Arden Cho On Making Peace With People Who Treated Her Like She Didn't Belong

From a BBC audio interview:

KPop Demon Hunters actor Arden Cho says she's made peace with the bullies who treated her as if she didn't belong...

Korean American actor Arden is the voice of Rumi, who must come to terms with being part-human, part-demon - and Arden says she knows what it's like to have a split identity.

"I'm not part demon, part human," she jokes - "[but] it just felt so comfortable and natural because I knew what that felt like, right? Being born in America, feeling American, but having people treat me like I'm not."

Arden was born and raised in Texas, US. She went to high school in Minnesota and college in Illinois, and when people ask, she tells them she's "sort of from everywhere."

She's the daughter of Korean immigrants, and faced racism growing up. Now she makes peace with this by reminding herself of the reasons behind it.

"If, like, teachers or adults were bullies to me and I experienced that, you know, now I know as an adult, like... they're hurt. They're broken themselves," she says.

Arden can't believe how much things have shifted, now that Korean culture is so popular worldwide.

"I can't believe I grew up so ashamed and embarrassed of my Korean culture, mainly because of bullies," she says. "And now those are the kids saying, oh, where do I find that food? Where do I listen to that music?"

Arden herself has become a leading role model for Asian American children - the kind she says she lacked when she was young.

"Now, like, all my nieces and nephews and all my friend's kids, they are so cool. They're like, they're just cool to be Korean, right? I mean, who knew?"

It's all been a revelation for her.

"This has been such a refreshing moment where for the first time I'm really proud to be Korean, to be Korean-American."

Listen to it in full here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct7x0q

Damn You NBC News...On Asian America...

From the article down at AsAmNews where you can read it in full  (https://asamnews.com/2025/10/15/poc-verticals-axed-nbc-journalists-aapi/):

NBC has reportedly dissolved the editorial team “NBC Asian America,” its vertical dedicated to covering Asian American communities. It has done the same with teams behind NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC Asian America, and NBC Out. Two sources told The Wrap that the teams were dissolved as a part of NBC’s layoffs of over 150 staff members. The Advocate also confirmed the cuts with a source impacted by the layoffs.

I did not always agree with NBC News Asian America on everything they printed, particularly their use of  Miss Saigon (which I felt they glorified), and I wrote such, in one particular post down at YOMYOMF, which I thought might be a little complicated for them (but it was still run), which you can read here: http://www.slanteyefortheroundeye.com/2020/12/post-archives-thanks-for-nothing-nbc.html (and yes I do call myself Viet Daddy).

All of that being said (because while I was, well...truthful...I still did not go ad hominem on them)--I am very sorry to hear about the people who were laid off or restructured because that is just never fun, especially in this economy of WTH is going on--and especially during this administration and eveyrone bowing to Trump, because I'd be asking all those questions myself after losing a job--and this was still a major news outlet that was covering Asian American issues. 

It still did good work for the community. A lot of great community voices were allowed to shine there--and in a major news network. 

Times change though.

And maybe they'll have a new editing team someday again, because it will still be there, but instead of community, more algorithmic it sounds like to pull "Asian news".

But for now, amd like many others--they'll water down their diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

AAAFund Endorses Eric Chung For Michigan’s 10th Congressional District

From AAAFund

On the Candidate

• Eric grew up in Michigan as the son of Vietnamese immigrants and an auto worker, shaped by the challenges facing working families.
• He served at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he helped lead implementation of the CHIPS & Science Act and supported investments creating jobs in Michigan.
• He has built a career fighting for justice—advocating for children affected by lead-contaminated water and veterans denied the benefits they earned.

On the District

• Encompasses Macomb and Oakland Counties, including Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills.
• A competitive battleground with shifting suburban demographics.
• Home to a growing AAPI community and a strong base of union and working-class voters.

Albert Shen, AAAFund National Chair, reflecting on the importance of the 2026 elections, says Eric is ready to meet the moment:

“Eric brings both lived experience and proven leadership, and in Congress he will be a tireless advocate for immigrant families, civil rights, and an economy that works for everyone. His voice and vision reflect the future of AAPI leadership, and we’re proud to stand with him as he fights for Michigan’s working families and for a stronger, more inclusive democracy.”

Learn more about how to support Eric at www.ericchungformichigan.com.

About the Asian American Action Fund

The Asian American Action Fund works through a holistic approach of expanding the Democratically-aligned AAPI voter base while helping the Democratic Party understand our political community. We recognize the need to build up local AAPI support for Democrats, mature and finance the pipeline of AAPI candidates, political operatives, and organizers, and elect Democratically-aligned AAPIs and allies to federal office.

Click here to learn more about AAAFund.

