Revelations: Spring 2012

GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION SPRING 2012 • VOL 10 • NO 2

WHAT’S INSIDE 03 Letter from the Editor Michelle Lee

04 Trending: January–May 2012

OP-ED 06 What’s in a Look? Jae Han

09 The Real North Korea Yuna Park

08 Superbowl Commercial Break:

10 Chinese School: Hub of Culture

Hoekstra Brings Back Fond Memories of Political Anti-Chinese Ads Michelle Lee

or Sunday Prison? Cathy Ye 12 Saving Private Chen Zi Lin

WORLD 14 The American College’s Guide to Selecting

22 Let’s Play a Love Game Emily Lu

Chinese Students Evelyn Cheng 24 Radiation: Overreaction in the East or 16 International Love: Adoption from

Asian Countries Eunice Lau 18 Emergence Joey Wang

Obliviousness in the West?

Connie Lee 26 Requiem for a DREAM Soo Mi Rho

ARTS & CULTURE 28 The God of Basketball Joyce Chen

37 Changing Tides for Asian American Actors Cathy Ye

29 The Religion of Jeremy Lin Evelyn Cheng 38 Cookie Cutters: How Asian Women Fall 30 Spring Fashion 2012 Rachel Liu & Joey Wang

into Hollywood Stereotypes Livian Yeh

34 The Westernization of Yoga Jacqueline Mai

39 Horror-ble Asian Remakes Taylor Maloney

36 KFC: Fried Chicken’s Journey from

40 Generasian Staff Picks

Kentucky to Korea Hasun Won

EXECUTIVE STAFF

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Lee Associate Editor & Art Director Patrick Yan Public Relations Manager Soo Mi Rho Operations Manager Han Yu

Editors

Zi Lin

Layout Designers

Evelyn Cheng

Emily Lu

Rachel Liu

Charlie He

Jacqueline Mai

Nancy Nan

Eunice Lau

Soo Mi Rho

Soo Mi Rho

2 Table of Contents

Joey Wang

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

N

early one month ago, I treated myself to an impromptu trip

to Washington D.C. with Ben Dumond, President of NYU’s Asian Cultural Union. Ben, who has done so much for the community—especially with Team Janet, where he recruits new bone marrow registrants at NYU—reminded me that the spring cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. were about to fully bloom. I decided to accompany him to see the blossoms, deciding it would be a nice getaway from the hubbub of NYc. Along the way, Ben and I met with Eddie Lee, an Associate Director at the Office of Public Engagement at

With Ben Dummond & Eddie

Several Generasian members at the NYU

the White House. Eddie, a Korean

Lee of the White House

President Service Awards Ceremony

American graduate of Harvard and also member of the Jubilee Project,

about Asians in the US, many of

inspire Asian Americans to speak

actively works with various Asian

the recent events, current affairs

up, converse in critical dialogue,

Pacific American (A/P/A) communities

and critical issues discussed by our

and act on behalf of our growing

on behalf of President Obama’s

savvy Generasian writers reveal

branches of A/P/A communities.

administration. Sitting in a café across

surprising impressions of the

the street from his impressive office

realities of being Asian American and

who nominated us to be a recipient

building, Eddie chatted with us over

seeing things from its perspective;

of this year’s NYU President’s Service

coffee about recent events in the

all of which is part of a continuous

Award. President John Sexton

national A/P/A community, and the

shaping of our legacy as a whole.

recognized us for “our work in unifying

kind of interesting and unforeseen

As I look back on my trip, I’ve come

We also would like to thank those

the diverse NYU Asian American

recognition Asian Americans have been

to think of our blooming community

populations by providing a forum for

receiving due to events like Jeremy

like the very branches of a cherry

cultural analysis, social commentary,

Lin’s upsurge of national attention.

blossom tree. While our country is the

and literary expression.” This could

Each article in this issue has

foundational tree trunk that provides

not have been possible without the

something surprising to reveal about

us the infrastructure to be Asian

great work of Generasian’s past

the various sides to being Asian in the

American, our community is like a

leaders and of our past and current

US. While the concept of being Asian

large branch above the principle trunk,

members. I am so proud of my fellow

has its often falsely-preconceived

splitting into multiple branches of A/P/A

members; it was an honor working

notions, the kind of events that have

communities that continue to grow

with you all in putting this magazine

occurred within these past few months

evermore upwards over time. But like

together. Happy reading! GG

are bringing about striking realizations

branches, our unremitting journey

about being Asian American today.

upwards has its ups and downs. With

That’s why we at Generasian decided

that, we hope this issue of Generasian

to name this issue REVELATIONS.

sparks up the kind of conversation

Despite what many may believe

that is necessary in continuing to

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Letter from the Editor 3

TRENDING

LINSANITY

“Some lucky lady in NYC is gonna feel a couple inches of pain tonight.”

JANUARY–MAY 2012

Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock tweets

Data from Google Trends

offensively about Lin’s sexual prowess.

K-POP FEVER

Girls’ Generation performs “The Boys” on

The Wonder Girls’ self-titled movie

Late Show with David Letterman, exciting

airs on Teen Nick to lackluster

international fans and Regis Philbin.

ratings and reviews.

tmblr.co/ZFnX5yFigu7R

tmblr.co/ZFnX5yG0e-YM

Video of 17-year-old Chicago teen

U.S. Senate hopeful Pete Hoekstra’s

beaten in gang-up goes viral, sheds

racist, anti-Chinese “We Take Your

Burger King employee labels

light on violence within Asian cliques.

Jobs” Super Bowl advertisement airs.

customer as “Chinitos” on receipt,

tmblr.co/ZFnX5yEva9_P

tmblr.co/ZFnX5yG9EBmB

stirs accusations of racism.

January

4 Trending: January—May 2012

February

Ben & Jerry’s releases controversial “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is

Linsanity ice cream flavor with

because he’s Asian. Black players do what he

fortune cookies, quickly apologizes

does every night and don’t get the same praise.”

for racial insensitivity.

—Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Madison Square Garden airs fortune cookie

Lin tears meniscus in left knee,

sign with Lin’s face, with a fortune labeling

abruptly pulling him out of

Lin as “The Knicks’ Good Fortune.”

the rest of the season. tmblr.co/ZFnX5yIzfk7G

ESPN headline writer carelessly uses “Chink” in attempting to discuss Jeremy Lin’s potential flaws as point guard for Knicks. tmblr.co/ZFnX5yGgTsTj

K-Chart and iTunes chart topper Jay Park will headline the Verizon APAHM Tour in May 2012 with opening acts Dumbfoundead, Viennie V. tmblr.co/ZFnX5yJ_BKXq

Jenny Hyun, singer-songwriter for K-Pop groups like SNSD and Chocolat, tweets eradication of all black people in response to Mayweather’s racist tweet regarding Jeremy Lin.

Korean man shoots ten and kills seven at Oikos University—the deadliest school massacre since the Virginia Tech incident. tmblr.co/ZFnX5yI-5iHs

The “Canadian Alexandra Wallace” “My name is Jessica Hyejin Lee.

releases a video ranting against

If you’re watching this, I’ve been

South Asians, whom she labels

arrested.” Undocumented immigrant

“turbanators” and “terrorists.”

students—arrested for protesting outside US Immigration offices.

March

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April

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Trending: January—May 2012 5

Photo courtesy of Tomasito @ flickr.com

WHAT’S IN A LOOK?

by Jae Han

P

rior to coming to America, I spent the

first eleven years of my life in a highly

6 Op-Ed

few Asian students that I met at school all wore the invisible scarlet letter, compliant with their

homogeneous society of South Korea. The

reputation as they tried their best to be individuals.

suffocating academic and social restrictions of

In our silent struggle, we Asian students felt a

a highly competitive Asian society proved too

strong sense of an indissoluble bond, knowing

controlling and dehumanizing for me, so my

that we were not alone. Fast-forward to my three

mother and I made a bold decision to move to

years at NYU, I realize that the color of my skin has

America in 2001. During my teenage years in

become just as meaningful as what my favorite color

Colorado, I often found myself playing the role of

is (I like teal). As a result, I no longer feel a sense of

“the Asian guy,” reluctantly carrying the label

unity when I encounter other Asian students. I feel

with me wherever I went. No matter how I acted,

alienated and alone, even worse than the loneliness

the most salient characteristic that I had as an

I felt in Colorado. In my brief eye-contacts with

individual was my exotic Asian appearance. The

other Asian students, I sense misguided hostility

and intense curiosity. These thoughts fill my head as I walk out of my last class of the day, ready to take a long-needed (but undeserved) nap.

As I walk by Bobst Library, I notice fashionable students standing in circles, talking in a language that is cognitively familiar yet emotionally alien to me. I stare at them as I walk

Why do we continue to seek exclusivity by accentuating our Asian identity through affiliations with Asian organizations even though we seek to get rid of our reputation as being the perpetual foreigner?

by; they pause to check their surroundings. In a brief glance, they quickly analyze my appearance to figure out whether I’m one of them or not.

