Because Somedays You Just Need One Link

And here it is:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/author/frances-kai-hwa-wang

And yes...you are welcome.

20 Asian American Books From 2024 (AKA Be Lit): Fiction, Non-Fiction / Memoir, Poetry

A sampling of some of the books that came out in 2024.

1. "Real Americans" by Rachel Khong
   A multigenerational saga exploring the complexities of Chinese American identity across decades, intertwining personal narratives with broader societal shifts.

2. "Memory Piece" by Lisa Ko
   An intricate narrative following the friendship of three Asian American women from the early 1980s, delving into themes of girlhood, artistry, and resilience.

3. "The Eyes Are the Best Part" by Monika Kim
   A darkly compelling novel about a teenage girl's turbulent life, exploring themes of misogyny, Asian fetishization, and cannibalism.

4. "Exhibit" by R.O. Kwon
   A provocative exploration of kink, desire, and shame through the experiences of a Korean American woman grappling with her sexual identity and societal expectations.

5. "The Emperor and the Endless Palace" by Justinian Huang
   A captivating novel blending fantasy and cultural heritage, following a young protagonist's journey through a mystical palace.

6. "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar
   A thought-provoking narrative delving into themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of modern life.

11. "Connie" by Connie Chung
    A candid memoir by the pioneering news anchor, detailing her journey from a shy daughter of Chinese immigrants to a trailblazing journalist, highlighting her experiences with sexism and racism in the industry.

12. "Giant Robot: Thirty Years of Defining Asian American Pop Culture"
    A retrospective on the influential magazine that captured Asian American pop culture from 1994 to 2011, blending serious reflection with playful topics.

13. "The Memory of Taste" by Tu David Phu and Soleil Ho
    A cookbook focusing on the preservation of family history and diasporic resilience through recipes from Phú Quoc and Oakland, detailing personal journeys and commitments to sustainability.

14. "Đặc Biệt" by Nini Nguyen
    A vibrant cookbook offering bold, party-ready dishes that mix traditional Vietnamese flavors with Southern elements, reflecting the author's New Orleans background.

15. "Di An" by Tuệ Nguyen
    A cookbook targeting less experienced cooks with simplified yet flavorful Vietnamese recipes, building on the author's social media success to educate and inspire.

16. "Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen" by Jon M. Chu
    A powerful memoir by the visionary director, exploring his journey of belonging, creativity, and learning to see his true self.

17. "We the Gathered Heat: Asian American and Pacific Islander Poetry, Performance, and Spoken Word" edited by Franny Choi, Bao Phi, No'u Revilla, and Terisa Siagatonu
    A rich anthology featuring contemporary voices that challenge and expand the meaning of "Asian American and Pacific Islander" in today's world.

18. "Ward Toward" by Cindy Juyoung Ok
    Winner of the Yale Younger Poets Prize, this collection explores themes of Korean American identity and the legacy of the Korean War.

19. "Root Fractures" by Diana Khoi Nguyen
    A profound exploration of personal and collective memory, delving into Vietnamese heritage and the complexities of diaspora.

20. "Sidetracks" by Bei Dao, translated by Jeffrey Yang
    A book-length poem reflecting the poet's experiences and artistic evolution since his 1989 exile, blending personal narrative with broader reflections.

Interior Chinatown | Official Trailer | Hulu + Charles Yu + JOY + RC

 

Watch the official trailer for #InteriorChinatown now and stream all episodes November 19 on Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus.

ABOUT Interior Chinatown Based on Charles Yu’s award-winning book of the same name, the show follows the story of Willis Wu, a background character trapped in a police procedural called Black & White. Relegated to the background, Willis goes through the motions of his on-screen job, waiting tables, dreaming about a world beyond Chinatown and aspiring to be the lead of his own story. When Willis inadvertently becomes a witness to a crime, he begins to unravel a criminal web in Chinatown, while discovering his own family’s buried history and what it feels like to be in the spotlight.

Philly Asian American Film Festival 2024 Festival Teaser

 

https://paaff.org/

Random Asian American News Clips

Some news headlines over the last month or so.

