Expression: Fall 2012

GENERASIAN NYU's premier Asian American publication Fall 2012 • Vol 11 • No 1

EXPRESSION

What’s Inside 03 Letter from the Editor Patrick Yan 04 Trending: July–December 2012

Arts & Culture

Features

10 How Do You Like Your Café?

Rachel Liu & Kimberly Chen 14 Being Asian American in Asia Evelyn Cheng 16 Asian American Clique Formation Jacqueline Mai 17 The Model Minority: For Better or for Worse Hasun Won 18 Asian Festivals Jade Chen & Tina Yu

Commentary

06

The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style

24

The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last

Soo Mi Rho

20 The Ties that Bind Us Eunice Lau 22 FOBs: The Baggage They Bring Natalie Weng

LOCAL 28 eSports: From Foreigners to Phenoms John Chen

Catherine Ye

30 Our Picks: Restaurants and More!

Zi Lin, Subin Chung, Jacqueline Mai, Harrison Lin, Nancy Nan 31 Quick Tips: Save Your Wallet and Mind Jennifer Tseng, Stephanie Zhou, Yuna Park, Amy Lu

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Editorial Staff

Media Staff

Editor-in-Chief Patrick Yan Editor-at-Large Soo Mi Rho Art Director Rachel Liu Operations Manager Han Yu Asst. Operations Manager Connie Lee Public Relations Manager Yuna Park

Editors

Media Producer Nancy Nan Asst. Media Producer Emily Lu Technical Director Joey Wang

2 Table of Contents

Jane Chun

Layout Designers

Eunice Lau

Kimberly Chen

Zi Lin

Howard Lee

Jacqueline Mai

Rachel Liu

Online Editors

Hasun Won

Jennifer Tseng

Evelyn Cheng & Joyce Chen

Letter editor from the

S

itting outside in below freezing

devoted to student artists, who have presented

temperatures on this December

beautiful interpretations of Asian festivals.

evening, the frosty tips of my fingers may be

Although I’m extremely proud of where we’ve

turning blue, but the warmth within me dulls the

gotten since our re-founding two and a half years

chilliness. As I flip through a draft of this issue,

ago, Generasian still has many improvements

I can’t help but feel extremely proud seeing the

to make and new roads to explore. Our blog has

incredible rebirth and growth of this two-and-

been an integral component of Generasian’s

a-half-year-old publication. Just two years ago

revitalization, and I hope to see the expansion

today, we had just printed our first pamphlet.

and refinement of our online presence that will

Now we are publishing biannual journals,

bring our voice to even more readers around

operating a blog with 3,000 monthly readers,

the world. In addition, our media crew is small,

and video-documenting local phenomena.

but growing. We’ve already covered hot events

The purpose of Generasian is noble—to provide

and interviewed pop stars, but we still have

a completely open channel for students to discuss

a lot of learning to do. I hope that Generasian

issues relevant to the Asian American community.

continues on its incredible path. We’re still far

Every face that walks into the publication lab every

from perfect, but I’d like to thank everyone who

Monday evening has the dedicated expression of

has supported us since our inception. Please look

fervor drawn on it. It’s incredible that this talented

forward to more amazing content in the coming

group of over twenty writers, bloggers, editors,

years, but for the mean time enjoy these psychotic

artists, videographers, and reporters gathers each

snapshots of Hasun, one of our feature editors. GG

week to develop and publish this dialogue for the world to explore. Despite losing an entire week to Hurricane Sandy, we still managed to stick to our original schedule without forfeiting quality.

In this issue, we explore some of the hottest topics of the year, from the global “Gangnam

Patrick Yan is a senior studying Finance in the Leonard N. Stern School of Business with a minor in East Asian Studies.

Style” phenomenon to the 2012 US election, in depth. This year, we’ve especially focused on developing more complete stories and thorough analyses. Our writers have also brought you some of the most thought-provoking and nuanced perspectives on the influence of Asian parenting styles and the usage of the term “fob.” We also explore some new territory with a section

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Oppar Gerngnerm Sterl! Our favorite feature editor Hasun.

Letter from the Editor 3

TRENDING July–December 2012 Data from Google Trends

Gangnam Style PSY’s “Gangnam Style” shoots up to #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has become the most liked and

July

4 Trending: July–December 2012

most viewed YouTube video in history.

A white supremacist opens fire

In the past few months, the Korean singer

on a Sikh Temple in Milwaukee,

and his horse dance took over the VMAs,

Wisconsin, killing six. President

AMAs, EMAs, and just about every

Obama condemned the act of terrorism

other music or talk show in the world.

and called for the end of such violence.

Obama nominates openly gay Asian

A video of Olympic swimmer Ryan

American judge Pamela Ki Mai

Lochte’s sister Megan Lochte

Chen to serve as a United States

making racist remarks about China

District Judge. If confirmed, Chen

resurfaces. Lochte called the Great

will be the first Asian American

Wall “an OCD fence” and repeatedly

lesbian to serve on the bench.

disparaged the local “chinks.”

August

September

ELECTION Asian Americans make history on Election Day as Grace Meng, Mazie Hirono, Tulsi Gabbard, Tammy Duckworth, and Ron Kim made their ways into the House of Representatives and Senate.

NYU Shanghai, a joint venture between New York University and East China Normal University, is officially established. It will open next year to 300 students, half of whom will be Chinese.

Jeremy Lin becomes the first Asian man on the cover of GQ

Magazine for its November issue.

Victoria’s Secret comes out with a “Go East” line before Halloween. A set of provocatively Japanese geisha-inspired lingerie called “Sexy Little Geisha” stirred controversy. Shortly after, the lingerie giant pulled it off its website.

Hong Kong property tycoon Cecil Chao Sze-tsung offers $65 million to any man who can ‘straighten’ his lesbian daughter, who had recently married her female partner in France.

Red Dawn, a movie focusing on a Lucy Liu plays an Asian female

group of teenagers fighting against

Dr. Watson in CBS’s Sherlock

North Korean invaders, comes out.

Holmes remake Elementary. Not

The movie stirred up controversy

long after the premiere, Liu made a

with a slew of issues, such as its

controversial remark about looking “a

treatment of minority groups.

little Filipino” when she gets tanned.

October

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November

Trending: July–December 2012 5

The PsyCHology

by Soo Mi Rho

w

ith almost a billion YouTube

hits and counting, “Gangnam

radio show and showed Britney Spears

Side of South Korea where urbanites

how to do the famed “horse dance”

are known to sip expensive coffee

Style” is yet unlike any viral video

on The Ellen Show. He seamlessly

and don brand names. And PSY,

sensation. That’s because it’s different

played a part in a SNL comedy sketch

true to his reputation as a funny and

with PSY, the portly, US-educated but

and he and Gangnam Style have been

society-critiquing rapper, is poking

South Korea-bred hip-hop artist. He

analyzed from all angles by publications

at this bourgeois society through his

isn’t anything like a sexy girl group

like the the Wall Street Journal and

seemingly light-hearted performances.

or a cut, swagged-out rapper from

the Harvard Business Review.

In an interview, he stated his goal is to

Asia with big dreams of making it in

Indeed, PSY and his success with

“be funny but not stupid.” And PSY,

the wild wild West. No, he’s the guy

Gangnam Style have shown some

despite his increasing English-speaking

whose self-professed motto is “Dress

serious success in the States, but

audience, has claimed that he does

classy, dance cheesy.” Most people

PSY’s not one to take himself all that

not plan to release Gangnam Style in

seem to like him well enough, but most

seriously. He’s a veteran in the South

English. After all, wouldn’t it be great

of them just look confused. His flashy

Korean music scene and is commonly

if all of his international listeners

70s-style tux, greased back hair, and

known as that quirky, slightly crude,

could have their cake and understand

almost violent dance moves have surely

yet well-respected “bad-ass” (his words,

it too? With other K-pop artists who

raised some eyebrows since late in the

not mine) musical artist who sticks out

try to break into the US market, their

summer when the infamous music

like a sore thumb among his skinny and

originally Korean songs are translated

video caught on internationally.

beautifully coiffed musical colleagues

into English, resulting in a subpar and

It was all a happy accident. The

who are all considerably younger than

rather generic single that echo random

song debuted in mid-July of this year

PSY, now 34-years-old and a father

phrases about love. PSY’s refusal to

in South Korea and reached the tops

of twins. On stage, he lives up to his

compromise his music is perhaps a

of Billboard-equivalent charts there.

stage name as a “PSY”-cho: doing his

window into what he is attempting to

That was probably the most success

horse-trot dance, he swings his hands

do with the fame he has gathered.

PSY had expected out of the single

overhead as if he truly is reeling in

from the sixth album of his career. But

the toughest horse in the West.