When they decide that I am not one of them, they

Why do we continue to seek exclusivity by

dismiss my existence immediately and continue

accentuating our Asian identity through

socializing with their kind. I am successfully kept

affiliations with Asian organizations even

at an arm’s length and their sense of identity is

though we seek to get rid of our reputation

secured. They resume their smoking. I walk past

as being the perpetual foreigner?

the building to reach Kimmel Center. As I walk

The term Asian describes only my origins

up the stairs, I find lone Asian students engulfed

and physical attributes, not my current or

in their self-imposed bubbles erected out of

future identity. Yet all around me, I constantly

necessity, either for the sake of productivity or

see my fellow Asians enhancing the outsider

for emotional safety. Every once in a while, they

label from which I have tried desperately to

lower their shields to survey their surroundings.

escape. In high school, my Asian identity was

In their eyes, I sense something positive. Their

constantly at the forefront, no matter how

intense curiosity leaks from their eyes as they

hard I tried to make it irrelevant. But here at

stare at me. Although their stares are not as

NYU, I see the exact opposite happening with

hostile as those of the smokers in front of Bobst,

countless Asian clubs. Upon my arrival at NYU,

they still are biased in their perception. Would

I have tried my very best to assert myself as an

I be mean? Would I be friendly? I find these

individual, as a human being, rather than as an

stares to be uncomfortable and invasive, and

Asian male being. However, my long periods of

I resume my ascent towards the 8th floor.

loneliness from my teenage years have caught

As I fall asleep while lazily staring at the

up to me, and I inevitably find myself in many

people below in the park, my memories wander

Asian clubs. As I haven’t had a good night’s

back to my high school years. In the hallway, I

sleep in days, I become delusional and silently

see an Asian student out of the corner of my eye.

curse at myself for perpetuating the very

As I walk past him, I find myself engaged in an

same image from which I tried desperately to

intense mutual eye-contact. In this moment, I

escape. As I lose consciousness, I realize that

feel a strong sense of camaraderie and warmth.

maybe I shouldn’t think too much. In Colorado,

Even without exchanging words, we instinctively

I was in despair because I stood out. In NYC,

understand what it is like to be the perpetual

I’m in despair because I don’t stand out. I’ll

foreigner. There is no need to be analytical,

just work on being myself and not think too

investigative, or cautious. Without saying

much about anything else. Look at things as

anything, we both know that we are under the

G they are, not what they appear to be. G

same banner, heading in the same direction.

Ironically, being an Asian student at NYU has made me more aware of my Asian identity.

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Jae Han is a Junior majoring in psychology and minoring in music.

What’s in a Look? 7

SUPERBOWL COMMERCIAL BREAK

Hoekstra Brings Back Fond Memories of Political Anti-Chinese Ads

by Michelle Lee

W

hile some of this year’s

Superbowl commercials

Photos courtesy of CNN.com

Unfortunately, campaign dollars

myth, a stereotype that Asians achieve

have been spent on this and other

higher degrees of success than the

were humorous—like the naked,

distasteful ads against Asians—

average population. However, these

dancing M&M commercial—other

specifically the Chinese—based on

ads alone are capable of perpetuating

advertisements weren’t so funny.

politicians’ negative attitudes toward

the kind of anti-Asian sentiment

the principle of Free Trade with China.

that unfortunately isn’t new in the

and “offensive” were a few of the words

Several of such ads found archived in

U.S., including accusations of Asians

viewers used to describe their reaction

racistpoliticalads.com include those

“stealing” jobs from Americans. The fact

to Michigan Republican Pete Hoekstra’s

by West Virginia Republican Spike

that Hoekstra’s campaign team hired

local political ad run in Michigan on

Maynard and Democrat Zack Space.

Chan to do the dirty work for them is

“Racially insensitive,” “disgusting,”

the night of this year’s Superbowl.

Lisa Chan, the Asian actress

even more disturbing and blurs the line

With the sound of a gong and

featured in the ad, apologized for acting

between Chinese and Asian Americans in

ancient Chinese music playing in the

the part. “I am deeply sorry for any pain

media representation (Jeff Yang, CNN).

background, a young Asian woman

that the character I portrayed brought

rides a bicycle down a grassy path

to my communities. […] This role is not

Hoekstra’s campaign relate to legitimate

evoking an empty rice field. In a forced,

in any way representative of who I am.”

issues of free trade and US relations

broken-English accent, she says,

While it is one thing that this gig

While the questions raised by

with China, Hoekstra’s ad proved

“Thank you Michigan Senator Debbie

may be a tragic hit on Chan’s acting

more ignorant and offensive to the

SpendItNow. Debbie spend so much

career, it is another that Hoekstra’s

Asian American community and

American money. You borrow more and

campaign dollars—nearly $150,000—

misleading to the larger American

more… from us. Your economy get very

were invested into purchasing pricey

community as a whole. Hoekstra, along

weak. Ours get very good. We take your

Superbowl ad time and producing an ad

with other politicians who have used

jobs. Thank you Debbie SpendItNow.”

exhibiting hate-mongering sentiments

similar political advertising methods

toward the Asian community.

involving the exploitation of the Asian

this message against his Democratic

Although Hoekstra defended his ad,

stereotype, prove guilty for such

opponent, Debbie “SpendItNow”

saying it was only anti-Stabenow and

pernicious practices in mass media.

Stabenow. Viewers are then directed

“anti-Obama,” it is still unsettling

to visit Hoekstra’s supporting website,

that his campaign dollars were spent

said, it would be “beneath our dignity”

“debbiespenditnow.com.” With images

negatively manipulating the Asian

to bother with such negativity.

of dragons and the Great Wall of

stereotype to prove his point.

Sitting by a fire, Hoekstra approves

China, the site intensifies sentiments

On one hand, it is sometimes

As NYU politics Professor Hsiung G

Michelle Lee is a senior majoring in English

of Yellow Peril and xenophobia.

assumed that Asian Americans are not

& American Literature. In her spare time,

(The site is down and now redirects

capable of experiencing racism under

she is either dancing or reading way too

you to petespenditnot.com.)

the shadow of the Model Minority

much about Asian American issues.

8 Superbowl Commercial Break: Hoekstra Brings Back Fond Memories of Political Anti-Chinese Ads

THE REAL NORTH KOREA

by Yuna Park

I

n fourth grade my teacher assigned a project on family

trees, which required a story about

Instead, one of my classmates immediately stood up and yelled, “Communist! Her grandfather is a communist!”

a relative. Wanting to deviate from my classmates’ stories of uncles who fought valiantly in the Vietnam War or

my presentation of his experiences

of mothers who created extraordinary

ended up staining my reputation

perspective for the people of North

chocolate cake recipes, I prepared

crimson red—I was now known as a

Korea elicits pity rather than contempt,

a story about my grandfather that

communist. Even at that young age my

I still find fault with this view. Both the

no one else would have, a story

classmates and I knew communism

brainwashed, communist stereotype

entirely in its own category.

was something bad. By the fourth

and the shabby, famine-stricken

grade, we had seen more than enough

stereotype of North Koreans imply

up to the front of the classroom and

media coverage of communism running

that North Koreans are a weak people,

began to tell my classmates about

rampant in countries like North Korea

both physically and mentally.

my grandfather’s escape from North

and Cuba. To make matters worse, my

Korea. I started from his origins near

classmates were already familiar with

Korean heritage is neither weak

Pyongyang, North Korea, to how he was

the stereotypes of North Koreans: my

nor violent. To me, it takes a certain

forced to leave his beloved homeland,

classmates believed that North Koreans

brand of courage to venture out of

which grew increasingly more

were all “dirty communists” who

the only home you have ever known

oppressive with each day. I told my

ate dogs because they were starving

into a totally new and alien land,

classmates about how he nearly starved

beasts; North Koreans were almost

especially with the fear of deportation

on the months-long trek and how he

inhuman because of their political

and death looming overhead. These

made his arduous journey on foot in

beliefs and the way they followed

fears and uncertainties are what my

the pitch-black cover of night with only

their leaders blindly; North Koreans

grandfather faced as he escaped the

his cousin for company. And yet, he

were a scourge upon the earth.

north, and because of his bravery

On the presentation day, I strolled

made it; he reached South Korea, ready to start his new life in his new home.

I finished my presentation proudly,

Sadly, these negative images are all that many people know about North Koreans. When people first think of

Although this alternative

However, I know that my North

and courage I know that my heritage is not something to be ashamed of.

His story, along with the stories

expecting to see awe in the faces

North Korea, they envision Kim Il

of millions of other refugees, more

of my classmates, the same awe I

Sung, Kim Jong Il, and their totalitarian

accurately portrays the strong,

had felt when I realized how strong

communist regime, brainwashing all

determined spirit of North Korea.

my grandfather must have been to

of their citizens into believing in the

Because of my grandfather, despite

trudge on relentlessly, despite the

legitimacy of their brutal regime. The

what anyone else can and will say, I am

dire circumstances. Instead, one of

very name of “North Korea” appears to

proud to say that I am North Korean.

my classmates immediately stood

have an evil connotation. The gentler

up and yelled, “Communist! Her

view of North Korea, if it can be seen

Yuna Park is a freshman majoring in

grandfather is a communist!”

that way, is that of the North Korean

Environmental Studies at CAS. She is

famine during the 1990s, which left

fascinated by green roofs and classical music.

Although my grandfather’s story was initially part of a school project,

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G

3.5 million dead of starvation.

The Real North Korea 9

CHINESE SCHOOL

Hub of Culture or Sunday Prison?

by Cathy Ye

E

very Sunday during seventh grade, I sat complacently in a classroom full of sleepy

children and listened as a teacher droned on and on in a language I was barely able to converse in.

Thinking back, I think it was one of the things I dreaded most—not visits to the dentist, not major exams, not even the fitness test in gym, but Chinese school.

For the few who could not understand her, she obliged with painfully broken English and erratic hand gestures. An hour later, we were bribed to pay attention with vouchers for snacks...and

the ineffectiveness of the teachers. Yet I have friends

then we were set free. After the fifteen-minute

who loved Chinese school, even returning there to

break, we were once again confined to our desks

volunteer after they had graduated. For them, Chinese

until late afternoon, the point at which it was

school was a chance for them to hang out with friends

pointless to pursue any meaningful activity.

from different schools, even a haven of crushes and

Chinese school.

middle-school romances. They opted for the after-class

Three hours of pure torture. A waste of many

activities—fencing, Chinese dance, and karate. As for

a beautiful Sunday afternoon. A loss of the coveted

me, I turned tail and made for the car the moment class

sleeping-in. Thinking back, I think it was one of

ended. We were placed by level, and since my Chinese

the things I dreaded most—not visits to the dentist,

then was rudimentary at best, I was both the oldest and

nor major exams, nor even the fitness test in gym,

the tallest in my class. Constantly self-conscious and

but Chinese school. It seemed like a form of torture

embarrassed by my skill level (or, rather, lack thereof),

concocted by Chinese parents just to lock their

I had as much interest in learning as I did in catching

kids away for a day. Why wasn’t there a Spanish

spiders. I quit after a little less than a semester.

school every Sunday? Why didn’t an Egyptian

Back then I really didn’t have much motivation to

school meet every week? The only thing close was

learn Chinese anyway. As long as I could adequately

Hebrew school, but at least Jewish kids get to take

converse with my grandparents, everything was fine.

their holidays off from school. I’ve always had to

In fact, it was expected and accepted that my Chinese

suffer through class without mooncakes while

was poor, since I was an ABC (American-born Chinese).

my brethren in China gorge themselves silly.

