Rice Paper – Spring 2018

SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER

A semi-annual publication of the Indiana University Asian Culture Center

Social Justice Advocate, Eddy Zheng visits IUB Asian Culture Center

Peter Roeth, Associate Director, Global LLC (COAS), PhD student | Indiana University Bloomington

Prominent social justice activist, prison reformer, and ways he has encountered issues related to power. Zheng faced community organizer Eddy Zheng visited campus on February a formal and strict power structure in prison which limited his 22 and 23. As part of a collaboration among many partners, personal freedom and self-efficacy as punishment for his crimes. including the Asian Culture Center, the Global Living-Learning He was also was a contributor to the informal power structure Community hosted Zheng primarily for the screening of of the prison culture. Zheng recounted stories about obsessively the documentary about his life – Breathin’: The Eddy Zheng weightlifting in order to demonstrate physical strength and Story (2016). The film highlights Zheng’s journey of criminal dominance over rivals and enemies in jail. Now, as an engaged conviction, imprisonment, citizen, Zheng regularly encounters education, social activism, and formal and informal power structures reconciliation. During his visit to which must be navigated to accomplish IUB, Zheng also interacted with goals for the betterment of communities.

Global LLC residents, delivered In much of today’s society, power remarks at the Asian Culture seems to be ascribed to those people Center, and met with students in or institutions who are the loudest, the Chinese Flagship Program. strongest, or richest. This form of Although Zheng is now known power can be effective, although it often for his advocacy and activism, succeeds at the expense of others who crimes in his teenage years resulted do not possess such power. Through in two decades of imprisonment. his activism and the experiences that Zheng was arrested at age 16 he shared during his visit to IUB, and convicted as an adult for Zheng demonstrates that power can be kidnapping and robbery; he derived from a posture of persistence, subsequently became the youngest commitment, and connectedness. Rather prisoner at San Quentin State than primarily exercising dominance, Prison. As a Chinese immigrant, this alternate view understands the Zheng had a limited grasp of importance of communal effort and English and the judicial system. diplomacy to enact true and lasting Despite these and other difficulties, Eddy Zheng talks about his documentary film “Breathin: The change. he learned English, earned a college Eddy Zheng Story.” The film is about Zheng’s life story as a Ironically, Zheng’s life has displayed prisoner, immigrant, son, and activist and his path to freedom. degree, and advocated for reform both of these perspectives on power. from within prison, specifically by Through the crimes he committed, Zheng calling for the prison educational system to include ethnic studies. demonstrated violence as a way to dominate his victims. In As a result of this advocacy effort, Zheng was ordered into solitary prison, he was subject to strong-handed authority in which he had confinement. After his release in 2005, Zheng then faced further to submit to a rigid penal system. However, in his current work, legal and residency issues regarding his immigration status as a Zheng demonstrates that alternative view of power which comes convicted criminal. Many community activists and leaders rallied from persistent engagement, commitment to positive change, and behind him as he continued to fight to stay in the U.S., and Zheng connection to a wider community. Among his many projects, finally became an American citizen in 2017, putting an end to he works with young adults to prevent youth violence, advances years of deportation fears. causes of racial reconciliation in his city, advocates for ethnic As a former prisoner and current community educator and studies, and aids recently released prisoners. This work might activist, Zheng’s understanding of power dynamics is informed not seem like the flashy forms of power that often draw attention by his experiences. During the “Over a Cup of Tea” program at and fame, but it is a form of authentic power that is making an the Asian Culture Center on Feb 22, he described some of the enduring difference in people’s lives and society.

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IUB Chancellor Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis marks the official opening of the Asian Culture Center on October 3, 1998. With him are student leaders Jason Chi and Eloiza Domingo-Snyder.

Herman B. Wells, 11th president of IU and first university chancellor, celebrates the grand opening of the ACC. He made frequent visits to the center after the opening.