For one, PSY has not changed anything about Gangnam Style between

the music video’s views on YouTube

Despite its immense success,

its first debut in mid-July in Korea and

started rocketing and it was brought

Gangnam Style is an unconventional

now, over half a billion YouTube views

to his attention that his video was

top Billboard song in that the song is

later. Whether it was his intention or

getting traffic from all over the world.

entirely in Korean. For the average,

not, nothing about Gangnam Style has

Within 60 days of the music video’s

non-Korean-speaking listener, it is

been adapted to contour U.S. market

YouTube release, he was creating a

absolutely impossible to understand

demands. Compare this to K-pop girl

frenzy of curious and amused viewers

what PSY is getting at with the

group, Wonder Girls, who released their

in the United States and subsequently

exception of the “Hey, sexy lady”-s.

most recent single “Nobody” in English

signed with Scooter Braun, who is

What is Gangnam and is it in any

despite the awkward translation. Girls’

famous for having discovered YouTube

way related to robot figurines (see:

Generation, another K-pop girl group,

star Justin Bieber. Since then, PSY has

Gundam)? Or, is this song actually a

signed with Interscope Records and

made the Guinness World Records for

well-hidden PSA promoting safe sex

released their originally Korean single,

accruing the most likes on YouTube,

habits (see: Open Condom Style)? But

“The Boys,” in English and performed

amounting to 5.5 million and counting.

Gangnam is actually a district of South

it on Late Show with David Letterman.

From then on, it has been a crazy,

Korea’s industrious and metropolitan

However, releasing the song in English

upward climb. PSY has rambled about

capital, Seoul. Recently, the Gangnam

did not help either group amass as

his love of drinking on Ryan Seacrest’s

district has become the Upper East

much recognition as PSY did. Gangnam

6 Features

of gangnam style Style’s language barrier hasn’t halted

“Everyone—even the people on the

excitedly returned the favor. And this

its success. PSY stated in an interview

side and people in the back who were

is the distinct charm of PSY, the kind

with CNN that “fun” was a universal

covered and couldn’t see him—were

that goes beyond the hip-thrusting

language, and the possible reason why

going crazy and jumping up and

moves and absurd outfits. After the

Gangnam Style is ranking number

down even if they weren’t going to

performance, the interviewer asked

one on music charts of Australia,

be in front of the camera,” recalled

PSY what he thought his success meant

Canada, France, Germany, and many

senior Constance Jiang who was lucky

for those back in South Korea. He

other countries. And why indeed

enough to snag a front row spot. “It

responded: “I’m on Today Show, NBC,

should PSY be expected to awkwardly

was definitely majority Asian, but

this stage, excuse me but let me say...

stumble through English lyrics? As

there were more [non-Asians] than I

Daehanminguk manse!” “What does

an artist, he would not be able to fully

expected.” It did seem to be a motley

that mean?” asked the interviewer.

hone his craft through a language he’s

of people of all races and ages from the

“Korea rules,” PSY responded.

not fully comfortable with. And just

televised footage, which is perhaps the

as how American musicians release

most moving part of it all. What’s more,

whoops and applause on The Ellen

their singles internationally and tour

“a lot of [non-Asians] knew the lyrics

Show, PSY took the stage running—

around the world, they are not expected

because they were screaming along,”

literally—in that horse trot, raising

have songs in any other language but

remarked Jiang. With as much gusto

whoops and laughter from the

English. So again, why should PSY?

as the first, second, third runthrough

audience. And in a backstage interview

At the Today Show, hundreds of

performances before cameras started

between a producer and Mike Song

enthusiastic fans showed up in the

rolling, PSY gave all of his energy

and his mother (the adorable duo

early morning to watch PSY perform.

to the audience and the audience

made famous through their rendition

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Guntur

The night before, we had a dance

“

Moreover, when greeted with

had to be out by 3:00. So last minute

workshop for people who wanted

I posted on the Facebook page, 2:45,

to actually learn the dance, the

and I got some backlash afterwards

choreography. We got in contact with [a

because there were people coming in

professional Korean pop dance instructor

from Long Island and New Jersey who

from I LOVE DANCE] and she hosted

thought it was 3:00. But it was still fun.

a workshop and about twenty people

I think the most memorable [part

showed up. They were the main dancers

of this experience] was when I went to

that started off the song. [On the day of,]

the Parks and Recreation department

Washington Square Style

I think a lot more people were standing

and got told “no” in the face. My

CAS Freshman Tae Young Woo explains how he

around the event and taking pictures

friend and I were like, “Alright, we’re

took the Gangnam Style craze to NYU’s backyard

than people dancing but we had a lot of

probably going to have to cancel this.”

It started off as just a fun event and

students from NYU, a lot of reporters

That night, we got a phone call from

then we got contacted by a TV producer

from newspapers and TV stations…

another flash mob group and they

[from KBS]. We hoped that through

there were way too many people. And

said they were willing to help. They

the flash mob, we would spread the

there was some miscommunication

had the permits to do events at the

word about the song, perhaps the

because I said the event supposed to

park and they brought us under theirs.

artist himself, and hopefully Korean

be at 3:00, but we were told by the

Planning in general kind of shows that

culture and music in general.

authorities that the sound equipment

college freshmen can do something.”

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The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style 7

of Gangnam Style on YouTube), PSY

on Asians are far from being freed

His performances are so energetic that

sauntered in and proceeded to talk to

of common stereotypes and racial

one even finds it a bit overwhelming the

the two in Korean, as if the camera and

overtones. Any number of ignorant

way he thrashes about on stage. The effort

the interviewer weren’t there. Perhaps

comments on YouTube videos is a clear

is there, as it always has been since his

it was a cultural move—it would be

sign of this. In Ellen DeGeneres’ video

first single in 2001. In an interview by

considered inconsiderate to speak in

featuring the Gangnam Style-dancing

Korean network MBC, PSY remarked, “A

a language that is unfamiliar to the

mother-son duo, a viewer ended his

philosopher once explained that when

eldest in the room. But this is, again,

comment with “at least they’re not

effort meets opportunity, it becomes luck.

the distinct charm of PSY. It’s that he

killing animals in this video…” So,

After hearing that, I think I always gave

is simply himself, wherever he is.

again, is PSY breaking molds and

effort.” It’s clear that he understands that

In fact when Braun wanted to talk

smashing through stereotypes? Perhaps

it’s not always about getting lucky; it is

business, PSY responded: “You know,

it’s not a cultural revolution, but one

often about creating one’s own luck.

this is very nice but I’d rather take you

could argue such stringent barriers

to Koreatown for a drink.” What PSY

are slowing being chipped away.

does right is he doesn’t try to be more

For example, the success of

And one may wonder, what good is an energetic performance if there is a language barrier. Yet, while a

American or more Western. He’s just

Gangnam Style may have transformed

language barrier can be a hindrance,

himself, this raging hip-hop artist who

media attention on Asians. At first

it is not the final call. CAS sophomore

makes a point to give shout-outs to

it was a bit troubling—the last thing

Jadayah Spencer, who admits to not

Korea because it is the place he knows,

the West needed was another chubby,

understanding Korean, still proclaimed

the place that is so integral to him as

sunglass-wearing, weirdly dressed

her love for Gangnam Style: “When I

an artist and as a person. It’s natural,

Asian guy (see: Kim Jong-Il and co).

saw the music video, I thought it was

almost obvious, to represent and radiate

And there was also the danger of PSY

hilariously ridiculous. So much, in fact,

the part of your identity and the place

pigeonholing himself as that somewhat

that I had to watch it again. And again.

that has shaped it. For K-pop artists

glittery, magical YouTube sensation

And before I knew it, I was watching

or any international artists that try to

who would surely disappear into the

and listening to it every day. I just sing

conceal this fact does so as a conscious,

vast unknown once his time in the

along, despite understanding like 7%

PR-department-manufactured

spotlight was over. But instead of

[of the lyrics].” Moreover, although the

choice. Jiang also recalled attending

simply isolating himself as that one-hit

crowd at the Today Show might have

a certain K-pop group’s performance

wonder from Asia, PSY demonstrated

been Asian-dominant, the hundreds

in Houston, Texas. When the girl

that he isn’t just a fluke in the system.

of people who gathered at Washington

group was picking out members of they “picked the three white people in

The Rest of the Cast

the audience.” What does that mean for the rest of the Koreans standing there, supporting their favorite K-pop group? Why cast out the Koreans because they’re, well, Korean?

q While this is all great in and of itself,

Hyuna

Noh Hong-Chul

realistically PSY isn’t slicing through

Who’s that darling PSY encounters in the

That creepy-looking man in the elevator

cultural barriers like some sort of social

subway with orange eyebrows? She goes by

with the scary, wide-set eyes and

justice bandit. Indeed to make such

Hyuna, a member of popular K-pop girl group

uncomfortable smile is Noh Hong-Chul,

claims would be over-enthusiastic. We

4minute. She is commonly known for her sweet

a popular comedian and variety show

live in a world where South Korea’s

voice and hip-thrusting moves and makes a

regular in Korea, known for his out of the

top artists like Rain travel overseas to

cameo as PSY’s dance partner and unlikely

box humor and that infamous pelvic thrust

take on the ever-so original role of a

love interest. Not to mention, she’s released her

(known in Korea as the Juhjil Dance which

ninja assassin that flopped in the box

own version of Gangnam Style, titled “Oppan

roughly translates to Crude Dance),

offices. To put it briefly, media attention

Ddak Nae Style” (Oppa You’re Just My Style).

