To visualize of white supremacy as a societal context, I think of a joke that writer David Foster Wallace used to open a commencement speech: “there are these two young fish swimming along; and they happen to meet an older fish, who nods to them and says ‘morning boys, how’s the water?’ And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one looks over to the other and says “What the hell is water?” While Wallace’s intention was not to discuss the effects of living in a [global] society that functions to perpetuate white supremacy, I have co-opted it for this purpose. Discussed in part one, originally published in the Asian American Arts Zine Volume II, as members of historically undervalued groups, we often communicate to the dominating force as opposed to each other. This realization has urged me to focus on communicating to my fellow people of color and AIPA’s. I think it is necessary and urgent to speak directly to you, rather than continue to tailor discussion to the dominant group, so that some of the information can be disseminated back down to each other.
Tag: opinions
Daniel Chong’s award winning cartoon We Bare Bears has always been a symbol for the Asian American identity. The show follows the adventures of three talking bear brothers (Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear) as they try to fit into human society, make new friends and live happily in their San Francisco home. The show began … Continue reading We Bare Bears, Its Asian American Identity, and Its Movie’s Themes of Racial Discrimination
Representation in the superhero universe has been a long time coming, especially within the Asian community. Amongst the endless sea of superheroes hitting screens over the last decade, Quake unknowingly paved the way as the first Asian superhero in the Marvel mainstream universe. Illustration by Savanna Thao In 2013, the mainstream superhero world opened the … Continue reading ‘Quake’, the Strongest and Most Underrated Superhero in the Marvel Universe
TW: depression, war, alcohol, drugs, abuse Minor spoilers for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Bojack Horseman, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra Lists of She-Ra characters portrayed by Asian actors:Glimmer, Princess of Bright Moon: Karen FukuharaCastaspella: Sandra OhKing Micah: Daniel Dae KimShe-Ra (Mara): Zehra FazalQueen Angela: Reshma ShettyShe-Ra characters that … Continue reading Asian Representation in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Most everyone can remember where they were when they found out the results from the 2016 Election. I had just woken up in my dorm room to a text from my girlfriend saying, “Call me when you’re awake.” I swiped right on my phone’s home screen to get a quick peek at that Apple News … Continue reading MILCK, the “Soul-cial Change Artist” and the Lessons We’ve Learned from Her
With an Indonesian version, a Japanese version, a South Korean version, various dubbed versions, sequels and remakes, “Meteor Garden” has evidently captured hearts all over Asia. First released in Taiwan in 2001, the series centers around Dong Shancai, a poor girl who stands her ground at Ming De University, where the rich, elitist boys—known collectively … Continue reading Portrayals of Love and Friendship in “Meteor Garden”
It’s been a long time since superheroes were solely on the pages of comics. In the 21st century, they’ve come to dominate film and television, with a torrent of new superhero movies and shows every year. With that increased volume of media has come a demand for greater representation and diversity among these heroes, including … Continue reading A History of Asian Superheroes on Film
There’s a moment right at the beginning of Never Have I Ever, the new Netflix series, where Devi (the 15-year old protagonist) sits down in front of her home’s shrine (think of it like a household church altar, but for Hindus) and addresses the gods “Hey, gods… what’s a-poppin’?”. That’s right before praying to be invited to “a party with alcohol and hard drugs,” for her “arm hair to thin out,” and for a boyfriend who’s a stone-cold hottie.” Afterwards, I promptly posted online how I was glad I wasn’t the only one praying this casually, only to receive a reply saying “I guess I’ve been praying wrong this entire time *laughing emoji*.” ....
Asians in the Arts 