Last Post!!!!

Wow I cant believe this semester is over! Seriously it went by super fast. I swear my mom started to get all sentimental last nite and was like my baby finished her first year in college...im so proud! lol! Anyway, I am really to have had te opportunity to have been in Asian American Studies. I really love any ethnic studies class. I took American Indian Studies last semester and it was great!!!!! This one was just as good as well. What i liked about this class was that it was not strictly reading from a text about history. That is what I expected but was happily suprised when it was not. I feel its better to talk and learn about what is happening today and what is happening around as well taking a look at ourselves and seeing if we need to make positive life changes. My def fav thing we did this semester was the fasion show! I was so excited to tell my friends and family this is what i was doing in college. I like to express my creative side. I feel that it was also great in letting me learn more about other people, cultures and countries. This is a great class and i will def missssssssssssssssssssssssss it a lot. Thank u all for a great semester!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

HEATHER

Dr Alan Nishino

Having focused on stereotypes a lot this semester in AAS it made me take time to reflect on the times I have witnessed stereotypes in my own life. I remember during high school how we had our superintendent come visit our class one day and tell us how he got to where he is. He is Japanese American and works for the Morgan Hill Unified School district. His name is Dr Alan Nishino. Here is what the news paper had to say about him, “Morgan Hill School Board President Julia Smoot says that when Nishino started at the district, it had comparatively low academic scores, unevenly taught curriculum and underpaid teachers. Since his arrival, her recommendation states, Nishino has raised student participation in Advanced Placement courses, brought teacher pay closer to that of Bay Area standards, emphasized efforts to help minority students, and hired key personnel to improve the curriculum”.
During his speech he went into detail on how stereotypes of Asian Americans have played a huge role in his life. He has heard them all from teachers, the public to colleagues. He never let them hinder him though. I just really respect who he is and what he does. Its interesting to see how people are willing to put you down so much when you are just trying to be successful and do something good as well as make an impact on the lives of young people. To me he anther great example on people who move past the stereotype and set new examples for young people.




********heather**********

POP. Holdin it down for 210.

So, despite the fact that we were the last group to perform at POP and we happened to be the most thorough with our presentation, I legitimately enjoyed myself. Now I see that Pop wasn't so much as a end of the year show we had to do, but a bonding experience while speaking out to the community. The skits, dance, spoken word all intrigued me and I was super stoked on the fact that through all those different types of arts there was that common thread of "Asian American Culture". As a class, we all came together to hold it down for the 210 classes, and personally I think we did just fine. I am proud to say that our class bonded a lot more than normal just despite the fact that we had to stay together for like 3 hours, haha. However, I feel as if we raised awareness with all the presentations and a sense of truth was delivered to the crowd. I'm not going to lie, It was super ill to see our T.A Ben and our Teacher Irene rippin' it right before we got on stage! I'm glad that everyone was able to showcase their talent, put in their all, and deliver to the crowd an outstanding performance. Our class definitely approached the presentations differently, but it's completely fine because the ones that go against the grain are the ones that are remebered! =]

Congrats Ethics 210 class, we have had a great year together!

-Vincent Santiago

Asian American Poet - Alvin Lau

So I was browsing for Asian American Poets on youtube because I knew that there would be some def jam poetry that would spark my interest. And just as I expected, this man Alvin Lau popped up. I decided to check out his video and this is what I saw. It's called

"Asia-America, Where have you gone?"

Check it outtttt!



Alright, so while im listening to this man speak, I realize he's talking about everything our entire class is based on. He speaks about how Asia America has so many different aspects to it, but somehow the true "Asia-America" is gone. Alvin speaks about how these different views of Asia America are tainting the true Asian America. For instance, he makes references to americanized asian food and honda civics drag racing in china town. He also speaks about how day to day he tries to find the true Asia America but somehow he falls short and ends losing parts of his culture. I found all these things interesting because we talked about the same themes during class, specficially about losing your culture and becoming more American than Asian. Personally, i've never been a big fan of poetry, but recently def jam poetry has definitely sparked my interest. And this poet specficially was capable of providing some real, deep, truth and portraying it in a few lines. I was amazed when I heard his poem because he is speaking for all Asian Americans when he talks about the stereotypes and the struggle that we all face to find who we are.

-Vincent Santiago

Asian American Fashion Designer

When most people think of high fashion, usually France or Italy comes to mind. But here in the states we have an excellent array of Fashion designers who show hard work, talent and determination. What is more interesting is how there are many great and talented Asian American designers. Labels like 3.3 Phillip Lim, Thakoon. Anna Sui, Baby Phat, Derek Lam and Peter Som are making huge names for themselves in the Fashion industry. Michelle Obama white inauguration dress was made by Jason Wu, a young and talented designer.
Yet one of the most world renowned designers ever is of course Vera Wang. Every girl dreams of being able to wear one of her wedding gowns. She was born In New York and lives there and designs today. She has made wedding dresses for Mariah Carey, Posh, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Uma Thurman and many others. On the red carpet you can see many Celebrities sporting evening looks. She has been awarded many lifetime achievement awards for her success and her looks are often printed in Vogue and Oprah has also done a segment on her. She is a very talented lady and a leader in the fashion world.



********Heather*******

Pop Reflection

I know this class is all about Asian American studies. But at times I find myself reflecting on my own heritage a lot of the times. For the performance the dance group did we did old and traditional dances. I feel that in most cultures youth sometimes get lost with their heritage and forget sometimes of where they came from. It’s the challenge of being a real “American” and adapting to the “American” way of life. That to me means forgetting about who you are and where you came from. Its sad but it’s a fact of life. Youth get caught up so much with the media and whats popular. I feel this dance and performance was good for everyone and to give something back to their past.
I myself remember when I was little and would go to pow wows with my dad and spend summers with my family on the reservation. Since he past away I have completely neglected that side of who I am and It makes me sad and guilty. I feel that he is not here anymore is too much of a painful reminder of something that I lost. Its easier to forget about that side and focus on what I have. I know its hard for some people to understand but it is the truth.
There are many different reasons why we sometimes neglect who we are. But its not fair to our family to do that. This event made me relize on what I am doing wrong and I need to make some some changes in my own life!



********Heather********

Asian Am. Dreams

Beyond our shadows:
“What Mom and Dad couldn't tell us was what it meant to be Chinese in America. They didn't know--they were just learning about America themselves. We found little help in the world around us. Asians were referred to most often as Orientals, Mongols, Asiatics, heathens, the yellow hordes, and an assortment of even less endearing terms. Whatever the terminology, the message was clear: we were definitely not Americans.”
This passage I feel is how most people feel about there race in America. It’s a hard place to fit in when you want to keep your culture. Sometimes I feel most people find it hard to juggle the two. This takes me back to history class when back in the day they had classes for immigrants to take that made them more “American”. But what is American anyway? Is it blue jeans, baseball, and apple pie? Mabye it was back in the day….But now the term American means so many things. Theres Asian American, Native American, African, etc. Theres not just American. Its better this way so people don’t feel left out. America has this motto that “we are united”, but its easy for people to get lost along the way with racism, stereotypes, etc.
I myself have seen family members struggle with their native American background. I have witnessed the hard life on the reservation when I would visit my aunt during the summer. They struggle to fit in with contemporary American society when they ancestors struggled with so much hate and pain. Especially the idea sterotypes and the effect it has on young native youth and what it does to their self esteem. Its easy to see the effect the idea of “True American” has on people.


*******hEATHER******

Iron Chef

Ok many people have this conception of Asian American dishes: Rice, sushi, Panda Express, and some kind of domestic pet. I really liked this challenge for the fact it was an east meets west kind of thing. Lately I have been watching bizarre foods and No reservations for inspiration. I really like Bizarre foods because it shows another cultures food in a way that is not making fun of it or saying its gross but showing what another group of people eat that is normal to them. After watching a couple episodes on Japan, China, The Philippines it was not so bizarre anymore. I t was just interesting to see how they prepare the food. I also found it interesting that in East Asia that everything is fresh and prepared right then and there. There are no slaughterhouses and food is not packaged as it is here in the states. Also when he interviewed a local…I think it was in China he said how he thought the idea of slaughterhouses was appalling. Where we find it completely normal. Its interesting to see what different cultures think of one another.
My absolute favorite episode was this one on India. I felt it showed a good look on street vendors. The food was so unique and just not curry! It showed a new look than what most Americans know. It was also interesting to see the colors and the wide array of people on the street. But the thing I like most is how so much of daily life revolves around food. Most people go out everyday to get fresh ingredients and its always somehwta of a ritual. I was so happy to do this project and to learn so much about different countries.


