Voices: Fall 2015

GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION FALL 2015 • VOL 14 • NO 1

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Article Title 1

LETTERS

from the

EDITORS

Dear readers,

It is our great pleasure to give you our Fall 2015 issue of Generasian Magazine. Although

Generasian began as a publication, we have now grown to encompass so much more. From our YouTube channel, which hosts videos including those extolling the taste of nearby eateries, to our blog, generasian.org, which presents a wide arrangement of posts encompassing anything from modern Asian music to current events, Generasian has promoted and facilitated the expression of the large collection of voices present here at NYU. Our printed work is where Generasian truly shines in this endeavor, and we could not be prouder of the labor our writers and artists have put in in the compilation of this magazine.

In this, our 14th issue, “Voices,” we present a collection of pieces, both written and

illustrated, that demonstrate the diversity of voices that comprise the Asian American community.

With works articulating the notions of beauty in Asians to those exploring the historical contexts that Asian Americans today grow up conscience of, our writers and artists have shown their penchant for expressing their voices and the voices of others in the Asian American community.

We thank you very much for taking the time to enjoy this wonderful collection of voices and we hope that you enjoy what we have assembled for you this semester!

Best, & Kim Chen & Will Shi Editors-in-Chief

Dear readers,

The Asian American community is comprised of people with many different backgrounds and

cultures. We originate from a variety of different countries, we have different political affiliations, we are of different economic statuses––we are not one and the same, and so our voices are equally varied. Each one of our distinctive voices holds the power to express our character. Our voices define us, both individually and as a community.

Here at Generasian this semester, our magazine writers and artists have let their voices be

heard. We are proud to showcase a collection of different voices. From discussions regarding South Asian exclusion from Asian spaces to analysis of Asian American YouTubers expressing themselves through the art of comedy, our members of staff have voiced their unique perspectives on a variety of issues. We have cultivated these ideas over the semester and worked tirelessly to shape the writing and art within this issue. Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will enjoy our craft as much as we have loved creating it!

Happy reading,

Shirley Foo Editor-at-Large

WHAT’S INSIDE 01 Cover Graphic Avery Chang 02 Letters from the Editors Kim Chen & Will Shi, Shirley Foo

CULTURE

COMMENTARY

04 Making a Mark Casey Lee

27 When China Dolls Become Zhenming Tian

08 The Ramifications of South Korean

32 There Goes the Neighborhood Jolene Hsu

Beauty Standards Christine Sim

IDENTITY

FAST TAKES

11

34 Meet the Eboard Staff

South Asians: Pushed Out of Asian American Spaces Shashank Rao

16 The Plight that Comes with Being

First Jennifer Minh Du

ART

07 Silent Voices Georgie Fu

18 The Complexity of Complexion: Beauty in the

14 “I” Ziying Zhou

Crossover of Asian American Identity Rebecca Kao

ENTERTAINMENT

21 Nippon Series Marié Nobematsu-Le Gassic 26 Parallel Tiffany Chen

22 Rise of Free to Play Multiplayer Online

Gaming in the United States Eugene Cheng 24 Asian Comedy Youtubers: Changing

29 Transcend Zoya To 30 A Game of Telephone Catherine Liu & Chuyu Xiong

Lives Through Laughter Dana Zhang

EXECUTIVE STAFF Editors-in-Chief Editor-at-Large Art Director Media Director Blog Editors Layout Director Social Director Operations Director

Kim Chen & Will Shi

EDITORIAL STAFF

Layout Contributors Avery Chang

Kim Chen

Shirley Foo

Rebecca Kao

Casey Lee

Avery Chang

Will Shi

Clara Jung

Diane Park

Jamie Sung

Dana Zhang

Swan Cho & Alison Cheng

Nora Hexter

Catherine Liu

Jolene Hsu

Chuyu Xiong

Jamie Sung Alyssa Mullally

Angela Zhang

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Table of Contents 3

MAKING A MARK

The (Brief) History of Tattoos in Asia

Pinterest: Traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos (Sara Harvey, Nils Bergenthal, Vern Rowe).

by Casey Lee

I

t’s kind of crazy – the idea of

of skin. As such, tattoos have been

intricate designs alongside the ris-

something permanent on your skin.

used to mark rank, beliefs, individual-

ing popularity of pictorial tattooing,

ity, resolve and even punishment.

which led to the association between

There’s something about tattoos that has captivated humans for eons, mak-

Evidence of tattoos in Asia first

ing them timeless in more ways than

appears as early as about 5,000 BCE

one. A tattoo is “an indelible mark or

(about 3,000 years before Ötzi). These

nese novel in the 18th century called

figure fixed upon the body by inser-

tattoos were represented by markings

Suikoden featuring a tattooed pro-

tion of pigment under the skin or by

on Japanese clay figures. In 297 BCE,

tagonist, the art scene in Japan came

production of scars.”1 Getting a tattoo

more evidence of tattoos appeared

alive, including the art of tattoo; the

is often not a light decision to make so

through descriptions of Japanese tat-

Japanese version of the book had vari-

although technology today ensures that

tooed men in Chinese dynastic history.

ous illustrations of Suikoden’s hero by

tattoos are not truly permanent – and

The Chinese had always been disdainful

different artists, each with a differ-

maybe even more so because of this,

of tattooing but by the early 600s CE,

ent interpretation of his tattoos. By

what’s the point? (Pun intended.)

the art of tattoo had fallen out of favor

1867, the restored Emperor of Japan

in Japan as well and was instead used as

again strictly enforced the ban of tat-

tattoos was on the mummy of Ötzi

a form of punishment in both regions.

toos, fearing that Westerners, in their

the Iceman from the Bronze Age,2

Such was the at-

discovered with 61 tattoos. Many

titude towards

scholars believe the tattoos served

tattoo in much of

therapeutic purposes more than artistic

East Asia. But in

ones.3 Cate Lineberry, a writer for

Japan especially,

the Smithsonan.com, believes tat-

criminals began to

The earliest definitive instance of

toos on Egyptian women were meant

cover their pun-

to ensure safe pregnancy and birth

ishment marks

4

– talismans amplified by the sanctity

tattoos and organized crime in Japan.

With the publication of a Chi-

But in Japan especially, criminals began to cover their punishment marks with increasingly intricate designs alongside the rising popularity of pictorial tattooing, which led to the association between tattoos and organized crime in Japan.

with increasingly

1 “Tattoo.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

2 “A Brief History of Tattoos.” Designboom.com. Designboom, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

3 “The Tattoos.” Iceman.it. SOUTH TYROL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

4 Lineberry, Cate. “Tattoos.” Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Magazine, 01 Jan. 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

5 “Japan.” The Tattoo Museum. Vanishingtattoo.com, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

6 “Thailand.” The Tattoo Museum. Vanishingtattoo.com, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

4 Culture

growing interaction with the island-

into the army

nation, would find Japanese culture

– that is, all

uncivilized. The new stringent laws

but those with

criminalized the tattooing of Japanese

tattoos because

people and ironically led Japanese

of “discipline

tattoo artists to work on foreigners

problems,”

instead, especially visiting sailors.

again stem-

However, the evolution of tattoo was

They use a nearly meter-long tattoo needle as their instrument of choice – one hand guides the needle as the other rapidly punctures the skin. The creation of tattoos is always accompanied by a prayer, which gives the tattoo the power to bless its recipient.

ming from the

stagnating in Japan. The traditional

stigma of the

tattoo masters, though highly skilled,

connection

did not design new works themselves.

between criminals and tattoos.5

are much the same save for the fact

Most created the same representations

Elsewhere in the world, tattoo-

of heroes of folklore or Shinto imagery,

ing was linked to deeply religious and

The closer the tattoo to the soul, or the

combined with secondary images of

spiritual – perhaps even paranormal –

head wherein the soul lies, the more

animals or flowers, with a background

meaning. Buddhist monks of Thailand

potent the charm is believed to be.6

of lightning, waves, or clouds. This

are masters of the tattoo art associated

There exist still more intriguing

seeming lack in creative design was

with the supernatural. They use a

Asian tattoo traditions, such as the

resolved in the 19th century through the

nearly meter-long tattoo needle as their

many social and tribal traditions of

collaboration of an artist and a tattoo-

instrument of choice – one hand guides

India7, beautifying female facial tattoos

Pinterest: Classic American tattoo flash (Hector Tejada).

that they are based on Hindu beliefs.

the needle as the other rap-

of Myanmar8, slavery-prevention facial

idly punctures the skin. The

tattoos of Dulong women in China9,

creation of tattoos is always

and the Headhunters of Taiwan10, just

accompanied by a prayer,

to name a few. The difference between

which gives the tattoo the

Asian tattoos and Western (namely,

power to bless its recipient.

classical American) tattoo styles is that

Some of these blessings in-

Western tattoos were designed in a

clude invincibility to bullets,

collector’s style. That is to say, Western

wealth, luck, expulsion of

tattoos are often stand-alone souvenirs

evil, and even interpersonal

of places or experiences.11 They often

skills. However, becoming

represent single, isolated meanings

a master tattooist monk is a

or events much more for aesthetic

difficult process. Each monk

purposes, while Asian tattoos – espe-

must be able to recite the

cially the story-telling element of the

proper sutra (which total at

Japanese style – serve a more complex,

least 108) and must also find

more holistic, sometimes even magical

ist – the artist would paint an image on

a place in his self that is “purged of his

purpose. In contrast, American tat-

the client’s skin and the tattooist would

own agenda and egocentricity,” (which

toos were, first and foremost, a form

go over it. However, the collaboration

could take years). A monk who has not

of personality and self-expression.12

between artist and tattooist and the

achieved this training has no ability to

newfound creativity that resulted did

grant powers to tattoos. Popular images

ing of the art of tattoo. The world has

not mean that tattoos had become more

of Thai-Buddhist tattoos include tigers,

globalized, automated, and commercial-

acceptable or commonplace. During

temples, Buddhist religious figures,

ized. Tattoos are no longer permanent

WWII, all Japanese men were drafted

and prayer scripts. Thai-Hindu tattoos

in the way that they used to be and just

Much has changed since the found-

7 “India: Land of Eternal Ink.” The Tattoo Museum. Vanishingtattoo.com, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