Actor Ken Jeong receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Comedian and actor Ken Jeong, known for his roles in "The Hangover" and "Crazy Rich Asians," recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This milestone highlights his contributions to entertainment and his role in bringing Asian American visibility to the forefront.

Asian American voters want to be ‘seen and heard’ in 2024 election

As the 2024 election approaches, Asian American voters are increasingly seeking political representation and recognition. Community leaders stress the importance of Asian Americans as a growing political force eager to influence policy on key issues.

Sophisticated South American burglary ring targets Asian households in alarming 'epidemic': Colorado police

Police in Colorado are investigating a South American burglary ring targeting Asian households in a string of coordinated thefts. Authorities are warning communities to remain vigilant amid a growing trend of ethnically-targeted crimes.

Meet the TikTok Creator Who Is Reinventing American Classics With an Asian Spin

Frankie Gaw, a popular TikTok creator, brings an Asian twist to American classics, blending culinary traditions for a growing online audience. His innovative recipes resonate with fans seeking both comfort and cultural fusion in food.

Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival kicks off Thursday

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival returns with a diverse lineup celebrating Asian and Asian American filmmakers. This annual event offers a platform for storytelling that reflects the richness of Asian American experiences.

More Younger Women and Asian Americans Are Getting Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Recent health data shows a concerning rise in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women, particularly in the Asian American community. Experts urge awareness and early screening to address the trend and its impact on this demographic.

Online hate against South Asian Americans rises steadily, report says

A recent report reveals a steady increase in online hate directed at South Asian Americans, reflecting broader issues of racial discrimination. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger measures to counter this growing problem on digital platforms.

Asian American boba brand finds opportunity after Simu Liu sparks cultural appropriation debate

A boba brand owned by Asian Americans has gained attention amid a cultural appropriation debate sparked by actor Simu Liu. The company views the moment as an opportunity to advocate for cultural integrity and inclusivity in the food industry.

Most AAPI adults think legal immigrants give the US a major economic boost: AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll

An AP-NORC poll shows a majority of AAPI adults believe legal immigration significantly benefits the U.S. economy. The findings reflect the community's support for policies that recognize immigrants' contributions to American society.

New York Republicans fight to pick up seats in Democratic-run Senate

As Republicans aim to gain influence in the New York State Senate, the role of Asian American voters could prove pivotal. Both parties are increasingly courting Asian American communities as essential constituents in tight races.

NYC forces Asian students to disclose 'sensitive' background info: 'CCP would love this'

New York City schools are under scrutiny for requiring Asian students to disclose sensitive background information. Critics argue the policy could infringe on privacy rights and unnecessarily expose personal data.

Vote. Vote. Vote.

While I didn't get a chance to post much in October (see none), I am looking at doing a 24-hour post-a-thon here in November, or possibly December (towards the end of the year)—or both. For the beginning of the month, I just wanted to make sure and make a post saying that if you are of age, it's a duty to vote, especially if you are Asian American.

We have traditionally lost our voices to mainstream non-Asian Americans in a myriad of ways for so long, that when we do make strides, sometimes it can seem like too little, too late.

But we make them.

And they compound.

And now?

We’re in such a different place than we were even 10 years ago, where we are starting to get so much more of a voice—but we know we still have so much work to do, on all fronts, to make our voices heard.

One of those areas is in voting.

No matter who you vote for, at least have your voice, your ballot counted.

For me, I am going to vote for a President I think offers more of who we are as a community and a country.

In that way, while I am for small business and tax breaks, and easing government reach on business and markets—I am more than willing to give on those, versus voting for someone who I think is more damaging to us as a community and a country.

Who doesn’t look at us as all being equal. Who opens up the floodgates for others to keep the status quo.

People say some of that really doesn’t matter, but if I go on the assumption that our great nation, whoever is in office, will not allow us to fail economically and governmentally (overall) because we do have these natural checks and balances—I think those other things do matter because we have more power to change how we treat each other, how we support each other, and our rights as a nation.

For me, I will always believe that the federal government has a right to protect its citizens, to do the right thing, to initiate programs and laws that take care of us and enhance us, versus allowing states to continue practices that negate others' freedom and that oppress them.

