We spent a large portion of the class discussing

custom changes—it is normative.” She proceeds

the effects of traditional garb on the runways

to refer to this as anti-fashion, not to suggest

and how they might come off as disturbing.

that traditional wear isn’t attractive, but in an

Immediately I thought about a passage from

effort to acknowledge fashion as ever changing,

one of my readings for my Style & Society class,

subversive, and temporary. This is why when the

which made a distinction between fashion and

two attempt to collide, as in the case of Givenchy’s

traditional clothing. In “Sex and Suits,” Anne

burka, their integration becomes controversial.

Hollander states, “Traditional dress, everything

I connect with this discussion on Asian American designers as an aspiring fashion

The experiences that lead up to the clothes are what inform this movement designer myself. Being an Asian American not too much younger than Wu and Wang, I wonder (if I find success) if I will be automatically lumped into that group simply because of my race. Yet, I also think about the significance of the last name in this industry, as the clothes literally bear their name tags. What kind of feeling is evoked when the customer sees a garment with the name Wang, Lim, Lam, or Wu? Does this play a role in perpetuating this group of designers as a movement? Surely there are Asian American designers who head houses that don’t bear their name as the brand. How do they fit in within this group, or do they? And what about me, an Asian American designer with a Spanish last name?

Aaron De Jesus is a junior at NYU’s Steinhardt School majoring in Studio Art and a young aspiring Asian American designer. His interests entail art, graphic design, as well as fashion design.

Photo courtesy of fashioninquisitive.com

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5

FASHION WEEK 2011 continued

R

eading this article [by Catherine A. Traywick on Hyphen] brought back

another New York Times article I read about Asian American fashion designers back in September [“Asian-Americans Climb Fashion Industry Ladder” by Eric Wilson, Sept. 4, 2011].

The article talked about rising stars such as Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Richard Chai, and Alexander Wang—all Asian American designers with unique aesthetics and quickly growing successes in the fashion industry. The article focuses on their accomplishments and how they have opened up opportunities in Asia. Now, the Asian market is increasing (Peter Som comments on how his business thrives the most in Asia); people in Asia are inspired by these designers; and more and more international students [of Asian descent] are showing up at schools like FIT and Parsons.

Returning to this article brought back some of my hesitations about Asian culture in fashion.

Why must these Asian influences always be seen as this “exotic Other?” I realize that designers like Jason Wu and Alexander Wang are successful because they create amazing clothes and have an innovative style—not because they play the race card. Should they be defined by the color of their skin or their talent? They all have very specific visions, can tailor a perfect jacket, and just happen to be Asian—should race really play a role, aside from being an inspiration for those pursuing the industry in Asia?

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Fashion Week 2011: Growing Asian Movement Hits the Runway

1

Already in the past two seasons, there

stated, Asian metaphors have been around for

have been a good handful of designers who

numerous seasons; so when Louis Vuitton sent

have integrated Asian culture into their work.

out their models in what literally could have

We have Rodarte’s Spring and Summer (SS)

been a Japanese kimono, I was already bored.

collection of 2011 (the Mulleavy sisters utilized

However, Rodarte’s take on Chinese culture

Chinese vase patterns on some of their dresses),

is what I like to see—it’s fresh yet subtle, and

Louis Vuitton SS 2011 (Marc Jacobs took a very

doesn’t scream, “This was inspired by ASIA!”

literal take on “Oriental”), Givenchy Couture SS 2011 (Riccardo Tisci created a collection inspired by Japanese dancer Kazuo Ohno, and Japanese robot toys), Chanel Pre-Fall 2010 (the city of Shanghai inspired Lagerfeld with this collection), and of course, the most recent Ralph Lauren collection. Also, Harper’s Bazaar’s March 2011 issue features model Magdalena Frackowiak in a tourist-themed shoot that

A man in a panda costume, a martial artist, and a plethora of Chinese temples—was all this necessary to drive the point home?

centers around Chinatown, focusing on Chinese stereotypes such as martial artists and pandas.

So, it’s great that so many designers still find

It becomes an issue when designers like

interest in Asian cultures, and that the Asian

Philip Lim, Peter Som, and Derek Lam are

market is consistently growing. However, it

regarded because they’re Asian, not because of

makes me uncomfortable when designers play

their skill. It is inspiring that Asian American

up those stereotypes. For example, Ralph Lauren

designers have become an integral part of the

and Givenchy used a majority of Asian models

fashion industry, but that’s because they all

for their shows (Givenchy used exclusively

happen to be true fashion visionaries. I think

Asian models), and the Harper’s Bazaar shoot

it’s true, fashion is becoming more and more

had a man in a panda costume, a martial artist,

influenced by the Asian culture, but when

and a plethora of Chinese temples—was all

they’re presented with such literal symbolism

this necessary to drive the point home? Do

and stereotypes and when the actual design and

they have to use Asian stereotypes in order to

tailoring become obscured by the color of the

emphasize the Oriental influence? As the article

creator, that’s where I find problems. A great collection can be inspired by Asian culture (as per the example with Rodarte), but it does not have to have ASIA boldly plastered all over it.

Harper’s Bazaar’s March 2011 issue revolves

G

around model Magdalena Frackowiak walking through Chinatown accompanied

Aaron Hui is a junior in Gallatin studying consumer

by stereotypical Chinese associations.

behavior and focusing on its technological impact on communication. He has interned for Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, Harper’s Bazaar magazine, and currently interns for stylist Katie Mossman.

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7

RISE

of the

ASIAN AME

by Kenneth Hsu

O

n New Year’s Day of 2010, John

Court justice—the first Asian American outside

C. Liu was sworn in as New York

of the Ninth Circuit. Goodwin Liu is expected

City’s comptroller in front of elected officials who had already made their mark on City

For some observers, this new class of Asian

Hall—two former mayors, several Congress

American lawmakers might merely signify that

members, an entire city council and a certain

a surge of Asian American interest in politics is

billionaire mayor returning for a third term.

underway, or that such candidates are simply

The day’s pomp and circumstance, however,

more electable in heavily Asian American

revealed itself in the audience. Hundreds of

districts. Some suggest that a White House led by

supporters—Koreans from Queens, Chinese from

an African American president has empowered

Manhattan, Pakistanis from Brooklyn—unified in

people of color across the board, and that a rising

chant when the Taiwanese immigrant-cum-New

generation of minority politicians is imminent.

York City comptroller took the stage: “Liuuuuuu!”

It was an inspiring scene, and clearly moved

While these suggestions are likely true, examining the biography of each rising

the first Asian American elected to a citywide

Asian American politician individually

office in New York when he made his address.

implies something less obvious.

But it was not an unfamiliar sight—after all,

Each hardly came from a privileged

Liu is only one of several Asian Americans

background, and each is either an immigrant

giving inauguration speeches lately.

or was born to immigrants. None of them

In northern California, the Bay Area has

directly entered government, but rather

introduced two Asian American mayors in the past

were impassioned enough to transition

year—Jean Quan in Oakland and Edwin Lee in San

their career towards public service.

Francisco—while John Chiang was reelected for

John Liu began working to support his family

his second term as California’s State Controller.

at the age of seven before entering finance and

Ohio Representative Steve Austria became the

eventually being elected to the City Council. Quan

first Filipino American in Congress when he was

was a doctor before becoming an education reform

elected in 2008. At the same time, Los Angeles area

organizer. Chu was a psychology professor before

Representative Judy Chu was selected to chair the

running for City Council. Goodwin Liu graduated

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

with a degree in biology and physiology before

Even outside of elected offices, last year Denny Chin was seated as a United States Appeals Court judge—one step below Supreme

8

to share the same job title later this year.

Rise of the Asian American Politician

clerking for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Inevitably, these successful transitions into government offices are often surprising. Like the

ERICAN POLITICIAN President, none of the above officials were given

benefits of immigration reform, advocating for

the advantage of a familiar Western name, and

increased government attention to underserved

none was blessed with a background of political

communities, and celebrating this country’s

status. Each was forced to overcome institutional

rich diversity. As newer generations learn the

barriers—racial, lingual, socioeconomic—in order

history of Asian heritage in the United States,

to pursue these positions of leadership (let alone

and as tools for expression become more and

to be elected) and commit to public service.

more accessible, this trend of civic engagement

This is a familiar narrative, one that past generations of Americans have witnessed in other leaders of historic social change, regardless of race. Still, it’s not an easy one to write.

In the context of government, it’s easy

only continues to grow. Now, they’re voting for leaders from the same background.