8 “Tattoos of Indochina: Supernatural Mysteries of the Flesh.” The Tattoo Musem. Vanishingtattoo.com, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

9 “A History of Chinese Tattoos and Chinese Tattooing Traditions.” Cultural-china.com. Cultural China, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

10 “Loosing Your Head Amone the Tattooed Headhunters of Taiwan.” The Tattoo Museaum. Vanishingtattoo.com, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

11 Yoon, Cindy. “The History of the Tattoo.” Asia Society. Asia Society, n.d. Web. 22 Oct 2015.

12 Crum, Maddie. “The Prickly History Of Tattooing In America.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 30 June 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

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Making a Mark 5

as aptly, tattoos have not stuck with

so much prettier without those tat-

tion – or Westernization – has changed

us in the same way. In many places,

toos’ or observe family members being

the style of Asian tattoo as well. The

the art of tattoo has been lost, rejected

slightly uncomfortable with those with

classical American ‘collector style’ is

because of cultural genocide or changes

visible tattoos. Overall, I think that

more prevalent in today’s generation,

in societal views, while others have

people are quick to judge others based

neatly exemplified by the Korean trend

survived through illicit underground

on appearances and because of the last-

of getting a tattoo of the likeness of your cat.16 Tattoo is more and more

tattoo communities. After

WWII, tattooing became legal Tattoos are no longer permanent in the way that they used becoming a form of singuin Japan. Although Japan has to be and just as aptly, tattoos have not stuck with us in

lar pieces of self-creativity,

produced some of the world’s the same way. In many places, the art of tattoo has been

as the commitment of more

most recognized tattoo artists, lost, rejected because of cultural genocide or changes in

extensive pieces of art become

its connotations regarding the criminal world remain

less appealing to this faster-

societal views, while others have survived through illicit underground tattoo communities.

paced, hodge-podge, corporate era. CAS student Daniel Pai

intact to present-day. In fact, tattoos are still so taboo in Japan that

ing stigma surrounding them, tattoos

remarks, “I personally think that tat-

tattoo discrimination (even to foreign-

are not perceived most favorably.” Even

toos are a good representation of your

ers) is a very real phenomenon.13

so, attitudes are quickly changing in

identity. For example, people get tattoos

The associations tattoos have to

South Korea – especially amongst the

of important things in their lives like

organized crime are still very subtly

younger, more liberal generation – as

Bible quotes or meaningful symbols.”

persistent - even outside Japan. When

seen by the growing movement to

Whether they be extensive Asian-

asked about his cultural perspectives

legalize tattoo parlors.15 In Thailand,

inspired works imbued with mystical

on tattoos, Allen Peng, a Taiwanese-

the invisible tattoo – done in sesame oil

capabilities or simple portraits of your

American Journalism and

loving pet, tattoos have

A/P/A Studies major here

always been an indica-

at NYU, said, “I feel that

tor of who we are. We are

there’s still a bit of a stigma

ailing; we are criminals;

against tattoos – a false

we are cat-lovers; we are

sense of delinquency.”

strong, religious, invin-

Similar to Japan, tattoos are

cible to bullets. Humans

taboo in South Korea and

seem to be obsessed with

in a way, still illegal. On

bridging the internal and

technicalities, tattooing is

the external. Perhaps

lawfully considered to be a

the reason tattoos have

medical procedure (because of the use of needles and exposure to blood) and can

survived for so long despite The Daily Beast, March 2011: A Japanese “yakuza” displays their tattoos. (Michael Rubenstein / Redux).

the numerous negative perceptions of them is because

or pigment-less ink – still with all its

tattoos have become the perfect way

Tracy, a Korean-American NYU

magic charm – has gained popularity

to wear our hearts on our sleeves.

undergrad recounts, “Coming from a

as visible tattoos became unpopular in

thus only be done by licensed doctors.

14

somewhat conservative Asian back-

office settings, which is true for most

ground, I know that if I were to get a

of the world. In this way, tattoos have

tattoo, my family wouldn’t be the most

come to exist in an odd balance between

supportive. In the past I would overhear

individualization and societal distaste.

my mother saying ‘that girl would look

G

Casey Lee is a sophomore studying Computer Science in the College of Arts and Science.

Globalization and commercializa-

13 Stucky, Nathalie-Kyoko, and Jake Adelstein. “In Japan, Tattoos Are Not Just For Yakuza Anymore.” Japan Subculture Research Center. Japan Subculture Research Center, 02 Jan. 2013. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

14 Hewitt, Giles. “South Korea’s Outlaw Tattoo Artists Starting to Find a Mainstream Niche.” The Japan Times. The Japan Times, 16 Jan. 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

15 Lee, Joel. “Tattoos Still Taboo in Korea.” KoreaTimes.co.kr. The Korea Times, 30 June 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

16 McNab, Heather. “Young People in South Korea Risk Jail Time.” DailyMail.com. Associated Newspapers, 16 May 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015 6 Culture

SILENT VOICES

By Georgie Fu

Self expression is commonly found in conversation. It’s based off of what people say to one another, and how they articulate their thoughts and feelings. However, I wanted to capture another side of our voices that is much more intimate. Depicted is a man, in thought, yet the streams of his consciousness are loud and in motion. The stillness of the frame is what is calling attention to the viewer. In moments of silence, we can still observe this dialogue exchanged between ourselves and others.

Medium: Color pencils and paper Georgie Fu is a junior studying Hospitality in the School of Continued Professional Studies.

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Silent Voices 7

THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SOUTH

C

ue the music: enter a group

contestants look eerily similar–the same

day routine. Plastic surgery is often

of young girls, most likely in

eyes, noses, face shapes, and makeup

seen as makeup more than a surgical

styles are carbon copied onto all the

procedure. Many women return from

less, pale skin, and youthful faces

contestants, illustrating just how nar-

vacations with work done and openly

flood the screen. Perhaps they’re clad

row the definition of beauty is in South

discuss the changes they have made.

in pastel-colored skirts, or maybe

Korea. Plastic surgery advertisements

Comments to young girls about

they’re going for an all-black, mature

for a certain actress’ nose can be seen

getting nose jobs or losing weight are

look. Or maybe they’re not wearing

on a telephone booth and double eyelid

as commonplace as discussing the

very much at all. Regardless, heels

surgery is so standard that it is often

weather. When I lived in Seoul, one of

are a must, and if nothing else, the

seen as the “gateway” procedure, with

my 13-year-old cousins told me that she

eye-catching choreography will leave

rhinoplasty as a close second. Botox

couldn’t wait to enter high school, but

a memorable impression on viewers.

and fillers are not only popular among

not for the reasons I was expecting. Her

their early twenties. Slim legs, flaw-

1

Even if you don’t follow interna-

older women as

tional music, chances are you’ve prob-

a treatment for

ably seen a K-pop music video at some

wrinkles, but are

point. With the surge of the “Hallyu

now commonplace

wave,” the rise in South Korean culture

among young

and entertainment, Korean actors and

women in their

popstars have been gaining signifi-

twenties who

cant popularity both domestically and

want a rounder

abroad. Although the widespread pro-

forehead or fuller

liferation of Korean dramas and music

lips. One of the most bizarre proce-

parents and friends from school told

may have diversified the overall content

dures is known as “corner of the lips

her she should diet when she entered

of mainstream media, its dominance

surgery,” in which both ends of the lips

high school and that she should get

has had a marginalizing effect on other

are raised so that a person’s resting face

double eyelid surgery before univer-

Asian voices and perspectives, particu-

looks more pleasant. Plastic surgery is

sity. I was taken aback and asked her

larly regarding the definition of beauty.

a common high school graduation gift

if she felt hurt by what her peers and

While women’s beauty standards

Plastic surgery is a common high school graduation gift from parents to their daughters, and many parents promise their daughters to let them go under the knife if they do well on their college entrance exams.

from parents to their daughters, and

parents said, to which she replied, “A

have always been unrealistic, Asian

many parents promise their daughters

little bit, but not really. They’re just

standards are not only narrower, but

to let them go under the knife if they do

being honest with me, so hopefully I can

they obscure a huge demographic by

well on their college entrance exams.

become prettier once I’m old enough.”

hyper-glorifying characteristics that

Perhaps unsurprisingly, South

I have overheard a multitude of

are more common for East Asian wom-

Korea has the highest rate of plastic

comments directed to young women

en and also warped by surgical proce-

surgery per capita in the world. For

regarding their weight and appearance

dures. Additionally, the rigid beauty

better or for worse, the stigma of get-

during the time I lived in South Korea.

standards of the Korean idol industry

ting plastic surgery is less prevalent in

“You’d look so much better if you lost

are exacerbating the fetishization of

South Korea due to how common it is.

weight,” and “Wow, you gained some

East Asian women domestically and in-

Take a ride on the subway around the

weight, look at your thighs!” are just a

ternationally, affecting women in both

Gangnam or Apgujeong area and you’ll

couple of lines that I recall overhearing

their personal and professional lives.

see numerous girls with their faces

at family reunions and on the streets.

wrapped in gauze and wearing sun-

As someone who was born and raised

Miss Korea pageant is a textbook exam-

glasses. recent plastic surgery patients,

in the States, hearing such things being

ple of the Korean beauty myth. All the

unabashedly go about their every-

said so unabashedly was a major cul-

The controversy surrounding the

8 Culture

KOREAN BEAUTY STANDARDS

by Christine Sim

To contrast South Korean standards of beauty, author Christine Sim (pictured center) teamed up with Zoya To to photograph Asians of different cultural standards and backgrounds happy in their own skin.

