Asian Outlook Fall 2006 Issue #2

Table of Contents Outlook on Fashion: Body Basics this Season

5

by Reiko Thorne

Dating-the Mind Games and the Misconceptions

10

by Katherine K. Lam

It's not you, it's me. Okay maybe it is you

11

by Andy Ye

Harpur Film: Three Times

12

by Resa Alessandro

Tales of the Otori: Review

13

by Will To

Song of Silk

15

by Resa Alessandro

To be or not to be deported

17

by Dan Dan Liu

Organ harvesting in China

19

by Yi Cheung

LiNK Interview

21

by Will To

Superstitious Life

23

by Jie Lin

The New 'Pink' of Drinks

24

by Dave Lee

Asian Night 2006

27

by Katherine K. Lam & Jie Lin

Columns Letter from the Editor The Angry [Un]Fashion Columnist Relationships: Will She Bite off Your Head?

Horoscopes

3 4 8 25

Asian Outlook is the art, literary, and news magazine of the Asian Student Union at the State University of New York at Binghamton. Conceived and designed to challenged and reconceptualize forms of awareness of Asians and Asian Americans, it serves to protect the voice of those in the minority, whether by ethnicity, gender, or political orientation. All materials contained within do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Asian Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions and to publish materials as deemed appropriate.

1

Asian Outlook

Conscience

29

designed by David Lee “Chapter 14”

30

by Ron Fulay

“Subway Diaries”

31

by Katherine K. Lam

“Ode to Our Conscience Editor”

31

by Katherine K. Lam

Artwork

32

by Reiko Thorne

“Moocow: A Mad Real Poem

32

by Rekstizzy Tha Meal Plan Peeimp

Artwork

33

by Ronald Kim

“What I Wanted to Forget”

34

by Will To

Untitled

35

by Peter Lam

Shameless Plug “How to be Asian...American”

36 37

by Anonymous

Staff Editor in Chief: Peter Lam Assistant Editors: Yi Cheung, Fang Fang Fu, Katherine K. Lam Layout: Oliver Hansen, Jonathan Li Conscience Editor: David Lee Publicity: Chris Oakley Treasurer: Jie Lin Contributors: Resa Alessandro, Ronald Kim, Dan Dan Liu, Reiko Thorne, Will To, Andy Ye, Jae Z

Corrections: Last issue we incorrectly credited two articles.

'Bayanihan: A Barrio Story' was written by Ralph Amurao, not Ralph Amuro.

'Slideways on the Highways' was written by Jason Tan, not Justin Tan. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Asian Outlook

2

Letter from the Editor I spent a Friday night a few weeks ago chatting with a close friend of mine for better half of the night into the early morning.

Our former editor came up to Bing to attend the PAL Banquet and was gracious enough to serve as my date for the night. After arriving (very) fashionably late for the event, she reflected on the Banquets of past and how things were when she used to be an undergrad. She's my age and graduated a year early, so there really wasn't much of an age gap, but this was my first PAL Banquet, so there was quite a bit for me to learn.

As we watched the show, I wondered to why it took so long for me to do anything like this. The past three years here in Bing have been rather uneventful, and most of it is really my own fault. I wouldn't be able to remember how many times I've thought, "Hey, that looks interesting. Maybe I'll do that," but I can count on one hand how many times I've actually followed through. It's not like I haven't any reminders to do these things; a majority of times I know a number of people who actually do participate in activities I may be thinking about. It was just that, well, I didn't care enough, I suppose. Where does that push to do something come from?

That night, as I stayed up with my friend to talk about the days she was still a Binghamtonian, we fell upon the elephant in the room. A good chunk of the conversation dwelt on AO and my worries about the magazine’s future.

She reminded me that I was elected as her successor for a reason. But then, we had to think about the reason.

Maybe I shouldn't mention this, but both she and I almost fell into the position. We both were compelled to run for Editor-in-Chief by extenuating circumstances. Well, in my case, it was more like being late for the nomination meeting. It's an old joke that many people who end up being "leaders" didn't mean to wander into that job. By a bit of luck and an extensive Q&A session, I ended up being the guy to write this letter every issue.

It's odd what happens once something like this falls into your lap, though. No matter how much you feel forced into the position, a good deal of the time you accept it under, ultimately, your own free will. The work kind of grows on you, like a fungus. I kid, I kid. Actually, it wasn't until I was elected that I found myself paying more attention to issues concerning culture and ethnicity. I actually started caring about what happened on campus and what was going on around me. I guess it was always sleeping inside me until I got the wake-up call at the end of last semester.

Now I can't even imagine how I was so apathetic about these concerns that affect everyone-"Asian" or not. Labels be damned, there aren't that many differences to consider, really.

I suppose the problem I'm trying to grasp at is how terribly indifferent our generation's become. It wasn't very long ago when I was one of many who were too far removed from reality to bother (that was about…eight months ago, before the elections). It's almost unfortunate that it took the weight of responsibility to push me into caring. Does that mean we have to be "forced" into caring? What kind of impetus does it take, then? Are we deprived of whatever free will there would be to choose to act? Are there any more rhetorical questions to toss in?

To be serious for a sec (and only a sec), what's it take to get our generation off its ass and, well, give a rat's ass about the world they're living in? I'm not asking for some grand life-changing, world-changing view--no hippie jargon here. It would be great to see someone express a concern that extends beyond the microcosm of college.

Theoretically, we're a huge constituency with the power to actually affect different areas in our society. It's been done before (remember Chinese history for the past century?). It's just too bad we're so damn complacent with life.

I don't expect this letter to be a call-to-arms or anything like that, not at all. I'm hardly the guy to inspire anyone, much less lead a national movement (boy, have I dreamt about that before…). It's a horrible trend that I thought worthy of at least pointing out, again. Imagine if students used their power…it'd be like the 1960's social movements all over again, without Nixon flipping us off. Well, maybe not Nixon.

At least it'd make a more interesting senior year.

--Peter ao.editor@gmail.com

3

Asian Outlook

The Angry (Un)Fashion Columnist

by Jae Z

Fashion is such a dynamic word. No other word in the English language can conjure up both images of luxurious, beautiful, unique runway ensembles and ugly, blandly replicated trends trickled down by tasteless celebrities. While I am guilty of giving in to a trend or two every now and then, nothing has prepared me for this outrageous attack of the fucking clones starring the empty shell of Lindsay Lohan.

Leggings are being worn everywhere as pants. At first, I thought it was just an unfortunate side effect of sororities, but the epidemic is much more widespread and begs for mass salvation. Let me just say that spandex is a privilege and not a right. Some things in this world are just not meant to be enjoyed by the masses. When your mother told you to be all you want to be, she forgot to mention that only a mother can be so tolerant of her child's cottage cheese thighs. Please spare us and put on some pants.

Fashion is supposed to be a form of expression, yet this evil branch of trend is killing individuality. It boggles me how, as adults in college, some of us can still stand to be subjected to uniforms. These trends kill creativity and style. To quote the ever eloquent Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel --- "fashion fades, and style lasts". Fashion is not always synonymous with style, case in point being these black, lint-attracting nylon monsters that are taking over the world.

Some of the most celebrated designers never design around a popular demand. The iconoclastic John Galliano is famous for pushing the envelope with every show. He uses the runway to make statements, such as the dark Christian Dior Haute Couture ensembles of the Spring/Summer 2006 season which characterized the violent riots in France. While some critics may be opposed to his daring visions, he adheres to his principle that "it is better to have bad taste than to have no taste at all." It is the difference between a follower and a leader.

Celebrate the diversity of our world. I rejoice in our differences and the freedom to express them as such. Our clothing is just another realm in which we may do so. I take pride in buying and wearing items that no one else has. I will even go so far as to take offense in inquiries about the origin of my clothes. It is a part of who I am. If plagiarism in writing is illegal, then why should a plagiaristic outfit be any different? So as Jay-z said, my only response would be -- "Ma, I don't shop where the rest buy//Oh no ma please respect ma."

In conclusion, I would like to ask you all to leave the tights to Lindsay and her own bad taste.

Asian Outlook

4

Outlook on Fashion: Body Basics this Season trends by Reiko Thorne When it comes to fashion, the general male population on campus seems to dance to the same lack luster monotonous beat; Black NorthFace Sweater, blue jeans, and Timberlands OR collared polo shirt, Black Gap zip-up, and white K-swiss sneakers. Anything that'll separate a guy from the mindless masses is a welcomed gesture to us ladies because it shows character and individualism.

The beanie visor is especially delicious because it accentuates the more delectable facial features, such as, eyes and jaw line. You can't go wrong with a beanie visor and it is a great alternative to the ordinary spiked hair look.

Black Pea coat over the LRG brand t-shirt gives an air of sophistication to the urban ensemble.

Allen Chun, a junior and a New York City native, has added a twist to the everyday "Asian Male" uniform by sporting a beanie visor and an urban brand t-shirt.

MUST HAVES Converse “If your shoes slip ‘n slide get the kicks with a star on the side.”

