Asian Outlook | Spring 2019 Issue #1 by Asian Outlook

ASIAN OUTLOOK March 2019 Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1

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RE: Seven Things I Hate About Asians The Reality of Skin Bleaching, Lightening and Self Tanning Chinascope in Retrospect: Dragon Night 2019 Homeward Bound

Volume XXXVI, Issue 1

contents ASIAN OUTLOOK 2

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Front cover photo by Jessie Yang (conscience editor). Back cover photo by Juliana Malta from Unsplash.

letter from the editor... Dear Readers, I urge you to be heard. At the time of this writing, major tragedy has just struck New Zealand in the form of back-to-back mosque shootings in the name of white supremacy. Though it has been stated to the point of exhaustion, it sadly must be said again: stop the horrific rhetoric. Immediately. Period. Whether left, right or center, the lack of respect for intellectual “opponents” degrades the very institution that is civil discourse, the very institution that defines contemporary humanity. Furthermore, the reduction of nuanced arguments into simplistic, comforting campaign points is morally bankrupt and, to be frank, disgusting. In a world as complex as the every-changing, interconnected web of 7.7 billion individual lives and life histories, no modern day issue is simple. NONE. To convince any swathe of people that the solution to famine, foreign warfronts, nuclear arms, domestic poverty, income inequality, etc. , is simple and clean cut is to feed into the brainwashing of modern day Americans. To those gaining from, and contributing to, this specific aspect of the system: shame on you. However, this letter is addressed to you, “readers.” Not the “establishment” or the “1%,” but you! The Binghamton student struggling to finish your studies. The friend of a Binghamton student interested in Asian culture. What can you do? Well, we can all realize something: we don’t have time to waste time. Be heard! Figure out what you stand for, be brave enough to love yourself and your ideas, be fearless enough to change them if necessary, and shout from the rooftops! And hey, AO is one hell of a rooftop to shout from. So, while I love to read about pop culture and Asians in film, there are bigger issues still. In the AAPI community specifically, there are the issues of: poverty, immigration, gentrification, and the exclusion of South Asian populations in conversations to name a few. I realize picket signs aren’t for everyone. Still, I implore you to take a perusall of the assigned reading topics above and see if something sparks a bit of civic passion in you. If not, I believe the least we can do is be towers of positive reverberation, a.k.a. good vibes. Remember that you are what you eat. And your social media is called a “feed” for a reason. With that said, I am excited to introduce a round of identityrelated articles and poems for you all! Everything from the jewelry we don to the skin we wear. The families we come from to the families we build. The markets we shop in to the categories we are placed in. All have an effect on our overall identity. All are explored in Issue XXXVI of Asian Outlook Magazine. On behalf of the entire AO team… enjoy. Osu!

In Solidarity, Michael Messina President / Editor-in-Chief

ASIAN OUTLOOK EXECUTIVE BOARD SPRING 2019 Editor-in-Chief Vice President Conscience Editor Secretary Treasurer Copy Editors

layout editors

Event Coordinator Videographer Publicity Chair Interns

Michael Messina Camille Guo Jessie Yang Rina Weng Brandon Ng Dayne Feehan Michelle Tan Kylie Wen Emily Lin Michelle Pao Lily Tang Isabella Weiner Mengshu Ye Thomas Hur Claire Choi Tao Jiang Sherry Dang Emma Shen

EDITORIAL POLICY

Asian Outlook is the art, literary and news magazine of the Asian Student Union of SUNY’s Binghamton University. Originally conceived and created to challenge, redefine, re-imagine and revolutionize images and perceptions associated with Asians and Asian Americans, Asian Outlook also serves to protect the voice of those in the minority, whether by ethnicity, gender, and/or political orientation. All matter contained within these beautiful pages do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Asian Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions and publish work as deemed appropriate. Prospective contributors are encouraged to discuss their work with the editors prior to submissions. All submissions may be submitted as e-mail attachments to ao.editor@gmail.com.

CONTACT POLICY Uninvited contact with writers and contributors is strictly prohibited. Please direct all questions, comments and complaints to ao.editor@gmail.com. E-mail us at:

ao.editor@GMAIL.com

For more info check us out on facebook: FACEBOOK.com/asianoutlook/ Look at our past issues on Issuu: ISSUU.com/asianoutlook Inside Outlook Podcasts: SOUNDCLOUD.com/asianoutlook

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 3

RE: SEVEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT Images designed by Freepik.

A few years ago, Lali Ha, a Binghamton student, published an article in Asian Outlook entitled: “Seven Things I Hate About Asians.” Though we love amplifying voices across the spectrum of opinions, we felt a need to publish a response. Unfortunately, we only had room to respond to a few of the items she listed. Below, you will find some of Lali’s original points followed by our responses to each. You can find the rest of the original article in Vol. XX, Issue 3. Enjoy!