And while Liu, Quan, Chu and others mentioned are certainly benefitting from such grass roots support, not even a majority of

to attribute success at the ballot to effective

their constituents are Asian American. This

political maneuvering or the luck of “right

signifies their success not as Asian American

place at the right time,” especially for stories

government elected officials, but more

like Liu, Quan, and Chu, who all barely won

importantly as elected officials who happen to

close races in highly diverse districts.

be Asian American. They are the face not only

Each was forced to overcome institutional barriers—racial, lingual, socioeconomic—in order to pursue these positions of leadership However, this approach fails to look beyond the city halls and state capitols. Maybe their collective success as politicians, judges, doctors, lawyers,

of a rising Asian American political class, but also of the future leaders of this country.

Thus, their own biographies are evidence of a

and teachers is not merely opportunism and

character ambitious enough to accept the challenge

electability, and instead is something that reflects

of public office, but it’s the growing momentum

a larger trend. Each of their individual stories

of Asian American activism that makes their

reveals evidence of an authentic desire to create

work inspiring and, to those who attribute

change, a fabric shared not only by some of the

their success to mere electability, surprising.

G

most influential pioneers throughout history, but by the Asian American community as a whole.

For decades, Asian American citizens have been active in understanding first-hand the

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Kenneth Hsu is a senior studying Politics in the College of Arts and Science, with a minor in Social & Public Policy in the Wagner School of Public Service.

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9

INDIVIDUALITY MATTERS Rising Asian Star Jay Chou

by Sarah Weiyang Chen

J

ay Chou, one of the most famous and

video director. Unlike other popular singers who

talented pop stars in Asia, successfully

focus on love and romance, Chou incorporates

made his Hollywood debut this January. Recently,

his own outlook on life and society into his songs.

Chou flew to California to star in The Green Hornet

Many Chinese people prefer to fawn over other

alongside Seth Rogan and Cameron Diaz. This

countries and foreign trends, so when Chou

performance established Chou’s reputation in

expressed his love for Asian culture and urged his

America as one of the most popular stars in the

fans to do the same in Fantasy—the album that

world. Chou’s success is probably not surprising

brought him fame—his music became a huge hit.

to Asians, as he is a superstar in Asia with ten albums and performances in seven movies.

Chou caught international attention with his

a popular star must be handsome, articulates

role in The Green Hornet, which was first produced

clearly, and sings about romance, accommodating

in the 1960s. It originally starred Bruce Lee, one of

public desires rather than showing individuality.

the earliest Chinese American stars. Lee’s excellent

In the critical eyes of Chinese people, many pop

performance of the main role Kato, the martial

stars these days have good looks but are empty-

arts expert, made it difficult for Chou to reenact

minded, creating pop music that is nothing but

this character. In the face of this challenge, Chou

shallow and vulgar. No one anticipated that a pop

added new elements to his character: he makes

star could be talented, let alone bring change to

coffee, designs cars, cracks jokes, and performs

society and culture, influencing social ideologies.

magic. However, he has always believed that Asian

Although Chou’s conventional looks, shy

stars should not only be recognized in Hollywood

nature, and unglamorous background made

movies as kung fu masters, which is why Chou

him an unlikely celebrity, he has successfully

insisted on displaying his piano skills in the movie

revolutionized and dominated contemporary

and having his own song played at the end of it.

Asian pop. Chou’s individuality started a new

Chou is an incredible multi-tasker. Starting

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Before Chou’s appearance in the Asian entertainment industry, it was assumed that

era of popular culture in Asia. As a singer, he

as a composer and lyricist ten years ago, he

combines R&B and traditional Chinese music

became a singer, music producer, and music

styles in his songs and deliberately mumbles

Individuality Matters: Rising Asian Star Jay Chou

Photo courtesy of jayclub.com.tw

youth to show both mental and physical strength to the world in his songs. When he got the chance to break into Hollywood, he hoped to tell the Western world that the Chinese have many talents by presenting himself as a versatile person.

Beyond his kung fu role in The Green Hornet, Chou brings his other skills to the world stage: his traditional Chinese music style, support for traditional Chinese values, audacity to pursue his dreams, and uncompromising individuality. Just as he never doubted that music could be a way of communicating in the world, language does not

Westerners regarded China as the “sick man of Asia,” but Chou believes that Chinese people can break this stereotype

seem to be a barrier to him. Chou once jokingly remarked that he knew no more English than his dialogue in the movie. But no one says that English is the very first requirement for stepping into Hollywood. It is not which language he can speak, but who he is that makes Chou a great success on the stage of global entertainment.

Throughout his career in the past ten years, he has shown the world that there is no limitation, no boundary that cannot be broken, bringing the

his lyrics, regarding it as his trademark. Since

inspiration that Asians should never be limited

society never had high expectations for popular

to their stereotype and instead should be daring

singers, Chou faced much skepticism when he

enough to express their individuality to the world.

became an actor and later a film director. But the

In his latest Sprite advertisement, Chou

six million dollar box office revenue of his self-

co-starred with Kobe Bryant, the Lakers All-

directed movie, The Secret, proved his competence.

Star guard. The commercial’s theme song, “the

Chou remarked that it had always been his

Heaven and Earth Challenge,” was written by

dream to direct a movie of his own, featuring his

Chou, and sung by Chou and Bryant together.

piano skills and the theme of youth, regardless

This breaking collaboration gave us reason to

of what others said. He showed the world that

believe that stereotypes can be broken. Chou has

he dared to innovate and maintain his vision.

led the trend of a new age of Chinese popular

This year, with his appearance in Hollywood,

culture and revealed its spirit of innovation

he further showcased his individuality and

and individuality—maintaining his values,

attempted to change social norms in the West.

instead of compromising with existing social

Due to China’s closed-door policy around the turn

ideologies. With his message, we can have

of the twentieth century, Westerners had failed

the confidence that we Asian Americans are

to comprehensively understand Chinese culture.

also able to reshape social norms, creating all

Westerners regarded China as the “sick man of

kinds of new possibilities in our future.

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Asia” because they were not as technologically and industrially advanced back then. But Chou

Sarah Chen is a sophomore studying Environmental Studies

believes that Chinese people can break this

in CAS. She is a huge fan of Jay Chou and a girl who was

stereotype and he has already encouraged Chinese

influenced by his music throughout the past ten years.

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11

the

TUBE YOU &

by Soomi Rho

S

earch “Asian” and “YouTube” on

talk show would reach number one in the ratings?

Google, and among the many results

There might be many reasons for this—namely

a Yahoo! Answers page comes up asking:

one that deals inevitably with racism. It is that

“Why are Asians so popular on YouTube?”

quiet, underlying shock that comes with seeing

That question is not ungrounded. Just skim

yellow upon a usually white plane that may

through the top most subscribed users of all

cause the greater American population, whether

time and at number one, nigahiga takes the

we like to admit it or not, a slight discomfort. In

throne. Among the top 100 are also kevjumba,

fact, many Asians themselves are prone to point

MichellePhan, communitychannel, davichoimusic,

out that the Asian characters in a television

HappySlip, bubzbeauty, pyrobooby, and

show because it’s just not a common sight.

WongFuProductions just to name a few. From

racism defined as “whiteness” plays a part in

Asians hold top spots for a wide range of genres.

this issue. No ethnicity or race is guiltier over

Taking a look at the most popular television

the other—we all do it, this subtle racism that

shows of 2010, TV.com shows us that even the

places blonde hair and a light skin tone as the

most popular television shows, such as NCIS,

norm. No one would question a white actor or

Bones, Glee, Gossip Girl, and other well-known

actress winning the best actor title at the Oscars,

titles, have little or no Asian-influenced content.

but if an Asian actor were to one day rise to such

We can also look at the most popular television

a position, you can bet Asian American blogs

talk show hosts: Judge Judy, Ellen DeGeneres, Regis

will be alight with praises and victory chants.

and Kelly, David Letterman, and Oprah—again, we

Why is it such a battle to separate the Asian

see no Asian personalities in this list. Even the top

from the actor, or from anyone else rising within

artists of 2010 from Billboard.com contains Lady

our mainstream media for that matter?

Gaga, Usher, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and more but lacks any Asian presence in at least the top 80.