Everybody should feel beautiful regardless of trends that are inflated by the media.

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The Ramifications of South Korean Beauty Standards 9

ture shock, despite my Korean heritage.

quiet submission shows how common-

an insult, and any cosmetics store in

The blunt manner in which people in

place such stringent image regulations

Asia has its walls stacked with lighten-

Korea made comments about other

are in the Korean idol industry.

ing creams and brightening products.

people’s appearances seemed rude to

However, it’s not only celebrities

The perpetuation of the “oriental

me, but I slowly began to understand

whose appearances play a crucial role

beauty” ideal is not only seen in Asia.

that one’s looks was not merely a

in the competitive work environment.

Western fetishization of East Asian

superficial topic, but a critical part of

80% of job recruiters in South Korea

women is seen in the stereotypes often

their success in the professional world.

consider an applicant’s appearance

demonstrated in American movies:

The idol girl groups of the K-pop genre

when hiring, and they focus more

schoolgirls, geisha, and “exotic” East

are an example of where beauty is

on women’s appearances more than

Asian women are the main represen-

a necessary investment for success. The reality show Cheongdamdong 111 follows the day-to-day lives of FNC Entertainment’s idol groups. One episode focuses on the trending eight-member girl group, AOA.

Fans idolize the actors and singers they see on the screen, but their adoration of the figures they see on television only perpetuate the toxic beauty myth that is inseparable from South Korean culture and media.

tations, rather than Southeast Asian women or Pacific Islanders––think Lucy Liu or Shu Qi. Unfortunately, the representations of Asian women are dominated by East Asian stereotypes, which simultaneously exemplifies

After waking up, all the girls

and exacerbates the supremacy

weigh themselves. Anyone who

of features like fairness.

weighs more than 50 kilograms–a mere

that of men. More than half of these

110 pounds–is ridiculed by her fellow

recruiters admit to choosing a more

knife is on par with buying a luxury

members and called a “fatty.” Later in

physically attractive candidate, despite

handbag, South Korea’s extreme defini-

the episode, the girls’ director makes

shortcomings in their resumes, over

tion of female beauty is an active start-

a surprise visit while they secretly in-

a more accomplished individual who

ing point for illustrating the colonizing

dulge in some fried chicken. The direc-

lacked in superficially appealing traits.4

effect of an obsessive focus on one’s

tor walks in and catches the girls in the

As the Hallyu wave surges across Asia,

physical appearance. Not only does this

act, and berates one member in particu-

nearby countries have quickly come

affect women’s self-confidence, looks

lar, Seolhyun, for gaining a few pounds.

to covet the idols of Seoul. If Japan has

have also come to play a prominent

She sternly scolds her for weighing

anime and manga to offer, South Korea

role in one’s professional success. As

over 50 kilograms and humiliates her,

has K-dramas and K-popstars. Idol

K-pop and Korean culture continues

rhetorically asking if she should be eat-

groups frequently hold concerts in the

to spread, the ideals of Asian beauty

ing chicken. Seolhyun averts her eyes

Philippines, Singapore, Japan, China,

are being misrepresented across Asia,

and apologizes. The director tells her

and a myriad of other Asian countries.

feeding into the stereotypical West-

to stop apologizing and instead, diet to

Fans idolize the actors and singers they

ern images of fetishization. Whether

lose weight. She then goes on to criticize

see on the screen, but their adoration of

audiences realize that the women

another member, Chanmi, for coming

these figures only perpetuate the toxic

they see on the screen are surgically

up as a hot topic on the internet for her

beauty myth that is inseparable from

enhanced and are an unrealistic por-

waist fat. She scolds the entire group,

South Korean culture and media. Fair-

trayal of Asian features is unclear,

telling them that if they don’t maintain

ness of skin is a huge aspect of beauty

but it is apparent that the fervent

the strict image that she wants, other

all across Asia, and the pale popstars of

desire to be beautiful only becomes

girls will have nothing to envy about

Seoul reign them supreme in this area.

more extreme as technology advances

them and their fan base will die down.

The issue of East Asian supremacy with

and competition intensifies.

Rather than encouraging or standing up

regard to beauty holds racist ramifica-

for one another, the members apolo-

tions for Southeast Asians and Pacific

gize to the director and obey. The girls’

Islanders. Being “dark” is considered

2

In a country where going under the

G

Christine Sim is a sophomore studying Media, Culture, and Communications.

1 Heller, Jill. “Miss Korea 2013 Contestants Spark Plastic Surgery Debate.”International Business Times. International Business Times, 24 Apr. 2013. Web. 2 Huoang, Nina. “AOA’s Dorm & Eating Food.” YouTube. YouTube, 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 3 Marx, Patricia. “About Face: The World Capital of Plastic Surgery.” The New Yorker. The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2015. Web. 4 “South Korea: 80% of Recruiters Say Looks Affect Employment.” South Korea: 80% of Recruiters Say Looks Affect Employment. Equality Law, 25 June 2013. Web. 10 Culture

E

SOUTH ASIANS: PUSHED OUT OF ASIAN AMERICAN SPACES

ver since I was in elementary school, I’ve grown up around a

by Shashank Rao

‘Asian people,’ we usually think about Chinese,

“It’s hard not to feel like an outsider when people are basing their perceptions of you off of antiquated stereotypes that come from a middle school textbook.”

lot of Asians, ranging from Indians, to

Korean, Japanese, and

Chinese, to Koreans, and more. Coming

people from Vietnam

to NYU has exposed me to communi-

and Malaysia, you know?

ties that I’ve never seen before. But

When we talk about South

something I can’t help but notice is

Asia, we usually generalize

that South Asians, such as Indians and

them as Indian, and that’s

Pakistanis, are frequently left out of

what some people around

dialogues concerning the Asian Ameri-

me do.” The larger Asian American

into just one nationality. Andy Zhang,

can experience. We are often treated as

community tends to bond East Asians

a Chinese American, says “I firmly

a separate group just because we’re on

and Southeast Asians together, but does

believe that I’m Chinese. And then

the Indian subcontinent and our cul-

not include South Asians, people whose

there’s the all too common, ‘Oh, your

tures are so different from mainstream

parents immigrated from countries on

English is so good!’ I have to qualify that

ideas of what constitutes “Asian.” In

the subcontinent. Whether it be a lack

I’m American, too. And then they say

interviews with different students

of commonalities in culture or a disin-

‘Wait, then what are you?’ and I can’t

at NYU, I learned that there were a

terest in associating with other Asian

give them a good answer.” This dilemma

variety of opinions regarding the rela-

Americans, South Asian Americans

is a widespread phenomenon in the

very often constitute an ex-

immigrant community, where children

tended or even separate com-

often have to qualify their background

munity, despite sharing the

with having been born in America

experience of being the chil-

whenever others ask about it. It leads

dren of immigrants and mem-

to an unstable or fluid sense of iden-

bers of the “model minority.”

tity which is constantly tested when

Many Asians share the

living in America, when the ethnicity

struggle of integrating with

that one identifies as is questioned by

the larger American commu-

something or someone every day.

nity, sometimes finding it dif-

Grace Moon

tionship between these communities.

The experience of estrangement and

ficult to balance their Ameri-

distancing oneself from one’s heritage

can and Asian identities.

is a common experience for Asian

Many children of immigrants

Americans. It’s hard not to feel like an

go through an experience

outsider when people are basing their

where our identities are ques-

perceptions of you off of antiquated

tioned, and that is something that all

stereotypes that come from a middle

Asian Americans, no matter what eth-

school textbook. It’s not uncommon for

Grace Moon, a Korean American,

nic or national background, can sym-

Indians, for example, to feel alienated

observes, “Whenever we think about

pathize with. Some students feel that

from their heritage because people ste-

their identity cannot be neatly classified

reotype them for “smelling like curry,”

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South Asians: Pushed Out of Asian American Spaces 11

Elizabeth Chiu

or being asked what caste they are,

This view that the term “Asian” refers

Despite South Asian ethnic roots being

because their culture is being used to

to only East and Southeast Asians has

different, the values that our communi-

define and ostracize them. Mallika Lak-

been propagated for a long time, par-

ties share are very similar, particularly

shman, an Indian American, notes that

ticularly by people who aren’t Asian.

with respect to succeeding in America

such things are a major impediment

The first step to reforming this stereo-

and how we view our identities in the

to embracing one’s identity. “There’s

type is to make sure that Asian Ameri-

larger context of American society.

internalized racism and a struggle

cans are deciding for themselves what

If we allow other people to define us,

between rejecting and embracing your

they are, and not letting others do it for

culture. I’ve talked with my friends

them. South Asians should be making

about not feeling Indian or Chinese

the effort to define themselves as part of

enough, but at the same time, not

the Asian community, because there is a

feeling American enough.” If identity struggle is common to all Asian Americans, why are South Asians sometimes left out of larger Asian spaces

If we allow other people to define us, we let them control our identities.

that claim to represent all interests?

The issue of representation is a complicated one, but a big underlying problem is whether people even see

tendency for South Asians to congregate

South Asians as “Asian.” Dimitri Vil-

with each other, rather than trying to

legas, a Filipino American, points out,

connect with the larger community. We

“It’s always from an outsider’s per-

should be a part of the group, not just an

spective as to whether they think I’m

annex. However, the larger Asian com-

Asian or not.” If people from outside the

munity should be thinking consciously

None of the interviewees felt that

Asian community are defining what the

about what they consider to be Asian,

the value systems or the cultures were

community is, therein lies the problem.

not what non-Asian people think.

sufficiently different from one another

12 Identity

Andy Zhang

we let them control our identities.

to create conflict or real animosity.