1. >>Slutty Asian girls. THIS REFERS TO THE GIRLS WITH BAD EYE MAKE-UP (USUALLY BLACK EYE LINER), COLORED CONTACTS, BOOBS POPPING OUT OF THEIR TURTLENECKS, SHORT MINIS (THEY CAN’T HANDLE ‘EM ), AND STRIPPER HEELS. They usually come with a full range of personalities from ghetto to white- washed. I find that most ugly girls with hot bodies are victims of this category because they show too much skin. I hate that it’s usually the really fugly ones who try too hard to look hot. Is it because they can’t get any attention from wasted frat guys unless they show a little preview of what they can offer in bed? There is no need to validate yourself by showing a lot of skin. It stereotypes Asian girls as sex objects. At Asian Night, I saw a slim girl who had the body of a model (I don’t have a problem admitting when someone has good looks). How- ever, she was more orange than an oompa loompa, and quite frankly, her face looked like a car crash. I could tell she was trying so hard to look like an import model. She dressed up like she just came back from a low-budget hip-hop video shoot -- only she looked like an over-cooked turkey leg. . .or a discolored cadaver. I still can’t tell. To those in this category, I am advising you girls to stop wearing clear (stripper) heels, and to get a good old-fashioned Asian ass beating by your mamas.

they just think it’s *gasp* fun. With that said… are there some, even many, girls who engage in promiscuity because of mild-severe mental issues? Sure. But assuming that to be the default reasoning is damaging to the view of the female… far more damaging than any mini skirt will ever be. As a rule of thumb, one should not describe a girl as a “discolored cadaver” when attempting to empower their demographic.

RE: Umm… how do boobs pop out of turtlenecks? Or maybe that was the point of the joke… anyway, back to the reply. You mention many “slutty asian girls” being victims of such categorization. A categorization which you, ironically, have thrust upon them. While women ARE without a doubt subject to overt sexualization in modern western society, American society in particular, the more damaging stereotype is that of the slut. If a female wishes to signal her sexuality, so be it. Even MORE damaging than both the sexualized stereotype and slut stereotype is that of the victim. Assuming that any girl flaunting her looks is a result of some psychological flaw or sexual insecurity is not okay. Generally speaking, these girls are CHOOSING to dress the way they want to. Perhaps it improves their confidence, perhaps

RE: Change is scary. Being different is scary. Branching out to radically foreign populations is scary. Today, the championing of diversity has lead to much criticism of caucasian communities being too uniform in racial makeup and thought. However, these harsh criticisms seem to forget the fact that evolution favors those who stick to tribes, literal tribes, of like-minded individuals who will watch each other’s backs. Of course, present day offers a much different context, one that demands a human population that reaches across the aisle and considers other points of view, despite the difficulty and discomfort in doing so. Still, to trivialize the bravery required to take that initial step to the outside, inherently labelling oneself an outsider, is to discourage the act entirely. As for the bit about assimilating

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2. >>FOBs. I’m not talking about the ones who’ve just made it to the U.S. to pursue their Masters or PhD degrees. This category is for you guys and gals who have been living in America, or were born and raised here and still, by choice, refuse to adapt to American culture. Well, it is tricky to define American culture since it is a melting pot of various cultures. However, I’m talking about the ones who have been living here for at least eight years, refuse to learn or speak English, and only hang out with people of their heritage. This category also includes the ones who avoid speaking to non-Asians. Don’t get me wrong, being proud of your cultures is a beautiful thing but if your requirement for being friends is an Asian last name, it has got to go. This “problem” is most blatantly seen in the Korean population.

Originally published in Vol. XX, Issue 3. By Lali Ha

Asians to lingual and cultural differences, I believe the former to be a logistical necessity to be encouraged in all coming to the states. As for the latter, I am all for someone deciding not to assimilate to our culture whatsoever. Besides, isn’t the freedom to decide against assimilation to American culture an ironically, decidedly American notion? 4. >>White-washed Asians. This is for those who put LC from The Hills and those other dumb bitches from the OC to shame. I see more girls than guys who look lost in their sad identity crises. First of all, since when did white girls talk like valley-girls? White girls don’t even give much respect to other white girls with valley-girl accents. Second of all, what is with the blond hair and really bad tan? I don’t know who you girls are trying to scare in broad daylight by looking like an oompa loompa, but the blond hair and black eyebrows have got to go. Have a backbone and be proud of your Asian roots. If you refuse to hang out with Asians, what kind of image are you putting out there? What are you saying about yourself ? You can try to wrap yourselves in Abercrombie and Hollister all you want but you still look and are (quite unfortunately for you) Asian. Idolizing bitches from television shows isn’t going to cut it in the real world. And stop denying yourself of delicious Asian men (just not mine). Having sex with only white guys isn’t going to make your eyes and nose any bigger. Asians are good for you. Get some! RE: So you told FOBs to talk to more white people, but now you’re telling white washed Asians to talk to more Asian people. I think we really need to remind ourselves that we are in no position to define the social tendencies of others. ESPECIALLY when you are putting an arbitrary cap to the portion of asian friends AND the portion of white friends one can have. I realize that you’re just arguing that one shouldn’t be racially exclusive, but the additional assumptions you attach to any of these groups are, in my opinion, arrogant at best. An Asian in a white crowd doesn’t always mean “sad identity crisis” as you stated above. One can still be proud of their Asian roots and indulge in the