8 Features

Photos courtesy of YG Entertainment

the audience to come up to their stage,

Square Park for a flash mob of Gangnam

to have dewy-eyed expectations of

real—it’s soju. It’s like rubbing alcohol.”

Style was a mixed bunch. The main

Universal attempting to diversify the

And then they toast to “breaking

event organizer, Tae Young Woo, a

music scene so that all cultures to hold

down barriers.” Idealistic? Perhaps.

freshman in CAS, commented, “Even

hands and sing Kumbaya. But Scooter

the people who didn’t know about the

Braun, who initially reached out to PSY,

That’s a universal characteristic

event and were just at the park at that

does seem to share these seemingly

that anyone can appreciate, along

moment just decided to jump in to have

fantastical sentiments. He tweeted on

with a solid performance and a

fun. Everybody knows the song.”

the day of PSY’s Today performance:

shiny blazer. The world doesn’t

q In regards to his future plans, PSY is due to release an English album through Braun’s Schoolboy Records, a sublabel under Universal Records. The label has commented that Korean rap lyrics are

Authenticity. That’s a universal characteristic that anyone can appreciate, along with a solid performance and a shiny blazer.

“sticky” and “delicious,” and his first

But perhaps not. Authenticity.

need another ninja assassin. Should PSY flop, should he not—these are not the issues to be stressing over.

What matters are what has already happened, and what roads have been paved for future success stories.

Amidst speculations, irrefutable facts remain: Gangnam Style has

single in the United States is projected

reached number one on Billboards

to be in half Korean and half English. “I

“As an immigrant’s kid I’m taking a

all over the world. The music video

guess to the U.S., my songs in Korean

lot of pride in what is happening on

has made world records. It’s a song

sound fun to them,” PSY stated in an

the @todayshow right now. Thousand

in a foreign language, about a foreign

interview. But the obvious speculation is:

r here for #GangnamStyle. Watch!”

city, from a foreign person. Yet here

will it crash and burn? A Korean-English

And in a YouTube video uploaded by

it is, in all its unprecedented glory.

hybrid song released in the US market?

PSY’s official account with the title,

Once the dust settles, these facts will

Gangnam Style worked, but it almost

“Public Announcement - Scooter Braun

remain, and they must say something

seemed to be a transcendental meeting

Regarding PSY,” the two are holding

about the world we live in today.

of the minds between the gods and the

up cups of soju in a rather awkward,

forces of K-pop. There are many ways

candlelit porch setting. Braun proclaims,

Soo Mi Rho is a senior majoring in

to argue whether this is indeed a smart

“And to mark this moment in history

Media, Culture and Communication

business move or not (consult a Sternie,

between our great nations we are going

and minoring in Business in

perhaps). Moreover, it may be unrealistic

to take—and I want to show you so it’s

Entertainment, Media & Technology.

Yoo Jae-Suk

Hwang Min-Woo

Daesung & Seungri

Arguably one of the top comedians and

Everyone’s asking: who’s the little

It’s popular K-pop hip-hop group Big Bang’s

well-respected variety show MCs in Korea,

heartbreaker showing up Psy in the beginning

members Daesung and Seungri who don

Yoo Jae-Suk cameos as the yellow suit-

playground scene? It’s Hwang Min-Woo, a

gray hair and some traditional Korean

donning maverick who completes the look

former contestant of American Idol-esque

clothes for their small role in the music

with a bowl cut and a flashy red sports car,

shows like Superstar K and Korea’s Got Talent

video. As these “old men” play checkers,

in which he speeds off into the sunset after

2. When PSY saw him on the latter showing

they are blown away, literally, by a large

a fierce dance battle with the PSY-cho.

off his moves to a Michael Jackson song, he

explosion that only PSY comes out of

got on the phone and brought out the budding

unscathed, looking quite boss as per usual.

G

5-year-old dancer to his music video set.

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The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style 9

How do you like your café?

by Rachel Liu & Kimberly Chen Generasian has put together an aromatic scrapbook

Caffé Bene is one such example. It launched its first

of five coffee shops around NYU campus. Café

international store in New York on February 1, 2012.

culture has taken over many Asian urban cities

Located in Times Square, it is one of the biggest

such as Seoul, South Korea and Shanghai, China.

coffee shops with 600 square meters of ambient

In turn, some of the American coffee shop

music and a charming vintage interior design.

experience has been revolutionized by Asian

Follow the footsteps of these students on

culture and has been brought back to America

their visual journey to find that adored

with an interesting and endearing twist.

café culture around campus.

Bonnie Jin, Liberal Studies 2015

Aroma

10 Arts & Culture

Caffé Bene

Patrick Yan, Stern School of Business 2013

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How Do You Like Your Café? 11

La Colombe Gordon Wong, CAS 2015

12 Arts & Culture

The Bean

Caren Cee, CAS 2016

Van Leeuwen

Jessica Lee, Steinhardt 2015

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How Do You Like Your CafĂŠ? 13

Being Asian American in Asia

by Evelyn Cheng

H

ere in China, I have been

personally treats everyone at her

they have lost some of their appeal since

reminded repeatedly

birthday dinner or that girls link

my Chinese peers cannot access them.

how good it is to be young.

Perhaps it’s because of China’s

arms while walking. Bargaining for a

As many have observed before,

greater variety of clothes than seen in

China may be Communist in name,

thriving youth culture. Whether

America makes shopping entertaining,

but the rules are often negligible. The

they are writing furiously online,

and the prevalence of Hello Kitty and

workers at the subway stations tell

singing, or making speeches, Chinese

Doraemon themes in merchandise is

passengers to pass their bags through

youth have embraced China’s wave of

heartwarming. From food to household

the scanner, but few listen and no one

economic growth and are optimistic

products, I am comforted by seeing

cares that they do not listen. Train

about their opportunities. They

how the culture held only by my

station employees sometimes check

are filled with ideas and energy

family and social circles in America

passenger IDs; at other times they let

for the future. Studying abroad in

is common practice here. I value my

people through with just their tickets.

Shanghai, I have absorbed some of the

Chinese heritage even more as the

The sign at the acrobat show says

Chinese enthusiasm about life while

commonalities allow me to connect

no photographs, but everyone takes

finding frustrations with myself.

with the locals, especially the students.

pictures anyway. Compared to America,

If I ever questioned the idea that

I look Chinese enough to have strangers

where one’s bags must be checked at

a young person should see as much of

address me in Shanghainese, which

security and unofficial photographers

the world as possible, I am refuted this

I do not understand. Although my

in Lincoln Center are severely

semester; in each part of Shanghai and

Mandarin is not fluent, I know enough

reprimanded, all these practices in

in each part of China that I visit I learn

to get around and inwardly hope

China are disturbing, but only initially.

something new about society and life.

that I look, and sound like, a local.

Perhaps it is reasonable and more

As a college junior, experiencing China

I have learned to use and enjoy the

efficient not to scan every single bag

has opened my mind to new ways of

colorful Chinese social media sites:

during rush hour; a photograph or two

thinking, while allowing me to focus

QQ (similar to AIM), Weibo (Twitter),

can serve to publicize the event via

and Renren (Facebook). Orders made

social media. In China I have found,

through online markets such as Taobao

perhaps selfishly, how often I can get

language and culture which I picked

and Tmall arrive in less than three

away with what is reasonable despite

up during my childhood through

days. Through NYU’s VPN (Virtual

what the rules may say. I find this

family gatherings and Chinese school

Private Network) service, I can still

flexibility liberating. The only area in

are all useful here. It is not strange

access blocked sites such as Facebook,

which I have found confusion rather

that my Chinese language partner

YouTube, Wordpress, and Twitter, but

than liberation is the language.

more time and energy on developing my personal life. With the exchange rate of 6.3 RMB to 1 US dollar, I do not need to worry about high food costs as I did in New York. At the school cafeteria in Shanghai, I can enjoy fresh soy milk and buns for breakfast, beef soup noodles for lunch and fried rice for dinner for less than 5 US dollars.

Transportation and housing costs are also low, allowing me to see different parts of China during my semester here.

The bits and pieces of Chinese

14 Commentary

The bits and pieces of Chinese language and culture which I picked up during my childhood through family gatherings and Chinese school are all useful here. It is not strange that my Chinese language partner personally treats everyone at her birthday dinner or that girls link arms while walking.