What, then, can explain the disparity between

Grace Elizabeth Hale, assistant professor of American History at the University of Virginia, explains in her book, Making

a growing Asian presence in arguably one of

Whiteness: “Central to the meaning of

the most up-and-coming media platforms and

whiteness is a broad collective American

mainstream media? Though there are plenty of

silence. The denial of white as a racial

YouTube celebrities not of Asian ethnicity, the fact

identity, the denial that whiteness

that the Asian American community stands out is

has a history, allows the quiet, the

because their particular presence in new media

blankness, to stand as the norm.”

platforms is striking. Why in such a unique outlet

12

To bring it into more perspective, a subtle

singer-songwriters to comedic personalities,

Perhaps whiteness is central

do we see top videos by Asian personalities, yet

in the disparity between

on television, it might be safe to say there’s not

Asian presence in YouTube

much of a good chance that an Asian personality

versus mainstream media,

The Tube & You

and what is perhaps more striking

million and a half subscribers can then

personalities, singers, and make up

is that Asians might be guiltier of

watch his videos without the tugging

gurus can find an easier way to express

adopting this notion of whiteness

notion that his face does not fit the

themselves and reach millions of

as the norm than anyone else. The

type of face that people are often used

viewers without that “norm” standing

aforementioned YouTube celebrities

to seeing in a wide-reaching form of

in the way. Yet, even on YouTube,

Perhaps it is that his making light of his own culture sends subtle message to the world that it is okay to exploit a culture in this way

in which the user exercises such previously unseen freedom in their content, there is something that clicks in many Asian vloggers that makes them resistant to keeping their jokes, singing abilities, or make-up advice separate from their culture. This is not

all have or still incorporate Asian

media. HappySlip, in turn, reached

to say that there are plenty of Asian

culture into their videos, sometimes

her fame when she created scenarios

YouTube celebrities that do not make

even poking fun at it. Kevjumba, for

in which she also used her immigrant

any references to their culture, not even

instance, often includes his father

Filipino parents as her subject and

in their profile sidebar. Yet we come

into his videos and makes light of the

imitated their often hilarious and

back to MichellePhan, a popular make-

fact that his immigrant father can be

exaggerated social habits. Pyrobooby

up guru with over 350 million views and

naïve to American culture. This playful

is perhaps a more extreme case: most

counting, who has named her second

bantering is not mean-spirited, but the

of his video titles start with “Chinese

channel “ricebunny.” In addition,

fact that Kevin Hu (kevjumba’s real

Guy…,” and this, indeed, Chinese guy

a popular independent production

name) feels compelled to acknowledge

(alias Peter Chao) sports an obnoxious

company, Wong Fu Productions

the awkward assimilation of Asian

and excessive Chinese accent in all

is, well, WongFuProductions.

and American culture functions to

his videos. Ironically enough, one

get the uncomfortable notion that he

of them is titled “Chinese Guy HATES

YouTube’s user-generated platform

himself doesn’t fit the “norm” of a

RACISM!” in which his response to the

does not stand in the way of allowing

media personality. It is almost as if

comments that say he is racist is: “I

the chance of anyone—no matter

there is a need to get the elephant in

can do whatever the f--- I want!” Yet

what his or her ethnicity—to get

the room out of the way so that his a

we wonder what his consequences

in the way of potentially explosive

are—the consequences of his self-

fame. It is up to you, then, to use

imposed racism. Perhaps it is that his

the 21st century Tube effectively.

making light of his own culture sends

Depending on what direction the users

a subtle message to the world that it is

take, perhaps the fame Asians have

okay to exploit a culture in this way.

created for themselves on YouTube

Chao defends his videos by saying that

can make it easier for whiteness to

they are to be taken humorously and

disappear as the norm as American

not offensively. But once his take on

culture becomes comfortable with

Asian culture is interpreted in a racist

the notion of a different type of face

way, it can lead to a slew of ignorant

appearing in front of their television

stereotypes and generalizations.

sets. The danger is, of course, that

If whiteness is really the reason for the lack of an Asian presence in

At the end of the day, however,

YouTube remains the only plane on which yellow can be expressed.

G

mainstream media, then on a user-

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driven platform such as YouTube,

Soomi Rho is a freshman majoring in

we might see that Asian American

Media, Culture and Communication.

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13

v

Cínské, Japonské nebo Korejské?

An Honest and Curious Peering Into the Czech Life Through the Eyes of an Asian American

by Michelle Lee

“I

t’s 3:48 am. I’m procrastinating

Either way, missing my Asian

either were stamped by a machine

foods was one thing I learned to deal

or were monthly—no turnstiles, no

some snacks at M2M right now.”

with later on (putting it more into the

guards), which resulted in the grunt

Oh, how I missed walking to

perspective of you’ll-appreciate-it-so-

or a curious look of the big-bodied

Morning 2 Midnight Asian food market

much-more-when-you’re-back-home).

Czech men who had poked my shoulder

in New York during my study abroad in

But missing that feeling of blending in

just too hard that minute ago.

Prague, Czech Republic. There would

the crowd was another. I often found

be times when I wished I could open

myself uncomfortable, as older Czech

a reason: to think less of myself,

my fridge to inhale that inexplicable

people stared at me, failing horribly to

and to try learning more of others.

smell of kimchee that my non-Korean

be subtle. I dearly missed walking the

After having taken a week-long

friends would cringe at. After having

streets of Manhattan, where no one

intensive Czech language course, I

spoiled myself in Manhattan for

had to do a double-take to notice that

decided to try putting my basic Czech

two years, where I could hop over to

I had an Asian face—a normal thing

into some good use and walked to

Saint’s Alp to grab a quick bubble tea,

around here in the city. I frequently

the mini grocery store across the

or sprint to St. Mark’s where I could

found myself a target of those whose

street from my dorm, Osadni.

indulge myself with some Bonchon soy

jobs were to randomly check public

I was surprised to see a young,

garlic chicken wings, I found myself

transit passengers for their tickets,

bored Asian woman sitting behind the

with intense Asian food cravings,

often aiming at tourists (as the public

ancient looking register, cozy-ed up in

being highly unsatisfied by the not-

transportation system in Prague was

her jacket. Trying to hide my surprise,

so-Asian Czech cuisine in Prague.

run by a trust basis, where passes

I said, with an attempt at cheer, “Dobry

again. Really wish I could get

14

v

Cínské, Japonské nebo Korejské?

Nonetheless, I was there for

den [good day].” Without looking up, the woman

European country, where most of them started

replied immediately with a half-hearted, “dobry

partaking in the small business sector.

den,” enunciating the “y” at the end just like every

Later on in the semester was when I met Fugi

native Czech person I met, except for the “r” sound

Nguyen. As a hip-hop dance team member, I,

that had a distinct yet unrecognizable accent.

along with a friend, had made it a goal to meet

Did non-Asian Czech children ever have their own taunting version of “ching-chong-linglong-ting-tong?”

other hip-hop dancers in Prague—to discover the scene here, in this small Central European country. Taking classes at Dance Academy Prague (DAP) had connected us, just as we had hoped, to those young people—one of whom was Fugi. Often, he would be standing in front of the entrance door, loitering in his black or dark blue fitted jeans, kicks, fitted shirts, and fitted hats, smoking multiple cigarettes, and greeting with a drawling, thick-accented “Wass-up bah-by,” added

But the moment she looked up, our eyes met awkwardly and within that fraction of a

by the traditional European kiss on the cheek.

Looking back, I regret not having asked him

second sent a sort of invisible transmission,

more about his experience being an Asian Czech

with a gentle look of curiosity. What are you?

citizen. Did children make fun of him while

I silently and ignorantly asked in my head.

he was growing up, pulling their eyes back to

The encounter intrigued me. Normally, it

emulate Asians’ stereotypical small eyes? Did

would have been my natural inclination to try and

non-Asian Czech children ever have their own

guess her ethnic background. It’s a little game that

taunting version of “ching-chong-ling-long-ting-

I play (and I’m not alone), guessing the ethnicity

tong”? Or was his life completely normal, and

of an Asian person. But with her, I was puzzled.

was he fully accepted into the Czech community

In fact, what had surprised me even more later on was just how often Asian Czech citizens

without any feeling of discrimination?

We had the pleasure of being invited to Fugi’s

owned these mini grocery stores. Of all the

VIP birthday party held at the prominent Prague

stores I would shop at in Prague, not one was

nightclub SaSaZu. Let’s just say that that was

owned by a non-Asian, and I had been in a good

the first and perhaps only time I encountered

number of them—more than a dozen to say

such a huge number of Czech Asians at once,

the least. Finally, after much curiosity, I asked

and I was curious to find that in this alcohol-

my RA Vendula with whom I shared a suite.

induced ambience, these young Czech Asians

“They are Vietnamese,” she answered. The

had just about the same kind of character that

Vietnamese population was one of the leading

could almost be compared to the infamous

minorities in the Czech Republic, coming

upcoming K-Town reality show. Glittered up

third after the Slovak and Romany minorities.