Furthermore, it was generally agreed upon that it was unfair or at least

… cross-community communication is crucial to realizing and appreciating one’s identity as well.

between the East/Southeast Asian and South Asian communities, it is important for

unfounded that South Asians were

them to participate in activi-

excluded from the community. Eliza-

ties and discussions together,

beth Chiu, a Taiwanese-American,

tend to gravitate towards one another.

because they share many of

says,“They’re able to find each other

As a result, there’s a bit of a disconnect

the same experiences. Ways to get in-

and communicate with each other,” in

between the groups, even though on the

volved with other communities include

reference to the South Asian and other

individual level, they get along just fine.

learning about other people’s beliefs.

Some people feel that there is some

Pakistanis can take a class on Korean

Asian communities. She commented that this sense of togetherness pro-

amount of erasure taking place in the

culture and language, and for Filipinos,

vides validity to their identity, espe-

larger Asian community and that South

it may not be a bad idea to take a class

cially when seeing their own struggles

Asians are not represented enough

on Indian history. Chinese Christians

through the lens of a different culture.

because of a different ethnic history.

can learn from Muslim Bangladeshis

Finding others who share the

Spaces dedicated to the Asian American

and Hindu Indians can learn from Japa-

same experiences as the children of

dialogue, at times, do not include South

nese Buddhists. By understanding one

immigrants is an important part of

Asians for a variety of reasons. Halima

another, the larger Asian community is

Khanom, a Bangladeshi

brought together, despite our differ-

American, says that in

ing beliefs and personal experiences.

high school, she heard

Indians taking Mandarin or Koreans

about an organization

taking Hindi, whatever it may be, cross-

known as Desis Rising

cultural exchange and communication

Up and Moving (DRUM),

is key to improving relations between

dedicated to improving

South Asians and the larger Asian

the social position of

American community. At NYU, the dif-

South Asians and bring-

ferent cultural clubs and student unions

ing social justice issues

should make active efforts to associate

concerning them to the

with each other and host collabora-

public eye (note: Desi

tive events. Just like the Asian Cultural

is a term for children

Union hosts events like Explore the East

of South Asian immi-

to encourage cross-cultural expression,

grants born and raised

all Asian American ethnic or cultural

outside of the home

clubs should work together to promote

Grace Moon

country). One of the objectives of this

understanding between different

the immigrant experience. Devyani

organization is “forging collaborations

cultures. If you’re Indian, take your

Shekhawat, an Indian American, feels

with diverse communities and sectors

friends from the Japanese Cultural As-

that cross-community communication

to build strong social justice move-

sociation to Garba and teach them how

is crucial to realizing and appreciat-

ments for change.” Halima pointed out

to dance! Simple things like this bring

ing one’s identity as well. “We didn’t

that if such an organization exists, it

our communities together and provide

have a very big Indian community

implies that there is a problem. “People

us with a firmer sense of our identities

in Arkansas. It was the same with

shouldn’t be discriminated against, just

and inclusion of all ethnicities in Asia. G

Chinese and Taiwanese communi-

because they’re from a certain place,”

ties. We struggled to find others who

she says. Halima believes that encour-

were dealing with the same problems.”

aging dialogue between the groups

She also pointed out that within the

allows them to find commonalities and

Asian community as a whole, people

forge mutual bonds over their shared

of single ethnicities and nationalities

experiences. To foster better relations

1

Shashank Rao is a first year in Liberal Studies.

1 “About Us - DRUM - South Asian Organizing Center.” DRUM South Asian Organizing Center RSS. DRUM South Asian Organizing Center, n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. <http://www.drumnyc.org/about-us/>.

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South Asians: Pushed Out of Asian American Spaces 13

“I”

By Ziying Zhou

These photographs look at the ways the word “I” is pronounced in a sampling of various Asian languages. There seems to be a connection between these languages in that when pronouncing “I” the mouth produces a rounded shape. To make the interrelation more apparent, I chose to keep only the rounded mouth for each language’s “I” in polychrome and change all of the surrounding imagery to monochrome. The similar mouth shape across the photographed languages is quite reminiscent of how the words “mama “ and “papa” tend to resemble one another in many different languages.

Ziying Zhou is a first year studying Nursing.

“I” in Japanese as “Wa Ta Shi”

14 Art

“I” in Vietnamese as “Toi”

“I” in Chinese as “Wo”

“I” in Indian(Tamil) as “Naan”

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“I” 15

THE PLIGHT THAT COMES WITH BEING FIRST

A

sians are typically known as the “model minority.”1

They’re represented in the media as those who earn the higher grades,

by Jennifer Minh Du

older, are high school graduates.

First-generation kids are typically

that targeting certain identity traits

kids whose parents immigrated to

like race or ethnicity is a dangerous

America to find better lives. These

move,” Hayley continues.

parents have often left behind their

No one really knows where the

families and everything they knew.

have the better jobs, and live the

stereotypes originated. Maybe they

They repeatedly tell their children

“fuller life” compared to the rest of

came from the millions of Asian

that they didn’t have the chance to go

their non-Asian classmates. Taking

American

this idea into perspective, it seems

kids who

like Asian Americans are typically

seemed to

“better off.” But at what cost?

“naturally”

Racial stereotypes haunt Asian

earn better

“The first-generation Asian American always seems far too distant, far too angsty, and far too troubled by the confusion of being a firstgeneration immigrant.”

to college, have a high paying job, buy pretty clothes, and enjoy technology at its finest. Instead,

Americans from childhood to

grades.

adulthood. “Positive” comments are

Maybe it came

thrown at them since the beginning

from the film

of their education. “You’re so Asian,

industry

you have the best grades,” translates

which overuses tropes and personas.

do not understand their confused

to “If this Asian can do it, why can’t

“Why you no get A,” is probably one

and pressured children. “They

you? Are you not Asian?” Are Asian

of the most overused lines for strict

don’t understand the kinds of

Americans really “better off” when

tiger parents in American television.

problems we first-generation kids

they are force-fed these stereotypes

But how accurate is this stereotype? 3

go through. It’s depressing, in

from a young age onwards?

Pretty accurate, it seems. According

way. They lived in a different era,

to Asian-nation.org, 50.5% of Asians,

and now they don’t even bother to

that Asians have to fight everyday,

25 and older, have bachelor’s degrees

understand their kids,” comments

especially when the standards are

or higher. Asians have the highest

Joanne Lee, a Chinese American.

set so high for them,” Hayley Baek,

numbers of college graduates than

a Korean American, explains. “It

any other race or ethnic group in

find themselves at a road block. While

all depends on context, and I think

the country. 85.7% of Asians, 25 and

they may enjoy the arts and would

2

“Systematic oppression is something

16 Commentary

they sold fish, picked rice, and so on. The unyielding old-timers typically

First-generation children usually

rather become an artist than a doctor,

suffered, later generations

they feel that it is their duty to become

may suffer a lot less.

something much more “important,” to

First-generation kids also

find a career that is much more “stable.”

seem to have a much harder

Sheryl Chen, a Chinese American,

time fitting in because they

states, “When I first became interested

are neither super culturally

in business, my main goal was definitely

connected like international

to make money in order to pay my

students nor are they super

parents back for all the sacrifices they

American like second- or third-

made for me to live comfortably.” These

generation Asian kids. Their

kids will often tell themselves that they

language is irregular. They are

we not the same type of Asian?” is a

will be “much happier” after they earn

not fluent in writing or reading but

very valid question. It is more likely for

lots of money after business, or medical,

they can speak it and understand

first-generation kids to hang out with

and/or engineering school. However,

it. They can say that, for example,

their more American counterparts,

they cannot entirely credit financial

Vietnamese, is their first language

but there still isn’t a strong connection.

stability as their main reason for

but acknowledge that the American

Their lives at home seem too different.

choosing these types of careers. Sheryl

public system has caused them to only

continues, “I wasn’t only concerned

know English. They experience both

American always seems far too distant,

about my own wellbeing, but that of my

American and Asian influences; they

far too angsty, and far too troubled

parents, as well. However, I think that

are involved in American culture from

by the confusion of being a first-

my interest in business, as opposed to

school but Asian culture at home.

generation immigrant. How difficult

other lucrative career fields, is also an

On the other hand, international

The first-generation Asian

it is for them to stay connected to

indicator that I have a genuine interest

students seem to be everywhere,

their background while seemingly

in the field, and I think the same can be

especially here at New York University.

assimilating to the American culture

said for many first-generation children

They’re seen interacting with fellow

they were born into! Their struggles

who pursue similar career paths.”

international students and soon form

are camouflaged by being part of

NYU Stern School of Business and

large squads where they only speak

the “model minority.” Ousted by the

NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Korean, Chinese, or other foreign

later generations of Asian Americans

claim the highest percentages of Asians

Asian languages. Especially for those

and the international students, they

studying at their schools. At NYU

who have lost much of their Asian

become the unfortunate in-betweens.

Stern, Asians dominate the school at

roots due to American schooling, this

46%. Comparatively, second-generation

seems intimidating. Having nothing to

influence and stick to it aggressively.

or third-generation children may be

connect to them with, Asian Americans

We know that we are experiencing

more likely to choose more liberal

may find it awkward to hang out with

some sort of middle ground between

studies such as journalism or film.

international students. First generation

two groups, but we may pretend that

Because their first-generation parents

Asian Americans may feel isolated

we are fully part of one group for a

because they cannot connect to the

sense of belonging,” Juliet Ramdass,

second- or third-generation Asian

an Indian American, observes. While

Americans or to the more culturally

it may be difficult to resist assimilation

connected international students.

into American culture and confront

Although one may be Korean, they

their less than understanding parents,

cannot connect with the international

this is the only way of life known to

Korean kids and find themselves

many first-generation students.