Preferably Chuck Taylors MP3 Player Nothing says “pedestrian” more than a pair of white earphones mysteriously disappearing into the folds of a pocket.

Carry All Bag Even though it’s impossible not to bump into peoples heads when walking down the rows of a lecture hall, they are essential to life.

5

A trend in the female world of fashion is the "layered look," which was made big by companies such as American Eagle, and Abercrombie and Fitch. It is a structured look that consists of a long body hugging camis or ribbed tank, a medium length henely, topped off with a waist high sweater or jacket. There are many variations to this look and it can be duplicated using any set of garments as long as they vary in lengths. This wonderful effect accentuates curves and hides bulges emphasizing the womanly figure.

This model did not want her name or face disclosed but she takes the number 5 bus. So if you fellas are looking for some fries to go with that shake you know where it's at.

Asian Outlook

Outliers take advantage of the in-between season Now is the only time of year, in between Fall and Winter, where it's warm enough to get away with wearing a skirt yet the anticipation of snow permits the addition of chic and fun boots.

Boots and mini skirts together, you say? Unheard of! But seriously folks, with Binghamton weather it could go from rain to sunshine to sleet all in the same hour. These lovely ladies of lecture hall one came to class not only prepared to learn, but they came dressed to impress. Take a gander at how they coordinated their outfits and maybe you'll learn something more than you'd ever learned during your 8:30 class.

r blaze e h t love ed Gotta long sleev is m he over t nd lace ca a hoodie y with skinn r e t a e w s Knit s California m a e r c s , f scar winter

Bubble skirts. (hurray!)

Cute knee-high socks with a flat heeled boot Yanhong Xu, a freshman from New York City.

Asian Outlook

Christine Choi, a freshman from Bergen County, New Jersey.

6

Hit

or

Miss

more? h it w y a w a really get s n ia s A n a C Pink?

Multipocketed?

How tough?

Extraneous straps?

Cargo jeans?

Overly distressed jeans?

Going rock climbing?

Miss.

Hit. Beautiful embroidered long coat

Jean Santiago, a grad student from Queens, enjoying a late lunch in the Food Court before I harassed her for a photo.

7

Paper bag?

Good idea.

Patterned scarf accents simplicity of coat

Yishan Lee, a senior from Taiwan, is playing with fire. She isn't literally playing with fire, but she is a fashion conundrum. She incorporates fundamental fashion elements discussed in this issue; the "layered look" (wearing a henely under a zip-up sweatshirt and shorts with leggings), the "mixing of seasons" (wearing a scarf and shorts), and the "reintroduction of plaid." She even has one of the "Must Haves" of the season: Converse sneaks. Her style is unique and all encompassing. Whether she's a hit or a miss is all in the eyes of the viewer.

Fur vest??

Lavender boots?

Asian Outlook

Will She Bite Off Your Head?

A Myth Demystified

by Dan Dan Liu In today's day and age, the rules for courtship are no longer clearly defined.

As our world becomes more globalized, we start to see more of the differences that appear in different cultures. In certain countries, such as Australia, it is quite common to find that courtship is an effort from both sides. Conversely, in France this is definitely the man's job. It is obligated for the heterosexual male in France to be "la drague," which literally means a "dragnet fisherman." More figuratively, it means "a guy who is always after the girls," or a guy who "chat[s] up girls." Of course, there are professional dragueurs who are highly skilled in the art of chatting up the girls.

Even the average French male must have basic understanding and the ability to apply the techniques of striking up an interesting conversation.

I must confess that I wish this were the case in the United States. Instead, US heterosexual men have resorted to pick-up lines that are sometimes funny but usually just corny. Do superficial lines like, "Pardon me, miss, I seem to have lost my phone number, could I borrow yours?" and "My love for you is like diarrhea. I can't hold it in," seem like lines that would stimulate a desire to continue talking to you? I certainly do not think so.

However, when a decent looking male approaches me just to say, "Hi," or even gives me a smile from across the room, I am much more inclined to be polite, and engage in a little chat. If given that opportunity, it is absolutely vital to be interesting. If you have a sense of humor, show it! If you are exceptionally intelligent, demonstrate it in a non-boring way! That polite chat may be the only 10-second chance you will get to display what you have to offer.

I once read in the Science section of the New York Times that in certain animal courtship traditions, the male risks being eaten by the female in order to mate with her. This is seen, for example, in the Chinese Mantis (cousin to the Praying Mantis) and the Redback Spider. The male mantis is successful if he avoids ingestion long enough to put his sperm into the female's body, and unsuccessful if the female tears his head off while they are mating. If you happen to see a whole male mantis mating with a female one day, leave them and come back within the hour.

You will return to see the female mantis and the remains of the male mantis wings.

Some explain that this phenomenon happens because the more the male chooses to surrender his life to the female, the greater the reproductive success. This also serves to nourish the offspring that the female will hopefully bear. Other biologists say that this is actually the simple result of a "voracious female appetite."

After reading this article, I was awestruck and extremely irritated. I immediately called my girl friends, and fumed to them about how these male animals are giving up their lives just to be with the female, when their human counterparts hardly had the guts to invest more in their first-move attempts. I was genuinely ashamed for the human species. Why is it that human males are not as brave? How many times have I heard a male say, "Hey, we're afraid of rejection." Well, males, if you do decide to make a move, keep in mind that (unless you are in a cannibalistic corner of the Earth) your head will not be bitten off and digested.

Asian Outlook

8

I have found that because of this lack of valor in the male department, more and more females have taken up the job of being la drague. Perhaps this is also a consequence of modern feminism and equality of the genders. If a male can ask a female out, why can't a female ask the male out? I, myself, can attest to being one of these modern and forward women who have asked males out. I admit that it hasn't always been a good idea. However, I can also admit that I took the initiative to make the first move because I got sick and tired of waiting around. Sometimes I would like a nice guy to just ask me out in a nice and simple manner, "Would you like to go out with me sometime?" Other ladies would agree that it is very attractive when a male has the confidence to ask you this straight-out; even if the lady does not want to go out with you, she will most likely be impressed with your boldness. And if by chance the answer turns out to be "No," just remember, gentlemen, you are still alive. Think of it as more experience under your belt in your La Drague training.

Sources: Yee, Jennifer. "A Visitor in the Land of the Enlightenment Part 7: Courtship Rules." <http://danny.oz.au/jennifer/visitor/7.courtship.html> "Pickup Lines." <http://www.lotsofjokes.com/cat_57.htm>.

Zimmer, Carl. "This Can't Be Love." New York Times. 5 Sept. 2006 <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/science/05cann.html?ei=5070&en=b57da22527a7e92a&ex=1162962000&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx =1162855940-brGuHbiTtL3bzKUtGW46Cw>.

McMackin, Emily. "Rules of Attraction." The Decatur Daily. 9 Feb. 2005 <http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/current/050209/rules.shtml>.

9

Asian Outlook

Dating - The mindgames and the Misconceptions

by Katherine K. Lam In the previous issue, I described the delight of meeting new people in the bars of New York City's Lower East Side and the frustration of playing matchmaker for single friends. I also promised to discuss dating in a more scientific approach.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the idea was a folly-no scientific method, no guidelines, no rules. The only solution is for girls and guys to a) open up, be honest, and be less ignorant, and b) stop playing mind games. This is by no means scientific (who needs science anyway?); it's just observational.

Honesty seems like an easy issue to tackle. Having problems? Here are some hints.

1) First, have some confidence in yourself. Most of the time, people lie to seem presentable and worthy of talking to. My experience says that more than half the time, fake lives and inflated egos are both one-way trips to Dumpsville. Personal experience: Guys, don't pick up a girl with the line, "I'm the co-creator of bingmenus.com."

2) Second, stop lying to yourself and be confident in who you are. Don't laugh because self-confidence is extremely important, but so is trying not to sound like an egomaniac. Guys, honest girls don't like machismo, lies, nor egocentrism. Yes, I understand you're trying to get into her pants, but how about asking what type of beer she's having instead of telling her you're the CEO of <insert great enterprise here>? Girls, guys don't really want to listen to you rant and rave about your fat rolls, thin lips, whatever physical deformity you think you have, nor do they want to hear you bash other girls. This is all elementary to me, and if you've read any other girly magazine, I'm sure it is for you too. But anyways, no assumptions, just be yourself. It's honestly not that hard.

Next topic-mind games. The whole concept behooves me. Yes, I used the word behooves because I'm that bothered by mind games. Why do they exist? In essence, it's just a struggle for power and the upper hand, both of which ultimately lead to tension and mistrust.

(Personal experience can mar forever.) Both guys and girls, why do you say you'll call and then don't follow through? You're not so great that the other person is going to be mortally wounded by your rejection.

Do him or her (and their friends) all a favor and just say, a) "Hey, I'll call you on such and such day," or b) "Hey, I'm not interested, so I won't call you." It saves everyone a lot of grief, frustration, trips to the therapist, and money on anxiety or depression pills. Really, it does.