That's why, regardless of where Kamala is in some areas, I am going to vote for her because I think she has our best interests in mind—short-term and long-term—as a community.

To protect all races, ethnicities, and classes.

And I want to see my first Asian/Black/Woman President. I am willing to compromise (see Gaza) for that first.

That's my compromise.

2025 Documentary Fund Open Call Starts September 20

 

Go get it!

CAAM’s 2025 Documentary Fund, supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, is now accepting submissions from independent producers creating films that highlight the Asian American experience. Eligible documentaries can apply for production or post-production funding, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, and must be intended for public media broadcast or online distribution. The submission window opens on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 12 a.m. PDT, and closes on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. 

https://caamedia.org/blog/2024/09/18/caam-documentary-fund-open-call-apply-september-20-october-20-2024/

Awesomeness To Blue Eye Samurai And Your Emmy Win (I Will Watch You Soon)

 

From the Wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Eye_Samurai

Premise

During Japan's Edo period (17th century), half-white half-Japanese onna-musha (female warrior) Mizu (meaning water) quests for vengeance against four white men, one of whom is her father, who illegally remained in Japan during the closing of its borders by the Tokugawa shogunate.^[5]

Voice cast

Main

• Maya Erskine as Mizu, a female mixed-race blue-eyed bushi.^[6] Her experiences of discrimination as a mixed-race Japanese child have left her cold, bitter and vengeful. Forced by her mother to disguise herself as a boy so as not to be found, she chooses to maintain her disguise into adulthood to pursue her path of revenge more freely.
• George Takei as Seki, Princess Akemi's male tutor. He sympathizes with Akemi's situation and later takes steps to ensure her freedom.
• Masi Oka as Ringo, an optimistic, handless male cook who idolizes Mizu. Despite Mizu initially not wanting a companion, she later tolerates Ringo. He proves surprisingly helpful and loyal to Mizu.
• Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Master Eiji, a blind swordsmith who raised Mizu. He was the first person to show Mizu kindness, partially because he cannot see her; as a result, Mizu holds deep respect for him, referring to him as "Swordfather".
• Brenda Song as Princess Akemi, the pampered but strong-willed daughter of a nouveau riche lord. She is in love with Taigen and resents her father's control over her and seeks a life of independence.
• Darren Barnet as Taigen, a promising but arrogant male swordsman of humble origins. He is in love with Princess Akemi and harbors a strong resentment towards Mizu, which has lasted since their childhoods, and later seeks revenge after being humiliated in a duel which cuts off his engagement with Akemi.
• Randall Park as Heiji Shindo, Fowler's nominal jailor and accomplice.
• Kenneth Branagh as Abijah Fowler, an Irish smuggler who is allied with the Shogun, in secret defiance of Japan's Sakoku closed-door policies. He plans to overthrow the current Shogun and replace him with a leader who will open Japan to outside influence.

Ronny Chieng And The Daily Show Emmy Win

 

Quiz Lady By Jessica Yu With Sandra Oh And Awkwafina Wins Best TV Movie

 

Absolutely loved this movie and thought it should have gotten more fanfare when it came out, so I was completely excited to see that it had won an Emmy for everyone involved.

And that it was Sandra Oh's first Emmy Win (and how crazy...and sad...is that).

Here's a quick paragraph from a NY Times article:

Jenny (Sandra Oh), a 40-something ball of chaos, is introduced in “Quiz Lady” the way you might expect of someone whose life savings are contingent on a hazardous fish bone-related lawsuit against a chain restaurant called Choochie’s: off in the distance, skittering heedlessly across the street before she’s suddenly struck by a car. Naturally, she pops right back up before having a meltdown over the mechanical entrance to the senior home where her younger sister, Anne (Awkwafina), is frustratingly watching from inside.

You're A First: Anna Sawai Wins Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series Emmy Award For Shogun + Spoiler

 

Congratulations to Anna Sawai for winng the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series and being the first Asian actor to win that award.

I thought it could possibly be Maya Erskine--and I really liked that show (I did not watch Shogun yet but I will...in time). 

And my understanding is that she won't be back though....