culture permeating around them. ESPECIALLY if it is the culture that a given individual was born and raised in, which is the case for many an Asian American. There is no way to tell who any given person idolizes by comparing their skin color to that of their friend group. And no, asians are not necessarily “good for you.” Toxic people come in all flavors: white, brown, Asian, and more. 5. >>Single Asian guys who hate on yellow fever and blame all their sexual frustration on white men. For those unaware of this deadly syndrome, symptoms of yellow fever include a non-Asian man (most likely white since white men are the majority at BU) dating exclusively Asian women, having a fetish for Asian women, and succeeding in getting Asian girlfriends or one night stands with a hot Asian. As a result, a lot of sad and lonely Asian guys curse white men for stealing all of their fine women (I know, we are pretty damn hot). Why do guys in this category complain so much? Get up on your passive-aggressive asses and do something about it. Look at yourselves in the mirror and ask, “If I were a girl, would I want to tap this?” If you feel even the slightest hesitation, hit the mall and start charging plastic. Get a different wardrobe, go out and start flirting! Oh, and be confident. Nothing’s sexier than a guy who knows how to present himself in public. It’s about time people tell you that it’s not that Asian girls always fantasize about a white dude with blond hair and blue eyes. You just absolutely, without a doubt, have no game. Most Asian girls I know love dating other Asians (I also love my Asian boyfriend), so don’t say that Asian girls are more attracted to white dudes. White guys and Asian girls should not be blamed for being attracted to each other. I’m not saying that you have to change yourself but there is always room for improvement. If you want that special somebody, you have to work for it. RE: Agreed. Except for the charging plastic part… be financially responsible, chicks dig financial responsibility.

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 5

Beauty & Skin Products:

The Reality of Bleaching, Lightening and Self Tanning Skin Asian, African, and American Products By Kayla Henry-Caltabellotta and Pamela Martinez

EAUTY STANDARDS AROUND THE WORLD ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING ALONG FASHION AND MEDIA PLATFORMS. A beauty trend that has taken over several countries throughout the world revolves around skin color. In particular, Asia and Africa have prioritized lighter skin for centuries as an ideal beautiful feature. These fads have been carried out by ancestors using ancient skin regimens to keep their skin pigment to their liking. In other countries such as the United States, people choose to completely oppose pale skin and opt for a carmel, sun-kissed tan. Today, the media and influencers shape the way people view beauty. In order to follow the look, men and women invest in products promising a noticeable improvement following the trend. What users are not aware of are the harmful chemical ingredients put into these products. Some people only notice the danger if they personally face harmful side effects, but this does not ultimately put a stop to their regimen. A World Health Organization study found that 40% of Chinese women, 61% of Indian women and 77% of women in Nigeria regularly use skin-lightening creams. In 2011, 25% of U.S. female teens engaged in using sunless tanning products (Quinn 2015). These growing percentages reveal an eye opening movement that may be leading men and women down a startling path. Historically, Asia and Africa have held long lived traditions to keep up with their appearance and become attractive through society’s eyes. But how did these beauty ideals start? Many countries in Asia opened trade with the Westerners in the mid 1800’s. Japan’s subsequent period of the Meiji Restoration along with China’s loss of the Opium War to Britain pushed ports to trade goods with Western nations. This movement brought Western influence into the countries, leading men and

ASIAN OUTLOOK

women to subconsciously imitate clothing, fashion, films, and norms. Another area of the world that was influenced similarly was Africa. The French colonized Africa in the 1830’s during the invasion of Ottoman Algiers. Not only did they impose their language, lifestyle, and traditions on Africa, but they also exemplified white man’s authority. With this power, light skin was viewed as a socio-economic, political, and class marker. Light skin was desired by the darker skinned people in order to improve their quality of life and raise their social class.