But as the years went on and my Chinese showed little

Okay, so maybe that’s an exaggeration, but

improvement, I became increasingly disappointed

the one positive thing I have to say off the top of

with myself. What justification could I find for myself

my head about Chinese school is that the snacks

for not understanding my own culture? Regardless of

were awesome. (And cheap; where else can you

the fact that I was born in the United States, I craved

buy a strip of sour candy for a nickel?) It’s not like

the sort of connection with my family and friends

I was alone in hating it—just about 90% of my

that comes with the sharing of a common language.

friends can attest to having the same experience.

But then again, I was barely twelve. Maybe I didn’t

They, too, were dragged to Chinese school every

have such grandiose ideas then—to be perfectly honest,

Sunday, struggling to learn a language with

maybe I just hated missing out on important details

minimal success, turning a blind eye to their bad

and ethnic jokes just because my vocabulary was poor.

test scores and blaming their incompetency on

10 Op-Ed

The process of (re)learning Chinese (technically it

was my first language) was slow and

waste of time. They neither appreciate

the multiplication table in Chinese,

arduous, and completely imperfect.

nor wish to recognize its value in

and to this day, I can spit products

While the bulk of my vocabulary and

their lives. I guess I’m somewhere in

out effortlessly. It’s helped me many

phrase usage came from my family,

between. I found culture and value

a time on mathematics exams. The

a good amount of what I learned

primarily outside of those walls, but

tricks and rhymes the teachers use

was from Chinese-subtitled Chinese

I can’t deny the potential importance

to jam stroke orders into our heads

dramas and music videos. My oral

of Chinese school in the lives of

work. Hearing them week after week,

comprehension was fine, so I would

people who are willing to be taught.

no matter how annoying, is bound to

pair the words on the screen to the

What exactly is the value, then, of

ones I was hearing and eventually

Chinese school? For me, it had little to

don’t live in a highly Chinese-populated

make those connections in my head.

none. I’m not alone in having learned

area, Chinese school may well be the

I peppered my family and Chinese

most of my Chinese from the people

only place they will ever be exposed

friends with questions about what a

around me—exclusive of Chinese

to their language to such a degree.

word meant, how and when it should

school. I also know several people who

be used, and so on. My family was

went to Chinese school for most of their

me by a friend, yes, I would send my

delighted that I was taking such an

childhoods and have by now forgotten

own kids to Chinese school. Although

interest. My friends were simply

most of the language. An adage

it may sound contradictory to what

amused by my sometimes-entertaining

that applies here is “Practice makes

I’ve been saying all this time, I want to

attempts at (mis)using new vocabulary.

perfect.” And unfortunately, once a

make a point clear. Chinese school was

But it paid off.

week on Sundays for a few months

a waste of time for me because it simply

Now, five and half years later, my

is simply not enough practice. That

wasn’t the way I learn. And I wouldn’t

Chinese sounds like I’m from China,

said, there are some concepts taught

send my kids there for the teachers

I can understand almost everything

in Chinese school that are exclusive to

who drone on and on, nor for the tests

people say, and I’m picking up more

the institution. You don’t hear many

that may as well have been written in

and more words every day. Music

people discussing the principles of

Greek. I would send them there for the

videos and dramas weren’t meant

pinyin or stroke techniques on the

friends they would make, the sense of

to teach a language, after all, so my

street. Those are reserved for the

community that resides in (and can only

reading and writing still aren’t great.

classroom. But contemporary culture,

reside in) an institution built on the

A lot still goes over my head. In light

colloquial language, and music:

combined misery of sleepy children. I

of all this, I don’t know if I’m glad to

all those lie in the field of normal

missed out on that sense of community.

have dropped out of Chinese school or

conversation held in dorm rooms, in

I stood tall and miserable alone. I

not. Even while I regret missing out

parks, around the kitchen table—

was lucky in that I had a supportive

on learning how to read and write,

anywhere but in a classroom. Chinese

family and group of friends who were

when I compare myself to my friends

school is, in a sense, fundamental

willing to trudge along with me in

who stuck to Chinese school for a few

to establishing the groundwork for

my journey towards partial literacy.

years, I can honestly say that overall

proficiency in the language. Without

Determination and circumstances

I’m a lot better at the language than

practice outside the classroom,

can only get you so far, however.

most of them. Their Chinese is stilted,

however, Chinese school has about as

Chinese school provides important

their grammar awkward, and their

much value as an unopened book.

foundations that are necessary to

birth country evident. The few others,

I guess that metaphor holds true

have an effect. And for people who

So in answer to a question posed to

properly learn the language.

however, are familiar with a good deal

for everything, however. As much as

of Chinese culture and history, speak

I disliked it, I’m not so blind as to say

completely wasted. The sour

flawlessly, and are very gung-ho about

that there is nothing valuable that

candies were awesome.

their Chinese heritage. For the latter

Chinese school has to offer. Forced

of the two groups, Chinese school was

repetition, though on the border of

Cathy is a pre-med freshman in the

the portal to a culture they would have

cruel and unnecessary punishment,

College of Arts and Sciences. She is

had little exposure to otherwise. For

is extremely helpful when it comes to

happily addicted to dark chocolate.

the former, it was little more than a

memorizing terms. I rote-memorized

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And actually, my year wasn’t G

Chinese School: Hub of Culture or Sunday Prison? 11

SAVING PRIVATE CHEN Racism and Mistreatment Faced in the Army by Former U.S. Soldier Danny Chen

by Zi Lin

D

anny grew up in the same neighborhood

I hung out in as a kid. He played the

across 100 meters of gravel while pelting him

same first-person shooter games I played, hung

with rocks for minor infractions. They had

the same posters on his bedroom walls that I

tossed him out of bed and dragged him on his

hung on mine. And, like me, he craved something

back over 15 meters of gravel on ungrounded

different from the life that hardworking immigrant

charges that he had broken a shower head.

parents envision for their children in America.

But I went to college and Danny joined the Army.

Somehow, nine months after enlisting, Danny

For many Chinese immigrants like Su Zhen Chen, Danny’s mother, it is out of the question for their child to even consider joining

was found dead in an Afghan guard tower with

the Army—perhaps, for good reason. Asian

a bullet through his head, a victim of racial

Americans make up only 1 percent of Army

harassment. Even though eight soldiers were

recruits, lower than any other ethnicity.

charged with his death, the question remains: why did this have to happen to Danny?

Maybe Danny would still be alive had he not

Yet, for those like Danny, who have made the resolve to become part of that 1 percent, the backlash may be fatal. In April of 2011,

grown up in Chinatown, had his last name not

Chinese American Lance Corporal Harry Lew

been Chen, had his parents not been Chinese

committed suicide because of the harassment

immigrants from Taishan, had he not been

and abuse he had received from fellow marines.

the only Chinese American soldier in his unit.

Both cases serve as tragic reaffirmations of the

Maybe if he had better fit the bill of an American

racism that continues to exist in the Army.

hero, Danny would not have received the cruel racial harassment that led to his death.

In the months following the Army’s initial

While many voice their condolences to the Chens via online messages, others are not as sympathetic. In a blog entry titled “Private Danny

conclusion that Danny was the apparent victim

Chen and the False Racism Narrative,” Iraq War

of suicide, Danny’s parents demanded concrete

veteran J. R. Salzman writes, “Veterans like

answers about why their only son was dead.

myself know better than to take these embellished

Under pressure from the New York chapter of the

takes of racial hardship at face value…the race

Organization of Chinese Americans (NY-OCA), the

narrative pushed by the media, Chen’s parents

Army slowly began releasing more information

and the NY-OCA, is without merit.” As a comment

about the circumstances surrounding the case.

on a New York Magazine feature about Danny

Soon, evidence of the harassment Danny

12 Op-Ed

in mocking accents. They had made him crawl

reads, “Everyone [in the army] gets a nickname,

had received from his fellow platoon members

most of them are unflattering.” Online, veterans

began piling up. They had called him “Jackie

and civilians alike are quick to defend Salzman’s

Chan” or “chink” or “gook” or “Dragon Lady”

depiction of the “alpha male” Army culture.

Danny was harassed and bullied not because

glaring disparity between reprimanding Danny’s

he was Chinese, but because he was too weak,

mistakes in the line of duty and administering

because he failed to follow orders, because he

brutal punishments for the smallest breach of

threatened the safety and cohesion of his unit.

protocol. When did it become legitimate to justify

The “cruel” punishments he received would have

a young man’s death by saying he was too weak

been given to anyone in Danny’s situation.

to handle what was never expected of him?

If Danny were not a victim of racially

Danny would have turned twenty this year,

motivated crimes, then he was definitely a victim

still hardly old enough to buy a drink. His future

of the widespread harassment issues rampant in

was denied to him by the unaddressed and even

the Army. Danny made the ultimate commitment

accepted racial harassment that plagues America’s

for his country and the very people who were

armed forces. Danny did not die because he

supposed to be his brothers in arms turned

was weak, because he was a poor soldier, or

against him. To accept the cruel bullying fostered

even because he was Chinese American. Danny

by the “alpha male” Army culture as something

died a hero because he refused to be part of an

that is routine and as simple as being given a

Army culture that preys on the weak.

G

nickname is to be part of the problem. There is a crucial difference between understanding

Zi is a sophomore in CAS studying philosophy. She

the harsh and racist realities of Army life and

likes stuffed animals, crabs, and military history.

to say those realities are acceptable. There is a

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Saving Private Chen 13

The American College’s Guide to Selecting Chinese Students

by Evelyn Cheng

E

veryone is vying for excellent schools, but cultural differences

between China and America determine what is the acceptable route to the top.