Bilingualism is a proven asset in the job and

Many say there are advantages to being

internship market. Employers want workers

Asian American, especially as a visitor to

who can speak Chinese but write English

China. The local Chinese students here say

well. Yet at the same time I have realized

they are more comfortable conversing with

that my Mandarin language skills are not as

someone who looks like themselves. Despite

good as they were touted to be in America.

the slight language and cultural barrier,

Not only do I struggle with proper usage, but

we can still be good friends. Having family

I also encounter a host of pop culture terms

and friends on both sides of the globe also

and historical references which confuse me.

broadens my mind to future possibilities.

Essays I write for Chinese class are considered

Spending this semester in China I have found

unnatural to the Chinese ear, for my brain is

a pride in being Asian, in being Chinese, which

translating sentences from English to Chinese

I do not sense as much in America about being

as I write. Even in QQ instant messages, my

American. A Chinese doctor I met on the train

friends correct my Chinese and say they know

told me that being Chinese runs deeper than

immediately that I am a foreigner. I may imagine

being a citizen of a country. He reminded me

that I am thoroughly Chinese, but with these

that I represent China wherever I go and that I

language barriers my hopes for full assimilation

must show in both my character and writing that

into Chinese society are disillusioned.

the Chinese are worthy in their own right and

Now I understand how the international

should not let themselves be despised by others.

students in America feel, for I myself am one in

Being Asian American in Asia has shown me

China. I realize how difficult it was for my father

that I have a heritage and identity to be proud of.

and other immigrants when they first arrived in

At 19, I am still young and can further develop

America. I once made fun of their English and

my understanding of my cultural background.

cultural gaps; now I find the same jokes are being

When I return to New York, I hope to present a

made about my Chinese language and cultural

better image of Asia and Asians to those who may

knowledge. To be on the receiving end of such

never have the opportunity to travel here. G G

criticism is initially hurtful. Yet seeing how those immigrants have assimilated to America

Evelyn Cheng is a junior studying Journalism and

gives me hope that I can do the same in China.

Urban Design and Architectural Studies in CAS.

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Being Asian American in China 15

Asian American Clique Formation

by Jaqueline Mai

I

n America, it is commonly expected for people to marry, live near, and

contrast to my own circle of friends.

As we moved on to college, many

adolescents completed an in-school questionnaire. Asian youths with

become friends with people who are

schools used diversity as their selling

same-ethnic best friends were reported

similar to them, even (and some may

point. However, the diversity that

to have do more activities than their

argue, especially) within multiracial

exists in schools does not necessarily

counterparts of different ethnic/race

and multiethnic communities. These

translate to more multiethnic nor

friends. “The tendency for ethnically

social trends of intraracial, intra-

multiracial social relationships.

homophilous Asian friends to share

ethnic group formation begin as

Grace Kao and Kara Joyner, in

more activities is most apparent in

early as childhood. The 2000 US

their essay “Do Race and Ethnicity

items where there is face-to-face

Census reported that approximately

Matter among Friends? Activities

contact, especially at a friend’s house.”

36% of the 14-17 year old population

among Interracial, Interethnic, and

Surprisingly, it seems that maintaining

in America is made up of minority

Intraethnic Adolescent Friends,”

a relationship in the school setting

students. Society expects students

address how the issue of multiethnic

is not enough; an invitation into a

to have exposure to multiethnic

and multiracial friendships and

fellow Asian American classmate’s

and multiracial student bodies by

relationships is explored to measure

home bears more significance for the

the time they’re in high school.

the difficulty of maintaining these ties.

friendship than what we would assume.

Digging deeper into the factors that play into this development, I sought

Kao and Joyner explored whether interracial or interethnic relationships

In retrospect, I remember forming close ties with my elementary school

to explore the changes that a second

friends by bonding through playing

generation Asian American goes

Kongee, a Korean table game similar to

through to find his niche in his social

Jacks. I remember lunchtime strangely

circle early on, and the pervading

well, sharing kimbap and Pocky sticks

mindset about social circles he brings

with my closest friends. The familiarity

with him to high school and beyond.

was comforting and allowed me to

I examined the factors that play into

connect easily with them. I vaguely

this development using my personal

remember being conscious, even in

experience and observation as well

elementary school, of the ties I formed

as scientific backing through use

with my Asian American friends,

of accredited sources and renown

and how much we had in common as

sociologists and try to include data to better explain this phenomenon.

As a student who went to a public

opposed to my friends of other races. It were characterized by fewer shared

was only later in my life that I started

activities: “One might anticipate

to branch out and become involved in

high school in New York City, I have

that fewer shared activities are a

clubs in high school that allowed me

had a pretty ethnically diverse friend

sign of less intimate relationships.”

to reach out to people of other races

group. I have noticed over the years in

The study concluded by saying that

and ethnicities. And I believe that

school that cliques also tend to form to

interracial relationships are the

through my involvement in the various

include those who are of the same or

exception rather than the norm.

cultural clubs and extracurriculars

similar ethnic or cultural background

Even though they are uncommon,

I was engaged in that I was able to

and exclude those who aren’t. I have

when the people do cross interracial

form deeper and more personal

been surrounded by Asian American

boundaries, their friendships are

bonds with the people in them. GG

communities my whole life and always

likely to suffer from fewer shared

wondered why Asian Americans form

activities and thus lesser intimacy.

cliques in the school setting and in the

In the National Longitudinal

social context. It always struck me as a

Study of Adolescent Health, 90,000

16 Asian American Clique Formation

Jacqueline Mai is a junior studying Finance in the Stern School of Business.

The Model Minority

for Better or for Worse

by Hasun Won

A

sian American. The word is widely associated

nine out of ten Pacific Islanders are not prepared for college-level coursework.

classified as Asians regardless.

The Asian American model minority

with adjectives like hardworking,

It is true that Asian Americans in

imagery is irrevocably incorrect

overachieving, and well educated.

general represent a disproportionately

because there are many who are socially

Such stereotype is commonly used,

high amount of college enrollment and

suppressed by its use. Describing

given that there is a website entirely

graduation according to the same study.

Asian Americans as the perfect model

dedicated to Asians sleeping in the

Nevertheless, such figures say little

minority effectively undermined the

library. The term “model minority”

about actually social status and well-

hardships of a large portion of people

comes immediately into mind when

being of Asian Americans in general;

and made many apathetic and even

people talk about the typical success

there are many underprivileged Asian

ignorant to their problems. Ronald

story of an Asian American student.

Americans who struggle more than

Takaki writes, in his book Strangers

their ethnically different peers. Over

from a Different Shore: A History of

Asians as a particular kind of group,

10% of Asian Americans in United

Asian Americans, “Thinking Asian

a group that not only looks East Asian

States live at poverty level as opposed

Americans have succeeded, government

in appearance but also excels at math,

to 8.2% of Caucasians. The number

officials have sometimes denied

studies hard, and so on as suggested by

of Asian Americans living on public

funding for social service programs

the popular notion. After all, what could

assistance are also a whopping 70%

designed to help Asian Americans

be wrong about defining a certain group

more than Caucasian households

learn English and find employment.”

and calling them out on being good at

needing identical assistance. Of course,

The problem is not only psychological,

what they do? The very connotation

as it is the case with aid per capita for

but also tangible and concrete.

carried by the word “Asian” seemingly

African Americans who represents a

represents a harmless, even positive

significantly larger population needing

stereotype: it is a vicious cycle. If

consensus about correlation between

public assistance, aid received by an

an ethnically Asian student were to

Asian American population and

individual Asian American household

improve his social status through

the term “model minority.”

is quite small. By emphasizing the

vigorous effort, then he is esteemed as

success stories of “Asians,” a large

another “model minority” figure, or

portion of Asian Americans not

just another Asian American adhering

falling into the category are being

to the stereotype. The incentive to

neglected; what appears to be a positive

aid underwhelming Asian students

stereotype is actually destructive in

will decrease, which in turn will

its pervasively misleading image.

cause typical Asian student to work

Perhaps we just came to think of

According to the 2010 Census

There is also a sad truth to the

even harder to receive governmental

report, some 61.3% of Asian American

benefits. It is past due time that this

respondents wrote their race as Asian

cycle be terminated, which will only

and white. In other words, supposedly

happen through the extension of the

overachieving Asian American

term “Asian American” to reflect

population also includes a large—in

its vast and diverse population:

fact, more than half-—portion of

Chinese, Indian, yellow, brown,

However, statistics say otherwise.

well off, ethnically mixed families

underachieving, and hardworking.

According to a study on Asian American

that are not exclusively “Asian.” By

performance in California published by

definition, Asian Americans are not

Hasun Won is a senior majoring in

the Educational Trust, a Washington-

homogeneous nor mutually exclusive

History and Economics in CAS.

based education advocacy organization,

from the Caucasian American

seven out of ten Asian students and

grouping. Yet, they appear to be

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The Model Minority: For Better or for Worse 17

Asian Festivals

by Tina Yu & Jade Chen Festivals play a vital role in Asian cultures around the globe.