So, wheel of morality turn, turn, turn- tell us the lesson that we shall learn. Stop leading each other on, learn about each other, and be confident, not egocentric. I think the world will get along much better.

Asian Outlook

10

It's not you, it's me.

Okay, maybe it is you

by Andy Ye

If you take a look around campus, or even just amongst your friends, you'll notice a lot of interracial relationships. One of the biggest trends you'll see is an Asian girl with a Caucasian male. Everywhere you go, you're likely to spot such a couple, but switch the genders around and you'll find that it is more difficult to locate a pair consisting of an Asian guy and a Caucasian female.

"Consider it this way: what would you say if a blonde homecoming queen fell in love with a short Japanese businessman? He treats her cruelly, then goes home for three years, during which time she prays to his picture and turns down marriage from a young Kennedy. Then when she learns he has remarried, she kills herself. Now, I believe you would consider this girl to be a deranged idiot, correct? But because it's an Oriental who kills herself for a Westernerah!-you find it beautiful." (M Butterfly P.17)

The uneven ratio of Caucasian-Asian couples show that this specific trend of interracial relationships is attributed to more than just an increasingly diverse society. Please note that in the context of this article, when I say Asian I mean Asian American.

A while ago I read in a magazine that in the United States, Asian males and African American females are least likely to be married out of all the different racial groups. Is it because they are more attracted to individuals in other racial groups?

Focusing in on the Asian man, what is it about him that lacks what Asian girls find attractive in guys from other racial groups, or in this case, in Caucasian males? When I asked several Asian girls on campus who had a Caucasian boyfriend if they preferred dating a Caucasian over an Asian guy, and for what reason, I got a variety of answers.

Some said they didn't have a preference for Caucasian males, but rather they look at the guy's individual personality and not their ethnicity. Okay, makes sense. As different racial groups interact and mingle, interracial relationships will form. However, others said that they didn't have anything against Asian guys, but have only dated Caucasians because they have yet to find an Asian guy who fits their criteria.

In terms of personality though, I think a flaw in many Asian men is the fact that they have a timid and passive personality. Face it, staying in your room and playing computer games all day is not going to get you the girl of your dreams, or get you any girl for that matter. Many times, the opportunity is there, but if you don't take it, somebody else will. So if you're one of those guys who are wondering why you are still single when you've never really made an effort, now you know why. Even if it doesn't work out, play your cards right and you'll at least have a new friend, who of course has other friends to introduce to you.

Finally, there were girls who simply said they didn't find Asian guys attractive. This might just be their personal preference and you'll just have to respect that. Part of it though can probably be accredited to the media. The image of an appealing and seductive male portrayed on mass media is not exactly your average Asian guy, but rather a Caucasian male who's tall, handsome and nicely built. Keep in mind however, that it is not completely hopeless for the Asian male.

11

Asian Outlook

There are Asian girls who prefer dating within their race and others who don't have any preference. There are also girls from other racial groups who date Asian guys. Remember, most girls just want to have a good time with someone they enjoy being with.

Interracial dating shows that our society is becoming more diverse and that different cultures are becoming more accepting and more intrigued by other cultures. Those in an interracial relationship are able to learn more about different cultures, notice the similarities, understand the differences and in turn learn more about their partners. This article was not intended to promote or bash interracial dating, but rather I hope it has served the purpose of bringing in a different perspective on this much talked about subject.

1.

Hwang, David H. M Butterfly. New York: The Penguin Group, 1989.

Harpur Film Society Presents: Three Times

by Resa Alessandro The Harpur film society showed Hoa Hsiao-hsien's film Three Times two weeks ago to a semi-packed house where half of the audience was old couples. Ironically enough, the film was seemingly all about young love and the torments of youth. Hoa Hsiao-hsien is a world class Taiwanese director famous globally for his masterpieces The Puppetmaster, Goodbye South, Goodbye and Millennium Mambo. In a 1988 worldwide critics' poll, he was named was named "one of the three directors most crucial to the future of cinema." This is his latest creation, made up of three segments each 40 minutes long, that deal with the story of three reincarnations of two lovers and draws on the differences in their relationships with each lifetime.

The two main characters, the lovers, are played by Chang Chen and Shi Qu. Chen is known internationally for his role in Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kar Wai's 2046. He has been working in film since the age of 14. Shi Qu worked for a while as a model, but for the past ten years she has worked in various films-in 2001 she became famous through another one of Hoa Hsiao-hsien's films, Millennium Mambo. Each actor takes on three completely different roles for each lifetime.

The film begins in 1966, moves backwards to 1911 and ends in 2005. Because the roles and environments are different, the formation of each romance is different. Each segment has its own name, so it is as though the film is not one but three films. In the first segment, called "A Time for Love," Chen plays a man who cannot get into college and joins the army in Kaohsiung. There he falls in love with May, a woman who works at the snooker parlor where he plays pool.

In the 1911 portion, called "A Time for Freedom," Chen plays a married diplomat in Dadaocheng during the Japanese occupation who works towards Chinese independence, all the while visiting a courtesan. The final piece, "A Time for Youth," is set in Taipei in 2005. Qu plays the lead character in this final segment, as a bisexual pop singer who uses Chen, a photographer, and drives her female lover to suicide.

Each piece is compelling in itself; united they swirl around each other as strange perfumes with similar scents but completely different odors on the skin. The combination is electric: the bodies take on such different personas in each that in the end one is left with the sense that time is without space, that people are without borders-that we too can shift like a wave of sound and change shape depending on what we bounce off of. For some this experience may be exciting, but perhaps also confusing. Whatever be the case, take a chance with this film. It is beautifully Asian Outlook

12

directed and the acting is generally well executed. Experience it first hand and see what you end up encountering. The end result may prove satisfying.

San Francisco International Film Festival: Films: Three Times. 20 April-04 May 2006. http://fest06.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=93.

Three Times: Hoa Hsiao-hsien. < http://www.threetimes-film.com/main.html>.

Rosenbaum, Jonathan. Chicago Reader: Movies: History and Love: Three Times. < http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/moviereviews/060623/>.

Tales of the Otori: A Review

by Will To It is hard to find a decent historical fiction/fantasy novel mostly because it is so hard to capture on paper the many intricacies and whims of a particular historical period. Often, authors may inadvertently color their work with prejudices and stereotypes from their own time, or they may not research well enough to craft a convincing, historically accurate piece. The former case is less important, as carefully planned and well-written stories can cover for this; in the latter, however, gaping inaccuracies are enough to sink a story.

Imagine, then, what it feels like to find a novel (or, better yet, a series of novels) that has a near-perfect balance of history, culture, and story; it would be easier finding a grain of rice in the Sahara desert. Exaggerations and bad analogies aside, Tales of the Otori, a fantasy-based series, is both compelling and precise when it comes to Japanese culture (and a bit of history). The Otori series is one of those rare books that humanizes history; that is, it is one of those works that adds human voices to stories and tales that we are all too accustomed to learning through dry, dull textbooks or dry, dull professors.

While the Otori saga is set in a sort of Japan-like realm (author Lian Hearn did write a fantasy novel and not a historical fiction novel after all), the novels still resemble various periods of Japanese history and many practices of Japanese culture well enough to maintain an authentic flavor. Guessing the many alternate names and the tidbits of information that go along with such names (for instance, she never names samurai, Shinto, Buddhists, or ninja) is one of the best parts of reading the Otori trilogy.

The first book, Across the Nightingale Floor, begins with one of the two main characters, a teenage (by modern reckoning at least) boy named Tomasu. Tomasu, the son of a highly skilled assassin (father whom he never knew) lives an idyllic life somewhere in the East Country, one of three (East, West, and Middle), and is also under the thumb of the cruel Lord Iida Sadamu and his Tohan clan. One day, Tomasu's village (also home to a persecuted religion whose practitioners refer to themselves as the "Hidden") is attacked by Iida, but Tomasu is saved by a chance meeting with the kindly Lord Otori Shigeru of the Otori clan. Tomasu is then given a new name, Takeo, and becomes Lord Otori's newest servant (and eventually, heir). But will he escape death at Iida's hands? Even if he does defeat Iida, will he be able to unite the fractured Otori clan and end the suffering of his people? Will he be able to marry the beautiful, headstrong Shirakawa Kaede, whose spell on him is almost stronger than his loyalty to the Otori? Will he be able to escape the shadowy Tribe, who display both a remarkable understanding of the darker sides of his personality but also a blatant disregard for his noble impulses?

The answers are probably obvious, but then, the journey, as usual, is not; yet another highlight of the Otori books is what Takeo must go through in order to accomplish his goals of first avenging the death of his village and later, bringing peace to the land. Along the way, though, considerable amounts of people die-especially those closest to Takeo, and he makes many enemies, though that number is smaller than that of his friends and allies. This brings into focus one of the two more important themes in the series, namely that of violence, and whether violence, once perpetuated, will end. Tales of the Otori is never at risk of degenerating into a hackneyed 13

Asian Outlook

story about how revenge and violence never ends, but it does bring up some good points and leaves some moral ambiguity open for the readers. Takeo, in particular, despite being a noble, heroic character with some very unorthodox (and highly useful) skills, must wage war, kill, and avenge--all for peace. He has no shortage of followers and supporters, but wrestling with his conscience (especially the general's dilemma of sending troops to battle-and death) proves an interesting and very emotional read. Unlike his more ruthless counterparts, Takeo is soft-hearted, and while that proves to be disadvantageous at times, it ultimately helps him in ways that he cannot imagine.