NYU sophomore Jennifer Zhang, 18, decided to attend college in the United States when she was a high school freshman in Beijing. The choice set her on a path towards America’s SAT and away from China’s rigorous college entrance exam, the gaokao. Like many Asian countries, China holds a nationwide test each June, and the results determine what college a student can attend regardless of his educational background. Although Zhang was spared the stress of the gaokao, she had to pay a popular college application agency, New Oriental, $4,000 to help her navigate the more complex American application process. “I wrote my own essays, and they helped me choose my school,” Zhang said.

International students contribute nearly $21 billion to the United States economy from tuition and other expenses.

Zhang is just one of nearly 158,000 Chinese international students in America. The number of undergraduate students from China increased by 43 percent last year, reported

of their parents, as well as some agency

the Institute of International Education last

representatives, who were mostly consistent

fall. This strong Chinese presence can be felt

in their reports of applicant cheating. Faced

on the NYU campus, where I hear Mandarin

with fabricated information, American colleges

on the street every day. Since international

have had difficulty discerning which Chinese

students seldom receive financial aid, colleges

applicants are truly worthy of acceptance.

welcome them, for they bring much-needed

Moreover, China’s emphasis on high scores

funds to universities. Indeed, international

over mastery has resulted in many seemingly

students contribute $21 billion to the United

qualified students with subpar English skills.

States economy in tuition and other expenses.

However, the influx of Chinese students has

“I know from experience that we have many applicants applying to graduate school

seen an increase in application fraud. In 2010, the

with perfect GRE scores but limited ability

American college consulting firm, Zinch, released

to speak or write in English,” said Pedro

a report from its office in China, revealing that

Noguera, NYU Professor of Education. “It

70 percent of applicants did not write their own

raises questions about the credibility of the

essays and that 50 percent falsified their high

application, the scores and the applicant.

school transcripts. The study was conducted

We need to devise ways to screen applicants

over 250 Chinese high school seniors and some

carefully to insure fairness and to avoid bias.”

14 World

providing a solid knowledge base. An interview could help determine which Chinese high scorers would thrive in a critical-thinking atmosphere.

American institutions can also evaluate applications more objectively by understanding that what is unethical in America is often accepted practice in China. Zinch reported that 90 percent of Chinese applicants submitted recommendation letters written by someone other than a teacher—usually the student. In a country where social status is highly respected, few Chinese students would consider bothering a superior to write a letter for them. However, in schools more accustomed to Western culture, instructors, such as Zhang’s homeroom teacher, will write the letter. These letters often need to be translated into English, conflicting with American requirements of confidentiality. Such apparent cases of fraud can be mitigated by realizing that the Chinese emphasize the connection with high rank rather than the recommendation letter itself.

As a solution, Zinch, as well as Jiang Xueqin,

Lying and cheating exist in both countries.

Peking University High School deputy principal

But the differences—the reason why Zhang

and Yale graduate, suggest an interview. In an

and thousands of other Chinese students hire

article entitled “Selecting the Right Chinese

agencies—lie in America’s greater appreciation of

Students,” which appeared in The Chronicle

the individual. In considering each student’s life,

of Higher Education last fall, Jiang says that

American colleges attempt to mold their student

students from China’s rote education system

bodies around personal attributes to achieve goals

tend to score well on the SAT and TOEFL, enabling

of diversity. The qualities of an individual can be

them to enroll at top American universities.

presented in an application through volunteer work

But he argues that the students who would

or personal accomplishments, such as overcoming

benefit the most from America’s creative,

socioeconomic disadvantages. However, as a

critical-thinking based education are those

developing country of one billion people, China

who perform poorly on standardized tests and

lacks the capacity to give all its youth a college

consequently rejected by American colleges.

education, instead reserving university spots for

Although Jiang correctly identifies cultural

only high scorers on the gaokao. If Americans were

issues as the crux of the issue, I believe the

to apply to Chinese universities, test scores would

solution to distinguishing between competent

be more valued than extracurricular activities.

and incompetent students lies in a deeper

With distinct socioeconomic situations, neither

understanding of the Chinese culture rather

country has the better college acceptance process.

than attempting to analyze applicants based on

Cultural disparities simply demand a deeper

their intellectual curiosity alone. While critical

understanding of a foreign culture as students

thinking skills enable scientific innovation, a good

from both countries venture overseas. G G

grasp of scientific and mathematical concepts is still necessary. Chinese education requires

Evelyn Cheng is a sophomore majoring in Journalism

extensive memorization of items ranging from

and Urban Design & Architectural Studies. She

Confucian sayings to scientific formulas, thereby

enjoys reading and cooking Chinese food.

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The American College’s Guide to Selecting Chinese Students 15

INTERNATIONAL LOVE Adoption from Asian Countries

by Eunice Lau

M

olly Feazel’s mother describes her

the time an adoptive mother asked her if she

daughter’s friends as “tall, thin,

had a recipe for mooncakes. She explained that

and blond.” Despite the differences, Molly

Chinese people don’t make their own mooncakes

replies, “I don’t see myself as different at all.”

and that local stores usually sell them. To this,

In a New York Times article about adopted

the adoptive mother replied, “Well, I’m sure real

Asian children growing up in America, Molly,

Chinese people make their own mooncakes!”

who was adopted from China in 1991, shares a

culture might also hurt or deter their child’s

her identity is not fully contingent on the fact

personal interests. In another instance, an

that she is an adopted child from the other

mother took her adopted daughter, Oona, to a

side of the world. The way Molly sees it, there

Chinese New Year Parade even though the loud

is no significant difference between her and

firecrackers scared her. When Oona’s friends

her friends—they are all just teenagers.

did ballet, she learned gymnastics, an activity

The ease at which Molly talks about her sense of self offers a contrast to the fierce efforts

16 World

The parents’ misunderstanding of Asian

personal and refreshingly honest sentiment:

that is often associated with Asian culture.

The overemphasis of birth heritage suggests

of some adoptive parents to ensure that Asian

that adopted children need extra doses of their

culture is apparent in their child’s life. They

Asian background in order to feel connected to

fear that their child will lose ties to her birth

a part of who they are. A handful of adoptive

heritage. They constantly surround their child

parents do not treat their child’s birth culture

with cultural events, activities, food, clothes and

as a natural part of their child’s identity, but as

television programs. However, some parents have

something that needs to be constantly tended to

a distorted perception of Asian culture and they

in case it will be lost forever. Yet, as we can see

often see it as something that is more exotic than

from Molly’s musings about her feelings as an

it really is. A Chinese American parent recounts

adopted child living in America, these children

The overemphasis of birth heritage suggests that adopted children need extra doses of their Asian background in order to feel connected to a part of who they are.

can construct their own identity without a huge

to learn German rather than Chinese, watch

emphasis on their birth culture. Like every other

the Disney Channel rather than anime, and eat

child, Molly and other adopted children have a

Italian dishes rather than Japanese cuisine, is

multitude of interests, hobbies and talents.

basically an individual who wants to experience

In a New York Times article, Qiu Meng, a girl who was adopted from China, talks about

different aspects of what the world has to offer.

Jesse Eisenberg, a freshman majoring in

her time at a camp for adopted children. Before

theatre at Tisch, describes his childhood as a

she left, all the campers made string bracelets

fulfilling blend of both his Korean and Jewish

as a reminder of their time together. She was so

backgrounds. Adopted from South Korea,

touched by the collective gesture that when her

Jesse says, “I grew up in a very multicultural

volleyball coach told her to remove the string for

environment at home. My dad cooked Asian

a game, she simply hid the bracelet and hung it

food for me and I watched American TV and

in her bedroom when she got home. Qiu Meng

read British books.” How are his experiences

shows us that just because birth culture is not a

completely different from another individuals’?

focal part of our lives, it does not mean that we

In the end, the simple fact that we are here,

are losing a part of who we are. It just means that

present in a world that can provide us with so

other aspects of our identity are coming through.

much that we end up feeling and experiencing

It is true that internationally adopted children

things that are not that different from each

do not grow up with their birth parents in their

other shows us the true meaning behind Molly’s

country of origin. Yet, this fact should not be

words: “I don’t see myself as different at all.”

an automatic signal for parents to provide their adopted child with extra, intensive exposure to

Eunice Lau is a freshman majoring in

their birth culture. A child from Asia who wants

applied psychology at Steinhardt.

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International Love: Adoption from Asian Countries 17

EMERGENCE

18 Arts & Culture

by Joey Wang A lot has changed since the last time I came to China about 9 years ago. It is true that while the government still may technically have some err‌ restrictive tendencies, the population, the people, are completely different.

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Emergence 19

20 Arts & Culture

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Emergence 21

LET’S PLAY A LOVE GAME

by Emily Lu

I

n recent years, a variety dating show called Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao (非诚勿扰) blew up

in China. It is categorized as a “large-scaled lifestyle service television show” (大型生活服务类节目) and its purpose is to help 24 single females and five males find a partner amongst each other. Fei-Cheng-WuRao quickly rose to fame in China because the contestants’ uncensored thoughts and feelings realistically reflect modern Chinese society’s rather uptight mindset about marriage.

Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao shares some striking similarities with the popular English dating show titled, Take Me Out. They share almost

Photo courtesy of hometown.scau.edu.cn

the same exact structure, but the guests on Take Me Out are only looking for casual dates, not someone that they want to share the rest of their lives with. In China, romantic or friendly relationships between a man and a woman are taken more seriously. Physical contact

One female guest commented, ‘You have no house and no car.