Theatre + Indiegogo: Giau Minh Truong + Ching Chong Chinaman

Northwest Side director's adaptation of a satirical play just might upend everything you think you know about life inside Asian-American households [...] Presented by the A-Squared Theatre Workshop, the script reading for "Ching Chong Chinaman" takes place 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, 238 W. 23rd St. The satirical play, written by Lauren Yee, follows life inside a Chinese-American household, but the family is not what viewers might expect [...] "First off it's a comedy but I also like the idea that Lauren Yee had a very specific message that's open to interpretation. And the way I interpret the play is this idea that, as Asian-Americans, we're sort of outsiders among the Asian culture outside of the U.S. "And with second or third generations, you're sort of even more separated from that [world] culture, and so we start seeing it through the Western view," he said. Underneath all of the irreverent, hilarious misunderstandings — at one point the family hires a Chinese indentured servant — there's a strong message about cultural identity.

The show is scheduled for open on Sept. 27 @ the Raven Theater in Edgewater and they are currently going through an Indiegogo campaign to help in the production (20 days left).

Read more about the show and Truong.

Blueprints + Dawen Wang + From America To Asia

I first got to know of Dawen Wang (aka Dawen 王大文) from his project "Declare INDIEpendence: How Sweet the Sound, an Asian American showcase of four Chicago singer songwriters" in 2008 (continuing on in 2009 and 2010) and have been a fan ever since. Looking at where he is now (and getting there in a relatively short amount of time), I can't help but think he's a prototype for Asian American artists who decide to go back to Asia to fuel their talents and in the process become successful.

Starting in Chicago, then to California, Dawen now lives in Taipei and is signed to Universal Music Taiwan. He's touring. Getting great write-ups. Collaborating with other artists. Two of his songs have been on popular dramas with one of them being the theme song.

It's a long way from the Midwest and hitting up small blogs to help get some exposure for events - but hard work: uprooting himself, working on YouTube videos, going to and winning events like Kollaboration, playing gigs, re-inventing and re-imagining his music (translating pop songs into Mandarin) - and a little bit of luck (with his covers highlighted by Carson Daly) along with some great talent - it's all paying off.

Here the videos for "Beautiful" and "Let's Work It Out" that have over 5 million combined views.

Beautiful



Let's Work It Out

Friday Photo: Mikado Protest

Love.This.Pic.

You Could Be A First: Nancy Tong

While it's not official yet, it sounds like Nancy Tong is set to win a post as Democratic district leader of the 47th Assembly District - which would make her the first Asian American elected official in Brooklyn - and she's getting a lot of love from the local community:

Many community leaders attended the event, including Steve Chung, president of the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn, Warren Chan, president of the Asian Community United Society, Louie Liu, vice president of the Brooklyn Community Improvement Association, John Chan, chairman of Brooklyn Asian Communities Empowerment and its president, Jianghua Li, and community activist Tim Law. They all said Tong’s election will be a milestone for the Chinese community in Brooklyn. It is a sign of the growing power of Chinese on the political stage. They also hope Tong’s experience can encourage more Asians to participate in politics so that the community will have a louder voice.

Maybe one day I'll run for office...

What will my platform be...

Arden Cho + Love In NY

Oh Texas...WTH Is Wrong With You

Sure, I get that some people consider being able to wave the losing confederate flag on the doorstep as free speech, but having the DMV have to give them out?

Under the guise of free speech?

Fine.

Then I want a Texas issued license plate that has a bunch of dead confederates on it, with someone from the North standing on top of their dead carcasses burning the confederate flag (with an image of the American flag proudly in the background).

Two can play this game...

Visual Communications' 2015 Armed With a Camera Fellowship

It's that time! Filmmakers get your cameras ready.

The Armed With a Camera Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists is for up-and-coming Asian Pacific Americans who have had some experience in filmmaking. Over a seven-month period, 10 selected Fellows will receive the support and resources needed to each create a five-minute film and premiere it at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. Resources include training, workshops, mentoring, and a cash stipend. Over the past 12 years, the Fellowship has helped nearly 100 filmmakers to launch their careers.

The deadline to apply this year is August 29.

Where can I find more information?
You can find more information on our website at www.vconline.org and click on Programs and Artist Services.

Direct link: http://www.vconline.org/alpha/cms//index.cfm/programs/artist-services/armed-with-a-camera-fellowship/

Who should I contact for more information?
You can e-mail Milton at Milton@vconline.org for more information.

Who can submit?
Applicants must be of Asian Pacific descent and residents of Southern California. If accepted, Fellows must be able to attend mandatory meetings and workshops in Los Angeles. Women, South Asian and Southeast Asian filmmakers are highly encouraged to apply to the AWC Fellowship.

How do I apply?
You will need to send the following:

Information Cover Sheet (downloadable online at our website)
Letter of Intent
Resume
Project Treatment (2 page maximum)
Project Timeline (All projects must begin in October 2014 and completed in March 2015)
Budget (if proposed budget exceeds $2,000, you must show/explain other sources funding; budget items may include artist stipend, equipment, supplies, location fee, food etc.)
Sample work cued to five minutes (can be online link).

When are entries due?
All entries/submissions are due on August 29, 2014.

Where/who should we mail our entries?
Email to: milton@vconline.org


Mail to:
Attn: Milton Liu/AWC
Visual Communications
120 Judge John Aiso St., Basement Level
Los Angeles, CA 90012

How many applicants will be accepted?
Visual Communications will reward the fellowship up to 10 applicants.

When will we hear back?
Rewarded applicants will hear back in mid September.