The other important theme in the series is that of loyalty; given that Takeo was born into a pacifistic religion, but adopted by militant lords, and claimed by a shadowy organization of mercenaries and spies (because of his father, who also gave him his supernatural skills), it is obvious that he faces pressure. Of course, this is an understatement; the struggle for Takeo between the Otori and the Tribe is massive, and the Tribe, at least, would rather kill him than let him go.

Though some readers may point out that at least Takeo is important in this sense, they should keep in mind that Takeo really is stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he follows the Tribe into servitude, not only does he lose his chance of getting revenge and bringing peace to the long-suffering Three Countries, but his life, his desires, his strong, stubborn will-all that will be subordinated to the cruel, and inherently selfish desires of the Tribe. He may win the heart of the pretty, talented assassin Yuki, but he would also lose his first (and strongest) love, the beautiful, persistent Kaede.

Yet another delight in the Otori series is the character of Shirakawa Kaede, Takeo's lady love and someone who later becomes a force to be reckoned with. Very rarely does one gets to see a woman in a supporting role that becomes a main character in her own right, much less one with so much charisma, strength, and elegance. While Kaede can be at times capricious and headstrong (especially when her not listening to those around her spells disaster for those who depend on her), she is still very selfless, often putting the well-being of others, particularly her sisters and her subjects, above that of her own. Still, one gets the feeling that Kaede is somewhat of an anachronism, given the way she behaves and thinks; nonetheless, the story benefits greatly from Kaede's personality, making it a more interesting and dynamic read.

The only problem with the Otori series is Hearn's style of writing; she writes in short, usually choppy sentences, and sometimes, she passes over major events too quickly. At times, she spares a paragraph to speak about a month's events, and in the next few pages, she'll concentrate on an event that takes place in a day. Usually training (such as Takeo learning to kill or honing his supernatural skills), as well as preparation for war is glossed over in this manner, while more important events are elaborated on and fleshed out. This is not so much a problem in the last book, Brilliance of the Moon, presumably because the last book concentrates more on Takeo's final battles, but it is especially unnecessary in Across the Nightingale Floor and Grass for His Pillow. Whatever the case, however, Hearn could have stretched out her books for many more pages had she expanded on various events.

In the end, though, Tales of the Otori has something for everyone, whether it be melodrama/forbidden love for the ladies, or epic battle scenes, assassinations, and intrigue for the gents.

Of course, it could be the other way around too, but silly stereotypes aside, Tales of the Otori is a series worth reading, no matter where your interests lie or what your gender is. The only demographic that may be excluded would be the little ones; the last thing we want is mental scarring on their part due to a severed head or a prolonged interrogation scene.

And don't let the tacky covers of the American editions put you off; the UK releases have much better artwork and design, even if they are a bit more expensive. With that in mind, have a good time exploring the world of the Three Countries and Takeo (and Kaede's) journey.

Asian Outlook

14

"Song of Silk" - A Review

By Resa Alessandro At eight in the evening on October 7th, the Osterhout Concert Theater in the Anderson Center opened its doors for the showing of the Chinese musical Song of Silk. The title refers to the ancient route on which China interacted with the Middle East and the West. By presenting Chinese music and culture, the performances were said to strive to connect the East to the West.

The two main performers were Yi Zhou, a world-famous pipa player and Hong Zhang, a mezzosoprano singer and Senior Lecturer of Chinese at Binghamton University. Also on display were the violin and piano talents of Angela Chen, the piano talent of Pej Reitz and the dancing talents of the Cornell Chinese Folk Dance Trope.

Of greatest interest was Yi Zhou, who was captivating on the pipa, the four stringed Chinese lute. Zhou gave her first recital at the age of six and at eight won first prize at the Shanghai Spring Music Festival. Since graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, she has played throughout the United States in Carnegie Hall, John Hancock Hall, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale among other places. She performed twice that night, for the Dance of the Yi People and the Spring on the Silk Road pieces. Her technique was flawless and her timing excellent; every movement of her exacting fingers sent waves of perfect sounds rolling off the walls. She was extremely qualified but unfortunately, the way she wore her hair down was inappropriate. It kept falling in front of her face and fingers as she moved, nearly disturbing her performance several times.

Also of significance was the soloist singing talent of Hang Zhang, who skillfully executed six Chinese songs with a deep voice. The strength and depth of her ability was admirable; she could go to any pitch and stay there for minutes on end. Each time dressed in exquisitely fashioned silk gowns, Zhang was quite a diva in her finery. There was something masculine in her stage presence-- I almost expected her to jump off the stage and climb over the audience as 15

Asian Outlook

though in battle. Most striking about her was the sense of genuine happiness that seemed to overflow from her; while singing, her face was covered with a look that can only be described as a mixture between bliss and victory. Also, her eyes seemed to stay at this one exact point, as though she could see above and through everything. The final piece of that night, Beautiful Mood, was her greatest success. Listening to it was like watching someone blow up their house with fireworks; she really took out every trick in the book and blew everyone away.

Zhang's twelve-year-old daughter Angela Chen was moreover quite gifted. Chen started studying the piano at age four and plays first violin in the Binghamton Youth Symphony's Senior Orchestra. She performed several times that night. Her range of moods on the violin was remarkable; it sprang from shrilly anxious to classical and calm, to lively and aggressive. However, her finest piece came at the end with the Hundred Birds Revering the Phoenix on the piano. It should be interesting to watch how her aptitude develops over the next ten years; she will do quite well in the future.

These women were the main attraction; one might say the musical was a celebration of their talents. However, the Cornell Chinese Folk Dance Trope cannot be overlooked considering the fact that they performed six dances, one of which started the show. The Troupe is quite new; it was formed in 2003 by seven graduate students from China. Though the trope has twenty members, only ten performed at Binghamton. Tangnuer Abudula also performed as a guest dancer in the troupe in a solo dance.

In general, the dancers' talents were mediocre and at times poorly implemented.

Some dancers forgot their moves and would slow down to look at the lead dancers- this was unprofessional. The only thing they had competence in was arm movement-the fluid turning was something they all performed adequately. The choreography was acceptable; it served as the saving grace of the dance, so that those who couldn't dance well but at least knew the choreography could pass as presentable. The music choice was interestingIndian songs and a variety of Asian ethnic tunes along with one piece that played only the sound of water and frogs. But the costumes were ridiculously gaudy, to the point of being fashion crimes. And while the reoccurring theme of Asian fusion was interesting to see in the dances, their attempts at this were not successful with the clothing. Some items looked like a tossup between the Arabian nights gone Las Vegas and disco fever. During the Love Song of Kangding, the women ran around in yellow silk skirts with red ribbons while wearing cowboy boots covered in golden sparkles. It was deeply disturbing; it put one in mind of the Rocky Horror Picture Show scene where Rocky first appears in black lingerie and red lipstick. Some things just shouldn't be done with silk.

The redeeming act of this troupe came in their peacock dance, whose origin stems from the Dai ethnic group of the Yunnan Province. Their outfits were exquisite emerald dresses with long sleeves that reached the ground; here the arm movements really stood out. Also, only the four most talented dancers acted in the piece so there were no faulty steps, only smooth flashes of colorful movements transitioning in secessions of skillful positioning. This piece was very calm and graceful; the women had excellent control over their bodies and created with them a real movement of physical art.

The night ended with a piece not mentioned on the program. The encore song, translated as Spice Girl in Chinese, was about girls in a certain region of China that eat so much spicy food that their tears, sweat and sounds are spicy. Afterwards, flowers were given out and the majority of the audience stood clapping until their hands grew numb. Just before the curtain went down, Zhou took a rose from her bouquet, kissed it and threw it out to the audience. That final moment of refinement resulted in an even louder burst of applause.

Asian Outlook

16

To Be or Not to Be DEPORTED

by Dan Dan Liu The scene opens to a chilly evening in San Francisco, California on January 3rd of 1986.