Who on earth would want to be with you?’

between two friends of opposite gender is almost always absent unless they are involved in a romantic relationship. In the traditional Chinese mindset, marriage is so sacred that

of common people and it allows the audience

it is unacceptable to end one under any

to see all kinds of people in China. It is hard to

circumstances. A divorce shows the couple’s

ignore female guests who share a similar taste

immaturity and incapability to maintain and

in wealthy guys. Because of the show’s relaxed

preserve a stable life together. The serious

atmosphere, many guests make controversial

attitude about marriage amongst its Chinese

remarks that often become trending topics

audience makes Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao’s mission to

among Chinese “netizens” (Internet citizens). In

bring two people together extremely important.

one episode, after a male guest showed a video

As an avid fan of the show, I can confidently

22 World

about his job, education, family, view on life and

say that Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao showcases a

social stability, one female guest commented,

surprisingly different and exciting side of

“You have no house and no car. Who on earth

modern China. The show focuses on the lives

would want to be with you?” Another female

young people who wash their feet with their parents’ money. Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao proves that it’s not because the show purposefully selects materialistic individuals but because they are rather commonplace in China.

However, similar people appear on popular American television shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as well. I wonder why the viewers often refer to such Photo courtesy of bbs.3e-online.com

shows as “trash.” Both American shows are about finding love, but the contestants initiate

guest made a similar remark when a male guest

relationships and interactions that are so

asked if she would like to go on a bicycle ride

scripted and impractical, it is hard to believe

and go shopping with him. The girl replied, “I’d

that they are trying to find true love. Most of

rather cry in a BMW.” Not just the females feel

us don’t stumble upon love during a trip to an

this way: one male guest came onto the show

extravagant resort that relinquishes men and

and described his ideal girlfriend as someone

women of their work and responsibilities.

with relatively more financial privilege than him and who would share her money with him.

These comments sparked debates amongst

Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao is appealing for a different reason: it portrays real people with ordinary lives that the audiences can personally

Chinese netizens over whether the younger

relate to. The show itself may reveal the negative

Chinese generation is brainwashed by

aspects of the contemporary Chinese society, but

materialism. Some believe that their pursuit

the revealing helps the younger generation to

of material things is attributed to China’s

see themselves in a self-critical manner. Rather

Capitalist reform and the country’s recent

than promoting an unrealistic perspective

booming economy. Most of the youth born after

about finding love, Fei-Cheng-Wu-Rao should

the 1980s tend to value material things more

be valued for its honesty and candidness.

G

than the older generation. A great amount of people from China’s upper class has the

Emily Lu is a freshman studying Dramatic

tendency to show off their money and social lives

Writing at Tisch School of the Arts. In her free

online. However, I see them as unappreciative

time, she enjoys shopping and traveling.

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Let’s Play a Love Game 23

RADIATION

Overreaction in Photo courtesy of jewel-pebbles-ii.blogspot.com

by Connie Lee

E

very six months, I have a dentist appointment that involves taking an

x-ray of my teeth. Before the nurse puts the film in my mouth, she lays a heavy lead vest on top of me. As she exits the room, I hear a beep, and before I know it she walks back in and takes the vest off of me and the film out of my mouth.

Within those couple of seconds, I was exposed to two to three millirems (unit of radiation dose).

On average, we receive about one millirem a day. Over the course of a year, that is about 365 millirems compared to the measly four to six that I would normally accumulate from a visit to the dentist. In America, it seems like we place an emphasis on blocking radiation from our bodies when we are at the doctor’s office, yet we fail to realize that we are also being struck by radiation every day and everywhere.

In China, a more proactive approach is sought after to prevent radiation. The use of feng shui and foreign products are very popular methods to fend off radiation for Chinese people. By rearranging appliances and placing natural stones and crystals in specific areas around the home, feng shui serves to lower the amount of radiation. Additionally, antiradiation blankets and clothing are common for expectant Chinese mothers since they believe that being too close to computers and other electronics will affect the baby. Also, metal stickers provide protection against radioactivity in cell phones. Although China has many products on the market to prevent radiation, many of these have contradicting results: some Photo courtesy of jewel-pebbles-ii.blogspot.com

24 World

the East or Oblivion in the West?

testing has shown that the products do not work, while other studies show that they do.

In contrast, Americans seem to take less initiative in protecting themselves from

Over the course of a year, that is about 365 millirems compared to the measly four to six from a visit to the dentist.

radiation. American researchers mainly conduct studies to become more informed and provide prevention tips for users. Every so often, we see a new article about cell phones possibly causing radiation or how research has been conducted on the long term effects of cell phone usage. Even with all this analysis, American companies have failed to come up with any anti-radiation products. At most, they suggest impractical tips like using the speakerphone option, a hands-free device or texting. However, texting does not replace a real call and how often would you casually pull out your headset to talk on the phone?

When I first saw two little anti-radiation metal stickers on my cousin’s cell phone, I thought they were a little ridiculous. But as I learned about the effects of radiation, I started to wonder why nothing is being done here in America. Although it is necessary to do research to first understand the problem, the second step should now be taken to create a change by either helping China improve their products G or creating new ones here in America. G

Connie Lee is a freshman at the Stern School of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance.

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Radiation: Overreaction in the East or Oblivion in the West? 25

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM

by Soo Mi Rho

T

he DREAM Act, which stands for the

booking a one-way ticket to their country of

Development, Relief, and Education

origin. Deportation. Many of the people who

for Alien Minors Act, is a bipartisan bill

qualify for the benefits of the DREAM Act are

proposed on the Senate floor almost 11 years

American to the core but can’t afford a college

ago. It aims to alleviate the difficult situation of

education in the only country they call home.

undocumented students in America by giving them a conditional stay in America. This six-year

of people of many origins. Trouble arises when

period allows them to pursue an education and

people of different identities see themselves as

eventually, eligibility for permanent status.

separate entities and not one collective being. We

Much debate surrounds immigration

throw around the idea that America is a mixing

legislation, and the DREAM Act is no exception

pot, but our actions tell otherwise. The idea of

to this. Interestingly, the arguments for and

prejudice for our own kind, in conjunction with

against it fall back into the all too familiar

the fear that allowing foreigners onto American

rhythm of who stays and who goes. Racial

soil would be to take away resources from

slurs are sometimes tossed around in addition

legal citizens, is a central and legitimate theme

to a fair amount of legitimate justifications as

in the debate over the DREAM Act. California

to why time and money should or should not

Representative Dana Rohrabacher expressed these

be allocated towards undocumented students.

sentiments when the bill was passed in the House

While both sides may be justified, the root of all

216 to 198 in December of 2010: “It is not being

arguments is enveloped in one central question:

cold-hearted to acknowledge that every dollar

How do we determine who is American?

spent on illegal immigrants is one dollar less than

Asian American, African American, white,

our own children…and for all those who are in

brown, what have you—“American” is a subjective

this society who played by the rules and expect

state of being. Yes, there is paperwork that can

their government to watch out for their needs.”

coronate you in red, white, and blue, but consider

The bill later failed to gain approval in Senate.

those to whom the DREAM Act would apply: the

26 World

Objectively put, the United States is one body

Thuy Lin Tu, Associate Professor of Social and

bill states that one must have entered the States

Cultural Analysis and Director of American Studies

before the age of 16, lived here consecutively

at New York University, shared her thoughts what

for five years, graduated from high school and

it means to be American: “I think the foundational

landed a spot in college, and have “good moral

relationship between the notion of American-ness

character.” I know a good number of people

and whiteness hasn’t actually changed despite

who fit this description, friends with whom I’ve

how different the population is now, and you

suffered through awkward junior high dances

can see it in something like the DREAM Act.” The

and years later helped adjust their tassels on

notion of whiteness brings about another slew

graduation day. Yet while I was booking my

of discussion, but the DREAM Act continues to

one-way flight to New York City, they were

become more and more conservative, adhering

A 2009 event in support of the DREAM Act in Los Angeles, CA Photo courtesy of Korean Resource Center/Flickr

Asian American, African American, white, brown, what have you—‘American’ is a subjective state of being.

the California DREAM Act, giving undocumented students a chance at private college scholarships for state schools. And in his most recent State of the Union address, President Obama encouraged an increase in the number of visas for highly skilled immigrants, many of whom hold graduate degrees in the U.S. but aren’t

to what many attribute as the white norm in

legally allowed to work in the States. And aside

American culture. In 2010, the bill was revised

from these “advancements,” there is always

with a smaller age window for eligibility and an

a running discourse on the bill among news

increase in restriction for federal student aid.

publications and online blogs. Yet none of these

Professor Tu believes something more

efforts have manifested in actual, impactful

radical than the current Act needs to take

legislation. Until then, the question of what it

shape: “[It] doesn’t allow illegal immigrants

means to be American hangs heavy over our

to get in-state tuition or financial aid. How do

heads. Look at the fellow student next to you,

people go to school without that? There are

the person brushing by you on the crowded

all these provisions that are very limiting.

sidewalk. We are all part of a motley crew in

What are we actually doing here?” As radical

the great United States, and our American

as this legislation seems to a good portion of

paperwork or lack thereof is only the mere

the American public and to Congress itself,

beginning of an incredibly critical discourse

we look back on the notion that America is

G on what it means to be American. G.

a land of immigrants. Ideas of who are the rightful immigrants—as if a hierarchy of

Soo Mi Rho is a junior majoring in Media,

immigrants exists—also have a significant

Culture and Communication in Steinhardt and

place in answering, “What is American?”

minoring in Business in Entertainment, Media and

With this, the future of the DREAM Act

Technology. Her life ambitions include traveling

remains unclear. Its most recent advancement

and one day being reunited with her dog, Coco.

took place in July 2011 when California enacted

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Requiem for a DREAM 27

THE RELIGION OF JEREMY LIN

by Evelyn Cheng

J

eremy Lin’s emergence as a stunning Knicks point guard in early February

struck chords with several communities. Lin is Asian American, which is significant in the western-dominated world of sports and

Asian Americans can identify with Lin on a number of other points, but to me Lin’s faith is his most inspiring attribute. He is an Asian American Christian.

entertainment. He epitomizes the stereotype of the successful Asian American with his Harvard degree and path to fame, albeit in the rather nontraditional field of the NBA. He grew up in

Bible. In an interview with the Christian group

the Asian enclave of Palo Alto, California, as the

Patheos in 2010, Lin elaborated on how his faith

second son of Taiwanese immigrants. Like my

plays out in his life. “Last year, when the media

Taiwanese father, Lin’s father came to the United

attention was starting to grow around me, I felt as

States to study engineering. Asian Americans

though I had to play well just to please everyone

can identify with Lin on a number of other

else,” he said. “It was a great burden, and it took

points, but to me Lin’s faith is his most inspiring

the joy out of the game for me. … The right way

attribute. He is an Asian American Christian.

to play is not for others and not for myself, but

When I first heard about Lin in February,

for God.” As a Christian with the same desire to

I thought he was just another Asian American

glorify God, I find Lin a good example of how

in the news. But when I learned that Lin was

the Christian life ought to be lived. Whether in

a strong Christian, his life resonated with the

congratulating his teammates or having lunch

Asian American Christian culture I had grown

with a once-offensive former ESPN reporter,

up in. Lin attended the Asian American Christian

Lin demonstrates a different, godly spirit.