Asian (mostly Vietnamese) girls strutted in

Several decades ago, the Czech Republic and

their short dresses, abnormally large heels, and

Vietnam had agreed, under their perspective

thick black eyeliner above their eyelids, while

Communist-led governments, that Vietnamese

the young gentlemen lounged in their t-shirts,

citizens could work in the Czech Republic as

leather jackets, fitted pants, and sneakers.

guest workers. After the fall of communism

But several times, Fugi had found himself

in what was formerly Czechoslovakia until

landing in street fights where white Czechs would

1989, many of the Vietnamese—if not, most

assume he did not understand them, bashing

of them—decided to remain and raise their

words at him that were basically the equivalent

children in this opportunity-filled Central

of hateful terms like “chink” or “jap” and often

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15

Photo courtesy of travelglobep.com

ending up with bloody fights between him and the perpetrators. Nobru, a young Brazilian hip-hop dancer who lived in Prague as a resident, had befriended Fugi at the DAP studio and often witnessed his violent encounters.

“It’s partly his fault,” Nobru explained.

“But some of the sh-t people would

pair of Czech-speaking tourists from

harmonious than it often appears. It

say was, you know, pretty messed up.

taking my picture—of me, only!—

was a pleasant conversation and one

Like, man, we’re in the 21st century.”

while I tried to sit peacefully in the

of those moments where it started

park to read. Another time, while

hitting me that I would be leaving

here, because they are the only

taking a bus home from Munich, a

Prague. Despite the frustrations I

ones in the Czech Republic who

quite large Czech woman menacingly

faced and the uncomfortable feeling of

are willing to keep their stores

and disgustingly sneered, “Čínska

standing out, I developed an ability to

open late at night,” said one Czech

[Chinese]!!!” right in front of my face.

move forward, ignore and weed those

“Many people like the Vietnamese

RA I knew. “They work hard.”

Despite the thick language barrier

Could my emotional reaction

feelings out, and dig deeper to discover

to those incidents that have been a

the pleasures of Prague—all of which

between me and these citizens, I

reflection of my insecurity? Well,

required discipline, patience, and an

sensed the Asian-ness, noticing

let’s just say that the idea of “stepping

even more open mind than I thought I

that the only lights in the streets

out of your comfort zone” was

had. I would miss Prague’s unbelievably

of Prague were often lit by the

something I definitely experienced

affordable living, its beautiful sites and

“Mini-Market” signs of these small,

while being abroad in Prague. One of

historic European scenery, the small

Vietnamese-owned grocery stores.

those experiences was my internship,

and tight NYU in Prague community,

where I had the opportunity to help

the nightlife, and the ability to travel on

Republic wasn’t nearly enough for

But the Asian population in Czech

organize the Forum 2000 Foundation’s

a whim—which made me feel nostalgic.

me to comfortably blend in as I could

annual conference series. It had been a

do in Manhattan. Was it flattering

pleasurable experience, meeting figures

package given generously to me

when men whistled and hollered at

from all over the world (including

from all of the employers at the

my “exotic-ness?” I know I shouldn’t

Fareed Zakaria and president of the

Foundation. “You didn’t have to do

have cared, ideally. But the first times

former Czechoslovakia, Vaclav Havel)

that!” I exclaimed at them. But, we

were frustrating and intimidating,

who came to the conferences to discuss

carried on with our goodbyes and

especially when I would be traveling

the arts, culture, politics, religion,

our keep-in-touch’s. We barely ever

Prague, alone. After getting over the

science, and various social issues.

established any amount of personal

At the end of the internship, I

friendship, and yet, my supervisor

first few stares in the subway and

I left the internship with a tiny

trams, I firmly accepted it as something

found myself in deep conversation

thought to get me a thoughtful, small

I would simply have to ignore. In fact, I

with one of my employers. It was a

gift. Deep in my already nostalgic

would joke about it with a close friend

conversation about how much Prague

thoughts, I opened the package while

of mine, who was an African American

had impacted me in some of the most

sitting on the tram ride home, finding

female herself—and African American

unexpected ways that I could have

inside a card and a large chocolate

females too, were very hard to come

never experienced being in New

bar—a chocolate bar titled, “Geisha.”

by in Prague. But anytime I noticed

York. I shared with her experiences

that a person was obviously checking

where I immersed myself in a totally

Michelle Lee is a junior, majoring in

out my features or muttering about

different culture with a unique

English and American Literature at the

me to their friend, rarely did I stop

history, and met people that despite

College of Arts and Sciences with a minor

myself from muttering a few words

being different, often shared with me

in Producing through the Tisch School

of frustration. I was so enraged one

similarities that only further confirmed

of Arts. She studied abroad in Prague,

time that I had stubbornly refused a

that the world could be much more

Czech Republic in the fall of 2010.

16

v

Cínské, Japonské nebo Korejské?

G

FINDING CHINO LATINO The search for self, home and chino latino in Buenos Aires takes an NYU student to laundromats, restaurants, and tacky souvenir stores.

by Joseph Lin

I

bought myself a voice recorder before I left for Argentina. It was as if I had anticipated that I

Sylvia is delighted to be interviewed—she talks as if the whole world should know her

would speak into the device in Chinese to articulate

story. She’s over-the-top and gesticulative

and re-articulate myself with my ever-slipping

like a typical Argentine. I don’t need to

muscle memory of the Chinese language. Where

translate because she talks for herself. Curious

were the AAA batteries? I wanted to start recording.

customers come in and out, eavesdropping on our interview. No one has ever bothered to

Q

feature her before and she loves the spotlight.

Mid-semester, I mentioned that I wanted

Tired of the monotony of working in a

to record an interview with her for a class

garment factory in industrial Shanghai, Sylvia

project on the Chinese community in Buenos

immigrated alone to Buenos Aires in 1985, “China

Aires. Sylvia enthusiastically said yes. I

is communist. Argentina is more free,” she tells

turned on the voice recorder and began

me, curiously echoing the same Cold War ideology

talking in Mandarin, until she interrupted:

my Taiwanese parents often invoke in defending

“Are we doing this interview in Spanish

their faith in America. China didn’t provide Sylvia

or not? Your classmates won’t understand what

the opportunities that she wanted to improve her

we’re saying.”

life. In the 1970s at the end of China’s Cultural

“I thought I would translate…”

Revolution, she recalls her sessions of autocrítica,

“I don’t need a translation.”

where time was set aside from work to talk about

Sylvia Lin is a sixty-year old Shanghainese

how workers could improve themselves to be better

grandma with shoulder-length wavy hair and an

people. Sometimes Sylvia lied in her confessions

unfaltering sassiness. I first met her on the day I

out of pure annoyance: “Yesterday an old woman

arrived at my homestay in Barrio Norte in the fall

fell and I didn’t go to help her. I made a mistake…”

of ’09 where my host mom, Mariángela, introduced

Sometimes, leaving China for Argentina is for

me to this laundromat two blocks away at the

more personal reasons—like to get back at your

intersection of Charcas and Laprida. I saw Sylvia

ex. Like Sylvia, Señora Zhang left as an act of

every 1.5 weeks, usually when I could no longer

rebellion. In the 1990s after she broke up with her

stand the smell of my laundry or the cheekiness of

boyfriend, Sra. Zhang thought she’d find a place as

my host mom’s comments about Asians (e.g. “All

far away as possible from her native Beijing to find

of you look alike, but at least you’re all beautiful”).

herself again and make her ex miss her. It brought

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17

her to Buenos Aires, Argentina. On the Beijing-Buenos Aires flight she sat next to her soon-to-be husband and together, they opened up a Chinese take-out place in Barrio Norte. I often saw the Zhangs bring along their four-year old son Miguelito into the restaurant when their babysitter wasn’t available.