Three Chinese boys of their teenage years, Eddy Zheng, Dennis Chan, and David Weng watched from a distance as Kwong Sang Tam locked the doors to one of his two gifts and medicinal shops. They presumed that Tam must be wealthy since he owned two stores. In thehir desperate hunt for money to purchase drugs, the threesome decided to follow Tam to his home. After days of plotting and using their allowance to purchase guns, they armed themselves and forced entry into the home of Mr. Tam and his wife. While Zheng tied him to a chair in his living room, Mr. Tam was pistol-whipped. The Tams' two children were brought into the bathroom whre they were threatened at gunpoint. The intruders stripped Mrs. Tam of her clothing and Zheng, after finding a camera, pretended to take pictures of the bound and naked woman in order to force her into revealing in the location of the family's riches. Ransacking the house for jewelry and money for hours proved not enough when Zheng and Chan demanded Mrs. Tam bring them to the Tams' stores where they continued their theft, taking $34,000 worth of cash and merchandise. The offenders would have gotten away with their crimes, but because of a minor traffic infraction involving switched-off headlights, they were pulled over by the police who then uncovered the whole operation. At the age of 16, Eddy Zheng was tried as an adult and pled guilty to 18 criminal charges. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for kidnapping to robbery and eight years for robbery of an inhabited dwelling.

After spending 20 years in San Quentin State Prison, Zheng has come a long way from his teenage years as a juvenile felon. He has not only taught himself English, he earned his GED and even an Associate of Arts degree while serving his sentence. Zheng has set up his own online blog, http://eddyzheng.blogspot.com, where he posts a variety of happenings of his life in prison. He emphasizes his new found love of poetry and learning. He dreams of leaving prison and helping at-risk youths not to make the same mistakes as he had. After many failed attempts at authorization for parole, he was finally granted approval in November 2004.

Unfortunately, Eddy Zheng's situation has proved to follow the case of falling out of the frying pan and into the fire. He was granted parole form prison, but as soon as he stopped out of the doors of San Quentin State Prison, he was picked up by federal agents and brought into custody for deportation to his native China. His fate was in the hands of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which states that any resident alien that committed an aggravated felony is deportable at any time after his or her admission into the United States. Zheng's crime is considered an aggravated felony because his actions are punishable by at least five years in prison. With the new amendments to immigration and nationality laws, only two things could possibly save Eddy Zheng from deportation. The first is a pardon from either the President of the United States or the Governor of California.

17

Asian Outlook

However, neither President Bush nor Governor Schwarzenegger has shown notable interest in the Zheng's plight. The other possibility of rescue is if the Supreme Court decides that the laws governing such cases of removal are unconstitutional and appeals the previous decisions against Zheng's waiver of removal.

Briefly, although Eddy Zheng was released on parole with the assumption of having been "rehabilitated," he still faces deportation. With the aid of his dedicated immigration lawyer, Zachary Nightingale, Zheng has made many attempts to avoid this fate, including his marriage to a U.S. citizen, Ms. Shelly Smith. However, the law passed in 1996 applies even to aliens who are married or have children that are U.S. citizens.

Twenty years ago, Zheng committed a crime that could not be considered light for either a citizen or a non-citizen. Sources say that the Zheng case has many mitigating circumstances. After leading a well-off life in China, his family emigrated only to find a life of long, hard hours of work in America. Being the youngest child of the family, he received minimal attention during the critical teenage years. As a result, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd that apparently led him to commit crimes that have brought him to the horrendous outcome of today. But as the U.S. is a country of new beginnings, there are myriad examples of young immigrants who have not only stayed away from the wrong crowd but have used their time resourcefully and have accomplished more than many non-immigrant youths can attest. In fact, Eddy Zheng's sister, Lili Zheng, is an example of such an accomplished immigrant youth. After arriving in this country, she worked there part-time jobs, putting herself through college at the esteemed University of California at Berkeley.

There is no doubt that Eddy Zheng was wrong with his choice of actions. This may be the fault of his parents who did not keep an eye on him, but, more likely, it is the fault of his own for choosing to follow that path. No one could have compelled him to take such actions except for himself. On the other hand, he may now be completely "rehabilitated," and is ready to come out of detention to be a law-abiding, contributing member of society. Should Zheng be deported from this country? Under the words of United States law, he should be deported. The question then becomes: Is he worthy of a second chance? If he was a citizen, he would not be denied his second chance. But because he was not born in this country, nor was given the chance to become a naturalized citizen, he is not granted the privilege.

Sources: http://www.eastbayexpress.com/Issues/2005-08-10/news/feature_1.html http://eddyzheng.blogspot.com/ http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/deportation.html http://junichisemitsu.com/2005/03/save-eddy-zheng-from-deportation.html http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/usc/ttl8/ch12/subchII/ptIV/sec1226.html http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/usc/ttl8/ch12/subchII/ptII/sec1182.html#(a)(2) http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode08/usc_sec_08_00001182----000-.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiterrorism_and_Effective_Death_Penalty_Act_of_1996 http://immigration.about.com/library/weekly/aa113000a.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_Immigration_Reform_and_Immigrant_Responsibility_Act_of_1996 http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=104_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ208.104.pdf http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/9th/0255436p.pdf http://www.callyourlawyers.com/pdfcaselaw/classes-deportable.pdf http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/removcrim/removcrim084.htm http://www.immigrationlinks.com/news/newshints22.htm http://www.vkblaw.com/law/aggravated.htm Chan v. Kane, No. C 05-2006 SI (pr), 2006 U.S. Dist. WEST 3020906, at *5 (N.D.Cal. Oct. 23, 2006).

Zheng v. Chertoff, No. C-05-3657 SC, 2005 U.S. Dist. WEST 3259872, at *1-2 (N.D.Cal. Nov. 30, 2005).

Asian Outlook

18

Organ Harvesting in cHINA

by Yi Cheung

In 2005, the Chinese government admitted that organs removed from executed prisoners were being sold as a commodity. However, by that time, organ selling already dominated a huge partion of the Chinese market and the black market. Livers can cost $25,000 and kidneys about $20,000 each. With these killer prices and China's lax laws, wealthy businessmen travel from all over, even from the United States, to buy organs and undergo surgery.

Within the United States, organ selling is a felony that is punishable up to five years in prison and a 50,000 fine. Essentially, organs are considered priceless in many parts of the world except in China. China's only law about organ selling is that organ donations from executed prisoners are allowed only if the prisoner or his family gives consent, or if no one claims the body. This provision, however, has left room for people to exploit prisoners and to make a profit out of their body parts.

Why should it matter that these organs are being harvested from executed prisoners, as long as none of the innocent people are hurt? The most striking difference between the justice system in America and in China is the type of crime that can lead to the death sentence. In China, nonviolent crimes such as taking bribes and stealing credit cards can lead to execution. Even political dissidents like the Falun Gong practitioners are sentenced to death. The Chinese government states that these strict regulations are necessary to reform China.

According to Amnesty International, China executes more prisoners each year than the rest of the world combined. About 4,500 prisoners are executed each year and 2,000 to 3,000 human organs are sold each year in China. Why should it matter that these organs are being harvested from executed prisoners, as long as none of the innocent people are hurt? The most striking difference between the justice system in America and in China is the type of crime that can lead to the death sentence. In China, nonviolent crimes such as taking bribes and stealing credit cards can lead to execution. Even political dissidents like the Falun Gong practitioners are sentenced to death. The Chinese government states that these strict regulations are necessary to reform China. According to Amnesty International, China executes more prisoners each year than the rest of the world combined. About 4,500 prisoners are executed each year and 2,000 to 3,000 human organs are sold each year in China.

19

Asian Outlook

With organ prices hitting an all-time high, many are accusing China of making a dirty profit. The high cost for organs has encouraged transplants to take place against the wishes of the prisoner's family. Generally, most traditional families carry the strong belief that the body should remain in one piece before the spirit enters the afterlife. But in many cases, the prisoner's bodies are cremated before being returned to the family without them being the wiser about the body conditions. Seeing the body before cremation is prohibited. This may be for the better; according to a police officer's gruesome account, a prisoner's eyes were missing and the face was rendered unrecognizable by the blood. Usually, almost all of the prisoner's organs are removed after execution, leaving the body thoroughly desecrated.

The most unsettling fact involves the preparations for organ harvesting that take place inside the prison. Prisoners are given regular health examinations to detect an organ match with an interested customer. This practice incites the greatest criticism from human rights proponents, claiming that the Chinese government is turning the prison system into both a farm and a business.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), not only is China's new thriving business controversial but it is also considered unethical. Despite the pressure that China has received from several countries, WHO, and the United Nations, the business will continue; if anything, in today's day and age the rising organ deficit has only fed the harvest.

"Organ Sales 'Thriving' in China" 03 Nov. 2006. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5386720.stm>.

"China to 'tidy up' trade in executed prisoners' organs" 03 Nov. 2006. <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,256891901558,00.html>.

"China's Execution, Inc." 03 Nov. 2006. <http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0118,baard,24344,1.html>.

"Sale of Human Organs in China" 03 Nov. 2006. <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/rm/2001/3792.htm>.

"Illegal Human Organ Trade from Executed Prisoners in China" 03 Nov. 2006. <http://www.american.edu/TED/prisonorgans.htm>.

Asian Outlook

20

An Interview with LiNK

by Will To

One of the newest student groups on campus is "Liberty in North Korea", or "LiNK", which was just chartered last Spring. LiNK's purpose is to spread awareness about North Korean refugees, mainly those in China, as well as to raise money and support for its projects to aid such refugees. Asian Outlook sat down for a chat with Binghamton University's LiNK chapter coordinator, Phil Kang, for a look into how the organization got started, as well as what the organization is all about.