How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship will span seven months in total, beginning October 2014. Final projects should be completed by March 13, 2015.

What kind of filmmaker/work is VC looking for?
Up to ten artists will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the arts, production and exhibition experience, and the quality of their sample work. Consideration will be given to communities that have been underserved and underrepresented in the media arts. A review panel composed of community members, media artists, and curators will judge the work based on artistic innovation, feasibility within the timeline, and budget of their proposed projects.

David So + Why's Everyone Hating On Viet Women? Gotta Beat That Down

So this is a nice video and all and I agree just do what you love.

At the End David talks about his love of Vietnamese women.

Check out these comments in the video from 2 people.

Brenda Revelo

Daivd sorry but hope you got over that "Vietnamese phase". I and including a couple of male friends had really bad experiences with a certain type of Vietnamese girls. Specially when it comes with Korean men, they fall for those certain type of girls and end up heartbroken and a changed man (in a bad way) yes those girls are pretty and develop nice features but some are cocky as FUCK and full of themselves. Each of my male friends were dating a vietnamese girl (the girls are not friends or know each other) but each one fought or broke up for stupid things. One started crying in public because the guy didn't have enough money to buy her boba tea. Another didn't like the gold necklace the guy bought for her for her birthday and throw it in the trash. Last one, always said "im cute right" and made weird trying-to-be-cute faces. -___- not saying all Vietnamese girls are like that, i know some really nice ones but there are these few that get on my nerves. Im not even Korean but i just cant stand to see a Korean guy with that type of Vietnamese girl

Kaitlin Nguyen

Alright first of all, you can go ahead and say anything you want, but the stuff that you saying is freaking racist, I'm Vietnamese and that was rude. It doesn't matter if you say that not all us girls are like that , its still not right for u to say anything about us, so keep your mouth shut about all races. Take a good look at your race first and than say something.

Smack.

Gazillion Voices + Naked People

Go see naked people and check out some free content.

Random Stat For The Day: 1 million + 46 + Did You Know?

"In 2011 there were more than 1 million Asian American women living in poverty—an increase from less than 0.7 million in 1999. According to the American Community Survey, from 2002 to 2010 the number of Asian Americans living in poverty increased by 46 percent." - americanprogress.org

Graphic Novel: Gene Luen Yang + Sonny Liew + The Shadow Hero + Green Turtle + Chu Hing

From Amazon:

In the comics boom of the 1940s, a legend was born: the Green Turtle. He solved crimes and fought injustice just like the other comics characters. But this mysterious masked crusader was hiding something more than your run-of-the-mill secret identity... The Green Turtle was the first Asian American super hero.

The comic had a short run before lapsing into obscurity, but the acclaimed author of American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang, has finally revived this character in Shadow Hero, a new graphic novel that creates an origin story for the Green Turtle.

With artwork by Sonny Liew, this gorgeous, funny comics adventure for teens is a new spin on the long, rich tradition of American comics lore.

Here's a great article at PRI that also talks more about Chu Hing, who created The Green Turtle in 1944, and how Hing fought against the White Washing of his character by almost never showing his face.

Apply Now: Visual Communications Executive Director

If you're looking for a gig I think this one just might be good.

Really good.

POSITION: Executive Director LOCATION: Los Angeles, California

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Board of Directors is searching for an Executive Director to lead a nationally recognized, Asian Pacific American media arts organization located in Los Angeles. Visual Communications is the presenter of the annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and the C3: Conference for Creative Content, and is one of the leading media arts centers in the country serving the Asian American creative media professional. Visual Communications is looking to hire an energetic, visionary leader to head this 44-year old organization. This high-profile position will lead the organization and the field of Asian Pacific American independent media during an exciting time of growth and creative innovation.

Here's a link to the PDF.

This Is Just Awesome: 2 Girls 1 Asian Season 1 Episode 4: "Super Musical Dream Episode"

If you needed some awesome Friday music love complete with dream sequences, alternate realities, horses, diamonds (because aren't they a girl's best friend?), mean girls, and Kansas (well kind of...) this episode is for you.

This Is MTV Ready (Seriously - Get On It MTV Because This Is Hot As A MF): STUNTMAN - DANakaDAN ft. Priska (Official Music Video)

In the years that I've been blogging here, I've seen a lot of music videos and while many are worthy of the same praise - damn - so is this.

It's MTV ready.

For the masses.

Hoops: Jason Brickman Goes To...Dynamo Moscow

With the NBA Draft coming tonight I thought I would post some news on Jason Brickman who had either looked to play in the NBA or overseas and if you didn't know - he's starting out his career with the Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Superleague where other NBA players including Jannero Pargo and Trajan Langdon have played.

Good luck and happy balling.

Kick It To NY: Asian American International Film Festival July 24th - August 2nd

Oh Yes.

Make that a double Yes.

Love the AAIFF and I think you should too.

Get on down and yeu some film.

KAAN 2014

If you are in the Twin Cities area, while registration is closed, walk-ins can still be done and you can check out the KAAN Conference happening this weekend.

P.S. I'll be on some panels as well.