4

“We sometimes choose one

G

sitting in silence as the rest continue to chatter away in fluent Korean. “Are

Jennifer Minh Du is a first year in the Tandon School of Engineering

1 www.onlinecollege.org/2011/12/13/20-amazing-stats-about-asian-americanachievement/ 2 www.asian-nation.org/14-statistics.shtml 3 www.psychologytoday.com/blog/between-the-lines/201205/the-dark-side-positivestereotypes 4 www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/stern-advantage/profile READ OUR BLOG

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The Plight that Comes with Being First 17

THE COMPLEXITY OF COMPLEXION:

BEAUTY IN THE CROSSOVER OF ASIAN AMERICAN IDENTITY

by Rebecca Kao

W

ow… So dark!” I look up from

derision of my paleness from class-

these experiences is the reality of be-

making my cappuccino at the

mates in California, as well as the

ing an Asian American—constantly

self-serve dessert bar. A well-dressed old

shocked and horrified reactions from

searching for a middle ground be-

man, the restaurant manager, smiles at

my Asian family upon seeing how

tween cultures and their expecta-

me from the other side of the counter. I

dark I’d gotten since they last saw me.

tions. Navigating a multicultural

am used to such comments from family,

What has become very clear through

identity in terms of beauty norms

but ordinarily not from strangers. It is a hot, humid Taiwan summer day, and I opted to wear a sleeveless top, exposing my tanned shoulders and arms. The manager looks at me, slightly perplexed.

“You’re not from the city area, are you?” he asks, implying, of course, that no one in the metropolitan Taipei would let themselves look like me. No one with any concern for beauty care in the sleek, urbanized capital city would be comfortable with such deeply tanned skin. The only plausible explanation, it seemed, would be that I came from the countryside—perhaps somewhere down south, or from abroad.

The proliferation of skin-lightening products continues its sprawl across Asia, reinforcing pale skin as the paragon of beauty.

No, I tell him, I’m from America.

Having skin that naturally tans easily, and also lightens easily, I have been subject to reactions from all ends of the spectrum: both admiration and 18 Identity

extends beyond the abstract into the physicality of outward appearance.

While beauty ideals often vary between cultures, the appearance of pale skin has been prized in many countries all over the world for centuries. From ancient Greece to Victorian-era England, women (and men) employed the use of toxic powders to achieve a pale complexion, a sign of nobility. In Southern Asia, particularly India, a fraught history of both European colonization and the social and political caste system resulted in an idealization of pale skin, a an

An advertisement for skin lightening cream in Taiwan.

aesthetic value rooted in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

and Europe. Celebrities like fash-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perfectly bronzedâ&#x20AC;? complexions have

geopolitical and socioeconomic past.

ion designer Coco Chanel and singer

taken over magazine covers and film

Josephine Baker popularized tanned

screens across the Western world,

skin, a trend that continues today.

thanks to celebrities such as Victo-

However, in the 1920s, a significant shift occurred in the United States

.1

ria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston.

In contrast, the proliferation of skin-lightening products continues its sprawl across Asia, reinforcing pale skin as the paragon of beauty.2 But why is it, exactly, that pale skin is so highly prized there?

As in many other spheres, Asian Americans seem culturally and socially caught in between. Do we subscribe to Asian or American beauty standards, or both, or neither?

For many Asian countries, particularly China, the reasons stem from events in modern history. Whereas Western nations began industrializing over two centuries ago, in China, the shift from an agricultural society to an industrialized one is still fairly recent.3 In fact, in many places, the transformation is still in progress, leading to a continuing distaste for manual labor, as citizens do not want Photography by Sohyung Lew

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to be associated with the laborers and The Complexity of Complexion: Beauty in the Crossover of Asian American Identity 19

farm workers whose difficult outdoor

that are considered socially undesir-

shirt caught my eye. I couldn’t decide

work inevitably darkens their skin.

able. People prize and strive to achieve

whether it was red or orange, but I

This very quickly becomes conflated

the pallor of wealth and luxury to

immediately knew I wanted it. See-

with decisive perceptions of lower

implicitly distinguish themselves

ing me eye the shirt, a store employee

socioeconomic status, lack of education

from manual laborers, thereby per-

approached me with a smile and gave

and association with urban life, and a

petuating the beauty standard of

me a once-over. “We have that shirt

range of other undesirable conditions.

paleness in East Asian culture.

in other colors, too,” she said. “I own

When exploring the issue of skin color

4

Bringing the conversation home to

in East Asian societies like China, it

the Asian American experience,

is important to bear in mind that the

this issue is no linear, straightfor-

society has a deeply entrenched and

ward inquiry. While many Asian

often culturally, or even politically,

Americans, myself included, can

enforced code of classifying individuals

recount having received criticism

by appearance. Whether this was done

for their dark skin, others describe

to assume age, profession, wealth, or

feelings of embarrassment over

any other form of status, people were

their pale skin. Some attribute this

often characterized by modes of dress,

tension to how “Americanized” they

hairstyles, or physical attributes.

are, pointing out that more often

This tendency of classification has

the royal blue version of it. Like you,

It is in these gray areas of overlap and ambiguity that fruitful dialogue can emerge, making space for us to cultivate identity as we gain exposure to other people’s narratives.

than not, recent immigrants notice

become so ingrained that even today,

such distinctions more acutely than

my skin is dark, so the blue offsets

people are constantly attempting to

those who have grown up in multiracial

that and makes me appear paler!”

avoid having physical characteristics

communities across the United States.

As in many other spheres, Asian

I paused, a little bemused. I struggled to respond. Her tone made it clear

Americans seem culturally and socially

that she expected me to agree, to say,

caught in between. Do we subscribe to

yes, my skin is dark, you’re right, I

Asian or American beauty standards,

should buy the cooler blue shade in-

or both, or neither? Or perhaps even

stead. Her advice was just one of many

an individually determined amalga-

quips and hacks that Taiwan’s beauty

mation of the two? How much of it

departments targeted at girls who look

is dictated by family and tradition?

like me. Vibrant, warm colors would not

How much is a product of the media

do me any favors, they seemed to say.

and fashion in a continually changing

I opted to respond the only way I

culture? Is this a passing phenomenon,

really knew how. I smiled. I looked

or something more permanent?

at her earnest face, and said, “I

At the heart of this complex inter-

don’t think you understand. I want

play between cultural standards and

to buy this one, because I like the

personal identity, maybe it is best that

way it looks with my dark skin.”

there exists no definite answer. Often,

The employee stuttered awk-

it is in these gray areas of overlap

wardly. Now it was her turn to be at

and ambiguity that fruitful dialogue

a loss for words. With a polite nod,

can emerge, making space for us to

she offered to package the shirt for

cultivate identity as we gain expo-

me. I knew she didn’t understand.

sure to other people’s narratives.

Towards the end of my summer in

But, I decided, it’s all right. A light smile tugging at my lips, I left the

Taiwan, I was shopping in the lively

store with my bright red–or maybe

outdoor Shi-Da night market, relish-

orange–shirt happily in tow. G

ing in the freedom of being on my own in the hubbub. A brightly colored

20 Identity

Rebecca Kao is a first year in the Colllege of Arts and Science.

NIPPON SERIES (日本)

By Marié Nobematsu-Le Gassic

This work examines the remnants/results of Americanization in modern day Japan. Each photograph of Fujikawaguchiko, a tourist destination near Mt. Fuji, has been paired with an object that reflects the commodification of Japan through Western influences. The candy represents artificiality; the glass of milk, avid consumption and the Caucasian image; and the mask alludes to cultural unity and the censure of individuality.

Medium: 35mm film; 3 x 5.5 diptychs on 8 x 10 RC paper Marié is a sophomore studying Anthropology in the College of Arts and Science.

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Nippon Series 21

THE RISE OF FREE TO PLAY MULTIPLAYER ONLINE GAMING IN THE UNITED STATES

by Eugene Cheng

T

his is it. The finals. After

that adorn the stadium. Yes, these people

populated by mostly Asian Americans,

nearly a month of intense group

are watching teams, professional teams,

has

play between 16 of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best

play a video game. For money. In a large

popular culture and the mainstream.

teams, two teams arose from chaos to

soccer stadium. This might seem absurd

face each other for the championship

to a casual observer. Nevertheless,

crown.

Thousands of fans pack into

electronic sports, or eSports, where

Sangnam Stadium in Korea, along with

professional competitors play video

tens of millions of fans tuned in online,

games for cash prizes, have been on a

to watch Star Horn Royal Club from

steady rise in the last few years, proving

China and Samsung Galaxy White from

that it is more than just a passing fad.

South Korea, duke it out for the ultimate

While teams from Asia have dominated

prize, a one million dollar payout and

the professional gaming scene, the West,

the ultimate glory of being called the

in particular the U.S., has begun to

Free to play online gaming has seen

best in the world. The crowd erupts

establish itself as a major player, with

a meteoric rise worldwide in the past

as teams score points, string together

North American organizations such

six years. These games span a plethora

combinations, and outmaneuver their

as Cloud9 and Counter Logic Gaming

of genres, from straightforward first-

opponents. Finally, after nearly three

making their mark in the professional

person

hours of gameplay, the dust has settled

ranks. This steady rise in popularity

Arms and Soldier Front, to MMORPGs

and Samsung Galaxy White is crowned

has been directly correlated with the

(Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-

the champion of 2014, becoming the

increasing popularity of online gaming

Playing Games), such as Guild Wars

second consecutive championship team

in the U.S., which, while initially

and TERA. There is now an almost

slowly

seeped

into

American

Online gaming in the U.S., which, while initially populated by mostly Asian Americans, has slowly seeped into American popular culture and the mainstream.

shooters,

such

as

Combat

from South Korea and the third Asian team since the championshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation in 2011 to win the coveted title.