Asian Outlook: Where and how did you get the idea to start a LiNK chapter at Binghamton?

Phil Kang: Actually, last year, in April, we went to KASCON (Korean American Students Conference [sic]), held at Princeton University. One of the seminars was held by the executive director of LiNK, Adrian Hong. He was showing a clip about North Korea, and when I saw the clip, I felt like I needed to do something, hence I got started on LiNK by going to their website, and writing them an email. Last semester we got chartered.

AO: Please tell us briefly about what "LiNK" stands for, as well as LiNK's purpose and goals.

PK: LiNK stands for "Liberty in North Korea"â&#x20AC;Śa lot of people get confused because it was previously called Liberation of North Korea, but that was changed a year ago. Basically, our goals are to educate the public about what's really going on in North Korea, and second is to spread awarenessâ&#x20AC;Ś[third, we also] have projects to help North Korean refugees in China.

AO: The old acronym for LiNK was "Liberation of North Korea". Despite the name change, does LiNK intend for North Korea to be liberated, as the old name suggested?

PK: We're not a politically affiliated group; we're nonpolitical, non-ethnic, nonreligious group, and "liberation" does not mean we're going to send revolutionaries to free North Korea. What liberty means to us is basic human rights, freedom to live, freedom to be human, freedom to have a chance at life for those North Korean refugees who are deprived of their basic human rights by the regime, so they escape to China. But even then, they are persecuted, and repatriated back to North Korea. So, no, we don't want to topple the regime; we simply want basic human rights for the people.

21

Asian Outlook

AO: Can you speak briefly about some of the projects that the national-level LiNK organization is involved with?

PK: There's project Safe Haven, where we have 30 underground shelters. We have Project Healthy Mind, where we are sending textbooks and notebooks to North Korean children. We have Project Healthy Body, where we send clothing, food…the most important project, though, is Project Safe Haven.

AO: What are some events that LiNK has had or plan to have in the future for this academic year?

PK: We had our GIM this semester, our first GIM, where we showed the documentary Seoul Train. We also had the general staff meeting, where people who wanted to get involved [had a chance to do so]…we had our second screening, Shadows and Whispers, and we have our discussion forum coming up, and we have many other events planned for next semester.

AO: Is LiNK interested in working together with various other organizations to achieve its goals? Which organizations?

PK: Any student groups that would like to work with us in spreading awareness…we don't really [mind] which student group[s].

AO: What are some of the biggest problems facing LiNK in its quest to aid North Korean refugees?

PK: Number one is…indifference from community around us, whether it is the student body or the world community…the focus is so much on the nuclear crisis that we tend to ignore or forget about the humanitarian crisis at hand. The second is lack of funding, as we need money to fund the projects, we need money to fund events, to spread the word.

AO: How can people contribute to LiNK's cause?

PK: They can come out to one of the meetings, learn what is happening to North Korea.

Once they learn the facts, they can go out and tell other people…they could also contribute by donating money to LiNK, which would go directly to these projects to aid North Korean refugees…And simply caring about the issue…ignorance and indifference are the biggest problems. If people care, their actions would show it.

AO: Would you recommend that people write letters to their representatives to their elected officials?

PK: Definitely…that would show that people care about the issue. LiNK has a template for letters, but you could also write it on your own, and you can check on LiNK's Xanga sites for those.

AO: Any parting comments?

PK: I wouldn't have been able to do all this with my eboard member. John Shin, planning events, Eliot building up really good relations with headquarters, Amy, the secretary who takes notes at all our meetings and sends them on time. TK and Sam Huhr, always working hard to spread the word, Tamoon for keeping people accountable, Andrew…its really hard, but he tries nonetheless. I would also like to thank the staff members who come out at LiNK meetings to show support and also for bringing out their friends.

Asian Outlook

22

Superstitious Life

by Jie Lin

Last October, Friday the 13th was closely followed by Halloween, one unlucky day followed another. According to Wikipedia, Friday the 13th is considered to be a day of bad luck in English and Portuguese-speaking cultures around the globe. In Greece and Spain, Tuesday the 13th takes on the same role. The origin of Friday the 13th is related to several important events in history, for example, the massacre of the Knights Templar on Friday October 13 in 1307 and the Last Supper. People even believe that Eve offered the apple to Adam on a Friday. In these Westernbia." People are so paranoid about the day that they will spend an entire day in bed just because it's Friday the 13th. There is apparently no cure for this.

In the Asian cultures, there are things that you are not allowed to do or else you will end up with bad luck. For example, in Japanese culture, you have to put on your kimono in a certain order. The right side of the kimono has to be tucked in underneath the left side; the reversed order is used to dress a corpse for burial.

This year is a special year according to the lunar calendar because there are two Julys.

July is the month of the spirits. According to Chinese legends and folktales, during the month of July, the gates of the Hell open, and all spirits are freed to wander the living world. The gate opens on the first day of July and closes on the last day of July. If you want to be safe during the month of July, there are some things that you should not do. For example, your slippers and shoes should not face towards your bed when you go to sleep, or else the spirits will "slip" into your shoes, and enter your body while you are sleeping.

Aside from the "what not to do" during the month of the spirits, there are also some things which one should not do in everyday life in Asian culture. For example, in both the Chinese and Japanese culture, one should not stick chopsticks straight down into a bowl of rice because it resembles the incense sticks that are burned for the dead. In the Japanese culture, one should not use chopsticks to pass food to another person who is also receiving the food with the chopsticks. This process of passing the food with chopsticks resembles the way people pass the bones of dead people during cremation.

There are many more superstitions in the world. Whether or not the superstitions are true depend on the person, if one believes it is true then it will be true. The more you think about something, the worse matters become because it may be more likely for you to break the rules. If a person believes in all the superstitions in the world, and tries to prevent bad things from happening, wouldn't the person be better off not to believe in any?

23

Asian Outlook

The New 'Pink' of Drinks If you feel that its okay as a man to spend more than two dollars on a cute little drink, you definitely lost it... your penis, I mean. I couldn't walk up to the counter at the Old Teahouse and order Mango Passion Fruit-that's pretty much the equivalent of being the most extravagant tranny.

Sorry for being a real man, but I only drink water, alcohol, and gladiator's blood. I'd have an allergic reaction to something so sweet and gay.

I remember the first time I encountered this official vagina target audience beverage. A little Asian girl points at a cafe in Flushing and shrieks, "Oh my God, I want bubble tea!". She looks at me, and I nod my head, smile and say, "Whatever you want," because she knows, I mean, she better know, I ain't paying for shit. So we walk in and immediately, I'm on guard. All the bright rainbow colors for different flavors were blinding my vision. My eyeballs are sensitive to anything other than animal cruelty and boobs (and you thought my eyes were squinty just cuz I'm Asian).

She knew exactly which one she wanted and once she ordered, the lady behind the counter went right to it. I tried my best to make eye contact with the lady making tea, so I can mouth out, "Add poison," but she never looked up. I turn my eyes elsewhere and my gaze is met with some birdy kid enjoying a cup of bubble tea. I couldn't describe him without saying the words "this" "kid" "is" "definitely" "a" "she-male". Anyway, dude was looking straight at me. As an Asian I felt a great and most honorable urge to put my backhand in motion.

He raised his neon relay race baton straw to his lips and started to suck up the chewiest balls. He kept his eyes on me and kept going, the Adam's apple in his throat doing a shameless shrug dance. Glub glub gulp, glub glub gulp, glub, glub, glub. Eventually, tea started spilling out from the corners of his mouth and he started to gag like Jenna Jameson when she still had that reflex. I saw the cup fall with his body, and all this time he kept his eyes on me.

That's when it hit me. I knew who this guy was. He was an Asian comic that I got to see perform the other night. He made a joke about how Asians had small penises and all the non-Asians laughed in the audience. I remember thinking to myself, 'Wow, this kid is a pussy.' Listen, I have a good sense of humor and I make fun of my own race all the time. However, as a man, you don't go around shittin' on your own dick unless you figured out how to fuck your own ass, which is probably what this kid did-which is why he withdrew from society to drink tea with balls. He did the right thing to atone for his sin.

As I stood there watching him, rolling around and writhing on the floor (occasionally kicking him away if he rolled too close), my girl turned around with her Rekstizzy the Meal Plan Peeimp cup and asked me if I wanted some. I had to take her cup and set it down gently. Without taking my eyes off her, my foot came down on it, and that's the end of that. By the way, she didn't kick my ass after that. Why do I say that? No reason. Just, trust me.

Bubble tea is still for pussies.

Now, here are 3 exceptions to the rule: 1. Girls like bubble tea. Everybody who keeps it real as shiyet, like me, you can bear with it until after the date, if you cut your liver open and let it trickle out. Don't be a pussy, just sew it up later.