********Heather*********

Fashion Show!

Ok i know im catching but better late than never! I must say I really like reflecting on past events. I think the fashion show was my favorite challenge this semester. It was really nice to see all the groups creative designs. I really liked that each group had a different county to do. I also thought it was very interesting the hear the stories that some groups had with their outfits. Of course 210 did the best because we had one but two outfits! One for a man and one for a woman! I got the dress at Antropologie in Santa Row and it was perfect for Japan! I thought the dark color and the embroidered cranes on it just fit the country! Overall it was a fun project and I was happy to see 210 do a great job of course!

*******heather******

Hip Hop Artist

Jin Au-Yeung or Jin as he is known is an Asian American rapper as well as songwriter and actor. He is the first ever Asian American artist to be signed with a major label. He was born June 4, 1982 in Miami. He comes from Chinese parents who ran their own business. Jin was inspired by Biggie, Tupac, Wu-Tang Clan, and LL Cool J in high school. He got his start by performing for friends and family and then started to do freestyle battles. In 2001 his family moved to Queens, New York. He did anything Hip-Hop. It became his life. He free styled whenever he got the chance and sold mix-tapes on the streets. His rise to fame came on BET’s Freestyle Friday. He lost the first time but won the weeks after and proved everyone wrong. After his victories he signed with the label Ruff Riders. His first single was named Learn Chinese. And he has released other singles and albums.

Albums:

The Rest Is History
Jin Presents: The Emcee’s Properganda
100 Grand Jin
I Promise
ABC
Free Rap Mixtape



****Heather*****

Asian American Poet: Nellie Wong

Nellie Wong is an Asian American Poet who was born in Oakland. During World War 2 she was subjected to racism due to the conflict in Japan that most Asian Americans went through at that time. She graduated from Oakland High School and went to work as a secretary.
Nellie Wong became interested in Creative Writing at SFSU! She published her poetry shortly after. She was involved in the Women’s Writers Union on campus. She is a feminist and activist for social causes.

Here is a Poem by Nellie Wong!

Mama, Come Back

Mama, come back.Why did you leavenow that I am learning you?The landlady next doorhow she apologizesfor my rough brown skinto her tenant from Hong Kongas if I were her daughter,as if she were you.How do I say I miss youyour scoldingyour presenceyour roast loin of porkmore succulent, more tenderthan any hotel chef's?The fur coat you wanted making you look like a polar bearand the mink-trimmed coatI once surprised youon Christmas morning.Mama, how you said "importment"for important,your gold tooth flashingan insecurity you dared not bare,wanting recognitionsimply as eating noodlesand riding in a motor carto the supermarketthe movie theateradorned in your gold and jadeas if all your jewelryconfirmed your identitya Chinese woman in America.How you said "you better"always your last wordsglazed through your dark eyesfollowing me fast as you couldone November evening in New York Cityhow I thought "Hello, Dolly!"showed you an America you never saw.How your fear of being alonekept me dutiful in bodyresentful in mind.How my fear of being singlekept mefrom moving out.How I begged your forgivenessafter that one big fighthow I wasn't wrongbut needed you to love meas warmly as you hugged strangers.

Nellie Wong


****Heather Grinnell*****

Asian American poet (Denizen Kane)

Denizen Kane, is a 23-year-old Koren rapper, singer, and spoken-word artist, coming from Chicago, now living in Oakland

I chose Denizen because I really like his style, his poem is like the flow of music. I remember seeing him one time at a show in Berkeley, listening to his piece move me off my feet. From him I saw poetry in a whole new way, which inspires me to continue writing, even if my piece may sound like a rap verse I can still turn it into poem.

-Phon Chanthanasak

Midterm

Doing the skit with my group, bought me back memory. I remember Growing up, me as the youngest child of a refugee family, had to be the stunt boy. Since my parent didn’t have a job living off SSI, welfare and foods tamp, collecting Cans was what we did as and every living. Me being the stunt boy had to climb hella shit, from trashcans; over fences anywhere we spotted a can. During this time I was only like in elementary so I though it was normal cuz I seen hella other people doing it. So during free time me and my lil cosine would walk around to find cans our self so we can get make some money, we be on mission walking around the street, sometime even had to jump over people house to steal there, we was like young husler recycle enough can to buy a bike. Collect can was like a fun thing to do back in day Now thinking about I felt embarrass for even doing that, But what can I said coming from the ghetto there wasn’t much out there for the youth.

But back to the subject about the midterm, All I can say was it was helllllla Dope, because I never did something like that before for a class project. We didn’t just have fun we inform the people about some real shit, put out or voice telling them about the thing that was going on in our community, the march show the people what self determination is all about.


Phon Chanthanasak

Fashion Show!

Ok honestly I thought this was going to be a pretty lame project but ended up coming together nicely. I have to give my group mad props since they really picked up my slack. Recently my brand new computer broke on me. My processor, hard drive, DVD drive, and motherboard all went dead. So I had lost a ton of work, and I had a lot going on with my senior design project. I was not able to put in a strong effort with this project but the rest of the group got together and did what they needed to do.
They ended up giving me the task of researching Japanese headdress and baseball caps. I was really intrigued with what I found out about baseball caps, how they came along and how the Japanese pick up the game of baseball. I am a sports fanatic and baseball is one of my favorite sports. So this is the reason I rambled on when it was my turn to read my research during our presentation lol. I know a couple of my group members were laughin cause they said I talked too much about baseball. But I was just trying to show everyone how they adopted the game and emphasize how baseball is embedded into both American and Japanese culture.
Some of the thing I didnt know was how both the USA and Japan are the leaders in the sport. Actually the World Baseball Classic was just started in 2006 (The WBC is a baseball tournament that brings all of the worlds best baseball players to compete of a world title every three years), and Japan has won the title both in 2006 and 2009.

-Scott

Cultural Invasion (Midterm)

All I can say is wow! I can honestly say I had never took part in such an event. It was so cool how it all came together, even if it was last minute. I liked how we all walked up chanting and had the whole central part of campus watching us, I could only imagine what they were thinking. I liked how the skit group came up and how we performed, we really brought it together with our props, clothing and improv. It all came together real nice, especially the way Phon and Jiawei really sold their parts, that older gentlemen was really feelin it lol. Noppol and I got held back after having to talk to the guy. I was really happy how our skit turned out and how my whole group contributed and was ready to do whatever it took to get it done. And a special thanks to Christina for getin us the script down on paper.
The dance and spoken word groups really brought it, they had a nice gathering considering where they performed.
I feel that we should have stayed were we originally were (in front of the Malcolm X Plaza) so the dance and spoken word groups could have performed there. We already had the attention of about 200-300 hundred students, so we should have just kept going with it while we had an audience. We needed a speakerphone for the spoken word group so everyone could really hear what they were sayin. N I felt that when we did the chants not everyone was goin at it full blast, but I know people are shy so I would dock em for it. But all in all I think we did extremely well. I know that the preperation was not at its best and was done all last minute but when you take a test, it dont matter how you study as long as you Ace the exam! So I give the class as a whole an A!

-Scott

The model minority

I need help. I have a final about Asian American being the Model Minority, And how is it harm full, this what I got so far, If it sound wrong to you give me fee back

The model minority stereotype describes that all Asians are extremely smart, passive and obedient. With that in mind Asian are supposed to be the minority group that is able to overcome their struggles, proving that racism does not exist in American society. Many people, including many Asians, view this as positive stereotype because it shows that Asians are willing to work hard to achieve success without complaining about racism as a barrier to hold them back. However this can also be a harmful stereotype as well. For instance, if all Asians are stereotyped as extremely smart they can be perceived as “nerds,” which is actually considered as a negative stereotype. Which can cause Asian to be the victims of humiliation and violence. This show how the model minority stereotype can cause just as much harm, if not more then positive.

model minority, Asians are viewed as the racial group who has assimilate and forgets about their culture. Being perceive as the one who made it, over came discrimination and became successful can be positive, however it is also harmful mentally and spiritually because they are saying that Asian American History is not important and it has no value.

Phon Chanthanasak

Asian American Hip hop Artist

Dropping to do some blogging, damm it feel like i have not blog in days so ima just hit some up, too catch up with my fellow teammate

Since I have not do one about Asian American Hip hop Artist. I guess ima hit that up first then
For my Asian American Artist I have to go with is............drum roll........... Bambu!!!
Bambu who is one half of the Native Gunz group, which consist of two Filipino Artist from LA and the Bay. Which make Good music you can slapz to.
I choose Bambu because he hella dope. I was first introduce about Bambu from one of my mentor, he was listening to Bambu on or long ride to our retreat. Me as someone growing up in the hood, I really didnt feel alot of the postive music, until I heard the song "Like us" by Bambu. hearding the lyrics I was like damm that is some real shit he talking about. He spit about real life shit, like making change in the community. Listen to his word motive me to want to make good music too. And because of my mentor I now try to check out many other type of hip hop, that other then gangsta and hyphy.