Sylvia, too worked in a Chinese restaurant three days after she immigrated to Argentina in 1985. At the restaurant, she picked up Spanish from her Uruguayan co-workers in the kitchen. She was frugal, going for walks outside the restaurant instead of eating lunch. In two years, she saved enough to sponsor her husband to come to Buenos Aires. “Sos mujer independiente,” I joke, but she waves her hand because I am already stating the obvious. By the time I meet her two decades later, she’s involved herself in a variety of different business ventures—from restaurant worker, to restaurant owner, to grocery store owner, to laundry lady. The laundromat is located in Barrio Norte, an affluent neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Sylvia repeatedly emphasizes

Yes, work can be boring, work can be hard, but at the end of the day, those are excuses. If you need to survive, you need to struggle (luchar).

her work ethic, which she attributes

went to NYU law and my dad awaited

miniscule barrio chino, or Chinatown. I

to her Chinese mentality. Yes, work

his law school acceptance, they both

take the D Line to the Juramento metro

can be boring, work can be hard, but at

worked in a place called “Magic Shoes”

stop. In a big souvenir store, Productos

the end of the day, those are excuses.

on Bleecker Street for little pay and

Orientales, I explain my project to a

If you need to survive, you need to

no commission. My dad sold shoes for

busy Asian female cashier, a woman in

struggle (luchar). She points around at

twelve hours every day of the week

her early 50s. “Lao gong!” she screams

the neighborhood around her—“these

so they wouldn’t have to burden their

out. Her husband, Señor Dai comes

Argentines make excuses.” She

families back home in Taiwan.

from the back of the store. “This young

motions to her two twenty-something

A flash of memory. I recall that

Paraguyan co-workers, “They have a

Chinese laundromats were a common

Chinese work ethic.” She states it clearly

sight in the U.S., especially in the late

me through various turns before

that her Paraguayan co-workers have

19th- early 20th century. They are

he parts the beaded curtains that

been struggling to survive like she has.

working class Chinese people trying

unveil the entrance of his back office.

to etch a living in neighborhoods

He and Sr. Huang are chatting and

where they’re a minority.

sipping tea. They’re eager to talk and

Around the same time Sylvia arrived in Argentina, my parents arrived in the United States in 1987 to attend law school. I had forgotten—this

Q

boy wants to do an interview.”

“Follow me,” Sr. Dai says, taking

bicker to each other in Taiwanese.

Sr. Huang’s nickname is mingxing, or

was a time before they owned their

My search to record the voice of

celebrity. They both sort of remind

own small law firm. While my mom

chinos latinos takes me to Buenos Aires’

me of my father—big-talkers who

18

Finding Chino Latino

Donated to Buenos Aires by the Chinese

Photo by Joseph Lin

government in 2009, this ornate gate welcomes visitors to Buenos Aires’ barrio chino.

They know they they are probably not moving back to Asia. Se quedan.

They are staying.

historical Asian America—the Korean grocers in NYC, the Chinese laundrymen in San Francisco, and Japanese migrant workers on farms in the West Coast.

New connections emerge. How are their stories similar to the Japanese drycleaners and farmers, Korean grocers and Chinese restaurant workers in Buenos Aires? How are they different?

(Republic of China) to the People’s

In putting my class project together,

Republic (PRC), increasing the uncertain

why could I only find one detailed

political status of Taiwan. “We came

book recording the presence of chinos

here because everything here is

latinos in 20th century Argentina?

tranquilo,” Sr. Dai says, laying back

In the absence of records, I think

on his leather chair. Indeed it is. They

about stories. I remember the Chinese

treat me to lunch at a restaurant, Lai

grandmother of my best friend, Kim

like to loaf around when they can. I

Lai, where Sr. Huang orders a feast

Lam. Her grandmother cooks a mean

make the mistake of asking if they’re

that is definitely not on the menu.

plate of plátanos because the Lams

from Taipei, like a typical boy with

Q

Taipei roots who thinks his city is the center of everything. They’re from

There are so many stories and

spent some time in D.R. before moving to Panama, where Kim was almost born. I remember hearing Harry

Kaohsiung, down south. Sr. Huang

details, but I do not have the space to do

Shum Jr. from Glee spent his early

immigrated in 1988 and currently

these friends justice. Learning from my

childhood in Limón, Costa Rica, an

owns a cyber bar a few metro stops

talks with Sylvia, the Zhangs and Sr.

area known for its thriving Chinese

away on Calle Florida. Sr. Dai has

Dai and Sr. Huang , I have unseated my

community. They are mostly ancestors

been in Buenos Aires since 1998. I ask

obsession with the U.S. as “America,”

of the railroad laborers whom the

them why they came to Argentina.

and moreover, challenged myself to

U.S. imported from the West Coast

“Why did your parents

broaden the confines of Asian America

to construct the Atlantic Railroad in

go to the U.S.?” Sr. Dai says,

and to think about the chinos latinos in

Costa Rica during the late 1800s. And

flipping the question on me.

Latin America. They left their countries

actually, when I thought hard about

of origin for Argentina as their final

it, I vaguely recall my mother telling

destination, not the United States.

me I had a cousin living in Paraguay.

“Um…they wanted to go to law school, for better opportunities.”

Sr. Huang interjects, “There

Though chinos latinos may not have

are two main reasons—it’s

the same cultural values or speak the

Joseph Lin is a senior concentrating in

either political or economic.”

language fluently as native Argentines,

Asian/Pacific/American Studies and

Sr. Dai says that many of the

they know they are probably not

Latino Studies in the Department of

Taiwanese immigrants in Buenos Aires

moving back to Asia. Se quedan. They

Social and Cultural Analysis. He studied

arrived in the period between 1980-

are staying. The term chino, refers to

abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina in fall

1988, a time of political instability

Chinese, but in common usage, also

2009. The informal interviews in this

back at home. In 1979, the U.S. shifted

takes on the broader meaning of Asian.

article constituted his final project for the

its diplomatic ties from Taiwan

In the “ArgenChinos,” I see glimpses of

course, “La lengua de Buenos Aires.”

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19

ABROAD IN FLORENCE

The Process Process of The of Generalizing Identity Identity Generalizing

by Caroline Osse

I

look white. That’s an apparent fact. But

and language, I found that my exchanges and

when you look closely, you can tell that

conversations with Italians have been more

there is some mixture to my skin tone and facial

substantial. With my American accent and slow

features. As a doubly identified mixed American

Italian, I wouldn’t be surprised if an Italian

and Asian American, I find that New York easily

figured out my nationality instantly. But when

catered to my developing identity. The access

venturing out of Florence to smaller Italian towns

to a variety of cuisines and the diversity among

where English is not very widely understood,

New Yorkers and tourists allowed me to fully

Italians are grateful, patient, and engaged

embrace my uncertain identity and, eventually,

when a foreigner attempts to speak Italian.

led me to actually find and understand it through Florence, however, has been another case.

Surprisingly, one can easily access a variety

In New York, I’m Asian American. In Florence, I’m just plain American.

The generalization seems to make all the

of cuisines. Down my street, there are Japanese,

difference. I have seen dozens of East Asian

Chinese, Spanish, and Mexican restaurants

tour groups flood tourist areas of the city, with

among the variety of essential Italian ones.

their tour leader holding up some sort of sign,

Yet the grocery stores don’t supply frozen

umbrella, or flower for the group to follow. I have

dumplings or bags of rice; the menus at the

seen dozens of East Asians working in cheap shoe

Japanese restaurant have Italian translations

stores or Asian restaurants here in Florence. I

(note: “ravioli” on a Japanese menu is actually

have heard perfect Italian from local Asians.

referring to “dumpling”). There are foreigners everywhere and a variety of languages on the streets. Living minutes away from hot spot tourist sites in each direction, I see visitors from all over the world come to Florence to experience its culture, art, history, and cuisine.

Understandably, it has been less common

Are they just Italian?

Are they just Asian?

Or are they Asian Italian? Italian Asian?

for me to be perceived automatically as Italian in Florence. I didn’t speak a word of Italian upon arriving in Italy, and my appearance does

20

Now that I look back at my own identity

not exactly match up with Italian features.

searching in New York, I wonder how the

But after growing accustomed to the culture

identities of Asians in Italy perceive themselves.

Abroad in Florence: The Process of Generalizing Identity

Photo courtesy of ChrisYunker @ flickr.com

Are they just Italian? Are they just Asian? Or

they predicted her as Japanese. Surprisingly, they

are they Asian Italian? Italian Asian? Just as I

did not seem to note our American accents and

identified myself as Asian American in New

slanged English and jumped straight to seeing my

York but just American in Italy, the mixture

friend as Japanese. I would guess that they would

and integration of race with culture and

just perceive me, however, just as American.

residence affects perception of self-identity.

It is an interesting study, to see how solely

It is something that is constantly changing

appearance can become generalized into one

not because you perceive yourself differently

identifier, and it has only become a magnified

but because others do. Although that, in turn,

component of understanding one’s identity

affects your perception of self as well.

when living in another country. The racial

It is seemingly a loop of confusion and

and ethnic assumptions of others has not at all

identity crises, but in reality it is much more

been associated negatively, but rather gives the

comprehensible. To experience a sudden change

foreigner living in another country another

in how others see you raises doubts in how you

perspective on which to view himself.

G

perceive yourself. But I’m still Asian American and a mixed American. I’m also just an American.

Caroline Osse is a sophomore in the College of Arts

I can add as many labels to myself as I want,

and Science studying Asian Pacific American Studies

because one category just isn’t enough, but it

and Metropolitan Studies with a minor in Business

wasn’t until my studying abroad in Florence, or

Studies. She studied abroad in spring of 2011 in

just going abroad for an extended period of time

Florence, Italy and is planning to study abroad in

away from New York, that this realization came

Shanghai, China for the fall 2011 semester.

to me. Identity is a constantly changing process of self-perception and the perception of others.

