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