2. Girls like bubble tea: Playboys and peeimpz, you already know this. Do it up.

3. Girls like bubble tea: Girls, I know you like that bubble tea, and that's wussup.

However, if you ever catch your boyfriend enjoying it more than you do, you need to reevaluate. Last thing you want is your man surprising you with terrific secrets like, "Sorry honey, I've been meaning to tell you this, but, I'm actually a labia."

--Rekstizzy tha Meal Plan Peeimp Asian Outlook

24

Horoscopes

by Reiko Thorne March 21- April 19 There will be some fantastic new beginnings for most, thanks to the new moon in Libra; for you the brand new opportunity will become apparent in the area of romance. Whether you're already in a relationship or you're still looking for love be prepared to be swept off your feet!

April 20- May 20 Because of the new moon, which will move into Libra this morning, you can expect to make some excellent progress at work or school. Your calm demeanor will be an absolute blessing to everyone, but woe betide the one person likely to take advantage of your good nature!

May 21- June 21 The chance to start afresh or wipe the slate clean with someone who's either been particularly demanding or overly critical is likely to make you feel a lot better. Deep down you'll know that you were in the right, but let bygones be bygones and accept the olive-branch.

June 22 July 22 You'd be well advised to listen to your family this semester. Thanks to the new moon in Libra someone close to you is likely to provide some much needed inspiration that could set you off in a whole new direction in life.

Just make sure that you keep your ears open, Cancer.

July 23- August 22 It is more than possible that someone near to you will be in need of a quiet word in their ear. Maybe they're being thoughtless, or they're simply misguided over something, but you'll be in a position to tactfully set the record straight, much to the relief of everyone else!

August 23- September 22

Your imagination is likely to be in overdrive; couple this with a fantastic flair for what looks good and a discerning eye for a bargain you could get yourself to the mall to snap up some enviable purchases. Go for something unusual or eye-catching to wow your friends!

25

Asian Outlook

September 23- October 22 The new moon in your sign indicates a fresh new start. If there is anything that you've often thought about trying but have never had the time, or have felt a little too nervous now is the time to put your doubts behind you and decide to have a go! Afterwards you'll be glad you did!

October 23- November 21 With three planets in Libra you will probably need a little time to yourself at some point during the semester. A harsh word or the slightest hint of stress will affect you more than usual, so book yourself a luxurious pampering session this evening, which will help you de-stress again!

November 22- December 21 Thanks to a wonderful aspect between the sun and the new moon in Libra it is possible that someone new could walk into your life. It's unlikely that this person will become anything more than a friend, but what an excellent friend they will turn out to be!

December 22- January 19 The new moon in Libra will provide an excellent opportunity for you to shine out today, especially when someone else lets the side down big time! Just keep your eyes open for the moment, Capricorn, and be prepared to step in when it's needed: you'll soon show everyone what you're really made of!

January 20- February 18 Journeys and short trips are looking well, with you able to organize anything at a moment's notice, as long as you control your more impulsive nature, and a chance encounter could make for some interesting romantic developments, so make sure you're looking your best.

February 19- March 20 If you find that you are having some brilliant ideas at work or school, but that no one is really listening take heart. A friend, quite possibly a laid-back air sign, will champion your cause, with good effect! Just be ready to feel a little bit smug later in the semester!

Asian Outlook

26

Asian Night 2006

CASU Lion Dance

PALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regal Singkil

AO gets psyched!

TASC performs their Aboriginal Dance

IFD

by Katherine K. Lam photos by Jie Lin

bellydances the night away

27

Asian Outlook

Masti dazzles the audience!~

Forward, MARCH!

HKES is a-rockin’ the HOUSE!!!

KASA’s Chris Kim charms us with his soulful voice.

BUKUSA performs a graceful dance.

BUJA rakes in the fish with this fisherman’s dance.

Asian Outlook

28

co n s c

i e

nc

e

Chapter 14 by Ron Fulay

The Equation|that(i.think)Pertains to--waves(particles);photon OKAY Chapter- - - - fourteen; electronic spectroscopy dear lord. general questions. ok. even thoughikinda didn't read the chapter); but anyways her(e we g)o. question 10.

What is) MOLAR ABSORPTIVITY ;solute; absorbing eighty-6 percent passing though - - 1 CENTIMETER (ok.so this-isNOTinmeters;converting that to meters: WAIT NO. canNOT be centi.

Its gonna be DECIMETERS But w(h?)y. Whatever not important. Ill find that out later ok so Times that by to the power of minus 10.

Got it.

Continuing passing point one six MOLAL solution. thats in grams per liter.

Awesome.

Ok so they want the absorptivity (whateverthehellthatis) of a container with some solute in it that is .16 molal ,absorbing 86 percent of() ligh^t.Eighty !six is point 8 eight. Minus that by 1 and you ----GET .14 for the transmittance of that. The solute I (mean----) But wait thats only transmittance. (how)doig(etthe_()^absobance throughthat..>_= A(bso^rbance abso#rbance abs&orbance !@#$%^&*() -(Negative) log of T(ransmittance)! which equals the epsilon times b times c. b(pathlength) and c(concentration) now I just plug in numbers right? Hope so WAIT A equals point eight five 85 Solving for epsilon now which is absorbance/over (b) times (c) chug the value of A is that over 1 decimeter times point ol per liter ENTER .85387 over (parenthesis 1 times .16 parenthesis which equals Absorbance= 5.3 LITERS PER DECIMETER PER MOLE ?isthatright. god.i.hope.so.

OKAY.question 32.

Asian Outlook

30

subway diaries by katherine k. lam i remember one afternoon in new york city, the day i don't really remember much of--it might have been bland and uneventful --but i remember the subway ride. it was a singular event. a random beauty in the most unexpected place. she was a middle-aged black woman from Brooklyn--it might have been the 5 line--and you could tell that she was not as financially well-off as most would like to be. her image was raw and tough, her navy sweatshirt and dark sweatpants hid the physical woman from the rest of the world. but she had, she possessed, this strange beauty, stark and primordial. there was something about her face that was so enticing, her high cheekbones, and her dark skin glossing over the beautiful structure, enveloping her strong, yet delicate jawline. her dark lips in a circle, forming words, laughs, that showed her teeth, slightly tinted from years of any oral pollution, but in comparison to her dark, velvety skin, they were white. the skin of her forehead was pulled taut, naturally sans botox, somewhat matte, and beautiful. not too big, not too small, it led perfectly to her hairline. the dark velvet was so rich.

i think she thought i was looking down on her and started giving me weird looks. i couldn't stop looking at her though. she was so beautiful.

Ode to Our Conscience Editor

by Katherine K. Lam

His face is round, His eyes crescents; Eyebrows furrowed with the determination of tomorrow, A drop of sweat glides down the side of his face As he ponders The meaning of life; Wasabi, boogers, Sonic the Hedgehog, Ideas that turn the wheels of his mind.

This is Reklis, Recognize the genius.

Rekstizzy Tha Meal Plan Peeimp

31

Asian Outlook

ARTWORK BY REIKO THORNE

onigiri v. hamburger

lively fish

Moocow: A Mad Real Poem

by Rekstizzy Tha Meal Plan Peeimp Last winter I went fishing “I hope we catch something huge, I mean REALLY huge” said this urchin kid

the moo cow lives

Fishing pole, check, string, check, bait, check Looking out to sea from the deck “What’s that in the distance?”

I didn’t even need to reply, because, the urchin kid was being devoured after the end of the last thing he said

Asian Outlook

32

Artwork by Ronald Kim

“mood: unimpressed”

“8 hit combo” 33

Asian Outlook

What I Wanted to Forget

by Will To I only wish that I forgot your name. I only wish that I forgot your tantalizing stare, the endless, deep blue eyes that seemed to comprehend, to understand, to sympathize, and to love boundlessly. I only wish I forgot your thick, wavy auburn tresses that seemed to glow in the light, the hair that complemented the brown and orange leaves of autumn so well, the hair that seems mired in my memory. I only wish that I forgot those red lips, red like the red envelopes for Chinese New Year, red like the flags the matadors wave in front of charging bulls to divert their attention, and red like the brilliant hue of the Communist flag, the false symbol and the killer of hopes and dreams. I only wish that I had forgotten you, your name, everything about you, from the way that you laughed, breaking out in a grin wider than the chasm in my heart now that you're gone, to the way that you would lean in close, as if everything I said was a secret and the most confidential thing in the world.

I only wish I forgot you.

But I didn't. And so, I'm cursed to live out my days right now in a sort of strange trance, a semi-dreamlike state that makes me lethargic, lazy, and comatose; I see the assignments piled up on my desk, but I don't do them, I see the obligations filling my notebook but I don't fulfill them, and I see my friends beseeching me to snap out of this funk, but I don't answer them.

Of course, if anyone asks me why I'm like this, your name, with its sweet taste on my tongue, is the first thing on my mind but the farthest thing from my lips.

Well, I reply, the words coming out hazy, as if I am hearing them from far away, I'm just not feeling so great. Damned food is getting to me and the Everest-like stack of homework isn't helping very much.