What I found while abroad this semester, however, is that identity, nationality, and ethnicity become blurred and generalized easily… almost too easily.

I overheard a quick conversation in Italian while I was in a cheap clothing store with my Korean American friend. The two women were saying how she was beautiful and so skinny, and

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ASIANS

WHO CAN

by Michelle Lee

B

DANCE

obbing her head to the beat

Other east coast teams like

of a Madonna song, Shoey

EPIC Motion include teams such as

its birth during the late 70’s, hip-hop

Sun is busy choreographing for an

Rhythmology, UFP, Project D, Dynamiq

dance, originating from the African

upcoming performance for her crew.

Faction, The Mooks, Nerdz Dance

American communities of New York

Shoey is one of seven leaders of

Troupe, RAPS Dance Troupe, Static

City, has become an art in the hands

EPIC Motion Dance Company, based

Noyze, Capital Funk, and Part-Time

of those from diverse backgrounds.

in Manhattan that was originally

Models—all of which are based in

a part of NYU’s own International

New York City, New Jersey, Boston,

choreographers find inspiration to

Filipino Association dance group.

or Washington D.C. As dance groups

create amidst their busy school and

In the spring of 2009, Ben Fullon,

with many Asian American members,

work lives? YouTube has become a

EPIC’s current executive director,

they all share a common characteristic:

major media outlet through which

branched the group out so that it would

These young people came together

a growing trend of Asian American

become a non-NYU entity, in order

to organize these teams out of their

dancers display their creativity by

to include more non-NYU dancers.

pure interest and passion for dance.

posting videos of their choreography.

Today, EPIC Motion is one of the

“Asian Americans are significant

peaked—which goes to show that since

When do today’s young

Stars like Shaun Evaristo and Lyle

many larger dance groups in the East

in the collegiate dance scene, because I

Beniga continue to be hits as YouTube

Coast collegiate hip-hop scene.

think it’s a way for them to balance their

dance watchers find the two in videos

passion for dance with the more realistic

featuring their dancing as well as work

collegiate teams started out as an

need for them to get a good education,

with Korean pop (K-pop) star, Tae Yang.

extension or side project of an Asian

find a good job, etc.” said Shoey. “That’s

club,” noted one of EPIC’s leaders, Kris

probably why the collegiate dance scene

industry is working and changing

Seto, a graduate of Boston University

consists of many Asian Americans,

the way that dance is viewed,” said

and former member of Boston group

because they are seeking ways to

Shoey. “Therefore, a great dancer

Fusion, and New Jersey group Fr3sh.

keep dancing as part of their lives.”

can be respected and well-known

“Countless numbers of influential

“YouTube is changing the way the

EPIC’s members’ ages range from

At a hip-hop competition like

eighteen to mid-twenties, and many had

Prelude Dance Competition, held in

the underground scene and other

only started dancing for this scene in

many major locales all over the country

dancers at the same time. But in

their early university years. Moreover,

(including Manhattan), many of these

general, I would say, people like Shaun

the majority of EPIC’s members are

collegiate teams gather to display

Evaristo and Lyle Beniga aren't famous

Asian American, representing a

their choreographed sets. Prelude’s

because of their race. They’re just

rapidly growing trend in the faces of

spectators will find that the number

very smart and lucky, and they were

hip-hop within the past few decades.

of Asian Americans participating has

the first ones on that YouTube tip!”

22

Asians Who Can Dance

by the public, and frowned upon by

[sic] strengths in leadership and team

all differences in order to display their

power couple Mariel Martin and Keone

For instance, Filipino American

organization,” said May Matsuo, a

single passion: dance. Regardless of

Madrid from the West Coast received

recent graduate of UC Berkeley who

differences, dance is an artistic outlet

over 3.5 million views of their uploaded

was formerly a leading member of

which any individual is able to pursue,

videos that showcase their newly created

Main Stacks Crew and joined EPIC

so long as they push themselves.

choreography. The two are a part of

Motion this past January. In the

the number of significant YouTube

Hyphen Magazine article, “Dance

Kris. “And I love the feeling. But

star choreographers who represent the

Dance Evolution,” Arnel Carvalio,

the feeling is hard to describe.

West Coast scene. Pioneering hip-hop

founder of Kaba Modern, notes, “When

It’s connecting the physical and

choreography, the couple revolutionizes

you put together discipline, respect,

emotional on a higher wavelength

hip-hop choreography that not only

and a sense of family, that’s really a

that not everyone can achieve.”

adheres to its originating elements

foundation for a successful group.”

but also expands the opportunity

Could hip-hop dance be the new

“I do it because I love it,” says

Thus, it is only fitting to say that hip-hop dance is the form of artistic

to mesh hip-hop with other dance

artistic form of expression that Asian

expression through which many

genres like jazz and modern.

Americans discipline themselves

of today’s young Asian Americans

Hip-hop dance is the form of artistic expression through which many of today’s young Asian Americans are able to express themselves With the influence of media tools,

for in this rapidly growing new

are able to express themselves.

like YouTube, and TV shows exhibiting

generation of hip-hop dancers? Could

hip-hop dance, such as America’s Best

it be the art form that rivals our

impact in the hip-hop scene,” said

Dance Crew and So You Think You

stereotypical pursuits of classical

Shoey. “Perhaps their power comes

Can Dance, dancers in the collegiate

piano and violin? Is hip-hop dance

from number; but talent-wise and

scene have now been able to connect

an alternative outlet to which Asian

knowledge-wise, they are still really

with each other, accumulating to

Americans can apply their sense of

young. If Asian Americans can train

the rise of a new generation of hip-

discipline in tune with raw, pumping

with the right people and learn the

hop dancers like never before.

beats? Could we be seeing more Asian

right foundations, they will continue

American faces in the performance

the hip-hop/urban dance legacy.”

Asian Americans are getting some

“Asian Americans make a huge

attention because of media outlets

industry, with more pop artist

such as YouTube and Facebook,

choreographers, more back-up dancers,

Michelle Lee is a junior, majoring in English

which is why they do impact how

and more performers in general?

& American Literature at the College of Arts

people view urban dance.

With more and more young Asian

Perhaps Asian Americans should

Americans discovering hip-hop dance

be thankful for their culture which

as a creative outlet, young people

emphasizes the importance of discipline,

of numerous diverse backgrounds

a respect for one’s elders, family values,

are coming together in the hip-hop

as well as an essence of self-sacrifice,

dance scene to display their talents

contributing to the betterment of one’s

and share their style with others.

community. “Being part of a team helps

This goes to show that the dance

bring out your identity—not necessarily

community is one that allows its

race-related even—and also identify

members and enthusiasts to put aside

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and Sciences, with a minor in Producing through the Tisch School of Arts.

G

23

ASIANS

WHO CAN

DANCE

CONT'D

Asians Taking the Stage

by Jacqueline Mai

C

oinciding with the American

the show has become a platform for

have no purpose in furthering their

public’s growing appreciation

Asian Americans to showcase their

performance. It brought attention to

with dance culture over the past few

dance talent, some crews have also

girl-on-girl action, which is in itself

years, the emergence of dance shows

began to bring attention to their

a common male fantasy. On top of

that have brought awareness to the

racial identities in a negative light.

that, the element of exoticism that is

wide range of talent coming from Asian

When Poreotix was asked after their

associated with being Asian sparks

dancers. Among the few dance shows,

performance why the crew was wearing

curiosity, adding to the already taboo

America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC) best

sunglasses, Can Nguyen replied in a

girl-on-girl action that audiences like to

captured the variety of Asian talent.

Vietnamese accent, ”because we da

see. It is an example of how crews try to

Jabbawockeez, known for getting their

Asian … we have da small eyes … and

thrill the audience with raunchy tactics

start practicing in a garage, won the first

we like robot.” Such a comment could

where crew members’ identities are

season. Since then, all-Asian American

easily be seen as an attempt to get a

put on display for the sake of bringing

crews like Kaba Modern, Poreotix, Quest

laugh out of the audience, but also could

in the vote. When Hype 5-0 made the

Crew and SoRealCru have also made a

be perceived as self-deprecating humor.

decision to pull this stunt, it seemed

name for themselves on the show. While

It seemed like the purpose of making a

like a desperate attempt to attract the

most of the crews are California-based,

joke of a common Asian feature, small

voters’ attention by masking what was

SoRealCru is the only crew from Texas.

eyes, in a Vietnamese accent, served

otherwise a mediocre performance.