G

Fellowship at Harvard, while I attend the one at NYU. Yet more than a member of the Asian

Evelyn Cheng is a sophomore majoring in Journalism

American Christian community, Lin serves as

and Urban Design & Architectural Studies. She

an actual representative of the group. Lin often

enjoys reading and cooking Chinese food.

drops references to his faith in interviews: “I’m thankful to God for all this,” he said in response to a question from MSG in February about the “Jeremy Lin Era.” The media has also highlighted Lin’s faith with headlines such as “Lin and a Prayer,” indirectly bringing attention to the 6.6 million Asian American Christians in the country, who have had little coverage until Lin’s appearance.

Lin’s constant mentions of God may irk some, but from a Christian perspective, those comments can lead to spiritual conversations and the furtherance of Christianity. Faith is also demonstrated with Lin’s player number, 17. Lin says the 1 represents himself while God is represented by the 7, a perfect number in the Photo courtesy of pimg.tw

28 The Religion of Jeremy Lin

THE GOD OF BASKETBALL

by Joyce Chen

W

hen I see Jeremy Lin, I see someone who probably grew up in a household

about Twitter. I literally want you to follow me.” These references widen the gap between

similar to my own, where academics likely came

Jeremy Lin and me, as I struggle to understand

first. I am proud to see his #17 jersey on the court,

an aspect of society I have never been a part

a feeling I do not recall ever experiencing when

of. The more I see and hear, the farther I feel

watching basketball. When I hear Jeremy Lin’s

from Jeremy Lin. It is hard for me to grasp this

name in the news, I am genuinely interested

unfamiliar concept, this idea of something that

in his life off the basketball court. Despite my

I do not believe in. I do not understand doing

overall lack of sports knowledge, I can now

something “for God” or the concept of “a calling.”

surprisingly participate in a conversation about

At the end of the day, in my mind, he is still

him. However, when I watch Jeremy Lin’s

different from the rest of the players that grace

post-game interviews on YouTube, I cannot

the court. As a member of the Asian American

relate to the constant religious references he

community, he represents Asian Americans

makes. Instead, they make me uncomfortable

as a whole—Christian, Buddhist, Jewish,

because they strike me as overdone.

and any religion (or lack thereof). Everyone,

I do not understand doing something “for God” or the concept of “a calling.”

even atheists, can relate to some aspect of the Linsanity that has swept the country.

G

Joyce Chen is a freshman studying Psychology in CAS.

Many of his fans are Asian American Christians, creating a link between them of religion and faith. As an atheist, I am unable to relate to this huge aspect of his life. Growing up in a household void of any God-like presence, I first learned about the story of Adam and Eve in my high school Ancient World History class. Besides this, my religious experiences are limited to numerous mitzvahs in middle school. I am not accustomed to strong, public declarations of faith, something recurrent to Lin. From watching several interviews with the Harvard graduate, I hear statements like, “I have to remember my calling. My purpose on this Earth is to glorify God in what I do.” I read excerpts from the Bible that appear at the end of his own videos and in his tweets. I see his Twitter profile picture depicting Jesus and a man on a bench with the caption: “No, I’m not talking

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Photo courtesy of ESPN

The God of Basketball 29

SPRING Directed by Rachel Liu

30 Section Name

Alex Jiang, Stern School of Business, 2013

Vera Dong, Stern School of Business, 2013

FASHION Photography by Joey Wang

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Article Title 31

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Anna Weng, Gallatin, 2013

Patrick Yan, Stern School of Business, 2013

32 Section Name

Clara Yang, College of Arts & Science, 2014

John Lim, Stern School of Business, 2015

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Article Title 33

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Gloria Lee, Steinherdt, 2015

Jay Kim, Steinherdt, 2015

THE WESTERNIZATION OF YOGA

by Jackie Mai

I

Photo courtesy of elephantjournal.com

struggle to keep my balance as I hold my chair pose in the packed room of “Yoga

to the People,” a donations based yoga studio located the middle of St. Marks. Next to me, the woman sighs a loud deep and prolonged sigh that echoes and encourage others to do the same, sending out a rippling effect across the room.

What can we attribute to the rise of yoga in America? What may have started out as a fascination with “exotic” eastern practices has become a cultural experience for mainstream America. There is also the element of health so tightly attached to the word in our society that for many, yoga is nothing more than a relaxing substitute for a full workout, part of their weekly exercise regiment. In a country with increasingly high obesity rates, another factor in its popularity could be the ongoing rise of overweight American women looking for the next weight loss option. Every year, Americans spend 5.7 billion dollars on yoga classes and products, including equipment, clothing, and media.

Yoga’s incorporation into celebrity lifestyles has only increased its appeal, with trendsetters like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston, Russell Simmons, and Ashton Kutcher raving about its benefits.

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, where in New York City alone, studios have been popping up under every commercial building. Just last month, a

Photo courtesy of demotix.com

studio opened up three blocks away from my home in Queens. Yoga classes are offered at

ironic gesture for yoga enthusiasts trying to find

nearly every gym, and offered as gym electives

tranquility in the middle of our bustling city.

in schools. It has become so integrated into our

With no surprise, yoga is becoming a very

culture that friends meet up to go to yoga as if

profitable business. Lululemon, a retailer for yoga

they’re catching up over coffee. In celebration of

apparel, has realized growing profits year after

our love for yoga, every year, the Solstice takes

year since its IPO in 2008. Retailers Victoria’s

place in the middle of Times Square, a grand

Secret and American Eagle have also incorporated

34 Arts & Culture

yoga wear in their sportswear line. L. Burke Files, independent business owner and financial investigator, argues in his book How to Start and Maintain a Profitable Yoga Business, that the path to spreading its message across the world includes delving into the business domain. He believes that only when spiritual and business elements are aligned can yoga become fully realized. While this statement alone opens up room for discussion and disagreement amongst yogis across the globe, it is clear that for yoga to have taken NYC by storm overnight, it seems, it must be doing something that resonates with this city. Yet is the commercialization of yoga a necessary and organic obstacle that advances its teachings, or have we fundamentally altered its meaning in a way that

Yet is the commercialization of yoga a necessary and organic obstacle that advances its teachings, or have we fundamentally altered its meaning in a way that strips it of its substance?

strips it of its substance? Perhaps its introduction into the American landscape marked the inevitable onset of another capitalistic opportunity.

The origins of yoga trace back to the

room of over 105 degrees fahrenheit. Choudhury

Shamanism in 3000 BC and Rig-Veda, the oldest

was a student of Bishnu Ghosh, whose lineage

text, a composition of hymns about prayer and

has focused on translating eastern philosophies

divinity. Only centuries later Buddhism adopted

and practices into a language that is more closely

it and infused elements of posing and meditation.

attuned to the Western mindset than can be found

Swami Sivananda introduced the five principles

within their original traditional Indian contexts.

that make up modern day yoga: proper relaxation,

Already, we begin to see the westernization of

exercise, breathing, diet, and meditation. Whereas

yoga, and the ease of its success in America. The

the traditional goal of yoga was to realize one’s

more popular the practice of yoga becomes in

spirituality with oneself and to realize one’s

the West, the more we’ve done to strip it of its

“brahman-hood,” the principles introduced by

spiritual elements, if not to emphasize certain

Sivananda depart from spirituality and instead

aspects that seem to fit with our understanding

focus on serenity of the body and mind.

of yoga—the mere physical aspect of it.

G

Why and how did yoga in our minds, become so separated from its religious roots? A look at

Jacqueline Mai is a sophomore studying Finance

modern yoga revolutionaries shows us how they

in the Stern School of Business. In her free

encouraged and sped up the process of exposing

time, she enjoys reading and cooking.

yoga to the public. Rodney Yee is among some of the more modern revolutionaries who introduced yoga to mainstream media in the early 90’s. He is an American yoga instructor who began making instructional yoga videos and DVDs, which made him rise to national prominence. In addition, Bikram Choudhury is the founder of Bikram yoga, a form of yoga that includes hatha poses done in a

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The Westernization of Yoga 35

KFC

Photo courtesy of Bon Bon Chicken

Photo courtesy of Yoonjoo Kim Photography

FRIED CHICKEN’S JOURNEY FROM KENTUCKY TO KOREA

by Hasun Won

I

t’s juicy, it’s succulent, and it’s crunchy.

What am I talking about? Fried chicken.

Not just any fried chicken, but KFC or Korean Fried Chicken. While the familiar-to-us American fast food restaurant may be sufficient for a regular occasion, there are some days when

They also started using light coats of tempura-like batter that resulted in perfectly cooked, individual pieces of chicken with a deceivingly fluffy, transparent crust that cracks with a satisfying crunch.

hearty, southern Kentucky Fried Chicken with mashed potato and gravy just won’t cut it. But don’t confuse Korean fried chicken joints with KFC franchises. The restaurants share nothing in

that resulted in perfectly cooked, individual

common when it comes to taste or ambiance.

pieces of chicken with a deceivingly fluffy,

In the early 1980’s, American fast food joints,

transparent crust that cracks with a satisfying

including KFC, started opening up in Korea. This

crunch. Thus, the ultimate fusion between Korean

delectable American fast food tradition became

spices and American tradition was born.

the progenitor of Korean fried chicken as Korean

However, not all other Asian fusion foods

bar owners devised a way to increase their beer

have as rich a history as Korean fried chicken.

sales by spicing up the Southern heat a notch.