-Phon Chanthanasak

Increasing the Stereotypes!

SO, I've been meaning to blog about this, but it kept slipping my mind. About a month ago (Ha, hella late) me, Scott, Kim, and Amanda all kicked it at stonestown mall. So we're trying to find parking on this typical school day and we're waiting on this one person to pull out of this parking. First let me note that she was driving a BMW, which would make her way more cautious. Anyways, this girl is trying to make a U turn in the parking lot so it'll be easier for her to exit, but for some odd reason she decides to take 6 months to make a 19 point turn. And we're all sitting in the car saying to ourselves "Who is this person, she's taking days" because at that point she was holding up traffic in every which direction. SO, finally she decides to finish her 19 point turn and grant us the parking spot. And when she's about to leave, I say out loud "I bet she's asian" and guess what! She is. -_-

So we're all sitting in the car discussing how everyone in the parking lot who saw her hold up traffic must be thinking the same thing. It's really a bad day when Asian Stereotypes are reenforced. That is why this is a message to us all, Let's make an extra effort to break away from that stereotype and be good drivers! Agreed? Agreed.

Just my two cents,

Vincent Santiago

Asian American Artist- Jin Tha MC.

Well I posted about this man before, but I figured since Ben asked us to write a bio on an Asian American Artist, I might as well do it again. OK, well a little background before the bio, Jin is an Chinese American MC who appeared on freestyle friday of BET's "106 and Park" and he has slowly crept up in the music world to join wyclef's label the Ruff Ryders (However today he has decided to leave the label). But, I first knew of jin when he had battled and won on freestyle friday 7 weeks straight. He's a lyrical genius, but i'm not going to lie, his songs aren't always on point. Anyways, I did Jin because he's an inspiration and although he knows of asian american stereotypes, he battles them by embracing them and telling the world he's more than that.

Bio:
Jin the MC was born in miami, florida and was raised by chinese-immigrant parents.
Jin had aspirations of becoming a professional rapper and was inspired by 2Pac, Nas, Wu-Tang, Notorious B.I.G, LL Cool J, and Big L. In 2001, Jin moved to Flushing, NY to begin pursuing his dream. Jin sold mixtapes on the streets and soon had a huge following.








I know Jin is illlllll.

Anyways, Lateeeeeers!

-Vincent Santiago

Quickly

Last night my some friends and I went to Quickly, the one by Westlake, and while we were waiting for our drinks I was chillin’ and listening to the music that was playing from the flat screen. I couldn’t hear the lyrics clearly because there were a lot of people there so it was pretty noisy. And when I started watching the t.v. I saw some Asian guys dancing and singing and they were pretty good. Then I asked one of my friends if they were singing in English and they weren’t. The next song was an Asian girl singing in Japanese and she was a good hip hop dancer and the video was good. I think it’s a good thing that Quickly plays these videos because it showcases Asian artists.

-ashley

Asians can't drive

Of coarse I’ve heard that racial comment that “Asians can’t drive” and I’ve even heard it from some people who are Asian American and I think they say that because they don’t identify themselves as those fob Asians who still have an accent but whatever that’s they’re problem but after watching this video with one of my Asian friends he got all offended and I found it rather amusing because it’s just one of those jokes that pokes at some of peoples doings. Like how you could find a rock in a Filipino person’s shower. It’s just funny to look at some of those things. And in this particular joke with driving I see the funny part as driving away and being unaware of the honking because I could see someone I know who isn’t Asian doing that

-ashley

The Slanted Screen

Today in class I watched this documentary The Slanted Screen, it was about Asian and Asian American actors sharing their thoughts on the image of Asians in film. Sessue Hayakawa was the first actor viewed. He started in silent films and at the time was one of the highest paid and respected actors. He starred and directed about ninety films and was one the first sex symbols in Hollywood. When I saw the clips from some of the movies he was in I thought of an Asian Pierce Brosnan. He was handsome, suave, and a lady’s man. Some of the characters he played had a romance with a white woman. However, in a more recent movie Romeo Must Die one of the themes for the movie was Romeo and Juliet. Jet Li was Romeo and Aaliyah was Juliet. For the movie they shot two scenes where Jet Li and Aaliyah are sharing a romantic moment on the dance floor. In the first shot Jet Li and Aaliyah kiss and the producers didn’t like the scene so they shot it again where the two just hug and that shot was the one that made it in the movie. The second actor viewed was Bruce Lee. Before the hero was always a white guy like Clint Eastwood. Bruce was the new phenomenon because he portrayed an Asian man as the action hero. He changed the portrayal of Asians and Asian Americans in film forever. Audiences expect to see white actors cast in higher roles such as the boss, doctor, or the rich guy. They expect to see black and Hispanic actors play lower roles such as the maid or the janitor and with Asians, they don’t expect to see them at all. Somehow audiences just expect Asian men to be a nerd or doing kung fu. And in movies the good guy is usually white and they rather see Asians as the bad guys because white America needs to feel good about themselves and seeing them as the good guy and the triumphant in movies do that. The producers of the show The O.C. took on a new writer who was Asian. He decided to introduce new characters on the show who where Hispanic and Asian. The producers read the script and changed the minority characters to white characters because they thought the main characters, who were white, wouldn’t hang out with people like that. Thankfully, Some Asian American actors and comedians are doing things to break this nerdy, kung fu stereotype by doing skits and roles that show the different side to Asians. Fortunately, today Bobby Lee and other Asian American actors and comedians have huge contracts and deals which is big because it means producers and t.v. shows, want to see them.

-ashley

walk the runway

i was excited for the fashion show because i wanted to see everyone's oufits and i thought all the groups did very well. Of coarse im very proud of my group because we went above and beyond like always, coming to class with not one but two outfits. Although my group didn't work together as well as we did for the iron chef challenge we still managed to pull off all the requirements and give a good presentation. The models were fierce as expected and i was impressed with the groupd that made their entire outfit from scratch. fun times =]

-ashley

Fashion Shooooooooooow.

So for the fashion show, I thought every group did a pretty outstanding job. For my group in specific, I feel as though we did a great job! We were the only group that had both a girl and a guy model, and although I felt super awkward being the only guy model I was glad that I was able to rep 210s finest with the guy clothing. While I wasn't looking like anything super flashy in particular, my outfit was an example of japanese-american dress that is realistic. Even though my outfit just looked like a regular outfit someone would be wearing, there was an actual story behind my clothing.

Headwear- New Era Fitted Hat/Japanese Headband.
Baseball fitted or New Era fitted is a popular American icon, integrating that with the Japanese headband.

Shirt- Flannel Button up
A popular “cowboy” dress or just a traditional American top.

Pants- GAP Japanese Selvedge Denim
Raw denim that is popular in both America and Japan, however Americanized by U.S. clothing companies such as GAP. While it has Japanese influence, it’s our version of selvedge denim.

Shoes- Vans Sk8 Hi Hosoi
Vans, a popular skate shoe, been around for years (since 1966) and related to American dress. With a Japanese influence of the “rising sun”, a common Japanese icon.

What type of person did you create this outfit for?

We created this outfit for the male Japanese-American teenager who wants to both tradition and culture in mind when deciding what to wear out. While this style is Americanized and somewhat popular among the Asian-American population, there’s a history behind every article of clothing that is included in our outfit. And even though not only Japanese Americans may wear this outfit, it provides a cultural background that doesn’t first meet the eye.

Is there a significance behind the color, shape, texture etc.

The colors weren’t too significant besides that the rising sun and headband were traditional Japanese icons, so we just happened to match the clothing together somehow without looking too tacky. The texture of the jeans is raw denim, a popular style in Japan and in America. The texture of the shirt is flannel, to keep warm in this cold SF weather!

What is the statement that you are making and why?

The statement that we’re making is that Asian Americans can dress, and can take their outfit back to their culture if they really wanted to. Also, we are trying to show that there are a lot of influences between Americans and Japanese and while we’re thousands of miles apart, we still have similar fashion choices. We are making this statement to show that although there may be a cultural barrier between Japanese and Americans, fashion is able to bridge the gap and eliminate the hyphen in “Japanese-American Style”.

Congrats to all! =D



-Vincent Santiago

Should I change my name??