These celebrations bring together families and communities through tradition and ritual. Hanami, the cherry blossom festival, celebrates the changing of seasons and the beauty of nature. Diwali, the festival of lights, reflects on our inner lights and calls for the victory of good over evil. Lanterns are lit to honor the Buddha during the Lantern Festival. The Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in Asian cultures where people ask for fortune and prosperity in the new year.

18 Asian Festivals

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Article Title 19

The Ties that Bind

us

the first bond in which a child finds support, love, and understanding, and is therefore crucial to his development. In spite of this, a distance exists between many Asian American children and their parents. A study by the University

Photo courtesy of goldsea.com

W

of Arizona found that many Asian girls struggle to reconcile the difference

by Eunice Lau

between the close mother-daughter ith their powerful

presence in our lives,

our parents and guardians mold our personalities, self-perception, and

thrive in environments that both

bond that Western culture emphasizes

regulate their behavior and support

and the more distant, authoritative

their interests and dreams.

relationship that Asian cultures

When it comes to Asian American

encourage. In addition, the study

psychological health. Their love,

households, studies have shown that

also indicated that Chinese American

sacrifice, and unique temperaments

children consider their parents as

girls often feel that a close father-

rub off on us, and the way they

authoritarian figures. Characterized

daughter relationship is not something

choose to raise us plays a large role in

by high demands, little psychological

that can be realistically achieved.

who we become. Diana Baumrind, a

support, and strict rule reinforcement,

developmental psychologist known

authoritarian parenting is not ideal for

only stunts conversations between

for her work on parenting styles,

most situations but is the way that many

children and their parents, but also

classifies parents into four different

Asian parents traditionally raise their

those between them and their peers.

categories: indulgent, uninvolved,

children. And from what mainstream

Results from a study of Asian American

authoritarian, and authoritative.

media tells us, Asian Americans

high school students in Los Angeles

Indulgent parents constantly assert that

have been doing fine, if not stellar,

showed that the group was less

they are friends rather than authority

in academics and in the workforce.

willing to openly share their emotions

figures. Uninvolved parents make little

However, while Asian Americans

with others than students of other

effort to be a part of their children’s

seem to rake in accomplishment after

races. Many of them attributed their

lives. Authoritarian parents emphasize

accomplishment, how they got there

reluctance to the fact that they rarely

structure and demands, but provide

can reveal a more complicated and

have conversations with their parents.

little warmth and praise. Authoritative

often darker truth. Being raised in an

The students’ comments speak volumes;

parents provide a mixture of both

authoritarian home has its positive

their thoughts clearly indicate that the

authority and open affection, which

benefits, but it can also lead to strained

distance authoritarian parenting can

is the ideal parent-child relationship

parent-child relationships, lower

place between a child and his parents

for many children. The best parenting

self-esteem, and deep psychological

can be replicated in future interactions.

style depends on individual situations,

problems later on in life.

but psychologists agree that children 20 Commentary

A parent-child relationship is often

This interpersonal barrier not

In addition to the emotional distance that many Asian Americans

feel in their relationships, they also

women between the ages of 15 and

get them to open up again.” If children

struggle with another consequence of

24 have the highest suicide rates

are subjected to emotional suppression,

authoritarian parenting—low self-

amongst all races in that age group.

they will endure more psychological

esteem. In her 2011 commentary, “Why

They also reported that only 28% of

damage as they grow older.

Chinese Mothers are Superior,” Amy

Asian Americans seek professional

Chua blasts the notion that self-esteem

help when they are struggling with

criticism of Asian parenting. Some

is important, saying that if a child is

psychological concerns. Out of that

studies have found that Asian

ashamed of himself, he will learn to

28%, more people drop out of therapy

adolescents view their parents’

work hard and be better off in life.

early than individuals in other minority

protectiveness and strictness as signs

Chua’s emphasis on using shame as a

groups. Furthermore, not only do

of love. They might feel immense

motivating factor is not uncommon.

Asian Americans tend to leave earlier,

pressure to work harder, but they

In fact, a study done by Heidi Fung, a

but they also enter therapy with

often see it as a necessary pain if they

researcher who focuses on socialization

more severe symptoms because they

want to succeed in the future. Rather

during childhood, labeled several

have been delaying help for so long.

than hugs, open praise, and kisses,

Asian societies as “shame cultures,”

Dr. Shinhee Han, a New York-

Of course, this is not a full-on

displays of affection within many

in which parents frequently used

based private practitioner, notes that

Asian households often come in the

statements such as “shame on you” to

the collective, cultural reluctance to

form of educational support, extra

invoke a sense of guilt in their children.

share emotions and personal thoughts

spending on extracurricular activities,

This shaming technique is often used

discourages Asian Americans from

and familial sacrifice. The family is

to teach children what is considered

asking for help. This silence often

a collective unit that strives to better

inappropriate and unwanted behavior.

However, an overemphasis on shame and inadequacy can weaken a child’s self-esteem. Parents are one of the biggest influences in a child’s life and their words and actions can have a profound effect. As Peggy O’Mara,

As Peggy O’Mara, founder of Mothering magazine, once stated, “The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

everyone in it, and one is expected to conform in order to keep things going.

In spite of this cultural expression of love, rigidity within the household and reluctance to talk about personal issues can lead to a multitude of psychological issues. As a result, it is

founder of Mothering magazine,

important to consider the addition of

once stated, “The way we talk to

psychological support in parenting.

our children becomes their inner

manifests itself into depression in girls

It cannot be easily done, but an

voice.” If a child feels as though he is

and behavioral rebellion in boys, both

understanding atmosphere and more

constantly bringing disgrace to his

of which are psychologically damaging

personal interactions can truly help.

family, it will severely impact his

to adolescents who are already juggling

If individuals cannot find support at

self-perception. Shaming might get

academics, relationships, and a growing

home, academic institutions, as Dr.

children to do what is expected of them,

list of responsibilities. If parents do not

Han suggests, can ensure that their

but their inner voice, the voice that

give their children a chance to express

mental health programs have a variety

guides them throughout life, should

their frustrations, they make it difficult

of counselors from all backgrounds

not be one of scolding and shaming

for their children to open up to others

so they can reach out and understand

as harsh criticism and demands

when they truly need psychological

the students’ cultural concerns

can lead to a sense of inadequacy

support. Haruki Murakami notes in

better. It is not simple to unravel

and helplessness. Unfortunately,

his novel Kafka on the Shore, “Adults

the work of parents and cultural

these feelings only intensify if they

constantly raise the bar on smart

norms, but with encouragement and

remain unchecked and ignored and

children, precisely because they’re

support from their family, peers,

can lead to serious problems.

able to handle it. The children get

and mental health professionals,

overwhelmed by the tasks in front of

people can start to break free from

psychological disorders. Psychological

them and gradually lose the sort of

the restraining ties that bind them to

illnesses pervade Asian American

openness and sense of accomplishment

world of psychological damage. GG

communities even if they are rarely

they innately have. When they’re

mentioned in mainstream media. The

treated like that, children start to crawl

Eunice Lau is a sophomore majoring in

Department of Health and Human

inside a shell and keep everything

Applied Psychology in Steinhardt.

Services reported that Asian American

inside. It takes a lot of time and effort to

One such issue is the onset of

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The Ties that Bind Us 21

FOBs

The Baggage They Bring

by Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng

I

t is not uncommon to hear the

of a fob. The participants responded

Dang claim that fob is an undesirable

term “fob” being thrown around

with traits such as “being Asian,”

classification because it incorporates

in conversations, especially when

exhibiting “Asian behavior,” “studying

these negative associations.

in the vicinity of foreigners. One

a lot,” “liking math,” “liking to take

might hear comments such as “He’s

‘selfies,’ or pictures of oneself,” and

implications of the word fob, it is

such a fob!” or “That’s so ‘fobby,’” but

being “dedicated K-Pop fans.” They also

also important to understand who

what does fob actually signify? In its

described fobs as people who speak

identifies with this term. The survey

original context, fob is an acronym

poor English, have an accent when

also asked participants how long

meaning “fresh off the boat,” used to

speaking English, or choose to surround

they have been in the United States

describe someone who has just set

themselves with people of the same

and how Americanized or “fobby”

foot in a country. Even though fob by

ethnicity. From these responses, it is

they would describe themselves. Out

definition should encompass a variety

evident that Asian Americans associate

of all the participants, 56% stated

of ethnic and racial groups, it has

the word fob with being a foreigner or

they were born and raised in the

now become a term predominantly

outsider, or someone who upholds the

United States, and 58% indicated

associated with Asians. The underlying

stereotypes that are often associated

that they strongly see themselves as

connotations of fob include traits such

with Asians. It is also clear that the term

Americanized (responding with 1, 2,

as speaking poor English and having

is being used in a negative way; some of

or 3 with 1 being very assimilated into

a distinctly foreign fashion style.

the characteristics given clearly imply

American culture and 10 being a fob).