From 10th and Woodlawn Melanie Castillo-Cullather, Director | IU Asian Culture Center Summer is a good time to exhale, reflect, and appreciate the full activities that the ACC hosted this spring. We were pleased to witness and participate in many deep and honest conversations that took place in one of our anchor programs, "Over a Cup of Tea." Our discussions focused at how systems of power influence law enforcement, gender roles and expectations, and relationships. This series examined how broader power structures affect us on the personal and interpersonal level.

Our “Over a Cup of Tea” guests, who shared their real life experiences tackling these issues, are featured in this issue of Rice Paper: Abby Ang, doctoral student in the English department, Vimala Phongsavanh of the National Asian Pacific American Womens’ Forum (NAPAWF) and Eddy Zheng, a social justice activist, community organizer and educator.

We were also honored to have renowned filmmaker Mira Nair visit the ACC. The event was made possible by IU Cinema director Jon Vickers.The students who participated in the small roundtable discussion with Ms. Nair were greatly impressed by her sharp intelligence, down to earth

attitude, humility, and generous spirit. She related to everyone in the room. According to the students, “it was such a rare opportunity to have that exchange with someone of notable stature who can make everyone feel special and validated.”

Also this past semester, with support from many departments, we introduced two initiatives: DestinAsian: Learning on the Road, an educational trip to Chicago in cooperation with CommUnity Education program in Residential Programs and Services, and Hearabouts: Midwest Asian American Radio, a public forum in partnership with WFHB community radio.

In this issue, our students share their reflections on these events. We find that there is a common denominator in all their contributions: Activism. This is a common theme that echoes back to the founding of the Asian Culture Center twenty years ago. We hope you will join us and share your own stories as we celebrate the 20th anniversary on October 11-13, 2018.

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Vimala Phongsavanh: A Rhode Island Native, Promoter of Democracy, and an AAPI Activist Hibah Butt, Student Assistant | IU Asian Culture Center Vimala Phongsavanh was born and raised in Rhode Island to Laotian parents. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Her mission is to promote the needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through encouraging the democratic process available to us. I had the opportunity to conduct an interview and ask about what inspires her in life today.

Q:You grew up as first generation Laotian American. How has your experience as an Asian American woman influenced your life?

My parents came here in 1981 as Laotian refugees and that has influenced us a lot growing up and how we were raised. My parents worked in low wage jobs, so I think that’s really influenced my perspective of life and has made me who I am. They are two of the most wonderful people in my life and I feel really blessed.

Q:You’re very passionate about embracing democracy and racial equality. What moments inspired you to discuss these topics and then make them your mission today?

The fundamental belief in democracy is everyone's vote counts. That is not completely true because there are lots of systems that prevent that from happening. As far as democracy, it’s just being engaged from local level, to the state level, to the federal level. I've always fought to have representation on different commissions in the government because we can't continue to have the same people make decisions.

Having more people of color in office is the ultimate goal here.

Q:Asian American issues are not often spoken about in the U.S., especially as they intersect with gender. How do you think we can work together to dismiss the myths and stereotypes about Asian American women?

We need to tell stories better of the communities that have been invisible. The danger in not being visible is that these communities are not getting the resources they need. We need to see the different ethnic groups broken down and what their needs are in education, health, or economic justice. We need policy that is driven by data instead of just having an aggregate amount that doesn't represent the different experiences of Asian Americans.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to young people who want to become leaders in the future and to be more involved in the current political environment, but are perhaps too apprehensive or don’t really know where to begin?

Just get involved by registering to vote if you're eligible, and you can always go online and find out where you can register. Figure out something you're really passionate about and how you can change it. People need to be engaged because our future is on the line, our environment is on the line, our bodies are on line, our freedom is on the line. It's so important to get involved in things you care about. I've been lucky enough to be engaged in this, and I’m most fascinated by that process.