Here's some more of Anna talking about bringing her mom to the awards show and what she was thinking about when accepted the award.

Jenn Tran Speaks Out + Next Phase Is DWTS

 

She definitely got he shaft on this one and while I did not follow all of it, I have to say that the finale was crazy that she had to sit there next D...whatever his name is. Good for Tran tasking him on the finale though and sticking up for herself--as a strong Vietnamese American woman--and moving on, and up.

Next for Jenn Tran is going on DWTS, which I will definitely tune in for to see how she does.

P.S. If any young guy out there thinks a woman shouldn't propose to him....I just hope you find your way.

A Quick Letter To John McWhorter On Black Kamala And Joy (aka A Real "Dear John" Letter)

Dear John,

In your article in the NY Times on THE JOY you write that "That’s because a good deal of the joy people keep talking about is a result of one fact: that Harris is Black."

I'm not disagreeing with that in some senses, but you also leave out that she's Asian American as well. 

South Asian.

And there's a LOT OF JOY THERE FOR THAT FACT TOO.

I just find it interesting that in an article that talks about the myopicness of only thinking about race and not as you say thinking about "assessing her as an individual" that you would leave that out.

You may not be mixed, bi-cultural, etc.--but for those of us who are (myself cultural as a Transracial and International adoptee, Vietnamese War Orphan, and Vietnamese American) -- we do have a unique look on the world because we have to traverse between multiple worlds.

I think it says something about us and how we navigate the world and that this one thing alone, does in fact make us unique and can be a SINGULAR SOURCE OF JOY.

That's it.

Hope that guinea pig is eating good.

Il Slanty

I ask ChatGPT If I Should Buy A Tesla If I Don't Agree With Elon

And here is my conversation with ChatGPT:

I dont agree with Elon Musk on DEI, Unions, and Race. Should I buy a Tesla? What are reason I should or should not based on that?

Reasons You Might Avoid Buying a Tesla:

1. Support for the CEO's Views: By purchasing a Tesla, you are indirectly supporting Elon Musk and his leadership. If his views on DEI, unions, and race are strongly opposed to your values, this could be a significant factor in your decision.

2. Company Culture: Some concerns have been raised about Tesla's workplace culture, including allegations of racial discrimination and a lack of union representation. If these issues are important to you, they might influence your decision.

3. Alternative EV Options: There are other electric vehicles (EVs) available from companies with different leadership philosophies or stronger commitments to DEI and union support. Considering these alternatives could align your purchase with your values.

Reasons You Might Still Consider Buying a Tesla:

1. Product Quality and Innovation: Tesla is known for leading in electric vehicle technology, with high-performing cars that have strong ranges, fast charging capabilities, and advanced software. If the quality of the product is a priority, this might outweigh your concerns about leadership.

2. Environmental Impact: Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy could align with your environmental values. If reducing your carbon footprint is a key concern, Tesla's focus on electric vehicles and renewable energy might be appealing.

3. Resale Value and Brand Reputation: Teslas tend to have strong resale values and a loyal customer base. This could be a practical consideration if you’re looking at the long-term financial aspects of your purchase.

4. Personal Separation of Product and Leadership: Some people choose to separate the product from its leadership, focusing solely on the utility, quality, and features of the car rather than the CEO’s views. If you can do this, you might still consider buying a Tesla.

Conclusion:

The decision ultimately comes down to how strongly you feel about aligning your purchases with your values versus the practical benefits of the product. If your disagreement with Musk on DEI, unions, and race is a core issue for you, you might want to consider alternative EVs that better align with your principles. If the quality of the product and its benefits outweigh these concerns for you, then purchasing a Tesla might still be a valid option.

Random Thoughts On The Rule Of 3rds In Photography And Art

Had this thing with someone who was older, white, and an adoptive parent, which isn't altogether bad--but I want to tell you, just in case you needed that extra push, that it's okay to push back on some of these ideas because they are Westernized. It doesn't mean that they are bad, but it doesn't mean, just like other things, they are the only thing (and let's not forget about simple center position).

Some text below with a little help from my AI buddy (and edited of course by me).