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/09/brown-asian-names/

Apparently, Texas representative Betty Brown think so. She believes Asian names are too hard to pronounce and we should all adopt a name that's easy for "real americans" to say. I don't even know what to think when I come across something as heinous as this. It's unfathomable to me how ignorant some of our decision makers are, even with a man named Barack Obama as our president, there are still bigots out there making these ridiculous statements. It's also not a surprise that she's from Texas, the state known for inbred-retards, also known as white people. Maybe asian people should all dye our hair blonde and wear blue contacts, that would surely restore the old fashion American values. I mean, what's next? are we going to start rounding up minorities in concentration camps? most of the minority populations are already in ghettos, so it would probably be a pretty easy transition. I don't know how people like Betty Brown even get elected, but if America wants to be taken seriously by other nations, people like Betty Brown must be taken out of positions of power. I have an unique name, I like my name, and I love it when white people have trouble pronouncing it. It's not my job to make sure white people feel comfortable, matter of fact, I want them to feel uncomfortable around me, I want them to know that I am nothing like them. I could have just adopted a name like Joe or David, but I feel it's important for Asian Americans to use their 'ethnic names'. By not adopting white names, we are making a statement, we are creating a counter-culture, and we are fighting the oppressive white power that has tried to dominate us for centuries. Just because we have a black president doesn't mean our fight is over, there are still plenty of racism and prejudice out there, and it's our job to keep fighting and keep pushing back, because the moment we become complacent, everything our predecessor have done will be useless. Fuck what white people think, we are not here for them. So make a statement, and change your name to something unique, represent your culture!!!

-JIAWEI WU (yeah that's right, Jiawei motherfuckin Wu)

fashion show!!!!!

the fashion show was amazing, everybody in our group really stepped up and produced 2 unique outfits! Our group might be a little unorganized sometimes, but when it comes down to the clutch moments, we always manage to pull through. I enjoyed the whole fashion show, and felt that all of the groups did a great job of creating outfits that represented the Asian American style. There were a few costumes that seemed a little too stereotypical, personally, I think it's time to see beyond these stereotypes. Asian Americans are unique and diverse, so it's really important to represent these traits in our costume designs.
-Jiawei

Project

Over the weekend i must say that I had a very good time researching ideas for the fashion show with my friends and my mom. We brainstormed a lot of ideas and went to goodwill and the fabric store for inspiration. I really like this class project a lot and fells it lets me be creative instead of completly doing a project on paper. I especially love that our country is Japan and there are so many different directions my group can go in. I find it especially interesting to put an American twist on a Japanese classic. That makes it even more fun. I think that i have my idea made up for this project and i=am very thankful for the opportunity to do it. Its reallllllly fun!!!!!!!!!!



***heather***

Ok i recenly saw this Dr. Phil and it was on Asian Americans who get plastic surgury to change the shape of their eyes to appear more western looking. They had on a plastice surgeon and he himself was Asian american and thought that a western eye is more attactive. People had issues with this topic and felt that by doing this you are changing and are ashamed of your race. But the girls said by doing this they were more confident and felt better about themeselves. It seemed like the audience and dr. phil were sort of cold to these women. I do not think that people should say anything about the choices that others make. It is the problem that society has made. There are these certain standards that are considered beautiful. I think that this could be solved if each person made the effort to be more understanding, educated and accepting. Not every person is the same and that is what makes the world such a beautiful place!!!!!

***Heather****

Midterm Grade

I felt that this class did a great job during the midterm. It really blended together great and everyone really worked together. I think that next time we should have like matching outfits, shirts, or a color scheme to distinguish ourselves and so we can stand out. I really liked my acting group and thought that the shopping cart was really a nice touch. Our class deserves an A!!!!!! We really did a great job and we completed our original deadline!!!!!

***Heather***

Cheap A** Asians

Asian are cheap! Yes, I guess that's one of the stereotypes that people say about Asians. We have cheap food, cheap toys, and will always try to bend the dollar. Before the US Housing market entered the "dark times", Asians have been looked at as cheap people who always look for a discount. Asians will always save any penny they find or make it a mission to not pay full price for anything. With the famous comedian Russell Peters always doing a skit on how a Chinese salesman and an Indian Buyer meet inside a mall. Watch below,



Talking to one of my friend who is a Realtor, I had asked her if her job has been affected by the down turn of the economy. What she had told me was surprisingly shocking, she said that the majority of people who are buying houses are Asians. She said that they are the ones that are being approved for loans or even down right paying cash on foreclosed homes.

This negative stereotype has actually turned into a good stereotype given the times. The media today talks about how families can save cents here and there on everyday items and how to make the dollar stretch.

This is evidence of the times changing.

-Noppol S.

Cultural Invasion

The cultural invasion went off not exactly as planned, but our massage was heard. I think that the "plan of attack" was actually to surprise our audience and relay our message to them. For the preparation of our midterm, there was a lot of uncertainty of what would actually happen on the day of the cultural invasion. I think this caused a lot of confusion, there was no set place of where any of the groups were going to perform until the night before or even the day of. As for my group, the skit group, we didn't exactly know how long our skit had to be, or where it would take place. Because of this we had a very sketchy script and actually rehearsed in a different location. All in all, we were able to pull off most the things planned by our group minus the OUTSIDE interference. It was a very good idea to move to the other side of the cafeteria since it was quieter. I think the class deserved an A since the main idea was to get the message heard to as many people as possible. We spread our message in various ways using different media types for many people to understand. Good job everyone, A!


-Noppol S.

Asian American Film Festival

http://www.childrenofinvention.com/about.htm



On Saturaday March 21, I went to the San Francisco Asian American Film Festival, went to see a movie call, “Children of invention.” Children of invention tell a story about two children left to live alone in a abandon house. Their mom was lock up in jail for a selling scheme, and it never show their dad because he was in China.

I really like to movie, very inspiring, seeing how kids can do a lot with their imagination.
Even without and adult around,they founded ways to keep going, take action without any parent, define what it mean to hustla.

The story is about two kid, brother 10 year old and little sister 7 year old, that live with their mom. They was kick out their house because mom didn’t have enough money to pay rent. Mom who work at two job as sell person, selling house and and products (them people that goes house to house selling stuff, like vacuum, knives and other). She was selling product for this white women, after all the sell the women left the state with all the money and no product was sent out to the buyer, which then the Law came a arrest all the people that was involve, including the mom.
The kids didn’t Know this happen because they was at school, but they understated that their mom work hard everyday and some night she don’t come home. Mom didn’t come back for more then three night, kids became sad and mad they thought there mom left them. With that big bro took action and with the skill he learn from watching his mom sell stuff, he start to invent his own item, one he call the noodle spinner. whit his inventvion his wish to make a million dollar and big their old house back, which they hope their mom will come back and dont have to work no more.

It is hella good, emotional, funny, and all the good stuff, I give this movie two thumb ups.

-Phon Chanthanasak

The professor said...

So today in my Ethnic Studies 220 class I overheard my TA’s talking. Kind a rude but whatever I was sitting right next to them so I couldn’t help it. Anyway, one of them was telling the other about his professor and the appalling things he had to say about Asian Americans. Basically he said things close to “Asian Americans made their own problems and just have to deal with them, Ethnic Studies classes are a waste of time, bla bla…”. He said some other stupid things that I can’t remember but it just got me mad. Before college I never learned about my Filipino history and now that I’ve gotten some knowledge on not only Filipino history but about other Asian and Asian American struggles and resistance I feel more comfortable in my own skin because I’m aware of this important history that many Asian Americans are uninformed of. Those people don’t bother me because most don’t get a chance to learn such important issues after high school because in public schools we only learn about American history. Anyway, today I was just really upset because these ignorant statements came from a college professor. Now I’ve already realized that people have the right to think what they want but what this professor said really made me mad where I don’t have too much to say. I just hate ignorant people.

-ashley

A

I was very nervous for the cultural invasion because I did not feel the class as a whole was prepared. Certain groups were organized and ready but for other groups scheduling everyone to meet up was difficult because of people’s busy schedules. For other groups their tasks may have been easier because they were able to them individually or not all their members had to meet up. The dance group had some trouble learning a routine because not everyone could meet up to learn the piece. However, everyone learned some part of the piece at different times so we were able to pull it off. Besides worrying about my group I was also worrying about the sequence of what was going to happen. I wasn’t too confident in the class as a whole because we didn’t spend too much time correctly organizing the event. But it was exciting and I was very satisfied in the outcome The whole experience was great. I had fun and I thought all the groups did a good job. With the little time we had I thought the class did amazing and I give our performance an A.