To the average person, this scenario seems to be taken directly out of your typical professional sports league, filled with passionate fans, fierce competition, and the journey of becoming the best in the world. A closer look, however, shows the contrary. After all, the skills and physical feats displayed by these teams are largely confined to a screen and a keyboard. Fans are cheering, not for anything occurring live on the field, but for animations from the many monitors 22 Entertainment

2015: The League of Legends Worlds Semifinals took place at the Belgium Expo to a crowd of 12,500 people.

and gifts. As a

This meteoric rise in prize money

result, many top

is thanks, in large part, to the live

streamers have been able to turn live

streaming

into a viable day job

and

have

turned

many

casual

gamers

on to the idea of live

streaming

their

Online gaming is here to stay and, no matter what we think of it, it will continue to grow.

gaming

sessions.

This

streaming services that have brought

of

in a legion of new fans. Major League

endless selection of options to satisfy

live streaming has further permeated

Gaming saw a 1376% growth in

one’s gaming needs. The epicenter,

the growth of online gaming and gaming

viewership in 2014, mainly due to their

however, of this online gaming boom

culture, creating a medium that allows

live streaming service MLG.TV, while

is undoubtedly League of Legends (LoL

the masses to view highly skilled gamers

32 million people watched the finals

for short). Figures from 2014 reported

display their ability and prowess. With

of the LoL Championships in 2013 on

that there were 27 million people who

the increased prevalence of video

Twitch. With these staggering numbers,

play the game daily and over 67 million

game live streaming, it seems like a

it is safe to say that professional gaming

people who play the game monthly, a

natural progression for professional

will continue to grow in prize pool and

massive increase from the number of

competitive gaming and eSports to take

viewership.

players back in 2012, when there were

off as well. Having already established a

When I was in elementary school,

reportedly 12 million daily players and

presence in Asia, particularly in South

I remember seeing free to play online

32 million monthly players. Clearly,

Korea, and existing in small pockets

games just starting to gain ground. I

LoL has shown itself to be the dominant

in the U.S., eSports organizations,

would go home every day and jump

front-runner of a continually increasing

such as Major League Gaming, Dota

straight to the computer, playing games

market for online gaming enthusiasts.

World Championships, and The LoL

like Runescape, Gunbound, and Maple

The rise in popularity of these online

Championships, have hit their stride

Story online with my friends. At school,

games means that gamers are no longer

within these past couple of years. The

we would talk about these games all

satisfied with simply playing these

number of eSports tournaments, from

day, coming up with strategies and

games––they also want to watch others

about 10 tournaments in 2000 to 260

discussing items to trade. To me, these

play. So-called “Let’s Play” videos, which

tournaments in 2014, and amount

were just games, a way to play with

are videos of individuals playing games

of prize money have both increased

friends outside of school and pass the

while often providing commentary,

significantly,

tournaments

time, nothing more. Fast forward to

have been extremely popular for quite

regularly surpassing the one million

today, I see so many avid gamers in

some time on YouTube.

2015: Evil Geniuses win the 2015 Dota 2 International, earning $6,634,661

phenomena

with

dollar prize pool mark. Although the

college talking about their game ranks,

Another more recent development is

scope of these tournaments encompass

analyzing live matches, and having

the growing prevalence of video game

all genres, Dota 2 and LoL tournaments,

“LAN parties,” where they get together

“live stream” broadcasts, where viewers

both of which are multiplayer online

to play these games. Online gaming has

can watch others play a multitude of

battle arena games, or MOBA, are by far

taken on a whole new dimension. What

games live. One of the most popular live

the highest paying. The International,

was once seen as a simple way to pass

streaming services is Twitch, which has

which

Dota

time and have fun has morphed into

over 45 million gaming broadcasters

tournament, had a total prize pool of

a global phenomenon, for which both

broadcast every month and is ranked

around $18 million in 2015, with the top

the viewers and prize money are in the

fourth in internet traffic in the U.S.

winning team receiving approximately

millions. Online gaming is here to stay

The site incentivizes live streamers by

$6.6 million. Currently, the annual LoL

and, no matter what we think of it, it

providing

compensation,

World Championships has a prize pool

will continue to grow. G

such as ad revenue and “gifting,”

of over $2 million for 2015, and these

wherein fans can send streamers money

numbers are expected to keep rising.

monetary

is

an

annual

5-day

Eugene Cheng is a senior studying Chemistry at the College of Arts and Science.

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The Rise of Online Gaming 23

ASIAN COMEDYYOUTUBERS

by Dana Zhang

I

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH LAUGHTER

n Youtube channel

place in cities where a large population

become companies that hire crews to

JustKiddingFilms’ video “How We

of Asians live, yet Asians themselves

produce their videos. Each channel

Met: Geo,” the subject in question,

are hardly featured. In the past, even

has at least one million subscribers.

Geovanna Antoinette, describes how

if there was an Asian character on

They are joining the ranks of famous

members of JKFilms Bart and Joe

the cast, like in Sixteen Candles, they

comedians like Russell Peters and

changed her views and misconceptions

would likely be forced into stereotyped

Mindy Kaling, slowly carving out a

of Asians from popular culture. She

roles that are far from an accurate

space for Asian comedians. Instead

says, “When I started getting more

representation. Movie and television

of being a supporting character,

exposed to my friends who were

directors prefer

always challenging the status quo that

to cast Asians as

was presented to them, it made me

the geeky minor

wonder why I was accepting what I

character or martial

was told instead of questioning it.”

artist. As more time

The role of Asians in society is

they are finally the

Instead of being a stars of the show. supporting character, Sadly, growing up in they are finally the a culture where people stars of the show. did not know much about Asians made me

passed, they were

slowly changing, and Asian comedy

cast in roles of scientist or cop, such

ashamed of my heritage. I grew up

YouTubers is one group that facilitates

as Daniel Dae Kim in Hawaii Five­O.

watching Jackie Chan and Jet Li films

this. Asians have always been subject

As a sort of role that is important in

and really liked them, but I hated when

to discrimination in American

society but works in the background,

kids in my class asked me if I knew

popular culture. It is rare for Western

you could say that this seems like an

kung fu or guessed whether my name

television to have Asian characters.

accurate manifestation of the “model

was “Ching Chong.” Now I realize that

Only in the past few years have we

minority” attribution given to Asians.

it was wrong for people to tell me I

seen a slight increase, with Lucy Liu

The problem with most roles

shouldn’t speak Cantonese in school.

in Elementary and Ki Hong Lee in

given to Asians in popular media

Thousands of other Asian American

The Maze Runner. In Fusion’s article,

is that there is a lack of variety in

kids probably underwent similar

author Molly Fitzpatrick writes, “Of

personality. They are usually serious,

experiences. They may have dealt with

800 main cast members on 100 network

no­nonsense characters, originating

these stigmas in different ways, but

television shows, just 52 (6%) are

from the stereotype of being geeks

it is significant that these YouTubers,

of Asian descent.” This is important

and having strict parents. That is

who are Asian American themselves,

because most television shows take

why Asian YouTube comedians like

reacted to racism and generalization

DavidSoComedy, JustKiddingFilms,

Thumbnail from a JustKiddingFilms video 24 Commentary

by using it as their weapon.

These comedians actions’ deviate

WongFuProductions,

from the audience’s expectations. With

TimothyDeLaGhetto,

an issue like accent, they emphasize it

and Nigahiga bring

even more in their skits, turning it into

a new demographic

something that is funny and accepted,

into the comedy

not ridiculed. Bart and Joe adopt an

scene. They start out

Asian accent in their skits and create

in their bedrooms

videos with titles like “Shit Asian

with just their talent

Moms Say.” David So acknowledges

and a free editing

that there are bad Asian drivers in his

program. Now,

video “Asian Stereotypes,” while also

their channels have

disproving that all Asians look alike.

the knowledge the general public has regarding Eastern societies so people no longer come up with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean as the only Asian identities. These informational videos also show that Asians are an essential part of the American community.

They influence American life and help form it. This is seen in videos like the FungBrosComedy’s music video “Bobalife” that highlights how popular bubble tea is in California.

One subject FungBrosComedy also Thumbnail of a Nigahiga video

This is a positive attitude towards

to their similar experiences because

People of other races may start to question why there isn’t more diversity on television

stereotypes because when a race

they share a common background. This

reclaims a stereotype, they have

helps create a community for all Asians

power over it. Once they possess this

who have ever felt misrepresented. It

power, they can refute it or prove it,

is like a rite of passage that many Asian

because they are the ones with personal

American kids go through, trying to

experience and, therefore, more

reconcile their Asian identity with

approaches is that Asians are generally

knowledge and authority. Non-Asians

their American one. They learn that

different even from state to state. They

may use stereotypes because these

their Asian culture may seem weird

often showcase food from various

are their only sources of knowledge,

to a majority of Americans but that

countries, dispelling the notion that

but victims of racism can prove them

does not mean it is weird. In the end,

Asians are homogenous. By doing this,

wrong. These comedians also take a joke

whether they identify more with

they give voice to less popularized

that is meant to demean and ridicule,

their American or Asian side, they

cultures and provide an easier way

and strip it of that effect. Nigahiga

have some help from these comedians

to learn about all these ethnicities

parodies popular media and makes

who provide a Western take on

within the context of America.

funny quips about his identity being

Eastern culture, essentially creating

at odds with the mainstream culture.

a unique Asian American identity.