Among the many crews based in

to promote the idea that the crew

Although America’s perception of

California, ABDC has captured the talent

was humorous enough to accept the

Asian Americans dancing in hip hop

of many different Asian ethnicities.

overused joke made on Asians. Either

has changed because of ABDC, crews

Jabbawockeez itself is represented by

way, this little racial joke places an

can draw attention to themselves by

Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese, as

emphasis on how easy it is to reinforce

perpetuating racial stereotypes that

well as Mexican and African American

Asian American stereotypes. It seems as

are irrelevant to the dance itself. On

dancers. Although dancers meet many

if making a joke about being Asian is an

a show that appears to embrace the

obstacles in the process of pursuing

acceptable way to promote the crew’s

diversity of Asian Americans, the

their dreams, from discouraging

use of humor in their performance. His

crews should find it within themselves

parents to humble paychecks, Brian

attempt at this type of joke detracts

to use these differences to show

Puspos from SoRealCru attributes his

from the merits that the crew earned

how dance unifies people, rather

inspiration and support to his family.

based on their performance alone.

than unnecessarily accentuate the

In the first season of the show,

Hype 5-0, a crew from the fifth

stereotypes of Asian American identity.

Jabbawockeez and Kaba Modern set the

season of ABDC, also stirred up

stage for seasons to come. Both crews,

controversy when two female crew

Jacqueline Mai is a freshman in the Stern

exhibiting talent in very different styles,

members kissed at the end of a Britney

School of Business. She dances in her free time

were credited for their originality and

Spears piece. Similar to Poreotix’s

and aims to understand the changing scene

strong performances. But even though

unnecessary joke, the kiss seemed to

of Asians in the dance world and in media.

24

Asians Who Can Dance: Asians Taking the Stage

G

HIKIKOMORI &

THE MODEL MINORITY

by Jae Han

M

ay of 2009. That’s when my life was

the remainder turned out to be a mental torture

put on hold. I was ready to take a

that was determined to deteriorate my sense of

much-needed break after a hectic first year at

identity until I was nothing but an empty shell.

NYU. In retrospect, I didn’t think much about

The first extension of the leave—at least I would

taking a personal leave of absence. I was in

like to think— was a rational decision based on

desperate need of a break from school for both

my still-sane mind. My first semester away from

financial and personal reasons. I intended to

school was blissful, virtually stress-free. But as

return to NYU in the spring semester of 2010, but

both my high school and college friends finished

the semester-long personal leave of absence soon

their sophomore year and moved forward with

turned into a year, and then to a year-and-a-half.

their lives, I slowly began to notice that feelings

My time away from NYU was a perfect

of despair, loneliness, and hopelessness slowly

example of a NEET lifestyle. The term NEET (Not

overcame my usual state of complacency and

in Education, Employment, or Training) first

nonchalance. After a year and a half, I decided that

originated in the United Kingdom. However,

I needed to come back to NYU, no matter what.

its usage soon spread to other countries,

As the proverb goes, “an idle mind is the

such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

devil’s playground.” This is especially true for

I did absolutely nothing. I was (and still am,

young adults who are still developing their

to a certain degree) a parasitic young adult in his

sense of identity. Young adults have to decide

early late teens or early 20s who leeches off his

what they want to do by the time they are out

parents while contributing absolutely nothing

of high school. The transitional period between

worthwhile to the community. Before my exile

adolescence and adulthood is often plagued with

from society, I liked doing nothing. I found solace

feelings of inadequacy and confusion. Most

in the silence that accompanies the act of doing

people deal with this by constantly looking for

nothing. I was able to think freely and clearly

a new place to fit in, to look for a place where

without being bothered by my surroundings.

they feel they belong. By working hard in a field

I guess you could say that I’m a big fan of John

that they feel that they are most adequate and

Cage’s 4'33"—a controversial musical composition

suitable for, young adults learn to be valuable and

that consists of 273 seconds of silence.

contributing members of society. While this is true

What I didn’t realize was that these moments

for young adults of all races, I feel that this is an

of nothingness were only enjoyable because I

especially important issue for Asian Americans,

had a somewhat active lifestyle to accompany

thanks to the model minority stereotype.

them. As we all know, everything is good in

It is a common belief that Asian parents

moderation. By simply doing nothing for a year

are far more involved with their children’s

and half, I slowly drove myself to insanity.

upbringing than parents of other races. However,

While the first few months were rejuvenating,

I don’t wish to bore you with all the details of

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25

stereotypes that everyone is familiar

Asian American children are constantly

that convinces them that they are

with. I realize that discussing these

reminded that happiness relies on

worthless unless they follow a specific

stereotypes has been overdone. Yes,

their ability to become academically

path in life that’s been set for them by

most stereotypes associated with Asians

and financially successful. Now, I don’t

either the society or their parents. The

are positive. I realize that. I also realize

want to sound like I’m looking down

number one reason for an individual

that positive stereotypes are just as

on the hard work and preservation

to become a hikikomori seems to be

bad as negative stereotypes as they

that Asians are most famous for.

his or her perceived academic failure.

tend to set unrealistic expectations.

These traits are certainly good traits

The members of hikikomori choose

that should be encouraged in children

to spend their days curled up in

expectations applied to Asian

of all races. What I find distressing

their rooms, spending endless hours

children is what I would like to

is the overwhelming focus on the

watching TV, reading books, surfing the

discuss. But before I do that, I must

practicality of the select few careers

web, or doing other solitary activities

discuss a phenomenon that originally

that most Asians are fixated on. Asian

that involve no face-to-face social

started in Japan, but soon spread to

parents aren’t the only people to

interaction with another human being.

other neighboring countries.

blame this on, as everyone and anyone

While some of them still continue to

Now, this set of unrealistic

The term hikikomori refers to

who mentions the model minority

be engaged in activities that could be

either the phenomenon or the group

stereotype has an implicit and often

considered productive or intellectual,

of reclusive people who either choose

unintended negative impact on the

they effectively cut themselves away

or are forced to be isolated from

psyche of the Asian American youth.

from society out of fear that they

society due to either personal or social

The primary reason for the huge

would be seen worthless even if they

factors in their lives. These individuals

emphasis on education seems to stem

may be capable of being contributing

are like the individuals of the NEET

from the fact that most Asian parents

and useful members of society. Every

group, composed of young adults who

in America sacrificed their dreams

society needs all types of people. No

withdraw from society. The hikikomori

and ambitions to raise their children.

matter how useless a person may seem,

rarely leave their room. They choose

Most of us are children of these Asian

there’s a role for that person to play

to be alone unless they absolutely

parents. Our parents have sacrificed so

in any given society. The members of

need to interact with others. But,

much to provide a much more secure

hikikomori often do not realize this.

Asian American children are constantly reminded that happiness relies on their ability to become academically and financially successful. the crucial difference between being

future for us. In a way, we have an

They are convinced that their continued

a NEET and a hikikomori is that it is

obligation to become financially and

existence is nothing but a prolonged

technically possible to be a hikikomori

academically successful in order to

stay in a hospice, like a flower in the

and still have a job or attend school.

return our gratitude to our parents.

basement, waiting for a lonely death.

In America, Asian Americans

Therefore, we feel miserable when

They spend weeks, months, and

constantly are being judged on their

we fail to live up to these unusually

years in isolation, usually supported

academic prowess, even if some of

high expectations. Instead of trying

only by family. The emotional and

us don’t place our priorities on them.

harder, some of us cannot shake the

physical states of hikikomori are

The idea of becoming successful in an

fact that we have let ourselves and

proof that even positive stereotypes

area that is not considered academic

our parents down. Some of us simply

effectively eliminate individuality

is often scoffed at in Asian families.

break down and refuse to move on.

and humanity of any group.

Becoming anything other than a doctor,

The hikikomori are overwhelmed

a lawyer, or a ceo is frowned upon.

with a feeling of learned helplessness

26

Hikikomori & the Model Minority

Fortunately, most of us are not hikikomori. We, as intelligent

young adults in universities, are in control of our own future. While some of us may have the typical Asian parents that wish for us to have the stereotypical professional careers, we have desires that often clash with the desires of our parents. But, being the mature

To destroy the stereotype that we’ve been marked with, we must first embrace it without shame.

individuals that we are, we compromise.