-ashley

Letter to the Editor

Before taking this class or any of the other Ethnic Studies courses I’ve already taken I have never heard of Hyphen. What I liked first about the magazine when skimming through it was that there were Asian models and Asian ads. I liked seeing that because most of the magazines I pick up are the usual Seventeen, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. In those magazines I usually look through them to see the newest fashion trends, the latest celebrity gossip, and to do those quizzes titled “What Guys Like About You” or “Are You A Snob?”. And in those magazines I hardly see any Asian or Asian American models or ads. When there is an Asian or Asian American model it’s usually in a “how to wear this look” such as showing the readers what styles look good on certain sized women. Another time you might see them is when they’re giving make up tips and they show an Asian woman’s eyes to show how to apply the make up on that certain shaped eye. Other times I’ll see an Asian model in a 7-10 page spread and sometimes she’s not the only girl. Sometimes there will be several girls each having their own page in the spread. Sorry that I’ve gone off tangent talking about these other magazines that I read, so, back to Hyphen. Other than the picture art and the photographs I also found the articles very interesting. They were up to date and were about things that interested me in particular, as a college, Asian American woman, which I appreciated. And by up to date I mean that it’s not like a history or national geographic magazine. The article on Sex Education was different for me because the articles I’m used to are ones like “36 ways To Keep Him Satisfied” or “40 New Tricks To Spice Up Your Love Making”. But the one about the porn star, Hung Lo, was exciting because it wasn’t about different types of diseases or how to practice safe sex, not that those are boring things to read about but because it was more exciting since porn is “forbidden” to me because of my parents, and it was informative because it brings up the stereotype that Asian men have small.. ”you know whats”. I also enjoyed reading the article, The Jokes On Us because I enjoy watching comedy especially Margaret Cho, and Russell Peters. I’m not too familiar with Dat Phan’s jokes but the interesting part of the article was that they were interviews and the comedians gave their opinions on Asian jokes and why people enjoy them and why some people find them racist. Some Asian groups may find their jokes offensive but I feel like their comedy is realistic and that people just have to laugh, of coarse some jokes are down right racist and that’s when someone should speak up about it but these comedians are pretty chill and they know when to draw the line. The other articles were also interesting and very informative and the magazine has something for everyone to read. Sex, comedy, sports, food, income, music, and art.

-ashley

An "A" For Effort and an "A+" for Skill

I feel as if we did an excellent job at the cultural invasion. If we look at the situation from the fact that we weren't even planning on performing that day than you can say to yourself that "Hey we did do a pretty good job for a couple days short notice". The groups all had there acts in check, and with just a few little bugs worked out, I think the whole thing could've been perfect. It is nothing new that we're our own worst critics, so I think maybe we're being too critical on ourselves, everyone in the Caesar Chavez building was thoroughly culturally invaded. We all made our mark that day and I truly believe that people were informed. Personally, I thought everyone did a great job, and with the lack of planning and rehearsals, it was an excellent show. While we may have slipped up on not being unified enough during chants and dancing, bystanders nearby were able to see the situation and become interested. And that's truly what we were going for, correct? Anyways, we may think we did just "Ok" but I feel as if we weren't in the class and we witness our performance from an outside point of view that we would've easily been able to grant our class with an A. But that's just me. Anywaaays, An "A" for effort and an A+ for skill, no need to sell ourselves short guys, we did an excellent job and we should be proud that we were able to culturally invade so many people at once.

Catch everyone in class!

-Vincent Santiago

1 day of prep, almost 99.7% outcome.

Based on the fact that the class have 1 day to prepare for our midterm, Invasian, I would give the class a "C" for preparation and an "A" for the outcome. Though we were very hesitant to finish this midterm, we were able to knock it off quickly with the advices we received from everyone. I think the whole point of this midterm is to create a community within the classroom. I noticed that Irene gives us choices and options on how we want the class to be. By hearing almost everyone's opinion whether we should postpone or do it on the due date, we were able to do it as a class to decide on just doing it. As a class, we were able to do it stronger and it is because we did it as a community. As a community, we fuses all our ideas and opinion and that is why the outcome of the midterm turned out great. With longer preparation, we can get rid of the flaws on this midterm. Like Irene said, not all of us knew the meaning of the chant. If we knew what message were trying to convey with saying the chant out loud, I think people would be more affected.

Asian Film

Chan is missing is a 1982 film that follows two cabbies around San Francisco's Chinatown. It is directed by Wayne Wang and is an Asian American film that has Asian American actors not being a sterotype. It follows these two men in search of there friend who has mysteriously dissapeared with their $4,000. I really liked that the movie was in black and white because the movie was shot in Chinatown and I felt that the vivid colors of red, green and gold would have distracted the viewer and would have taken away from the sceenplay and dialogue. The movie shows two Asian American men, one old and one young. The young man is your average young american male. He is somewhat of a funny streetsmart guy. The other older male is wise and streetsmart as well. Both of them are playing ameteur detective and want to find their business partner with their money. But the movie really focuses on the hardship of adapting to American society and how people try to make whats best for themselves in a setting. It also shows Aians that were born here and Asians that arrived here from boats. Its a great look into what life is like for minorities in America.


***Heather***

Letter to the editor

I was really intrigued when i came upon the article "Disposable Income". I found it to be highly insightful and very unique. I mean I live in San Jose and see elderly asian men and women with large sacks of recyclables hovering up and down the streets. I always thought nothing of it that they were just doing this in their spare time. I had no idea that it was actually a way of serious income for these people. I do not think its fair that there is a new law that hinders this and makes it harder for these people to earn an honest way to live. I do not think that this is considered stealing as it is garbage that would otherwise end up in a land fill. San Francisco recycles about 63% of its trash and I think that a large part of that is owed to these people. I do not think that there is anything wrong with this type of work. It supplies income for elderly people who would not otherwise have a job anywhere else.

Letter to the Editor

\

I really enjoy reading hyphen magazines, because I find a lot of interesting article. Article that I can relate to in some ways, for example in the newest issue “The Consumption”, I find the article “The price is Rice” to be very interesting. Me being Khmu, (which is an ethic group that lives in the high land of Laos) we tend to consume a lot of sticky rice. I remember we had to eat everything with sticky rice, I really mean everything! From meats, to soups, even hot chips, and cup of noodle.

Every time my family receives their welfare and food stamp, rice was the first thing that was on the list. Growing up I always though that the reason we ate sticky rice everyday was because it was cheap and it made us full fast. But this was not true rice cost a lot, I found out the cost was like $20 a pound and that was back then, now it like $30. Me now knowing that there are people out their in Asia working hella hard to get this bag of rice for us to eat, I learn to appreciate the value of rice. I now tend to try to finish my rice, not waste a single grain. I value sticky rice because it’s a part of my culture, and keeping my family close.

-Phon Chanthanasak

I haven't blog lately.

Guys, I haven't blog lately and I can explain why. Im just a regular guy, tryna make it, and working as hard as I can to continue livin'. I think everybody has their own daily routine but the important part of our daily routine is the life lessons we capture from it. My average day for me is waking up in the morning, going to school, deal with bs, go to work, deal with bs, and finally go home, in peace. All the bs that surrounds us are there for a reason, its there to teach us shit loads of lesson about life. But sometimes, people just dont understand or know how to handle these problems we face. Like one of my homie said "The darker you are, the more stress are placed upon you." Its kind of true in a sense especially here in the US. I think we should just deal with it, and the last thing or never we should do is to runaway from it. It will eventually hunt us sometime in life. Im very thankful that my group (acting group) decided to do our part on stressing the issue about "Disposable Income". I think it is right to address this issue because large amount of Asian American elderly are dealing with poverty. To stop them from collecting recyclables is simply wrong because that's their only source of income. If they take that away from them, they will not be able keep up with their daily expenses. There is nothing wrong with recycling bottles, cans, or papers that are also contributing mess in our streets. Like I said in the beginning, this is another type of BS we have to deal with to fight for our right or to continue livin'. We should address this, and let everyone know that we are right!

Rovie Flores

F*** The Budget Cuts!!!

First I would like to thank all that participated in the walk out from Eths 210. In no particular order...Amanda, Kim, Donna, Jeff, Casey, Ericka, Jiawei, Noppol, and Vincent. They all deserve a hand of doing their part to show that we as a student body are not ok with the recent budget cuts to the state's education.

Now I was the one that came into a class filled with students and no teacher or TA's and told everyone that they were already at the march. Now I probably shouldnt have lied but I figured that they would have supported the cause and been there; I mean this march pertained so much to what we are learning in class about standing up for yourself when no one else will. So as we marched out of the class and up the side of Thornton Hall we saw one of the TA's whose name will be kept anonymous (Kristen!)...This discouraged many of the students to turn back expect for the ones named above. We continued on and marched with the rest of the student body to show our displeasure with the current budget cuts.