However superficial these distinctions

what Karen Pyke and Tran Dang call

Therefore, it is reasonable to say that

may seem, they divide the Asian

an “ignorance of American culture” in

most of the participants who defined

community in America quite deeply.

In addition to understanding the

their study “‘FOB’ and ‘Whitewashed’:

the term fob with the aforementioned

In a recent Generasian survey, 100

Identity and Internalized Racism

characteristics were Asian Americans,

Asian American students at NYU were

Among Second Generation Asian

and that their responses clearly

asked to define the characteristics

Americans.” As a result, Pyke and

demonstrate the way many Asian

What defines a fob?

73%

Can’t speak English very well

Americans view international Asians. Rather than identifying with them, Asian Americans allocate characteristics to them that clearly distinguish the fobs from themselves.

44%

Holds a passport from other country

11%

Looks different from me

Hence, it is clear that there is a distinction between non-Americanized Asians and Americanized Asians, and the term fob merely emphasizes the gap between the two groups. According

69%

Has accented English

22 Commentary

to French anthropologist Jean-Loup Amselle in his article “Ethnicity,”

labels are a method of classification that separates people into categories influenced by stereotypes. Amselle

What defines a fob (cont’d)?

Hangs around the same race

69%

also argues that more often than not, these stereotypes derive from people’s origins, behaviors, and overarching character. The term fob serves a similar purpose; it is essentially an ethnic label perpetrating Asian stereotypes and creating a division within the Asian

Does not dress American

58%

Unaware of American culture and politics Other

41%

14%

community in the United States. originally come from places outside

Asians to continue in their existing form

by more Americanized Asians to

of the United States. As a result,

and allowing an “internalized racial

describe less assimilated Asians and

while Asian Americans may receive

oppression” to exist which, according to

separate themselves from them. As

a certain comfort by calling others

Pyke and Dang, perpetuates a distrust of

an immigrant trying to succeed in

fobs to demonstrate their superior

the less-assimilated by the assimilated.

America, one is expected to adapt

level of Americanization, they are

Creating this hierarchy merely deters

to its culture and environment. For

also ridiculing their own past.

the process of dissolving such false

Typically speaking, fob is used

example, to find a job in the States,

The discrepancy between those

stereotypes and leads to tension and animosity within the Asian community.

one must speak English to facilitate

who use the term fob and those being

clear communication. Similarly, one

called fobs creates a hierarchy within

needs to pass a test about American

the Asian community in the United

how Americanized or non-Americanized

history before becoming naturalized

States, where the perceived notion

one may be, it is imperative to set

as a citizen. Therefore, it is clear that

is that being more Americanized is

aside opinions about one other that

international Asians will not be able

better, at least to those who identify

create an idea of who is better or who

to assimilate unless they change their

as such. Such a distinction divides the

is worse. Rather, minorities should

mannerisms, style, and speech into

Asian community. The implications

recognize that they all come from

something more Americanized. If they

of the term fob is that they, the

immigrant backgrounds and that

do not, their differences are quickly

international Asians, do not belong

viewing themselves as superior to

pointed out and they are labeled as fobs.

here with us, Americanized Asians.

those who have recently immigrated,

They are seen as outsiders who, despite

The separation disrupts the unity

are less assimilated, or keep strong ties

being part of the Asian community in

of the Asian community and creates

with their cultural roots only serves to

America, are not completely accepted

a minority within a minority. As a

develop an unnecessary, detrimental

by Asian Americans; rather than

racial group, Asians arguably suffer

division within their community.

viewing them as a part of the same

from the same stereotypes and labels

Instead of focusing on creating this

community, Asian Americans consider

from an outsider’s point of view.

division, they should attempt to reach

international Asians as a group

For example, a common stereotype

an understanding about the root of

entirely different from their own.

Whatever the difference, no matter

designated to Asians is being nerds or

the problem and work together to

However, it is also important to

overachievers, and on the surface it

resolve it. By doing so, they will be

note that while Asian Americans may

is hard to tell which Asian adheres to

able to break down the stereotypes

view international Asians as different

these stereotypes and which do not,

they are given and tackle the array of

or foreign, every immigrant undergoes

especially as an Asian to an outsider,

common issues they face as a unified

a similar assimilation process before

fob or not. Therefore, we are often

force rather than splintered groups that

complete integration, if “complete”

judged with the same stereotype,

may end up hurting the community

integration actually does exist. Even

something that all Asians, no matter

rather than helping it flourish.

though they may want to distance

how Americanized, suffer from.

themselves from how they portray

However, by denying and pushing these

Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng is a freshman

international Asians to be, the fact

undesirable traits onto fobs, non-fobs

in Liberal Studies working to major

remains that all of their families have

are actually enabling stereotypes of

in Mathematics and Economics.

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FOBs: The Baggage They Bring 23

The Asian Vote Counting Us in at Last

by Catherine Ye

I

n the past decade or so, the political shift

he/she felt that his/her vote will definitely impact

towards minority groups has been clear.

the election. The results also revealed that the ratio

Although political parties and their candidates

of those who felt that their vote tends to make a

have lobbied for the support of Hispanic and

difference to those who believed their vote makes

African American groups since the early 1990s,

little to no difference is 5:2. It seems as if there is

the emphasis this election seems to be on

not enough encouragement or motivation amongst

Asians—and with good reason. According to a

most Asian Americans to participate in politics.

U.S. Census report released in March of 2012, Asians are the fastest growing racial group in

cultures, the family is an integral part of and

the United States, increasing their numbers

a key influence on the individual. Studies

by more than 45% in the past ten years. It is

have shown that in general, the family has a

clear that Asian Americans, defined by the

larger influence on voting preferences than

Pew Research Center as the fastest-growing,

factors such as peers or geography. For me,

best-educated, highest-income minority

American politics and the question of voting

group in the country, are becoming more

were not exactly brought up much at home.

influential. Politicians have definitely noticed.

As a result, my exposure to what was going

However, this sudden shove into the limelight has not convinced Asian Americans to vote in

on was limited to school and social media.

While family members influence our voting

larger numbers. While a significant number of

habits, according to the poll I conducted, in

Americans do not feel much political efficacy,

addition to a low number of regular voters

this sentiment seems to hold especially true

amongst family and peers, a low sense of political

for many Asian Americans. According to the

efficacy, a lack of active interest in politics, and

National Asian American Survey, a third of

a lack of candidate appeal also contributed to the

Asian Americans remained undecided mere weeks before the presidential election. Not only that, according to a Pew Hispanic Center’s 2010 report, the voter turnout for Asian voters is at 31% while it is at 31.2% for Latinos and nearly 50% for Caucasians. The general lack of political involvement and low sense of political efficacy extends to the younger generation. According to a survey that I conducted amongst students this October, the majority of the participants rated their sense of political efficacy as a 5; on the scale, a 0 meant that the individual felt he/she will have no influence on the election and a 10 meant that

24 Features

In Chinese culture, as well as in most Asian

overall feeling of indifference towards politics.

Despite the general sense of political

Where we stand On the state level, there has been a growth by at

apathy in many Asian Americans, there

least 30% in every single state except Hawaii,

are still some issues and situations that will

which already has a population that is more than

convince them to vote. Of the Asian Americans

50% Asian. Nevada experienced a growth of 116

whom I surveyed, the top reason to vote is

percent and Arizona experienced a growth of

if the issues were relevant to the individual.

95%. The entirety of the United States population

The second is if the candidate’s policies are

has only grown by 9.7% in the past decade.

favorable to the racial group. According to a general consensus, the most important issues include education, immigration, and foreign policy. While Asian Americans tend to vote in smaller numbers, if they find the issues relevant and candidates compelling, they will make the effort to vote in an election.

What is striking about the election this year is that my ethnicity plays a role in my final choice on Election Day. It used to be that I would vote along socioeconomic lines. After all, people often accept the notion that Republicans appeal to the ideals of the wealthy while Democrats speak to the beliefs of “the common man.” This year, however, I find myself more and more concerned with how the political parties are

anti-Asian sentiments are common throughout

dealing with the issue of China. For the first

American history. It is easy for Asian Americans

time, the president’s attitude towards China

to point out events in which they can respond,

and Chinese Americans will affect me directly.