The most important reason for becoming successful is not for money. It is not to simply

that Asian parents are often unfairly accused of

to pay back our parents’ kindness. We must

being. By being aware and appreciative of our

be successful in order to break this cycle. Let’s

parents’ struggles, we can increase the chance of

say that we choose to disobey our parents. Let’s

us becoming more responsive to our children’s

say that hypothetically, we end up being not

desires while remaining assertive and reasonable.

successful. By not becoming successful ourselves,

What must be done? It is important to

we run the risk of being the same type of parents

realize that while being financially and

that we were raised by. This isn’t exclusive to

academically successful is desirable, it isn’t the

Asians; it happens to families of all races. However,

only path to happiness. So how do we go about

this cycle has the most potential to be prevalent

in fixing the old-fashioned Asian attitude that

in Asian families thanks to the Confucianism

seems to be fixated on status and success?

beliefs upheld in most Asian societies.

Unfortunately, there is no way to convince

Most of us (not only Asian Americans, but all

the older generations. They have sacrificed so

students) are young adults who invest much time

much for our future. What we can do as young

and effort in getting higher education. After all,

Asian Americans, however, is change how our

why else would we attend NYU if we didn’t care

children would feel about their lives. Being

about our future? We spend hundreds of thousands

raised in America, we know that happiness

of dollars as well as years of our lives to be

doesn’t necessarily come with being a successful

educated at this fine institution. With workplaces

professional. Being raised in a less collectivistic

becoming ever more competitive, the pursuit of

nation taught us that variety in life is a good

higher education is becoming a necessity to obtain

thing. We, as young Asian Americans, must

a secure job and a prosperous future. I assume that

conform to the model minority first so that we

my audience (aka you, the people who are reading

are in the right position to start dispelling the

this) is composed of relatively educated people. As

stereotype itself. To destroy the stereotype that

I mentioned, we’re in NYU already. That means we

we’ve been marked with, we must first embrace

at least care a bit about our future. This means that

it without shame. Only then will we be able to

what we plan to do with our lives isn’t too far away

slowly destroy the model minority stereotype

from the type of success that our parents wish for

and let the rest of the world know that Asians are

us to have. Since we’re already on the right path,

real humans with flaws, rather than perpetual

shouldn’t we continue with our best? But also, we

foreigners who exclude themselves from

must be aware that although the expectations of

other groups. Even the members of reclusive

our parents are logical and benevolent, they are

groups such as hikikomori and NEET must

fundamentally infringing our rights to pursue

realize that they are not alone in their struggle

our own happiness. Therefore, when it’s time for

to break the model minority stereotype.

G

us to become parents of future Asian Americans, we must be extra careful. While we want to be

Jae Han is a sophomore majoring in Psychology.

responsible and respectable parents, we also don’t want to be the demanding and uncaring parents

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27

GENERASIAN .KENNY HSU.

.JOSEPH LIN.

staff picks BEST OF 2011 BEST LOCAL EATS

BEST SCANDAL/CONTROVERSY

Nothing satisfies my constant craving for Indian food

No matter whose side you were on, Amy Chua’s

like Curry In A Hurry (Lexington Ave and 28th St).

“Tiger Mom” was a compelling example of the gap

The delicious tikka, daal, and naan will guarantee

between traditional Asian values and contemporary

that you indeed finish this meal in a hurry.

Western attitudes. tumblr.com/x6x1hylhit

66 Lu’s Seafood in Flushing.

WSN forgetting to mention the Asian

The pork chop is about $5.95,

Heritage Month Planning Committee in their

enormous and big enough for

interview with Wong Fu Productions.

2 people. Cash only though! .SONDRA MORISHIMA.

.PATRICK YAN.

.VICKY YAU.

.SARAH CHEN.

.JAE HAN.

.MICHELLE LEE.

.SOOMI RHO.

.TARA SARATH.

At just about any time of the day, you can find what

Amy Chua’s Tiger Mom, because it reached such

exacty what you’re in the mood for at Panya, whether

a large audience, yet almost all of the discussion

it’s the spicy curry pastry, a latte, a delicious bento

surrounding it was very superficial and failed to

box, or an onigiri—all at a convenient price.

critically analyze the complexity of the scandal.

Picnic Garden in Flushing.

Mainstream media’s shocking revelation of

$18–28 Korean BBQ buffett. Dirt

Asian values persisting in America—from the

cheap kalbi, samgyupsal, and

Tiger Mom to changing a child’s last name to

more will leave everyone happy.

sound non-Asian. tumblr.com/x6x2737x97

Buddha Bodai. Everything they serve is vegan,

Alexandra Wallace’s “Asians Talking in the Library”

but for some of the dishes, you would not

rant. Come on; don’t say you’re not offending your

believe that it’s not meat. The prices are also

Asian friends and then say all those things about

very “broke college kid” friendly, too!

Asians in general! tumblr.com/x6x1rpbqwm

Jing Fong Restaurant (in Chinatown) for awesome

Rush Limbaugh mocked Chinese President Hu

Cantonese Dim Sum. Go there on weekend for

Jintao and offensively parodied the Chinese language

morning tea with various kinds of dumplings,

and accent—garnering opposition from Asian

porridge, vegetables and other side dishes!

American communities and civil rights groups.

Cafetasia. Not too expensive,

Alexandra Wallace. UCLA is a pretty prestigious

good variety. Plus, right

school, and California has a lot of Asians. Wouldn't

next to Cantor Film Center.

you think racism would be less of a problem?

Saint's Alp (3rd Ave and 10th St). Cheap noodle

Alexandra Wallace. It was totally ignorant of

bowls, a huge variety of bubble tea, and even toast

her to portray Asians in such a ludicrous way.

with condensed milk. Super accessible for NYU

Let this be a lesson to us about moderating

students seeking a not-so-pricey, satisfying meal.

publicly viewable content in the online stream.

Woorijip. Yummy Korean food in little containers! Their

From “ching chong” remixes to to outraged rants,

plastic utensils are cute, and I always make sure to grab

I enjoyed (and felt empowered by) watching

more than necessary to take back to my dorm room.

responses to Alexandra Wallace’s racist rant.

Koryodang is a K-town bakery

The “Take Back Yoga” campaign annoys me,

chain. Mmm…delicious rice

because the campaign is totally correct and the

flour rounds, deep fried,

controversy is typical consumer defensiveness.

and powdered in sugar.

28

Staff Picks: Best of 2011

BEST BOOK

BEST MUSIC

Pacific Rims (2010) follows athlete-turned-

Dougy Mandagi, the Indonesian lead singer for

journalist Rafe Bartholomew's exploration

upcoming indie band Temper Trap, had listeners in

of the Philippines' extraordinary—even

awe when their song "Sweet Disposition" debuted

bizarre—fascination with basketball.

on the (500) Days of Summer soundtrack.

Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies. Notice

Aziatix, composed of Eddie Shin,

her intricate but seemingly effortless stories from

Nicky Lee and Flowsik, debuted this

the South Asian diaspora that deal with emotions

spring with a powerhouse combination

of longing, desire, and the human experience.

of smooth R&B and sick rhymes.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Thao with the Get Down Stay

asks the reader to consider America’s “fundamentals,”

Down. I can listen to “Like

it’s place in the greater global society, and issues

the Linen” for months.

faced by Muslim Americans in the U.S. post-9/11.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Korean hip-hop/dance girl group

captures the angst and joys of college

2NE1 is getting ready to dominate

youths in the revolutionary sixties

America with their international

(avoid the sucky movie though).

album produced by will.i.am.

Amy Chua’s The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.

Aziatix’s new song “Go” really surprised me.

Find out why she chose a traditional Chinese style

I think this new group has the potential to

of raising children instead of a more “Western”

become the next big Asian American group

one, since she herself was raised in the U.S.

in the U.S. tumblr.com/x6x1wy3hol

Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White

Singapore singer Stephanie Sun returned

talks about breaking Asian Americans’ stereotypes of

with her latest album “It’s Time,” in which

“the model minority” and “the perpetual foreigner.”

she sings about her understanding of life and presents her new attitude toward the future.

Kino's Journey. Simple,

Lang Lang.

addictive, and pure.

The Beautiful Generation: Asian

Dumbfoundead, a Korean American rapper from

Americans and the Cultural Economy of

LA, recently performed at NYU for Asian Heritage

Fashion, for anyone into fashion and Asian

Month. Check out his song on YouTube, “Bubba

American involvement in this industry.

Kush,” full of witty lyrics and smooth swag.

The Korean biography of Ban Ki Mooon accounts his

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have always

overcoming of cultural and language barriers to become

been a favorite of mine. Lead singer

the current secretary general for the United Nations.

Karen O is half Polish, half Korean.

A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Pakistani author

Goldspot, fronted by Siddhartha Khosla, may have

Mohammad Hanif—satirical and darkly humorous, the

written the most ridiculously catchy song of all

New York Times has compared him to Joesph Heller.

time, “Friday,” and even sang a Hindi version of it!

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29

GENERASIAN READ OUR BLOG

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