I would hope that in the future the rest of the students would take a more aggressive approach to voicing their opinions on the whole matter.

-Scott

Rest in Power Richard Aoki

DAAAng I Just hear some bad news, Richard Aoki passed away This Sunday at age 71. I very sad to hear that. He was a true like a hero, a fighter for the community. A TRUE BLACK PANTHER MEMBER

For those who dont know who Richard Akoi was here some info:

Richard Aoki was one of the first members of the Black Panther Party and a field marshal of the revolutionary group. And Yes there was Asian folks in the Party.

"Aoki was born in San Leandro, CA. He and his family were interned during WWII, and afterwards, resettled in West Oakland. Aoki befriended Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale at Merritt College in Oakland, where they all went to school. Richard was also a student leader in the Third World Student Strike at UC Berkeley in 1968 and a member of the Asian American Political Alliance."- HYpHEn


Even though Your gone You will never be forgotten. WE will continue the fight.




PHON CHANTHANASAK

Walk'd it owwwwwwwwt last thursday !

So, Since I wasn't at class last Thursday, I figured I should explain why and my justification for missing a class. Well it was a normal day last Thursday and I had been hearing about the "Walk out" on march 12, but was sorta unsure about attending because that was the day of my most stacked classes. So I said to myself "Fuhhhhgedddabout it". Anyways, while I'm waiting in class for Ethics 210 to begin, I noticed a bunch of people still haven't showed up. So I'm sitting there, and in barges in a couple people from my group persuading us to go to the Walk-Out, so we all leave and decide to hold it down for the student community of SFstate. Well we begin marching onto 19th and joining the rest of the rebels at SFSU and begin chanting and yelling all the cheers that people are screaming. Although a large majority of the class left our group when they saw the T.A's -_-, some of 210s finest, mixed persuasian, and planateers held it down for the class. At first I saw this whole walk-out thing as somewhat obnoxious and pointless, Jiawei explained to me that it was these same types of events that got us Asian American Studies in the beginning! So while I was bummed about missing class, I knew that these protests were in fact important to making a statement as a community. Anyways, it was a great day with some different groups all being able to speak our mind as a community. Although the SF police department seems to be a little rude nowadays. Anyways, as you may have already seen the pictures, here's some photos from the march on 19th and the bonding with the other groups. ;D





Holding it down for Ethics 210 while still achieving true self determination. yayuhh.

210s Finest + Planeteers + Mixed Persuasion =
Probably the Finest Mixed Planteers you've ever met, Correct me if i'm wrong?




-Vincent Santiago

Sushi Boom I or II?

One afternoon my boyfriend and I were exploring the city and I got really hungry. So we stopped into this cute little sushi place, called Sushi Boom II. The place had a nice interior décor and had a clean smelling restroom. The waitress was attentive, got our orders out fast and filled our water glasses whenever they reached the half way point. Food was yummy and they had a deep fried California Roll, something different. The Lion King Roll was hella good and that was the first time I ever tried it, I always heard from friends how good it is but for some odd reason all the sushi places I’ve went to never had it, weird I know. Anyway, I was satisfied with the food and the service. As we were having our lunch we were talking about the name of the restaurant’s name. Sushi Boom II? So that must mean there’s a Sushi Boom I, right! Like a video game, Kingdom Hearts I and Kingdom Hearts II. Actually the restaurant name even sounds like a video game. And usually when a sequel comes out the first one is typically better. So we thought this place, TWO, was good so that means ONE must be better. Okay so a couple weeks later we decide to look for Sushi Boom I. We found it and I kinda wish we didn’t because I would have rather eaten some place else. The place looked pretty bummy, it smelled kinda funny, the Lion King Roll was nasty because the rice tasted old! Sushi Boom I was a disaster! Don’t ever go there!

-ashley

Berkeley Thai Temple SAVED!!!

This past couple months has been a struggle for my family and our Thai community. Our Thai temple in Berkeley, Wat Mongkolratanaram has been a part of the Berkeley community for 25 years. For the past 25 years, our Thai temple has been bringing together Thai Americans together every Sunday to enjoy food and some festivities. My parents, aunts, uncles, and grandmother have been attending this Thai temple since they came to the United States. With them, they brought my brother, my cousins and me every Sunday to surround us with the Thai culture and religion. They passed their culture to us and we mixed it in with our "American" culture. We enjoyed all the fine foods while praying and communicating with other kids whose parents also brought them for the same reason. Every Sunday, the Thai temple opens it doors to anyone to come and enjoy the fine foods and learn about the Thai culture. This is the main source of income for the temple to keep its doors open.

Last year, the temple celebrated its 25th year anniversary, but instead of proper festivities, it was slapped with notice to cease all festivities and cooking on Sundays! Surrounding neighbors have been complaining about the noise level, limited parking and the large amounts of people that come.
Surrounding neighbors want the Thai Temple to significantly reduce the offerings of fine foods and festivities on Sunday. Instead of every Sunday, neighbors want the Thai Temple to only operate on 3 Sundays out of the year!
Since late last year, the Thai Community has gotten even closer to saving the Thai Temple. It has even made it to the media as a very controversial topic. Since these festivities and fine foods on Sunday is the Temple’s main source of income, shutting everything down with ultimate close the Thai Temple.

To keep this post short as of February 18, 2009, I am very happy to say that the Zoning Adjustment Board in Berkeley has voted to allow the Thai Temple to continue its operations!
This is one of the main reasons living in the bay area is great! There are about 60,000 Thai people living in the bay area and while not all of them go to the Berkeley Thai Temple, almost everyone has come together to support it. At the recent hearing at the Berkeley City Hall, more thank 1,000 Thai, Thai-American, and American people showed their support. Many people traveled from as far as San Jose to support our Thai Temple.

This Thai Temple has been apart of my life, I have met so many other Thai American kids that were my age every Sunday when I was little. Because of this, I have learned extensively about my religion and about my culture. I have been apart of this Thai Temple since I can remember. I remember playing with many kids, working with many older grandma’s, and just spending quality with my brother and 7 other cousins who we saw every weekend.
If you don’t know about this Thai Temple, it is considered to have the BEST THAI FOOD IN THE BAY AREA!! All proceed s go to the upkeep of the Temple. It’s a great place to learn about Thai culture and to meet a lot of very nice energetic people. With more than 280 reviews on the yelp and an overall rating of 4 stars, I encourage you to try it out on Sunday, It is well worth the trip!
http://www.savethethaitemple.com

The Secret Recipe (katsu sandwich, rancher roll, red sun)

Hello everyone! Noppol here! As promised the super secret recipe to creating your very own delicious katsu sandwich, rancher roll with wasbi ketchup, and our famous red sun cocktail!

Katsu Sandwich

Boneless Chicken breast
Eggs
Flour
Panko (bread flakes)
cooking oil

Place flour in one bowl, scramble the eggs in another bowl, and panko in another bowl. Warm up enough oil in a cooking pan for frying. Start by placing the chicken in the flour and cover completely. Then place the flour covered chicken in the egg and cover completely. Now place the flour covered egg covered chicken into the panko and cover completely. Now fry in the cooking oil until chicken is completely cooked (turns a light golden brown). I recommend to take it out as soon as it starts to turn light brown because it will continue to cook even outside the oil.

Rancher Roll
Eggs
Bacon
Onions
Tomatoes
Seaweed wrap
Japanese rice (any rice will do)

slice eggs, bacon, onions and place into pan. Scramble eggs and place into pan. Cook until you get an omelette. Place rice on seaweed, place the omelette on the rice and roll it very tight! Be careful not to break the seaweed!

Wasabi Ketchup
Wasabi power
Heinz Ketchup

1 tablespoon wasabi
1 tablespoon ketchup

Mix until wasabi is totally dissolved into the ketchup. It will turn brown!

Red Sun Cocktail

1/2 part jack daniels
2 parts premium Sake
2 parts coke

Mix inside a Japanese teacup and enjoy!

Thats all folks!

-Noppol

Asian American Fashion; Bay Area DXC

Well since the fashion challenge is coming up, I wanted to blog about Asian American fashion which I find most prevalent in the bay area. This may not apply to all Asian in the bay area, but me personally being interested in sneakers I notice it a lot more. So first, take a look at this video of a bay area "Dunk Exchange", an event in which people from a local area come to sell shoes, trade shoes, buy shoes and being surrounded by shoes. Watch the video and tell me if you noticed anything in particular.