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An Interview with Abby Ang

Max Sandberg, Student Assistant | IU Asian Culture Center

Winner of this year’s prestigious "Building Bridges" award, Abby Ang come and give experienced advice. has shown remarkable leadership skills in organizing several key protests, Ang attributes much of her growth and planning skills to "Indivisible", including a response to the Charlottesville incident. another recent addition to the IU community.

She is most proud of organizing a quick protest when This group is an official chapter of a nationwide she discovered that Charles Murray was coming organization that broadly seeks to oppose policies put to speak. In a matter of days, Ang assembled 300 forth by President Trump. As a newer group, Ang protesters. One of her main goals is to expose these found it to be easier to become involved with, and “controversial” events that could make some feel took on many leadership roles in organizing protests unsafe, and in general make the university more and town halls. "Indivisible" in Monroe County is transparent and proactive. The most important step, made up of many community members beyond IU Ang says, is to inspire other students to begin to get students. Ang says that she has learned a lot from the involved. middle-aged members who have had more time to Like a lot of students, Ang was not very politically learn the political system. She is especially impressed active even throughout her undergraduate studies, with their ability to empathize. “People in 'Indivisible' until she came to IU for her PhD. When she first have a well of empathy. Even if someone is being a arrived, she was looking for ways to get involved jerk, they just say ‘Maybe they’re having a bad day,’ and in the community and went to several town halls. will try to calm them down and then see things from Abby Ang receives the Building It was here she realized there was a lack of support their perspective. It’s a skill I’m trying to cultivate.” As a for minority students in her English department. As Bridges Award at the annual Martin newcomer to the area, Ang explains that she splits her Luther King Day Breakfast on this problem hit so close to home, she felt compelled January 15, 2018. time between taking notes and coordinating events, to cofound the IU English Grad Solidarity Coalition, so that at least half of the time is spent listening and meant to be a forum for students to express their growing. concerns.

When asked about what other students can do to get involved, Ang says As a new group designed for graduate students, the emphasis was not the most important thing is to listen. It may be fun to tell people off on so much on changing students’ perceptions so much as teaching the Facebook, but face-to-face conversations can have a much greater impact. pedagogical strategies to deal with microaggressions graduate students Once a student decides to take initiative, her advice is not necessarily to may face while teaching. “How do you deal with someone in your class find the “right” group, but to try several and: “Definitely find groups that using the word ‘oriental’? They don’t know what they’re doing, and so are good at listening. Be a good listener.” With her new fellowship grant we need to integrate these lessons into the class.” Hence, the organization freeing her from her teaching obligations, Ang is hoping to become even revolves around giving workshops where faculty and other speakers can more involved on campus and continue the momentum forward.

Film Review: Gook (2017) Kimber Garland and Tara Kim, Student Assistants | IU Asian Culture Center In early April, we watched the film Gook, by Justin Chon. Gook is a story set in 1992 during the trial of Rodney King and the LA riots. Gook deals with the sensitive issue of racism between African Americans and Korean Americans. Two Korean American brothers, Eli and Daniel, run their late father’s shoe store in a predominately African American community and have an unexpected friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl named Kamilla. The brothers, Kamilla, and Mr. Kim, a Korean immigrant who owns the nearby liquor store, are the main characters in this movie. These characters’ livelihoods are upended when riots break out and everything they've built in the community is threatened by violence and looting.

Both of us agreed on liking the film as a whole. However, we disagreed concerning some of the film’s artistic elements. Gook is shot in black and white, which neither of us have seen since Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Tara believes that the lack of color is a missed opportunity; she would have loved to see the colorful elements that represented the culture of

the ‘90s. On the other hand, Kimber thought the artistic choice of black and white highlighted the racial tensions prevalent in America at that time: African Americans versus Whites. Paired with the sensitive topic of bigotry against Korean Americans, the decision to go with black and white changes the narrative on racism.