Take Kogi truck for instance, a food truck that

Tossed in a thick, sweet, and spicy sauce made

has been serving Korean barbecue-infused tacos

of ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and red

and burritos since 2008 and has now gained

pepper paste, Kentucky Fried Chicken became

over 80,000 Twitter followers. Kogi Truck

‘Yangyom chicken,’or sauced chicken. At the time,

offers immensely popular intercultural food that

chicken was viewed more a tapa than a meal to

clearly caters to the general American palette. On

Koreans, so Korean fried chicken quickly spread

the other hand, Yangyom chicken successfully

as excellent pub grub rather than as fast food.

replicates decades-old Korean hof bars that

Despite their initial popularity, Korean fried

serve fried chicken as a side dish for beer; it’s a

chicken joints faced one big problem when

truly Korean and American tradition combined.

they opened in the United States: American

So the next time you are eating Korean fried

chickens. Koreans usually fry the chicken

chicken, remember that you are eating a piece

whole, then cut to serve. However, American

of rich cultural and gastronomic history. Your

chickens were far larger than Korean chickens

G meal is bound to be much more enjoyable. G

and frying the chicken whole often resulted in undercooked meat. Korean Americans cleverly

Hasun Won is a junior studying history and economics

improvised by frying more manageable single

in the College of Arts and Science. Needless to

pieces of wings and drumsticks. They also

say, he is serious when it comes to good eats.

started using light coats of tempura-like batter

36 KFC: Fried Chicken’s Journey from Kentucky to Korea

CHANGING TIDES FOR ASIAN AMERICAN ACTORS

by Cathy Ye

I

n all forms of media, from music to

Photo courtesy of CBS

By portraying the characters as effectively race-neutral, these directors have given these Asian actors the chance to be judged as actors first, rather than as Asians first.

movies to television series, Asian

roles are on the rise. And, for once, they are no longer being cast only in

it seemed that the actress herself was

stereotypically “Asian” side roles, e.g.,

being slated to be removed from the show. fans are more into him for his quirkiness

the math geek, the antisocial gamer, etc.

Her character was being portrayed as “in

and adorable social awkwardness. It is

Whether as lead characters or major

over her head,” and her death would not

crucial to note that the characteristics

assets to the plot, Asian characters

be unexpected. The flurry of negative

for which they are liked are seen as

have enjoyed a well-deserved increase

criticism from the viewers (“Take [Lori]

independent of their race and ethnicities.

in popularity on the screen, from

off! Give Kono some more facetime!”)

Even though the audience is aware of the

both their fellow Asians as well as an

in response to Lori’s introduction into

actors’ outward appearance, it does not

increasingly large crowd of non-Asians.

the show certainly influenced the

interfere with how their characters are

decision to remove her character from

received. Max (Masi) is liked because

later episodes of the show. The rush of

he is funny. He is not funny because he

approval from fans (“Great episode! Love

is Asian. He is simply funny. It would

seeing Kono back and Lori leaving!”,

have been easy for the directors to give

“Amen to that…it almost became a chore

Max a stereotypical Cantonese accent to

to watch her…”) cemented the show’s

create the comedic effect. Instead, they

position furthermore. An interesting

use clever lines and emphasize comedic

point to note is that the majority of the

delivery of those lines. By portraying the

commentators against Lori’s role in the

characters as effectively race-neutral,

show were not Asian; rather, they were

these directors have given these Asian

almost all Caucasian. Likewise, most of

actors the chance to be judged as actors

the people vying for Kono’s return were

first, rather than as Asians first.

Take CBS’s new hit remake of Hawaii

Caucasian. It is evident that race played

charismatic, and admirable, while Masi’s

This new trend definitely makes the

Five-O, for example; even though the

an infinitely small role, if any, in the

American media market more accessible

two lead male roles (Steve and Danny)

audience’s preference for Kono over Lori.

and friendlier to Asian Americans, as

are still played by Caucasian actors, the

People liked Kono because she was a good

well as other ethnic groups. In fact, this

majority of the rest of the characters

character, not because she was Asian.

procedure will be better for directors and

are Asian. This is not just because of the

CBS is not alone in the move towards

screenwriters in the long run as well;

setting (Hawaii); in the original series,

Asian actors and actresses. There recently if a role can be written as race-neutral,

more than half of the characters were

has been a marked influx of Asians

the pool of potential actors and actresses

Caucasian. As remakes generally tend

in American television and cinema.

grows exponentially. Moviemakers have

to go, the show was wildly successful

Whereas Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and

the chance to tap into and showcase

in its first season, but began receiving

Jet Li were once the only Asian faces to

fresh new talent, and yet another market

scalding criticism from its viewers

regularly grace the big screen, nowadays

opens up to the new, ambitious young

because of one detail in particular—the

a new generation is taking the stage by

generation of Asian Americans. GG

lead female actress Kono (a Korean

storm. Grace Park (Kono) is just one of

woman) was in danger of being replaced

these examples. Her co-stars, Daniel

Cathy is a pre-med freshman in the

by Lori, a Caucasian woman. Kono’s

Dae Kim and Masi Oka, also enjoy a host

College of Arts and Sciences. She is

camera-time was greatly reduced, and

of followers. Daniel’s character is sexy,

addicted to dark chocolate.

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Changing Tides for Asian American Actors 37

COOKIE CUTTERS

HOW ASIAN WOMEN FALL INTO HOLLYWOOD STEREOTYPES

by Livian Yeh

A

t the height of her fame in

English all too well, had many lines in

because it defied stereotypes of obedient

Hollywood, Chinese actress

the film as one of the male protagonists.

Asian women. However, Liu’s roles

Ziyi Zhang, who is best known for her

This arrangement seems to demonstrate

after Ally McBeal seem confined to this

lead role in Memoirs of a Geisha, told

that Hollywood producers expect Asian

fierce Asian woman persona who uses

an interviewer that “Hollywood is

women to play obedient and docile roles.

sexual prowess. In Cashmere Mafia,

Even when given speaking roles,

she once again plays a cold, career-

not my world.” As an actress, Zhang should want maximum exposure,

Asian actresses are often assigned limited oriented character. In Charlie’s Angels,

which she could easily obtain in

performances. Li Gong, one of the first

Liu again takes on a dominant role.

Hollywood. After Memoirs of a Geisha,

Chinese actresses to launch a career in

The defiance of stereotypical obedient

however, Zhang followed through with

Hollywood, played supporting roles in

Asian women should be encouraged,

her statement and left Hollywood.

films such as Miami Vice and Hannibal

but Liu’s roles are often overly done.

Although she is currently still one

Rising. Portraying the mistress of a drug

Michelle Yeon, another Asian actress

of China’s most respected actresses,

lord in the former, Gong’s main objective

who seeks fame in America, also faces

not very many Americans have

was to look mysterious, dance with

the same issue of typecasting, despite

impressions of her beyond Geisha.

Colin Ferrell, and wear characteristic

her impressive filmography. Although

Chinese dresses. In Hannibal Rising, she

she speaks English fluently, she often

part in this phenomenon. Ziyi Zhang

plays a Japanese lady who educates the

plays characters whose main duty is

is known for not being able to speak

heartless serial killer Hannibal in the

to perform martial arts and to be the

English fluently. In fact, she was the

art of flower arrangements, ancestor

love interest of Caucasian men, like her

laughing stock of the Chinese press

worship and martial arts. All of these

role in the James Bond movie Tomorrow

for saying “I don’t know” to almost all

activities are often seen by Hollywood

Never Dies. Both Lucy Liu and Michelle

questions asked by reporters at the

as portrayals of typical Asian culture.

Yeon face typecasting due to their Asian

Cannes Film Festival. Nevertheless,

The fact that Li Gong, who is Chinese,

heritage, despite their fluency in English.

directors adore Zhang’s inability to

was cast as a Japanese character in

speak English. In Rush Hour 2, Zhang

both Memoirs of a Geisha and Hannibal

have improved throughout the years.

plays a Chinese gang member whose

Rising suggests that generalizations

Lucy Liu was recently cast as the

character performs martial arts and is

of Asian cultures still exist.

female version of James Watson in an

The language barrier may play a

not fluent in English. Memoirs of Geisha

Many Asian American actresses

The situation, however, seems to

upcoming adaptation of the renowned

evoked controversy when director Rob

who are fluent in English also face

Sherlock Holmes stories. Michelle Yeon’s

Marshall chose Chinese actresses for the

typecasting. Hollywood expects them

performance as Aung San Suu Kyi in

lead roles and clearly instructed them

to play Dragon Ladies, the Westernized

The Lady gained critical acclaim; the

to speak with distinct Asian accents.

stereotype of strong, dominant Asian

role was a rare occurrence for Yeon,

Marshall’s choices raised questions

women, with certain sexualized aspects.

who, for once, plays a character who

of whether in the eyes of Hollywood

Lucy Liu, whose parents came from

does not do martial arts. These new

filmmakers, all Asians are all the same.

Taiwan, is perhaps the most successful

casting decisions are perhaps rays of

Gender also plays a vital role here. In

Asian American actress. She played Ling

hope that one day Asian actresses will

The Last Samurai, actress Koyuki hardly

Woo on the hit sitcom Ally McBeal, a

have a broader range of characters to

had to speak English. Her performance

fierce lawyer who speaks Mandarin and

play, and won’t be limited to either Asian

consisted of looking longingly at Tom

is also highly sexualized. Ling Woo was

damsels in distress or Dragon Ladies.

Cruise and sporting gorgeous kimonos.

one of the few Asian Americans roles on

On the other hand, Ken Watanabe, a

television then, and Liu’s performance

Livian Yeh is a sophomore studying

Japanese actor who also did not speak

generated mostly positive reviews

Dramatic Writing in Tisch.