“Ah, yes, it was tough for us then” or “It was

I have family and friends abroad and foreign

not a friendly time for us then.” Right now, the

policies will always affect those of us at home.

general mood seems to be swinging towards

Due to its increased involvement and influence

an era of anti-Chinese sentiment. And in the

on international economic and political affairs,

most recent political elections, candidates have

China is on the receiving end of most of the

played off of this hysterical wave of anxiety and

heat. A good chunk of labor that goes into

insecurity. This mood has already been flaunted

American products is outsourced to China,

before our eyes by political advertisements.

and China owns most of our debt. With the

A flurry of racist and insulting campaign

question of the extent of America’s involvement

ads just this past year has incited outrage from

in China looming over our heads, a president

Asian American groups. One of the most famous

with an antagonistic view of China could very

offenders was Pete Hoekstra’s “We Spend Your

well change policies in a manner unfavorable

Money” Superbowl advertisement, which was

towards Asian Americans in the country.

a part of the candidate’s campaign for a seat in

My father once stated gravely, “You must

the House. Another one was Spike Maynard’s

be careful. Right now, there is not a friendly

“Made In China” advertisement for his run for

mood towards Chinese people.” He was afraid

Congress. In the former video, a Chinese woman

that I would be bullied. What I am concerned

pedals by a rice field and stops to say, in obviously

with is whether my entire ethnic group is in

scripted broken English, how thankful she is

danger of being oppressed. These waves of

to “spend American money.” In the latter ad, a

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The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last 25

narrator states that everything in the United

year, I would not have been following political

States is “made in China” as stereotypical

elections so eagerly, or even writing an article

Chinese music plays in the background, along

about politics. For once, I feel that these issues

with flashes of the Chinese flag. Native Chinese

are directly and personally relevant to me; I

people and Chinese American reacted with

cannot continue to be oblivious to the words of

mixed responses. Some publicly expressed their

my representatives. My friends and classmates

disgust and outrage, while others watched on

are also beginning to use social media as a means

with bemused anger and curiosity. As well-

to show their interest to the rest of the world.

For once, I feel that these issues are directly and personally relevant to me; I cannot continue to be oblivious to the words of my representatives. known political blogger Michael Anti noted, Hoekstra’s ad is outright strange. Not only

Asian Americans to the election, influential

does the scene look more Southeast Asian than

figures are making the effort to draw Asian

mainland China, but the woman’s cone-shaped

American voters to their respective camps.

hat also resembles a typical Vietnamese dress.

Peter Su of the Republican Party played a key

In addition, some of the Chinese characters

role in collecting votes for Governor McDonnell

in the advertisement are more commonly

in Virginia. By featuring interviews with the

used in Taiwan than in mainland China. The

governor in local Asian newspapers, arranging

apparent goal of these videos is to encourage

for the governor to speak in local churches,

American voters to band together against a

and organizing other opportunities for the

common enemy—in this case, China—and to

governor to connect with the Asian population

vote. These politicians seem to have forgotten

in Virginia, Su was able to get 60% of the Asian

that the influence of Chinese Americans, as well

American vote for McDonnell. Shawn Steel,

as other Asian Americans, is ever growing.

former chair of California’s Republican Party,

The backlash from Asian groups like Super

has long been championing these tactics. For

PAC (Super Political Action Committee) and

years, he has advocated for increased efforts

APAP (Asian Pacific Americans for Progress)

to reach out to Asian American voters in

and from advocacy groups against racism

campaigns and policy ploys. Now, it seems

like American Citizens for Justice has done

that the politicians are finally listening.

much both to change the tune of political

The two main candidates for the most

advertisements and to make the general Asian

recent presidential election lobbied hard to get

American public more aware of the changing

the attention of Asian American voters. Mitt

tides. When I first saw these videos, I was both

Romney had a page on his website dedicated

amused and offended. Was this really what these

to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

politicians saw us as? When I read the responses

interested in supporting his campaign. Obama’s

from some Asian American extremists, I

campaign workers announced that the president

began to feel anxious. I had honestly never

selected more Asian American Cabinet

been conscious of the political mood around

members than any other president in history.

me until posts and videos like these caught my attention. This time, during any other previous

26 Features

Conscious of the rising importance of

While these were steps towards getting the Asian American vote, there was no shortage

of using China to further certain campaigns.

titled “New Wave of Immigrants--a New Target

Talk of China dominated the candidates’

Too?” argues, “It’s official: Asians are the new

discussions and debates. The “threat,” as they

Jews.” The writer compares the anti-Semitism

would put it, continues to put our livelihoods

present a few decades ago to what he calls the

in this country at risk. President Obama and

“dawn of a new era of anti-Asian bias.” He draws

Governor Romney were only two out of many

parallels between the current demand for the

politicians who used their discussions about

end of unskilled immigration and the possibility

stopping the “danger” of outsourcing jobs to

of future activism to end skilled immigration

China to further their campaigns; elections

from Asia. It is clear that the political spotlight is

seem to be fueling the anti-China sentiment.

not the only beam focused on Asian Americans;

A blogger from the Asia Society, however,

they are becoming more and more important

suggests that this anti-China rhetoric will end

in social and economic spheres. However, the

soon after the election. According to Richard

main question to ask is this: will this spotlight on

Solomon, former U.S. Institute of Peace president,

Asian Americans linger after the elections are

when it comes time to make policy decisions,

over? Or will it fade for a few years, only to be

presidents “do not live up to their inflammatory

revived again in time for the next big election?

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statements.” Even if this is true, however, the media and the candidates themselves have done a

Catherine Ye is a sophomore studying Biology

thorough job of rousing up the masses. An article

in CAS with a minor in Psychology.

in the Los Angeles Times from the summer of 2011

Student Profile: Tanya Gupta Q: How do you think this coming election will be different for you? Put differently, what effect does this election have on you? Or do you feel that this election is no different from past elections on its focus and mood?

This election is taking place during a very crucial period in my opinion. I haven’t ever been too involved in any election but this one’s been drawing my attention because I think depending on who wins, it could change American politics today.

Q: What do you predict for the future influence of Asian Americans in the political realm? Do you think the focus will remain on Asian Americans?

Because so many Asian countries are developing at such fast rates and China is gaining so much power and economical control over the US, I’m sure there will be ample focus on Asian Americans for quite some time.

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The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last 27

e

Sports From Foreigners to Phenoms

by John Chen

T

he beginning of October marked

broadcasted tournaments where only

a great standing in Korea, much like

South Korean players competed. The

how chess is quite popular in many

League of Legends (LoL), a popular

25% representation of players in LoL

countries. Go is so popular in South

online multiplayer game released in

outside of the Asian umbrella may seem

Korea that professional players are

2009 that pits two teams of 5 players

insignificant compared to the cultural

considered superstars and are known

against each other to destroy the

makeup of the game, but it might just be

throughout the country as well as

opposing stronghold. The LoL World

foreshadowing a huge wave of change

around the world. Professional matches

Championship, taking place in Los

taking place in the world of eSports.

are broadcast and commentated by

the end of the second season of

Angeles, has attracted over two million

In the past, video games

national television channels and

attendees and online viewers from

competitions were hardly ever

are watched by millions of people.

across the world. Every single fan

broadcast live on television or on the

At the same time, the country also

and player there is taking part in the

Internet. The exorbitant costs to show

experienced a huge boom in Internet

largest eSports, or professional and

video game tournaments or other game-

cafes throughout many cities. Hundreds

competitive gaming, event in history.

related events on television or online far

of stores with even more computers,

It’s an amazing event in terms of

outweighed the revenue received from

boasting an impressive Internet

organization, hype, and interaction.

viewers and sponsors. Additionally,

connection and a huge variety of

Various international teams gather in

the viewer base for most game

games, began attracting many people

one location to display months’ worth

broadcasts was very limited, making

to play these PC games, most notably

of practice and skill hoping to best their

production of video game shows less

StarCraft: Brood War, a real-time

opposition, prove themselves worthy

than practically and economically

strategy game. With the already

of the title of World Champions and

viable. But how did games like

successful institution of broadcasting

take home the $2 million prize pool.

StarCraft: Brood War and more recently

Go competitions in place and the

StarCraft 2 as well as League of Legends

skyrocketing popularity of StarCraft:

but the 60-player lineup at this year’s

become popular, self-sustaining,

Brood War, it was no surprise that a

LoL World Championship was 75%

and lucrative fields of interest? The

South Korean TV station put the two

Asian or Asian American, while

answer lies in South Korea, the

together and formed the first video

the remaining 25% was Caucasian

birthplace of broadcasted eSports.

game channel for a national audience.

It may come to a surprise to some,

American and European. Interestingly

One of the most popular games in

enough, only two years ago, StarCraft:

South Korea is a straightforward, but

continued to grow as time passed;

Brood War, the premiere eSport of

infinitely diverse board game called

tournaments giving away prizes of

the time, had its own internationally

Go, or baduk in Korean. The game has

up to three million dollars became a

28 Local

The success of StarCraft only

regular annual occurrence in South

the world, the elite players of the

in the competitive scene. In only a

Korea. Companies formed teams of

game remained 100% South Korean.

matter of three years, the ten-year long

South Korea’s most talented players

“Foreign” players, as any non-South

South Korean dominance in eSports

to face off against other teams for

Korean player is referred to by South

is starting to be offset by “foreigners”

prizes and sponsorships. Hundreds

Korean professionals, could not hold

who are meeting the challenge

of thousands of viewers tuned into

a candle to any of the full time pro

of being successful professional

the channels that broadcast StarCraft

players who play eight or more hours of

players to be reckoned with.