While i'm not going to say that ALL the people there were Asian American, and i'm not going to say that there aren't just a large amount of Asian Americans in the bay area in general, a majority of the people (if you noticed) were Asian. I find this interesting and I want to take a deeper look into this. It turns out there many Asian Americans are interested in purchasing nice things, and for some it may be designer brands and expensive accessories, for many Asian Americans in the bay area it's sneakers. If you are thinking to yourself at this point "That's a mighty big assumption" then just take a look at places where Asian Americans are typically occupying and then take a look down at their feet. For example, walk around Serramonte Mall in Daly City (A mall filled with Asian Americans) and just take a look at every Asian you see, then take a look at their shoes. Probably about 75% of the time they'll be wearing either Jordans, Nikes, Vans, or anything in hot fashion today. But you ask yourself "Why is this like this" and I see it as Asians wanting to not only be fashionable but also "Cool". Ever since I grew up, I was raised around Filipinos (I grew up in Union City) and I've noticed that many Asian families are in some sense well off or just extremely hard workers. And I've also noticed that with the income that Asian parents make, they're always willing to share the wealth and dress up their children. I feel as if there is a direct correlation between Asian American parents working hard/maintaining a steady income and the up rise of Asian Americans buying Sneakers. I also believe that there is a culture uniform that many Asians conform to. I feel as though Asians (especially in the bay area) are mass consumers of sneakers and now everyone else who isn't Asian American can understand why.

Perhaps people in this generation also have an inspiration;



I know i'm inspired HAHA.



Anyways,

Peace Out!

-Vincent Santiago

To the Editor of Hypen Magazine

Dear Editor,
I was taking a look at your "Consumption Issue" of Hyphen Magazine and I just wanted to let you know that I was really impressed with your Sex Education Article regarding pornstar Hung Lo. Honestly, I read it at first and thought to myself, "Oh an asian man pornstar, what's so great about that?" but after discussing during class what this article really stood for I was thoroughly impressed. First of all, I now understand the reasons and drives that actor Hung Lo has. It is a common stereotype about Asian males that they are "well you know", and personally I feel as if this actor is standing up for all Asian Americans. Personally, i'm impressed that you were able to take such a unique and somewhat awkward subject and were able to spin in constructively. Also, i'm also impressed that you reported on a subject that not many magazines would even consider. I find this very entertaining and feel obligated to say "Thank you" for being able to publish issues like this. These issues are overlooked today in society and i'm glad that your crew at Hyphen was capable of shining some light on touchy aspects of society. Furthermore, the entire magazine is great and I also enjoyed the article on the DJs from seattle. It is always nice to read up on asian american musicians who are trying to make it in the music industry. Your magazine is an inspiration, keep on writing!

Thanks,

Vincent Santiago
San Francisco, California

To the Editor of Hyphen:

I am a new reader to your magazine and have truly enjoyed it. I like the message behind each issue, and each article is well thought out and well written. But I have a suggestion that I feel would take Hyphen to the next level. Hyphen should get a celebrity to write an article in each issue. This can go one of two ways: get a celeb to write an article per issue or get a couple of celebs to share the load. I think the first option is the easiest since the duties fall on one person and there is only one issue per quarter. But if you can get a couple of celebs it might keep it more interesting especially if you get them from both genders. The celebs need to be relevant and ones that the readers can connect with. This will benefit the magazine in the fact that it will separate you from other magazines by getting a firsthand look at what’s going through these celebs heads or show what they are passionate about. It also benefits the celeb with publicity and getting an inside look into their lives, the reader will be more likely to keep up with the celeb. It will also be a start to giving the Asian American’s an icon to look up to. When you look around there aren’t many prominent Asian American figures around. But this can be a start to that, especially for those young Asian American individuals trying to make a name for themselves. If these celebs write about their lives, what it takes to make it in the industry they are in, passion projects, projects they are currently working on, hobbies, or how they stay involved in the community would be huge. This would be an article I would look for in every issue. The important thing is that it has to be written by the celeb themselves. Don’t make it a question and answer thing, make it something that they can take and run with. It will take you into the mind and thoughts of the successful ones that made it. You can also broaden this by also reaching out to other successful Asian Americans such as politicians, engineers/scientists, writers, athletes, CEO’s/VP’s of Fortune 500 companies, the possibilities are limitless. And this would probably be the best way to start off as it is hard to get musicians, artists, and movie stars to commit to something like this. But once they see how successful it is and how Hyphen is gaining influence within the Asian American community, you’ll have everyone knockin at your door to get on the Hyphen Hype!

Scott Siordia
Fairfield, CA

Yeah I'm Chinese,.. And what?..

A couple weeks back I posted on how Asian American artists aren't capable of becoming as big or as popular as other major stars today. However, during my other Asian American Studies class we were discussing Asian Musicians and if their videos battle or reinforce stereotypes. These are the two videos we watched.

1st Video-Jin-Learn Chinese

Well this video brings back memories, Jin, first Asian American on the Ruff Ryders and another rapper in the Hall of Fame for freestyle friday on 106 and Park. I feel as if Jin is accepted into the rap community. Although there are a lot of Asian stereotypes in his music video, Jin embraces the fact that he's Asian and never seems to feel uncomfortable with mentioning it in his freestyles or raps. An extremely talented musician, Jin tha Mc is an inspiration for us all.

2nd Video-Natalise-China Doll

This video is an up an coming Asian musician who apparently is aware of typical Asian stereotypes but tries to "battle" them by making them evident in her music video. I feel as if this video didn't have a lot of real Asian themes. The whole video is full of stereotypes and bad editing. I do not feel as if this artist represented Asians in a positive light, but in some sense made us look that much more idiotic. While this artist may have had good intentions, just her persona in the video portrays her in a far different light. And while people who know Natalise and her background know she is trying to prove a point in the creation of this video, people who aren't familiar with her are going to pass judgment.


Another video of Jin before entering the hall of fame; Raps in Chinese at the end! =O




Anyways, Goodnight Yall!

-Vince Santiago

Go hard or Go home..things heat up in the kitchen.

As my other group members have already begun to mention, we recently had our group iron chef project. Although the competition was difficult and challenging, I feel as if both groups put out a commendable effort(Shoutout to Mixed Persuasian and 210's finest).


For our group we had a variety of different dishes and entrees.
The food consisted of;

Chicken Katsu Sandwich; Integrating to the american on the go past-time of a sandwich with the protein of a traditional japanese cutlet.

Omelete "On a roll" Sushi Roll; The collaboration of the American breakfast and the traditional Japanese Sushi roll.

Wasabi Ketchup; The fusion between two entities of tomato sauce and spicy wasabi topping.

Red Sun Drink; Jack Daniels, Coke, Saki, Splash of lemonade.



Last, like my other group members mentioned, although during class we may act like the confident, cocky guys, I hope everyone understand it's simply a persona that we put up to get into part. I personally would like to apologize if we come off as a bit too arrogant for our good, however I think I speak for the entire 210's finest when I say that the competition is good for the class. In conclusion, while we come off as the cocky group in the class, hopefully everyone knows that it's all fun and games between the groups. See everyone tomorrow and good luck to the next group up for projects.

-Vince Santiago

A little of this A little of that...

I wanted to say thanks to Phon for hookin up the links on our page. I add the foundation's website that I am apart of, The Matt Garcia Foundation. Go check it out and please get involved. It doesnt have to be with this foundation but I feel that everyone should be involved in some kind on community service. You dont think that you can make a difference but the little things count. You can help change one kids life, clean up a bad neighborhood (literally), or just be there for someone who needs help. And I know we all have busy lives but if you can sacrifice 5-8 hours a month and make a huge difference!

I also wanted to give a shout out to Jiawei for his Food Challenge post. I totally agree with him on the whole situation. Thats all I have to really say about that.

Now many of you dont know I am involved in some local politics in Fairfield. There have been some things that have happened over the past couple of months that I dont agree with. I do not believe in biasing, personal agendas, or voting on things for personal gain or in spite of a person/group. I can understand not liking a person or group if thats the decision you want to make in life. But when you are in a position on power and your opinion can hurt a certain person or group you have to remove all biases. That is the problem with today's politics, people have their own personal agendas and make decisions based on these agendas. And their decisions can really affect people is the long run. They know what the right decision is to make but make the wrong one on purpose for their own personal gain or in spite of a person/group. We have to become more conscious of this as a society as to make sure we, the people, do not vote these people into power. Now some people are appointed positions of power and we can not do much about it, but once they use there power in the wrong ways and are making terrible biased decisions those individuals have to be put in check. I guess I am just venting a little bit, but I would hope that people would have better morals then that.