One question Kimber had was the idea of Daniel’s (the “wannabe rapper”) relevance in the movie. It seemed his experience of getting mugged on the way to record his demo did not add value to the film. In fact, we already had a clear idea that Korean Americans were not liked within their community when Eli is harassed by Latinx gang members.

Therefore, Daniel’s scenes felt redundant. The two of us decided that, if anything, Daniel’s sole purpose was to provide comedic relief.

Unfortunately, this was not executed well within the film and often seemed unnatural and awkward.

We rated the film 4/10 overall. There were way too many messy, loose ends that never fully satisfied us.

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DestinAsian: Learning on the Road Ting-Han Chang, PhD student | Indiana University Bloomington I really appreciated the opportunity to participate in the DestinAsian Chicago: Learning on the Road trip, which was a meaningful, inspiring, and empowering experience that not only let me learn about the cultural diversity in Chicago, but more importantly, prompted me to develop a deeper reflection of some of the most pressing issues in the current socio-political climate—issues pertaining to systems of oppression, race and racism, immigration, social justice, and activism for Asian or Asian American communities in the U.S. The trip agenda was thoughtful and intentional—whether it was visiting a local neighborhood, touring a museum, or watching a play, every stop stimulated my passions to learn about different subgroups and their experiences within the Asian or Asian American communities.

The visits to the Chinese American Museum and Japanese American Historical Society reminded me of the importance of histories and how they still inform contemporary social reality, particularly the longstanding issues of racism and anti-immigrant sentiment toward Chinese, Japanese, and Asian communities which began as early as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Through learning the histories of Chinese immigrants and hearing a personal story from a Japanese American woman who was held in internment camps due to Executive Order 9066, I could not help but think about how racialization and exclusion laws pertaining to Asian immigrants and Asian Americans have continued to reinforce the stereotype of Asians as perpetual foreigners.

Our visit to the University of Illinois—Chicago (UIC) provided an opportunity for us to converse and share experiences with students from another university. I learned from a UIC student in our group that she appreciated her college experience because she was not only able to find an Asian American student community, but she also had co-curricular opportunities (e.g., class projects) which helped her to develop a strong Asian American identity and further commit to giving back to her cultural communities. It was inspiring to see how students develop critical-

consciousness and make meaningful connections among their identities, leadership, and activism to serve their own communities and advocate for equity for minoritized groups.

The other visits to the Rohingya Cultural Center and the National Cambodian Heritage Museum were empowering yet saddening—it was empowering to see that these places had been established to provide a refuge for their communities to connect and support each other; at the same time, both organizations also served to educate others about their respective histories, cultures, and immigrant (refugee) experiences in the U.S. The visits were saddening because individuals shared their personal stories about their need to seek political asylum or refugee status in the U.S. due to political oppression they experienced in their home countries. Their experiences in the U.S. were also difficult—despite the opportunity to come to the U.S., they had to endure long and complicated immigration procedures, encounter cultural and language barriers due to their minoritized identities, and some were separated from their families who either stayed in their home countries or resettled in a different place.

It was difficult to process and try not to be emotional while learning about inequity in international politics, human rights, immigration, and refugee resettlement. However, I also saw this as a critical-consciousness-raisingmoment that prompted us to think about how we can channel our anger and frustration to work collaboratively and in solidarity within and across racial and ethnic lines for justice.

This trip was powerful in that it complicated my thinking and understanding of social justice issues that Asian and Asian American communities face; it also communicated the urgency with which we must resist, confront, and disrupt systems of oppression—whether it be at the personal level through preventing microaggressions, or at the national level such as advocating against discriminatory immigration policies. We can act to educate ourselves and others, and we should advocate for social justice toward a more equitable society.

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Snapshots of ACC Events

ACC volunteers led craft stations and performed for Bloomington families at the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Monroe County Public Library on Feb 17, 2018.

Students, faculty, and staff celebrate the kickoff of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the opening reception on March 27, 2018.

Mira Nair, award-winning filmmaker whose works include The Namesake and Monsoon Wedding, speaks to students at the ACC about her life and experience on April 12, 2018.