In his video “Every Romantic Movie,”

Other than easing stigma through

However, their audience does not only consist of people with Asian backgrounds. What is appealing about

Nigahiga says, “The main guy [in the

comedy, these YouTube channels

these YouTube personalities is not

movie] is me, which obviously wouldn’t

often create informational videos

just their race, but that they are also

happen [in real life], because, well, look

that showcase the different aspects

interesting and funny. Their role on

at my eyes. Hollywood would never

of Asian cultures. They help expand

the internet gradually familiarizes

cast somebody with

Americans with the idea of a different

eyes like this... because,

race performing comedy. Their effect

you know, I have bad

is that, eventually, not only Asians

eyesight.” Using jokes

but people of other races may start

like these normalizes

to question why there isn’t more

them. It says, “So what

diversity on television when there

if I look different, it

are so many talented people of color

doesn’t mean that this

that are capable of it, changing a

is all is there is to me.”

generation of mindsets in America.

G

Using this material in their videos makes

Dana Zhang is a sophomore studying

other Asians watching

Journalism in the College of Arts and Science.

them feel less isolated and alone. Their Asian audiences can connect READ OUR BLOG

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From the Fung Bros. Facebook page Asian Comedy Youtubers: Changing Lives Through Laughter 25

PARA LLEL

By Tiffany Chen

Having grown up in a culture rich in both modern and traditional beauty, I was drawn to the contrast and parallel between urban and historic landscape. I used fine pens to illustrate Beijing’s Imperial Palace with the landmarks of Shanghai’s Pudong Bay reflected in the water, and to portray the interlacing architectural elements of past and present in contemporary Chinese cities.

Medium: Pen on paper, 20 1⁄4” x 13 1⁄4” Tiffany Chen is a first year in the Stern School of Business.

26 Parallel

WHEN CHINADOLLS BECOME

by Zhenming Tian

L

isa See’s China Dolls is a

historical fiction of friendship, betrayal, and resistance set during the turbulent moments of late 1930s San Francisco. Inspired by real-life stories and established on extensive research, the book not only abounds in individual imageries and complex human emotions, but also endeavors to imagine and reimagine the lives of Asian American immigrants amidst

ethnicity and cultural identification in

various historical uncertainties. As the

the rapid transformation of historical

story evolves into distinct narrations

moments. However, although readers

of three girls whose independent Asian

express occasional remorse for the

Artwork by Zoya To

American experiences encounter,

girls as they combat various hardships

in the 1930s. Although the author’s

confront, and interact with one

while living with their ambivalent

sources of inspiration depended upon

another, a unique social identity

identities, the three are seldom

comprehensive historical research,

is developed: the Asian American

self-deprecating subjects ready to

frequent visits to the Museum of

nightclub performers. Caught between

accept the arrangements of shifting

Chinese in America, and her versatile

personal ambitions, patriarchal

fortunes. Rather, they are portrayed

imagination as a writer, See admitted

commands of cultural traditions, the

as rebellious actors who are capable

that she felt most obliged and devoted

Pearl Harbor war, and the chaotic nature of social conditions at the time, these Asian

of determining their own

They can’t vote, they’ve fates. It is in these aspects spent years being picked that See invites readers to on, and now they were engage with characters and asked to forsake the their personal growth. emperor? They would be Yet the gravity of the without a country! novel consists not only in the intricacy of feminine

American

to the novel after her interview with Jodi Long and Traudie Kim, the original Forbidden City performer girls on whom the fictional characters in China Dolls are based. “I feel extraordinarily fortunate—and honored—to have met these inspiring, audacious, humorous, and energetic women, and I wouldn’t

girls not only feel the need to define

emotions and human relationships,

have been able to capture the details

themselves before being presented as

but also in its sincere effort to

of the Chinese-American nightclub

a nightclub performer, but are also

preserve the memory of a particular

scene if not for them,” recalled the

compelled to contemplate issues of

generation of Asian American women

author with gratitude at the end of

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When Chinadolls Become 27

her book. Resonating with real human

ethnical identity as a Japanese descent.

change is manifested in forms of

experiences, the novel thus endeavors

“I’m not an enemy alien. I was born

protest, demands for human rights,

to reinvent itself as a literary piece of

here, and I’m an American citizen,”

and constant reflections on systematic

oral history. Despite the succinctness

repeats Ruby at the Justice Department

inequality, it is important to notice how

of the documented interview, two main

of San Francisco.

themes are nevertheless pronounced

Her insistence in

in the vibrant accounts given by these

aligning herself

ex-performers: struggle and hope. “I

with the American

didn’t have a soul to help me,” “We

citizens, however,

lived in barracks. The whole family

does not forestall

lived in one room,” “I just wanted food,”

the FBI agents from

“This was so much about survival,”

throwing her in an

and “God! We can make seventy-five

internment camp.

dollars.” The women’s fragmentary

Neither does the

memories were nevertheless reduced

loyalty oath nor a

to a simple remark: “There’s always

swear of allegiance to

that vague hope that one day that one

the U.S. earn Ruby,

thing is going to happen that’s going to

along with thousands of Japanese

while attempting to assert themselves

change something. Sometimes it does,

immigrants, the right to become an

in a foreign country, the dual effect of

and sometimes it doesn’t. Maybe it does

American citizen. “They can’t vote,

their high consciousness oftentimes

for half a second, and then you’re back

they’ve spent years being picked on,

forces them to experience a deep level

to square one. That was really what I

and now they were asked to forsake

of anxiety. After her release from the

wanted to say about these performers

the emperor? They would be without

internment camp, Ruby decides to

and how they were perceived.”

a country! Stateless!” Such sense of

accept a permanent job as a dancer

detachment and isolation was also

in New York instead of returning to

these women fought for livelihood, their

pressingly felt by Asian immigrants

Japan, recalling the hysterical reactions

description of themselves as an Asian-

outside of the fictional context.

of her mother regarding her decision.

American is oftentimes fragmentary,

Hostility against Chinese immigrants

“My mother balked at that. ‘Have you

if not misconstrued. Ruby, a main

evolving from “aliens ineligible for

forgotten who you are?’ she asked.

Unfortunately, however adamantly

character, is in constant search of certainty regarding her identity, especially in the

I’m not an enemy alien. I was born here, and I’m an American citizen.

historical rupture of the Pearl Harbor

collective actions of the Asian

There’s always that vague hope that one day that one thing is going to happen that’s going to change something.

Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Maybe it does for half a second, and then you’re back to square one.

American community could exert powerful influence on individual lives.

Some, like Ruby, find themselves caught between confrontations of two different identities.

Especially for those who develop a sense

of nostalgia for their ancestral roots

citizenship” in the late 19th

‘Have you forgotten that the Americans

century to anti-Japanese

killed Hideo, and Yori is dead because

movements including the

he fought for them? Your father and I

immigration act of 1924, the

and the others in the camp celebrated

Jap Hunt after the bombing

the emperor’s birthday. We ate our eggs

of the Pearl Harbor, and

sunny-side up, because they looked like

the incarceration of 120,000

the flag of Japan. When we were told the

bombing. On the one hand, she is a

Japanese Americans during WWII,

war was over, your father asked why

performer at the Forbidden City of

profoundly aggravated the discrepancy

the Japanese flag wasn’t flying over the

Chinatown in San Francisco, where

between how Asian immigrants

camp.’” Nevertheless, Ruby chooses to

her employer demands, “If any of you

perceived themselves and how they

stay in the United States and, like many

is Japanese, who cares? You are my

were received in the United States.

others, struggles to define herself as

glamour girls. You work for me.” On

In spite of innumerable accounts of

an American citizen. After all, “What

the other hand, she travels through

the ordeals Asian American immigrants

the city while being asked to “turn in

undergo in the hopes of establishing

flashlights, cameras, and knives from

themselves as a citizen of the country,

Zhenming Tian is a junior studying French

her kitchen” and runs into campaigns

their journeys, rather than passive

and History in the College of Arts and Science.

and popular rhetoric such as “Get rid

and monolithic, brim with the urge for

of the Japs! They are all spies,” or “Let’s

both a revolution and a reconciliation.

nip the Nips,” because of her distinct

While tremendous pressure for social

28 Commentary

else could I do? I needed to survive.”

G

TRANS C E N D

By Zoya To

The jagged geometric pattern superimposed over the swimming koi fish transcends any resemblance of koi in natural surroundings. The koi appear either over or under the polygons, sometimes overpowered or repressed, but never unseen.

The geometric pattern is a design I often subconsciously doodle when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to concentrate. And in this piece, this pattern comes to represent me. The koi fish represent my background as an Asian American. Similar to how the koi swim under and over the polygons, my heritage influences my thinking - sometimes acting in foreground and other times in the background. The piece itself is a visual representation of my attempt to make sense of my cultural background.

Medium: watercolor and gel pen Zoya To is a first year in Liberal Studies.

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Transcend 29

By Catherine Liu and Chuyu Xiong

TELEPHONE

30 Art

A Game of

Chinatown has become “lost in translation,” like in a game of telephone. Through the eyes of an American-born Chinese (ABC) and a native Chinese from Mainland China, we feel close to our heritage but at the same time very distant. The traditions and the culture we are exposed to in Chinatown has shaped our perception on what we think China looks like compared to what it actually is.

Bulidings around Chinatown , such as these photographs, are placing traditional architectural styles in between modern structured buildings, causing them to be placed out of context.

The English translation in Chinatown can also be confusing. Given the fact that many of the residents of this Chinatown are originally from Southern China and speak Cantonese, Cantonese is actually the dominant language here. In this picture, the Chinese letters corresponding to the English “Chinese Worship” are actually “Cantonese Worship,” while many people suppose “Chinese” refers to “Mandarin” under most of the circumstances.

In bubble tea stores, “Jelly” is commonly referred as a kind of topping; however, in Chinese, several different things share a mutual English name “Jelly.” In the picture on the left, “jelly” is a translation of “Xian cao” (“Grass Jelly”) in Chinese while in the picture on the right, “jelly” refers to “Ye guo” (“Nata de coco”) in Chinese.

Catherine Liu is a first year studying Childhood Education in Steinhardt.