38 Cookie Cutters: How Asian Women Fall into Hollywood Stereotypes

HORROR-BLE ASIAN REMAKES

by Taylor Maloney

“S

even days…”

surprise-twist endings. Popular Asian

The creepy video. The ringing

horror movies, such as Juon (The

phone. The chilling death threat. The

Grudge) and Shutter, also make use

Ring is one of the most, and arguably

of slower, more psychological scares.

the only successful Asian-horror

Tension is built up to make the audience

remake in America. While the film

feel very uncomfortable and then the

only grossed over $15 million in its

shocking twist or image is delivered.

opening weekend (about $15 million

The famous attic scene in Juon or the

less than The Grudge), the critics’

surprising twists in A Tale of Two Sisters

responses were generally positive.

are both effective in shocking and

David Ansen of Newsweek raved that

terrifying the audience. Why do the

it was “elegantly shot” and “visually

American remakes fail to do the same?

stunning” and Mark Dinning of Empire

Some critics have suggested that

Magazine stated, “As a concept, it’s

American directors have replaced the

flawed. As a remake, it’s good. As

slower, more psychological plots of

modern horror, it’s a firecracker.”

the original movies with cheap thrills

The Ring’s cinematography and its

and random, jumpy moments. James

terrifying suspense have earned it

Berardinelli from ReelViews in his

much praise amongst reviewers. But

review of The Grudge commented, “I

what about the other Asian remakes?

like a little more plot with my ‘Boo!’

How did, for instance, The Grudge or

moments,” and Michael O’Sullivan from

A Tale of Two Sisters (The Uninvited

The Washington Post stated “It’s just not

in America) do when remade? These

the kind of frightening that stays with

other films seem to fall short, receiving

you very long.” Perhaps, the American

mixed and often negative reviews

been very popular in Japanese horror,

remakes have been altered to satisfy

by critics and moviegoers. Why do

as seen in The Ring and The Grudge.

general teenage audiences, rather than

these popular Asian horror movies

Although Americans also produce movies being faithful remakes of their Asian

make less money and receive poorer

regarding spirits and demons, they often

counterparts. It may be too difficult

reviews as American remakes?

involve American urban legends or

to introduce and accurately portray

Christian beliefs, as seen in movies like

Asian beliefs and legends while still

Some Asian cultures have stronger

Cultural differences may be at play.

Candyman and The Exorcist. Perhaps,

targeting a specific audience. Perhaps

beliefs or more emphasis on the role

the Asian legends and beliefs are too

for Asian horror movie remakes to be

of spirits—whether through urban

unfamiliar or not explained well enough

successful, American moviemakers

legends or religious practices. For

to American audiences in the remakes.

will have to find new ways to translate

example, yuurei in traditional Japanese

So what kinds of movies have been

Asian horror elements to American

legends are souls that are emotionally

successful in America? American horror

film while still appealing to the various

attached to the physical world. Often,

includes a broad range of types of

tastes of American audiences.

women who were buried were dressed

movies, from bloody to psychological.

in white burial kimonos with their hair

“Slasher” films, such as Halloween,

Taylor Maloney is an Economics

let down, giving way to the appearance

choose suspense and gore over complex

Major in CAS. She enjoys playing the

of the yuurei: dressed in white with

plots while movies such as The Shining

flute and eating anything fried.

long, dark, messy hair. This image has

and Psycho include subtler scares and

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Horror-ble Asian Remakes 39

STAFF PICKS .CATHY YE.

.CHARLIE HE.

.CONNIE LEE.

.EMILY LU.

.EUNICE LAU.

.EVELYN CHENG.

.HAN YU.

.HASUN WON.

.JACQUELINE MAI.

.JAE HAN.

BEST LOCAL EATS

BEST BOOK

BEST MUSIC

Typhoon Cafe. It’s a cozy,

The Man Who Mistook His

Aziatix’s fusion of hip hop and

authentic Japanese restaurant

Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

electronic is the perfect blend with

with delicious onigiri and

describes some of his most unusual

Flowsik’s beats, Eddie’s crooning,

sushi at affordable prices!

patients and their ailments.

and Nicky’s soulful voice.

Crumbs Bake Shop.

World on Fire discusses the effects

Sungha Jung’s guitar

Enough said.

of democracy and free markets on

cover of Big Bang’s “Blue”

countries with minority power.

is relaxingly melodic.

Just Sweet has a really

I randomly picked up Wait for

Nice Guys by Ryan Higa, Kevin

good red bean bubble tea

Me by An Na when I was younger

Wu, and Chester See. Hilarious

that’s good hot or cold!

and could not stop reading it!

music video and lyrics.

Nobu, a Midtown

The Korean War: A History by

Far East Movement’s

Japanese restaurant

Bruce E. Cummings blew my

“Live My Life (ft. Justin

with delicious

mind and sparked my interest

Bieber).” Another great

mochi ice cream!

for modern Korean history.

single, and I love JB.

Teariffic in Chinatown

Kazuo Ishiguro’s Nocturnes is

“Kiss” by Sam

serves delicious

a beautiful collection of stories

Kang and Tiffany

appetizers, entrees

about love, music, and dreams

Chung has officially

and drinks.

that enchants the reader.

stolen my heart.

Boka. I love

In From Beijing to Taiwan, So

Mayday’s “OAOA (Right Now is

their fried

Close Yet So Far, Zhao Xing

Forever).” The intro music and

chicken!

relives my dreams as she tells

the spirit of the piece inspire

of her travels to Taiwan.

fascination with the present world.

Gyu-kaku. Very yummy

Howl’s Moving Castle by

Sam Tsui. His covers on

Japanese barbeque, but be sure

Diana Wynne. The original

YouTube are amazing,

to get there during happy hour

book helps you understand the

sometimes even better

or else it’s very expensive.

Miyazaki film a lot better.

than the original.

Go-Go Curry! Asian comfort

Escape from Camp 14 presents

Dragonforce Soldiers of the

food doesn’t get better than

the journey of North Korean

Wasteland. An English rock group

the concoction of Japanese

escapee: a fictitious non-fiction

that pays tribute to the brutalities

curry, fried pork and rice.

exposé on North Korean tyranny.

of wars, e.g. the War in Iraq.

Brick Lane Curry

Norwegian Wood by Haruki

One Direction’s

House is great for

Murakami is a coming of age

“Up All Night”

their spicy curry and

novel set in Tokyo in the late 60s

album is my new

all you can eat buffet!

about depression and sexuality.

guilty pleasure!

I try to get the Green Wow

I enjoyed reading

I was amazed with “History”

Milk Tea from Kung Fu Tea

Romance of the

by EXO-K (and EXO-M). Such

at least once a week.

Three Kingdoms

powerful choreography!

(for the 4th time).

40 Arts & Culture

.JOYCE CHEN.

.JOYCE LAM.

.MICHELLE LEE.

.NANCY NAN.

BEST LOCAL EATS

BEST BOOK

BEST MUSIC

I really like the

When I was little, I loved the

The song “Qing Fei De Yi” by

Coconut Shake from

book Sadako and the Thousand

Harlem Yu makes me really happy!

Teariffic in Chinatown.

Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr.

Spicy cumin lamb noodles from

The Devotion of Suspect X

Urban Zakapa’s soulful and jazzy

Xi An Famous Foods sets my

by Keigo Higashino is a great

tunes complement lazy Sunday

tongue on fire and gets my heart

murder mystery novel for

mornings or pensive coffee breaks.

racing (in a totally good way)!

those who love twists.

Pho 32 at St. Mark’s! Great

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.

2NE1’s “Fire.” Love their

flavored noodle soup that’s

A controversial memoir on the

style, especially their clothes

heartwarming after a long day.

Eastern style of parenting.

in the music video!

Paris Baguette sells light, fluffy

I love reading

Welcome to the Block

cakes and adorable little pastries

Naruto!

by Block B brings a

topped with fresh fruit and cream. .PATRICK YAN.

.RACHEL LIU.

.SARAH CHEN.

.SOOMI RHO.

.TAYLOR MALONEY.

.YUNA PARK.

new attitude to K-pop.

Keun Jib has delicious Korean

Happy Family by Wendy Lee tells

Ailee’s chart topping hit

staples, but be prepared to

of a young Chinese immigrant

“Heaven” highlights her

drop a pretty penny.

girl’s struggle with identity.

beautiful voice perfectly.

Totto Ramen. Personally, I

Photo book 未来ちゃ

Dumbfoundead’s sick new

think it’s better than Ippudo.

ん (Future-Chan) by

album DFD combines addicting

It’s small but very authentic.

Kotori Kawashima.

beats with smooth lyrics.

It is really worth

The Art of Speaking by Cai

“I Won’t Like You,” the theme

eating at Gyu-

Kangyong discusses various

song of the Taiwan drama show In

Kaku during their

ways of speaking that are both

Time With You, is one of the most

Happy Hour!

strategic and beautiful.

popular songs in Taiwan this year.

Megu’s Kobe beef was great,

Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84 spills

Swedish band Little Dragon.

but I was more excited to

over to fantasy, yet it reveals more

Especially their older, less

Instagram the ice Buddha.

about reality than nonfiction.

electronic albums.

Jing Fong on Elizabeth Street

The Kite Runner follows the fall

Jennifer Chung has soothing

has great dim sum and a huge,

of the Afghani government and

but powerful vocals. Her new

welcoming dining hall.

the rise of the Taliban through

music video “Common, Simple,

the story of a boy named Amir.

Beautiful” is now on YouTube!

Gahm Mi Oak! Best

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan!

Ye-Eun’s self-composed “Hello

sullongtang (ox bone

I can read it again and again.

to Myself” from the Dream High

soup) in NYC. .ZI LIN.

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2 OST. Sincere and motivating.

Klong. The little green chilis

Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal

The Pillows are older

burn like hell, but the delicious

Alchemist. Great characters,

than I am, but they still

Thai food is definitely worth it.

great plot, great art.

churn out great music.

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