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Featured Student Group Events

Tibetan New Year Celebration Sarah Conrad, PhD student | Indiana University Bloomington The Tibetan Studies Student Association held its annual New Year Celebration at The IU Asian Cultural Center on Monday February 19th. Tibetans follow a lunar calendar, so the date of New Year changes from year to year. This year we celebrated the year of the Male Earth Dog 2145. General merriment and visiting with friends is the core of Losar, the most widely celebrated festival by Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet. This is exactly what IU faculty, staff, students, and local Tibetan community members joined together to do in February.

Losar (ལོ་གསར) has been celebrated in Tibet since ancient times as an event to pray for a prosperous year ahead. Losar is traditionally celebrated for many days, beginning with two days before the new year when communities participate in Gutor’ (དགུ་གཏོར་) by cleaning their homes and clothes. Losar celebrations can last 15 days and end with Tibetan Great Prayer Festivities known as Monlam Chenmo (སྨོན་ལམ་ཆེན་མོ) .

However, in the US diasporic communities (there are many Tibetan communities throughout the U.S. and more than

10,000 Tibetans living here), individuals are lucky if they can spend one celebratory night together.

At our IU celebration, traditional food such as sweet rice or Droma Dresi (གྲོ་མ་འབྲས་སིལ།) and Tibetan dumplings known as momo (མོག་མོག་) were served. As were hybrid dishes like yellow curry and egg with tomato, highlighting the Tibetan culinary relationships to India and China. We were lucky to have Shingza Rinpoche, a high ranking Tibetan monk, at our celebration, who blessed the celebration and food before we ate it.

Traditional Tibetan circle dancing known as Gorshay (སྒོར་གཞས་) phased into The Casper Slide, again showing Tibetans’ hybridity and keeping themselves grounded to their traditional dance and music while simultaneously adapting to their new home here in Bloomington.

The traditional greeting for Losar is “Losar Tashi Delek zhu”(ལོ་སར་ལ་བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས་ཞུ།) which means greetings to Losar or “Losar Zang” (ལོ་གསར་བཟང་) which means Happy/Good/Beautiful New Year - and this is what we wish for all of you!

4th Annual Indiana Asian American Conference Mason Nguyen, Asian American Association | Indiana University Bloomington

This year was the 4th Annual Indiana Asian American Conference hosted by the Asian American Association at Indiana University- and it was the biggest one yet. Over 80 people attended this conference. The audience consisted of people from different universities and student organizations at Indiana University in addition to AAA members.

Our conference theme this year was “Reaching New Heights.” The goal of every conference is to talk about Asian American and Pacific Islander representation and awareness across multiple platforms; however, this year we also talked about the achievements of AAPI’s in today’s society in order to inspire those who attended. Our keynote speaker was Jenny Yang. Ms. Yang is an award winning comedian, writer and actor. In 2016, she was honored by President Obama as a White House Champion of Change for her leadership in Asian

American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling. She gave an amazing and inspiring speech at our conference, and the attendees had nothing but positive remarks about her.

This year was also the first time we charged admission for this conference. However, 100% of the money we raised via admissions were for the Exodus Refugee Immigration charity. This organization helps refugees in Indiana assimilate to their new lives and much more.

I am extremely proud to say that we raised over $400 for them. I truly believe that this has been the greatest conference AAA has ever hosted, from the amazing food we offered to the keynote and workshops, the 4th annual IAAC was remarkable.

A semi-annual publication of the Indiana University Asian Culture Center

IU Asian Culture Center 807 E. 10th Street Bloomington, IN 47408 812-856-5361 asianresource.indiana.edu acc@indiana.edu @asianculturecenter @ACC_IU Director: Melanie Castillo-Cullather Program Associate: Sarah Moon Stamey Graduate Assistant: Keiko McCullough Layout By: Zheng “Austin” Guan

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