Chuyu Xiong is a first year studying Media, Culture, and Communication in Steinhardt.

READ OUR BLOG

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A Game of Telephone 31

THERE GOES THE NEIGBORHOOD T

by Jolene Hsu

he hottest bar in town is a

may extend above Houston Street.

But let’s backtrack for a minute.

secret. “Just a cool bar in the middle

Even 14th Street is not unreachable.”2

Chinatown started over 100 years

of nowhere,” one model describes.

ago but was relatively controlled for

Chinatown is unstoppable sewage

The journey to get to this elusive bar

population due to immigration laws

water that will seep into everything,

involves dipping through back alleys

such as the Chinese Exclusion Act.2 At

the fish smells into the air, the foreign

and hobbling on cobbled stones. An

most, 105 Chinese a year were allowed

people onto your streets. Like an

actor recalls his trek, “Walking through

entry into America. The population

infestation of rodents, an invasion of

fish smells and then coming to a place

thus remained relatively stable, mostly

pod people, an infiltration of sleeper

like this—it’s an oasis”.1 Wow, so where

working-class and male, finding jobs in

agents, Chinatown is spreading, and

is this place? A cabin hidden in a forest?

New York and sending money home. In

they are coming for you. Watch out!

A hut in the middle of the desert? A

1960, about 25,000 Chinese lived down

shack balanced on the tip of a mountain

here. But in 1965, the Immigration and

peak? Actually, Mr. Fong’s, the unlikely

Nationality Act of 1965 passed and the

new It bar and the number one “cool”

national origin quotas were abolished.

Chinatown is being swept away; its

destination for young hipsters and their

Chinatown’s population exploded.

people, communities, and traditions

1

wealthy friends, is right in the heart

2

2

Fast forward to 2015 and Chinatown never made it past Houston.

Far from invading Manhattan,

2

In fact, growth in Chinatown was

being pushed out. New high-rise luxury

of New York City’s Chinatown, though

so extensive that some thought the

condos squeeze out rent-controlled

one would think Chinatown was on

Chinese’s reach knew no bounds. In

apartment complexes. The demand

Mars rather than the center of lower

1988, the New York Times wrote an in-

for space in Chinatown has hiked up

Manhattan, the way these customers

depth piece on the state of Chinatown,

the property values significantly. The

describe it. Middle of nowhere? Oasis

“the original ethnic theme park”.2 He

median house value in Chinatown

in the middle of a smelly fish dump?

describes Chinatown as spreading

between 2006 to 2010 was $684,388

How did Chinatown diminish from

“like ground water through a cheap

as opposed to $504,500 in New York

a vibrant community with its own

basement wall: soaking, insuppressible.

City overall.5 Tensions have been

characters and happenings to a two-

It seems to germinate under your

bubbling as opportunistic landlords,

dimensional quirky backdrop for the

feet.” Like rats and sewage, Chinatown

eager to get in on the rising rates in

bourgeoisie trendsetters against which

was regarded as the lowest of the low

Chinatown, harass and push their

to pose? It’s called gentrification: the

with a future that grew ominously

long-standing Chinese tenants to leave.

process of rebuilding accompanied

important in New York City. The ‘88

Landlords have justified evictions by

by the influx of wealthy people into

article continues on to predict, “By the

citing illegal subdivisions of shared

traditionally “seedy” areas that

year 2000, according to Deputy Police

apartments (subdivisions to which,

often displaces poorer residents.

Commissioner Hugh Mo, Chinatown

before property values went up,

2

1 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/fashion/mr-fongs-is-chinatowns-unlikely-new-it-bar.html?_r=0 2 http://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/magazine/there-s-more-to-chinatown.html?pagewanted=all?pagewanted=all 3 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/chinatown-increasingly-white-wealthy-study-article-1.1481430 4 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/18/chinatown-gentrification-redevelopment-civil-rights 5 http://aaldef.org/Chinatown%20Then%20and%20Now%20AALDEF.pdf 32 Commentary

landlords had previously turned a

In fact, gentrification is not

local residents, business owners, and

blind eye). They’ve taken advantage

contained to New York City’s

members of the Coalition to Protect

of the common surnames of families,

Chinatown. In the Chinatowns of

Chinatown and The Lower East

claiming that tenants who’ve lived

Boston and Philadelphia, the white

Side, marched to City Hall in protest

exclusively in their apartments for

populations are growing faster than the

of Extell’s “Building From Hell,” a

decades have maintained primary

city overall. Other Chinatowns have

luxury tower complete with a squash

residences elsewhere.6 Other common

already been driven into the ground,

court, golf simulator, bowling alley,

targets include the elderly and those

like the one in Washington D.C., which

and basketball court.8 The protesters

whose primary language is not

has Chinese characters on signs at

argued that the tax breaks the city

English. With the rising rent and

Hooters and Urban Outfitters chains

has given for the construction of such

deliberate pushout, Chinatown has seen

like ghosts of the past, or St. Louis’

a building could have been better

Chinatown, which was long torn down

spent on community centers and

and replaced by a sports stadium.3,5

other local residential services.

4

6

Chinatown will always be a neighborhood. What kind of neighborhood will it become? a decline of about 20,000 households.5 So who’s moving in? Some condo

3

But unlike many other Chinatowns

In fact, in order to continue to

in the country, the New York City

cultivate a community-oriented

Chinatown has a uniquely involved

neighborhood in a time when many

hand in the development of their

of their people are being pushed out,

neighborhood. During the 1960s and

Chinatown does need to continue to

70s, Chinatown residents pooled their

develop. But if Chinatown wants to

resources together and bought about

continue as an enclave for immigrants,

developers claim to cater to wealthy

sixty buildings in the district’s historic

they must not attract outside wealth,

Chinese Americans, but the largest

core, mostly on Mott, Pell, and Bayard

but look to cultivate from within.

demographic surge in Chinatown

streets—buildings that they still own

Most of the people left in the core

has been for the single, young, white

today since it’s almost impossible for

of Chinatown are the elderly, and

professional. Of all racial groups, only

the dozens of family shareholders to

so, there is a huge demand for more

the white population in Chinatown

concede. New York City’s Chinatown

greens spaces in which to exercise

has grown in the last decade.5

has become concisely and densely

and businesses such as senior centers

organized with groups such as the

and pharmacies.7 Some suggest that

is becoming a destination for tourists

Chinese Consolidation Benevolent

Chinatown can continue to be a

and upscale businesses. The area

Association (CCBA) which represents

“one-stop” destination for medical

between Houston and Delancey Streets,

the interests of some five dozen cultural

and social services, accountants,

where the highest portion of high-

organizations and “family associations”

and real-estate agents, as well as

end stores in Chinatown reside, has

grouped by common last names.7

churches and Buddhist temples.5,7

recently undergone an upzoning which

There’s the Chinatown Youth Initiative

allows for higher density buildings.3 A

which aims to empower New York City

picture? According to the New York

concentration of 20 hotels in Chinatown

youth with knowledge to address the

Times, the five part-owners of the bar

appears in confliction with Chinatown’s

needs of Chinatown with projects such

are striving to make it a neighborhood

traditionally community-oriented

as Chinatown Beautification Day, and

joint.1 But all throughout the area,

business mode. Mom-and-pop stores

the Chinatown Youth Network. CAAAV

buildings are torn down and built up.

have been shutting down due to rising

has been in the community for 30 years,

People are moving in and moving out.

rent, and those that remain open

utilizing street outreach and door-

Communities are coming together

have had to redirect their purposes to

knocking to build a base of community

and coming apart. Chinatown will

service these affluent professionals

members for their campaigns.10 When

always be a neighborhood. What kind

and tourists, clearing away the

outside trouble intrudes, Chinatown

of neighborhood will it become?

“stinky fish smells” and pulling out

already has a community ready to fight.

Not only residential, Chinatown

5

“cheap Oriental tchotchkes.”

4

7

9

Earlier this year, around 250

So where does Mr. Fong fit into this

G

Jolene Hsu is a junior studying Media, Culture

6 http://observer.com/2014/08/its-chinatown-neighborhood-sees-yet-another-harbinger-of-gentrification/

and Communications in Steinhardt.

7 http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/09/how-has-chinatown-stayed-chinatown.html 8 http://bedfordandbowery.com/2015/09/chinatown-and-les-residents-rally-against-building-from-hell 9 https://cyinyc.wordpress.com/ 10 http://caaav.org/ READ OUR BLOG

generasian.tumblr.com

There Goes the Neighborhood 33

MEET THE E-BOARD...

Who

2016

Editor-inChief

Will Shi

2016

Editor-inChief

Shirley Foo

2018

Editor-inLarge

Journalism

Interior Designer

Avery Chang

2017

Art Director

Psychology

To Join NYU Generasian

Diane Park

2017

Swan Cho

2016

2018

Media Director Blog Editor Blog Editor

Jolene Hsu

2017

Layout Director

Alyssa Mullally

2017

Operations Director

Jamie Sung

2018

Social Director

Biochemistry

Childhood Dreams

Kim Chen

Allison Cheng

34 Fast Takes

Year Position Major

History

Media, Culture, and

None

Video Game Designer

Communications

Ophthalmologist/ Marine Biologist

Math

Police Officer

Early Childhood and Special Education

Singer

Media, Culture, and Communications

AquariumWaterpark Owner

Art History

Heart Surgeon By Day, Drum Player by Night

Dramatic Writing

Archeologist/Architect (thought it was the same thing)

AND THEIR FAVES Movie

Animal

Book

Pulp Fiction

Red Panda

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Sex and the City: The Movie

Panda

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Cat

Sunny

Wasp (and sometimes Jamie Sung)

Moby Dick

Slumdog Millionaire

Whale

Demian

Finding Nemo

Penguin

The Phantom Tollbooth

Eating Place

Former E-board member

Sidewalk

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