The homework is a bitch of course, but it is nothing really, just an excuse; of course, I never used excuses when I was with you, because that would have just been cowardly. Now though, now that you seem purged from my life, much like those happy pictures that I deleted first thing after you told me what you did, things seem quiet. Empty almost, in much the same way that a jar is emptied of its fluids, or a human is emptied of his or her aspirations and goals and childhood wishes. Empty, like the way that I am, now thatâ&#x20AC;Śwell, you know.

Photo by Fabrizio Verni

""Desire is the root of suffering," my friend says to me, and his words penetrate the fog that has clouded my mind. It is true, and devout Buddhist that he is, I wonder how he feels sometimes, with his emotional detachment, yet, at the same time, compassion. A walking, talking, breathing paradox, if there ever was one.

Yes, I reply, but we live amongst the world, not apart from it. This line I take, rather shamelessly, from one of my favorite authors, whose characters bleed, suffer from love, both unrequited and mutual, but who keep fighting the cruel tides and whims of Fate nonetheless.

I feel a pang of regret and guilt, for being so unlike them. My life is nothing but ease and everything but suffering, yet I am defeated when I fall over one little obstacle, trip into one small booby trap. I am suffering from splinters when my heroes are suffering from stakes, sometimes straight through their hearts. How can I compare?

Asian Outlook

34

So I don't. Instead, I banish my sadness, and cloak my cynicism and bitterness, concealing that under a veneer of cordiality and humor, a thin, false disguise that I know to be rickety and transparent but that the world knows to be true. The world does not ask, does not question, and so I do not answer, except in wisecracks and jokes and bitter comparisons and comments diluted with a laugh or a wink. Sometimes, I think, the world can be so oblivious that you can feed them poison on a spoon and they will eat it eagerly, and unquestioningly.

Now I understand what the singers and the actors and the writers all rant and rave about when they talk about their feelings. Before you I would laugh it off, and before you I would shrug at Fate when she flicked me off my pedestal and onto the trash heap. Before you, I never felt a large, persistent constriction in my chest area whenever a girl laughed at me for having the audacity to ask her out, whenever an air headed bimbo ground my wishes to dust. Before you, I could think on my feet, charm women the way those barefoot, dusty guys charmed snakes, and fall on my back instead of falling head over heels, which hurts a hell of a lot more and causes much more damage.

I only wish I could forget you. But you hold me without even intending to, trapping me in the sticky crystalline filaments of the tangled, beautiful web you weave around my consciousness. Your memory taunts me with the last words you spoke to me, and with the potential possibility, the tantalizing, painful possibility that somehow, someway, if I had spoken or acted or done things differently, that you would not have done what you did. Maybe if my mind, usually so fast and cunning, had not malfunctioned at that exact moment, then we would not be where we are now. You tease me with a world of what-ifs and has beens, and even though I say you, I know you have no part in it. It is just the part of you that is with me, and perhaps the part that will forever be with me, but then, I don't know.

In the end though, I am damned if I do forget you, and damned if I don't. So I suppose I won't forget, and I won't also ask for another shot, because that is just pathetic and useless and won't accomplish anything. Nor will I ask for my heart back, because it is not your fault that you took that away with you; perhaps it is mine for letting you take it away. Instead, I just want to have my thoughts free of your image, to have the illusions and wishes and disasters ripped from my mind. I want my mind and memory to be as empty as my heart.

I just want to be whole again, but then again, I suppose you wont come back.

U

n t i t led by Peter Lam

She reached out and touched my hand when she laughed. It wasn't a particularly funny joke, but she felt the need to brush the back of my right hand anyway.

Then she smiled at me, as though we shared an inside joke, a secret only we knew. She was still watching me after my uneasy chuckle.

Her eyes met mine. They cut right through my collected gaze.

They parted the depths of my mind and grasped my attention completely. It was a feeling I never learned to get used to.

Then she laughed again once she realized she was holding my hand. Suddenly the world finally caught up with us, and she left me behind.

35

Asian Outlook

SUBMIT TO ASIAN OUTLOOK

SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT SEND TO AO.EDITOR@GMAIL.COM OR AOCONSCIENCE@GMAIL.COM ARTWORK BY REIKO THORNE Asian Outlook

36

How to be an Asianâ&#x20AC;ŚAmerican

(An Opinion)

First of all, you have no choice. You are either born as one, or you are not. If you are not, but you like Asian or Asian-American culture, then that's fine. Your friends will welcome you and tell you what they know, invite you over to dinner, or maybe even give you a nice little red pocket for Lunar New Year (without money, of course, but with a nice little greeting that wishes you the best of luck for the upcoming year, and maybe some candy too).

You could also be born Asian and like and enjoy your culture. This, of course, is a good thing. Maybe you could speak your ancestral language, maybe you can even read and write it too, but even if you can't do either, that's ok, because at the very least, you can understand. When your parents tell you stories of Wu Song beating the crap out of an angry, man-eating tiger who happened to cross his path on a fair day in Song dynasty China, you laugh and cheer for Wu Song because hell, he is so much cooler than Little Red Riding Hood.

Seriously, the man pulls that off with his own bare hands; you have to admit, that is one hardcore guy. Or, your parents tell you stories about Mulan, the daughter and only child in the family, who dresses up as a man to take her father's place in fighting the northern, non-Chinese invaders who threaten her beloved country. You egg Mulan on, because, you realize, Mulan could kick the shit out of any knight in shining armor, not the least because the northerners are mostly horsemen, and Mulan probably has a wickedly hooked spear for dealing with the vicious, nomadic shitheads and their horses.

You think about sex. Of course you do, you're only human, though, if one believed any of a number of stereotypes, Asians don't think about sex; instead, skinny, weakly Asian males study, and play shooting games like Counterstrike. However, for the ladies, that is a different matter entirely; they are seen as submissive little vixens who probably cry in bed and love it when white men do it to them, because Asians can't compare. NonAsians will probably think that they are so much better than Asians, because of their "Western" mindset, genital size, and, well because they're so much better.

You sigh. Perhaps the human race is perpetually doomed to killing, raping, and plundering each other because of such differences. Too bad we can't pull our collective heads from the sand (like those damned ostriches) and see the bigger picture. Oh well.

You prepare for the SATs, going to prep schools, learning more math, more English. Maybe your math is extremely good, which it will likely be because your parents drill that crap into you from childhood. Or maybe your math isn't so good, because you hate equations, numbers, and those damned word problems who love to twist you around in subtle, unpleasant ways. Maybe your English is good, because you are in five different AP classes that have nothing to do with life, unless you are headed for academia.

Maybe you consider suicide. Many teens do, but then, given that you live in America, and not Asia, you may or may not carry it out. After all, back in the home countries, the tests are fierce, the competition is fiercer, and damn, the stakes are high. But here in America, things aren't so great, especially if you''re bound for college.

37

Asian Outlook

When you get to college, you may realize that Asian unity is a myth. If you take any Asian history courses, you will see that throughout the past, Asian countries fight each other more than married couples argue; hell, some wars last lifetimes, and some atrocities are ridiculously brutal, as if they were something from out of a horror movie. And yet, in America, Asian and Asian-American unity, though sometimes tested with the occasional fight of one ethnic street gang versus another, still holds true. Sometimes you may blame the Japanese for invading your nation or for being sadomasochists, or the Chinese for being arrogant and saying all Asian cultures came from them, or the Koreans for excluding others by always speaking Korean around non-Koreans, or the Viets for having a strange-sounding language and fish sauce, but in the end, Asian-Americans are one big, sort of happy family. And besides, you're only kiddingâ&#x20AC;Śmost of the time.

Except that no one will examine your life carefully, you idiot. Do yourself a favor and pull your head out of your ass; do you think the average non-Asian racist bastard on the street (or in the corporate boardroom even) will give a flying fuck that you were born here and that you are possibly more American than he/she is?

You look Asian, and that's good enough for you to be fucked up the ass (again, the term) by any number of people, whether they be the suspicious bastards hiring for government positions (companies may not be so bad because they are more of a meritocracy after all) or the egoistical shits on the company board who determine who gets promoted (surprise surprise you're not because of some racist fuckhead, and not because you're a bad worker).

In the end though, whitewashed/Twinkie/Banana or proud, heritage conscious Asian that you are, you realize that all of the above are only labels, categories to help the fickle human mind view and understand the world. Somehow, somewhere along the way, the labels and categories became distorted and tools became reasons to kill each other and hate each other. ClichĂŠd it may sound, you tell yourself and your children, but it's true.

Perhaps your children coo at you in whatever tongue you're speaking at the moment, or they nod, but whatever they do, you see in their beautiful, innocent eyes all the hope and possibility that may have been denied you, and so you smile back at them, and perhaps, just perhaps, you tell them the story of Wu Song, or Mulan. Or Little Red Riding Hood. But just remember, Mulan can beat the hell out of Little Red Riding Hood any day, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Agree with this article? Disagree? Found it truthful or unappropriately racist?

Let us know at AO.Editor@gmail.com

Asian Outlook

38