Lastly, I want to address all those that feel our group is too "cocky". I know we do a good job of letting everyone know we are the best group but with a name like 210's Finest you have to be a little cocky. We all decided that this would be our persona in class, just to mix things up and make it interesting. So please do not get offended by how we do things. We like everyone in the class, and personally this is my favorite class of the semester. I like what everyone brings to the plate, and this is the main reason I stayed in this class. If anyone has been hurt or offend by us then I would like to apologize but remember this is who we are. We are going to be loud and in your face. We want all of you to remember who 210's Finest was!

-Scott

Yellow Fever

Hey guys, check this video out. I saw this video from my Asian American class last semester. Its very interesting, funny, but true at the same time. My co-workers and I had a conversation about the girls we had in our life in the past. Some are friends, girl friends, classmates and even co-workers too. My co-worker happened to be Asian too, and I noticed a lot of similarity in experience we had. We both never had a caucasian girlfriend (not like we want too) but its just we were never approached by them. I didn't realize this until college because in my high-school, the percentage of Whites was about 5%. What we noticed, is that it is more difficult for an Asian man to hook up with a Caucasian woman while it is opposite to a Caucasian man. More likely, a Caucasian man can hook up with an Asian woman because their White. "Its true and sad, but its all good. I'm fine with mine."

Watch the video so you'll know what I am talking about!!!

-Rovie Flores

These videos encompass all my feelings about how the media portrays Asian American men. I don't understand what we did to deserve such treatment from the media. I don't feel I could relate to any Asian American actors in the American mass media because they are either foreign computer geeks, or action heroes such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li. I don't know how to hack computers and I don't know kung fu, so where are the Asian American actors that are respresenting Asian Americans males like me? The only two I can remotely relate to are John Cho from Harold and Kumar, and Leonardo Nam from "The Perfect Score", and that's only because they both smoke weed.
-Jiawei

NEW ADD ON (LINKS)

Hey Team I just want to tell you I add on a new feature on our blog site. It’s on the corner, Title Links. There you can add on the links of your Myspace, Facebook, and Web of your organization, either grass root, non profit, or others links.

I feel this is a good way to support one other, outreaching and networking.

So yea feel free to add on whatever there.

-Phon

The Betrayal

"Filmed over the course of 23 years, THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON) is an astonishing tale of perseverance - one family's struggle to survive their journey from war-torn Laos to the streets of New York. Eloquent yet devastating, renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras' directorial debut is a remarkable collaboration with co-director Thavisouk Phrasavath - a documentary that reveals the hidden, human face of war's "collateral damage". jparis290


On Friday 2/27/09 I went to see the movie the Betrayal at the movie theater over in Berkeley. The documentary was about a Lao family, and their struggle from Laos to the United State. I thought the movie was dope because, 1st off i never saw a movie about my country on the big screen. Watching it made me really want to go back to my home country, wanting to visit my family and understand my culture more. I can relate alot to this movie from the war to the refugee camps then coming to America.
My dad was a solider that fought in the war, for the American side. And because of that my family had to leave there village to find safety because we was look as a traitor.Everyone look at my family as an enemy. After they fled to the refugee camp, they was put into little huts with many other family that feld their village. Then after I was born we had the opportunity to leave to a different country. and like the movie we gotten a plain ride to the America, thinking that it was the land of opportunity and where any one can become rich. instead we was treat and betrayed, Instead the life we thought we thought we was going to have, like being free from violence. How we thought that America was like heaven on earth. but it was hell on earth, thinking we left the war back home, but end up in a whole new war.
But yea i can see im going off topic lol,I dnt want to get to in to my life, i might as well make a movie bout it hahaha. any ways watch the movie it hella gooooood!!!!
-Phon Chanthanasak

Stereotypes

Last Friday, Febuary 21, 2009, I was at the traffic court in Bryant st to pay for my speeding ticket. It took me an hour to get it because there was a lot of people in there. It happened that there was so many Asian in it and that was very unusual to me. The first time I witnessed that many Asians getting a traffic citations. I talked to the people infront and behind me. Both of them were pulled over for talking on their cellphones while driving. Then I told them that I was pulled over for over speeding in a residential area. Im full Filipino but most people think I am something else. When I told them that, they did not react (which most people will if they find out that some Asians are actually overspeeding). In the middle of our conversations, the guy infront me (caucasian) was mad because the line was super long. He said "Damn Asians, the only reason why this dumb drivers get pull over is because they drive way below the speed limit." In my mind, I want tell this guy that what he said is not true, but I want him to tell more about what he thinks Asians are. After that, I realize that this guy is racist a** f**k. He starts telling racist jokes about Asians, including Filipinos. Even though we may feel that people are not talking crap about our race, behind our backs, I feel that they have a lot of negative stuff to say about Asians or people who are outside their race. This falls in to racism because some people are still applying racism on their daily life. They still think that they are better than any other race even though they themselves are "dumb" to for disobeying the traffic rules. How I feel is that whoever is on that line are "dumb" because obviously, all of us was pulled over for something. It may be different case, but overspeeding, talking on the phone while driving, beating the red lights, not stopping on the stop signs, are all signs that we all make the same mistakes. The guy infront of me has no right to criticize us (Asians) for getting pulled over. 

-Rovie Flores

FOOD CHALLENGE!!!...and more

The Sandwich

So one of the definitions that came up when we were defining “America” was instant satisfaction. The sandwich represents this concept very well. A sandwich is a simple way to enjoy a concoction of ingredients without having to make a commitment. There are many theories on how sandwiches came about, one source says that the sandwich was invented in London in 1762 by an English nobleman, John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792) The legend goes that he ordered a waiter to bring him roast-beef between two slices of bread when he was too busy gambling to stop for a real meal. The Earl was able to continue his gambling while eating his snack. Well, I’m not sure is this is true, so I don’t want to elaborate too much on the history of the sandwich, but rather how it represents the “on-the-go” lifestyle of most Americans nowadays. The sandwich also symbolizes Asian Americans since we are often “sandwiched” between two conflicting cultural ideals and beliefs.

Katsu

Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that could be made with a variety of meats, whether it’s chicken, beef, or pork. It is not the typical Japanese dish because it doesn’t have the delicate texture or ingredients that most Japanese dishes posses. This is due to the European influence in the 19^th century. Katsu was invented to satisfy the European pallet, it is breaded and deep fried, which is unique in Japanese cuisine. It not only represents the Japanese culture, but it also shows the oppression experienced by Asians. It’s always thought that anything European is better than what we have, and instead of cherishing our own culture and traditions, Asians commonly have the misconception that adopting European culture will help advance their societies, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

I was responsible for doing the research on the Katsu Sandwich, I realized I may have taken too much time doing the presentation, but I felt that I had important points to make. Everyone in our group worked hard on this challenge and I think it really showed during the challenge. I feel that we really deserved to win this challenge(which we did), but it was definitely a tough win. Mixed Persuasian(our competitors) had some great dishes, but I'm glad we were put against another great group, which really brought out the best in both groups. I felt the judging was fair...for the most part. Some of the judges seemed a little too critical but I respect their opinions regardless of how they scored us. I guess I just feel some resentment because of all the hard work we all put into this project. From coming up with the ideas for the dishes, to the making of the food, to the background info, and to the presentation. I really felt that we exceeded the expectations in every aspect of this challenge. So when certain judges decided to call our dishes "unoriginal" and "you can get it anywhere", I was really shocked and disappointed. Especially becauses all the other judges gave us marvelous feedbacks. I felt we were very creative with all the dishes, and we even made a drink! This was merely one project in one class, yet all of us took it very seriously and gave our best effort. Not the mention the extremely short deadline which we had to work against. By the way, we are also not professional gourmet cooks, and the dishes are completely original and could not be found in a reciepe book. In that respect I feel that we were very original and very creative, and with the budget we had, it was literally the best we could have done. So for a judge to call our hard work "unoriginal", it was definitely hurtful, and I'm speaking for all of my group members when I say that. I really don't want to talk about this anymore, because I don't want to focus too much on the negative aspects of this project. I actually enjoyed the experience as a whole and really appreciated the extra efforts made by my group members, so, if I was a judge I would give all my group members 1,000,000,000 points out of 40. And here's some advice for the judges just for future references: take it easy on the groups, understand that we are not professional chefs, realize that we have shit to do outside of this class, and appreciate the delicious, free and unique dishes that each group created for you guys. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate 210's finest for winning this challenge, and thank everybody for their efforts in helping us win this eventful challenge!!

-jiawei