• Japanese Art & Aesthetics: In traditional Japanese art, concepts like ma (space between objects) and wabi-sabi (appreciation of imperfection and transience) are central. Japanese compositions often emphasize asymmetry and negative space, which can differ significantly from the balance-oriented rule of thirds in Western art.

• Islamic Art: Islamic art places a strong emphasis on intricate geometric patterns, symmetry, and calligraphy, reflecting a different set of style. 

• Indian Art: In traditional forms like the Mughal and Rajput painting, there's often a strong emphasis on narrative and storytelling. The compositions can prioritize hierarchical scaling, where more important figures are depicted larger.

• Chinese Art: Traditional Chinese landscape painting has often utilized vertical composition with depth and atmospheric POV. Elements can be guided by principles of feng shui or Taoist philosophies, different from the rule of thirds.

Alex Karp + Passing + Thoughts On Race

I was reading this article in the NY Times, and while not blended racially in the same way, culturally I am, so I understand there is ambiguity in ones definition of who they are, but I do wonder, if you can pass as White vs Black or Asian or LatinX--does race matter as much to you?

Here's the snippet of the article I think is worth mentioning as I ask this question and taking into consideration Karp is a very powerful billionaire I wonder what effect it has on the world.

From the NY Times article at https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/17/style/alex-karp-palantir.html:

Given Mr. Karp’s blended racial identity, I wondered how he felt about Mr. Trump’s attack on the vice president’s heritage.

“I think people are most fascinated by the fact of this whole Black-Jewish thing,” he said. “I tend to be less fascinated by that.”

He added: “I think that people always expect me somehow to see the world in one way or another, and I don’t really understand what that means. I see the world the way I see it. I think, at the end of the day, if people want to choose what their identity is, then they choose it, and that’s their definition.”

I note that he recently made an elite list of Black billionaires.

He shrugged. “Some Black people think I’m Black, some don’t,” he said. “I view me as me. And I’m very honored to be honored by all groups that will have me.”

He added: “I do not believe racism is the most important issue in this country. I think class is determinate, and I’m mystified by how often we talk about race. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist. I’m not saying people don’t have biases. Of course, we all do, but the primary thing that’s bad for you in this culture is to be born poor of any color.”

Just some random thoughts I was having.

Weekend In Taipei - Official Trailer (2024) Luke Evans, Sung Kang, Gwei Lun-mei

I'm just going to have to wait to see this one to pass judgement.

Crossing fingers.

 

Awkwafina + John Cena = Jackpot!

I have not seen this, so I can't say for sure if it's really gold, but....you it's there for you to watch it and decide for yourself.

Do you think they kiss?

Will the jokes be good?

Again - you will have to watch.

 

Community Time: Noah Lyles Wins Gold!

Love it. Be brash. Be bold. Do your thing young man.

 

NOAH LYLES’ OLYMPIC DREAM COMES TRUE!

100M GOLD MEDALIST. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/qR6bkXLHhE

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 4, 2024

WIRED + Wicked + Jon M. Chu + Technology, Hollywood, AI, And That Moment At USC

There is a great article up at WIRED interviewing Jon M. Chu (along with some great photos) talking about his family, growing up in a Chinese restaurant, the realization of being in a bubble concerning being an Asian American man, how technology helped shape him, and his new memoir.

Here's a quick excerpt:

You were inspired by Steve Jobs.

I put the WIRED cover, the one with the crown of thorns around the Apple logo, on my wall in college when Steve Jobs came back, and I said, “Everybody, just watch.”

Jobs had a reputation for being monomaniacal, impatient, and petulant. How do you feel about that leadership style?

Yeah. I’m sure we have very different styles, but that doesn’t take away from what he created. I’ve seen from every introduction—from the iMac to the iPod to the iPhone—how the public didn’t believe in that vision at the time. And then watching him push through. It wasn’t about the showiness of the product or about himself. It was always about the solution. There was a purity to that that I admire. I don’t believe human beings are geniuses. We get into situations when things align, and genius comes out of us.

Read the article in full here: https://www.wired.com/story/jon-chu-director-wicked-crazy-rich-asians-silicon-valley/