The 60-player lineup at this year’s LoL World Championship is 75% Asian or Asian American, while the remaining 25% is Caucasian American and European.

games and rooted for their favorite

StarCraft per day as part of a strict daily

players. But the enthusiasm did not

training regiment of practice matches

for a successful eSports scene, but

stop there; these games were then

and workouts. South Korea continued

with the recent rise of League of

broadcast online on various streaming

to dominate all of the professional

Legends, the rest of the world is

websites, free for the world to view.

StarCraft scene throughout the 2000’s.

starting to penetrate into the higher

In America, various StarCraft

However, this might all change as

South Korea laid the foundations

echelons of eSports. It might be only a

supporters saw the phenomenon and

League of Legends became the most

matter of time before the disparity in

realized how amazing the game could

viewed and played eSport in history

representation at international eSports

be. American commentators and players

this year. Even though StarCraft 2 trails

events becomes a thing of the past.

started to emulate the South Koreans,

close behind LoL, the huge difference

though on a much smaller scale using

between these two eSports venues is

John Chen is sophomore majoring

mostly video sites like YouTube to show

the 25% non-Asian and Asian American

in Chemistry in CAS.

commentaries and gameplay. However,

representation and even more notably,

even with such huge popularity across

the 84% “foreign” representation

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Photo courtesy of Polygon

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eSports: From Foreigners to Phenoms 29

Cure your craving for curry

OUR PICKS

Asians go clubbing

A Perfect Date Night

By Subin Chung Cha Chan Tang is a sleek Hong

by Harrison Lin, Jacqueline Mai & Nancy Nan Where have you been?

Kong style restaurant situated in

All: Crimson, Eden, Q Lounge,

Chinatown with quirky decorations

by Zi Lin

such as chandeliers of empty glass

Circle, Pacha, Highline Ballroom

If you’re tired of mac n’ cheese, stop by one

bottles and a wall partition of stacked

Music, dress, & dance

of these restaurants for a taste of karē, the

white teacups. The bright lighting and

immensely popular Japanese comfort food.

casual atmosphere make it a great

is enforced more strictly than at

choice for those butterflies-in-the-

other clubs. I prefer the music

q

H: Behavior wise, dress code

stomach moments. Have something

at Asian clubs because they play

Even though Udon West typically

sweet to start (and maybe calm

familiar Top 40 songs.

serves up giant, steaming bowls of udon

nerves): their rich and creamy fried

noodle soup, the narrow St. Mark’s

buns with condensed milk. Small and

and 2NE1, but in my experience it’s

restaurant is a great place to satisfy

easy to eat, these are great for flirting

been mostly Top 40 and house music.

your curry craving. Order the katsu

and feeding. Want something bold?

Expectations

curry ($10), sit at the bar, and watch

Try a dish with bitter melon—the

H: It’s much more expensive for

chefs drop pieces of cutlet breaded

bittersweet finish should play with

guys at Asian clubs than at other clubs.

with crunchy panko in the deep fryer.

your tongues and spice up the air.

The flavorful curry goes perfectly with fluffy white rice and crunchy fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables).

N: Asian clubs sometimes play PSY

N: I expect snazziness, high-end atmosphere, and celebrities at Circle

q

because I’ve heard about big celebrities

Saigon Market, the popular

like Usher and PSY clubbing there!

Vietnamese restaurant on University

q

J: Asian clubs are cleaner and

Place, is a personal favorite. Dimly

play catchier music and better

Go! Go! Curry, located behind Kimmel

lit with soft lamps, the beautiful

mixes than American clubs.

Center, is the quintessential fast food

atmosphere also comes with mouth-

Crowd

stop for Japanese-style curry. The katsu

watering food. Whether for a quick

curries are good and cheap, but order

bite for lunch or a casual dinner for

the Grand Slam ($12.50), a giant portion

two, this place does not disappoint.

of curry with both pork and chicken

Their Bun Xao, Pork Thit Sate,

at Circle whereas there is a more mixed

cutlet, sausage, tempura shrimp, and

and grilled eggplants are cooked

crowd of Asian Americans at Crimson.

a boiled egg served over a mountain of

perfectly and large enough to share

Best Experience

rice, if you are feeling extra hungry.

with your significant other.

You receive free topping coupons on

H: People drink less on average and the crowd tends to be more foreign.

N: There is a bigger Korean crowd

H: Dancing with girls, drinking with my bros, and overall having a

the 5th, 15th, and 25th of every month

q

which can be redeemed for an entire

Lantern Thai Kitchen’s centerpiece

pork or chicken cutlet topping!

decoration is a series of twisting

location. It has the perfect dance

trees with lights hanging from their

space. It attracts a younger crowd in

q

good time at Q Lounge.

N: Crimson is my default clubbing

branches. During the evening, this

general including college students.

Bakeries seem like unlikely places to

restaurant provides a dark and

Worst experience

go for curry, but Zaiya, the popular

romantic atmosphere, complete with

Japanese bakery chain, serves crisp

soft music and quiet chatter. Try their

and fresh curry-pan, deep-fried

popular Thai iced tea for a cold drink to

kept telling us the wait time was

sip between the ebbs in conversation.

less than what it actually was.

bread filled with hot curry daily.

30 Our Picks

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J: I waited two hours outside of Crimson because the bouncer G

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Tips for Budding Buddhists

Quick Tip

s

Bubble Tea for the Health Conscious

Save your wallet

By Stephanie Zhou & Yuna Park Panya is a bakery in the East Village full of delicious bread and desserts. If

by Jennifer Tseng

you’re looking for a quick bite, you can

Life stressing you out? Take comfort

grab $2-$3 bags of pastries in the store.

in these time-honored tips from

But don’t miss out on their best deal

By Amy Lu

the practice of Buddhism.

for 50% off bread and pastries after 9

Until recent findings uncovered the

PM, and don’t forget to try their green

potential health hazard of consuming

tea sesame macarons for only $1.50!

“bubbles” or tapioca pearls, consumers

q Upon hearing the word “Buddhism,”

hardly thought of the sweet, milky,

a sense of serenity and composure

chewy and delightful drink as

rushes to mind. While tranquility

dangerous to our health. But according

is an integral element of Buddhism,

to Livestrong.com, the drink amasses

self-improvement, the notion of

more than 300 calories on average for

“tapping into our potential…[to] find

each 16 oz. cup and at least half of these

unlimited wisdom, courage, hope, [and]

Conveniently located behind

calories come from the tapioca pearls.

confidence,” is also a vital component

Kimmel, Baburchi is an Indian

It then goes on to say that the average

of the practice. Here are some Buddhist

restaurant that is perfect for NYU

four ounce serving of tapioca bubbles

ideals we can use to improve our lives.

students. In addition to the 50%

contains an astonishing 200 calories!

Embrace changes. In Buddhism,

off lunch discount, NYU students

A bubble tea customer should not

it is accepted that “the only constant in

also receive a 20% discount on

feel as if he has to sacrifice his health

life is change.” By understanding and

their bill. Tandoori chicken for

to enjoy a beverage. Here are some

accepting this, we can appreciate the

just $7.95? Count me in!

healthy options one can consider:

Request less sugar. Some

natural flux of life and respect the fact that while our plans throughout and

stores give their customers the option

after college may seem unwavering,

to increase or decrease the sugar

we must be open to change.

content in their drinks by 30, 50 or 70

By helping others, you help yourself. Your roommate is

percent or to not add fructose at all.

Request healthier toppings.

upset. Or maybe it is your friend or

MUJI Chopsticks. What about

Choose toppings such as honey aloe,

sibling. Listen to them and offer your

utensils? Check out MUJI Soho, a

grass jelly, honey lemon, or red and

advice. By helping others conquer

Japanese lifestyle store filled with many

green bean instead of tapioca.

their troubles, “our own lives are

essentials, including durable utensils

expanded” as it strengthens our

that you can use every day. Stop using

Adventurous consumers should try

character and helps us grapple with

plastic forks and spoons and get a

specialty drinks which vary from store

concocting positive solutions.

reusable chopstick set for just $6.25.

G

Try specialty drinks.

to store. These drinks are often made fresh and with healthier ingredients.

Know you have it in you.

Midterms, internships, summer jobs…the list of challenges go on.

Order an alternative to bubble tea. Other beverages such as healthy

Take solace in the Buddhist belief

juice or mixed tea drinks such as

that there is “all the necessary traits

honey green tea, grapefruit green

to tackle every problem” we may

tea, or passion fruit tea, are great

face in our lives within each of us.

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alternatives to bubble milk tea.

G

Quick Tips 31

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