Impact of chemical ingredients in skin products: Do we know what is in our beauty products? Most of us will choose a product because it promises to do its job. Looking closer at the ingredients in skin lightening and bleaching products we see some red flags. Some of the most popular ingredients put into trendy skin lightening products sold in Asia and Africa consist of hydroquinone, mercury, steroids, and lead. All of these work by blocking the production of melanin, the component that absorbs sunlight and makes your skin darker. At high concentrations, these ingredients are extremely dangerous to the human body and cause psychological as well as physiological damage. Although many countries have banned products containing these ingredients, the black market continues to spread its popularity among Asian and African people. One of the most featured ingredients is hydroquinone. At a high concentration, these products include side effects such as severe redness, burning, stinging, dryness, cracking, or bleeding of skin. Other side effects include hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Ochronosis can also occur, which includes blue or black discoloration of

the skin due to hyperpigmentation. This chemical can also be but I do not care because being beautiful is important to meâ&#x20AC;?. under different names like 1, 4-benzenediol, quinol, benzene-1, When asking two women from Asia, residing in Indonesia and 4-diol, p-Diphenol, p-dihydroxybenzene, p-hydroxyphenol, the Philippines, both women encountered side effects from hydrochinonium, hydroquinol, and tequinol. previous skin products, but not their current. Even so, they did Another scary ingredient found in these products is mercury. not bother to look at the ingredients in their previous or current This toxin is sneaked into many leading Asian and African skin products. Likewise, the American self tanning product users did lightening products. If mercury is used in larger doses, the side not review the ingredients listed either. These interviews not effects could include harm to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and only helped us understand that people are completely unaware immune system, in addition to impairment of peripheral vision, of the ingredients in their own skin products, but also the lack of disturbances in sensations, lack of coordination, impairment knowledge behind the detrimental effects that could come along of speech, hearing, and walking, and muscle weakness with both skin lightening and skin bleaching. (MedicineNet). Some forms of mercury that can be hiding in After interviewing both product users and a local dermatologist, labels may also be named mercuric iodide, ammoniated mercury, we realized that many people are not aware of the natural, more amide chloride of mercury, quicksilver, mercury sulfide, holistic ways to go about brightening and lightening skin. This hydrargyri oxidum rubrum (mercury oxide), or mercury iodide. not only refers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthierâ&#x20AC;? options that can be found in stores, Steroids are commonly used in skin lightening and bleaching but products found in our own homes as well! Dr. Newmark, and can cause loads of problems to a of Vestal, NY, recommends patients user. Some effects include skin atrophy, looking for a more natural approach for INGREDIENTS stretch marks, fluid build-up in the lightening the skin to use polypodium legs, increase in blood pressure, bone leucotomos, a natural oral antioxidant damage and thinning, and Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that is known to lighten skin pigment. syndrome. In some cases the topical He also recommends licorice used steroid gets through the skin and into as topical extract. Other natural

the bloodstream, which is primarily a ingredients can be found online as well

concern in children who are on strong and are even used daily by Asian and

doses as this can affect their growth. African models, singers, rappers and Although lead poisoning has become more. These include but are not limited common knowledge all over the world, lead is still used against to singer BeyoncĂŠ Knowles, Lil Kim, Rihanna and Liu Wen. FDA law. Lead is a predominantly dangerous ingredient that may Some of these natural products incorporate orange, lemon juice, cause high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties papaya, almond powder, pumpkin, and potato juice, all of which with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, not only work to lighten skin, but are also filled with a variety mood disorders, reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm, of beneficial vitamins. Rice water and powder have also been miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women used by Asian woman for centuries as a natural way to soften and (MayoClinic). lighten the skin. Studies have even proved that rice can protect While looking at skin lightening chemicals is alarming, the skin from UV rays and also possesses anti-aging benefits. American skin tanning also raises some concerns to a lesser The grapefruit contains a large variety of health benefits, extent. Ultimately self tanning products are safer than depending including that of Vitamin C. Vitamin C can be used to lighten on UV rays to get the job done, but two ingredients that may skin. (makeupyourmind 2016). cause some problems are mineral oil and amyl acetate. Mineral So while changing your skin color to conform to what is oil can actually damage the skin barrier and increase water loss â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautifulâ&#x20AC;? may be important, how important is it really? Is it as it clogs the pores and suffocates the skin (Bauso 2017). Amyl worth putting your physical and mental health at risk? While acetate at high concentrations can cause headaches, drowsiness, Africa has started making laws against certain skin ingredients, weakness, dizziness, unconsciousness, irritation, dryness and Asians and Americans continue to use this everyday without cracking of the skin. Sunless self tanner is the better option for a any negative repercussions by the government or the FDA. It is desired sun-kissed look but why not rock your natural skin tone important to take matters into our own hands and look at what and save your money? exactly we are using on our bodies. Save yourself and check the skin products you are using!

Interviews and natural alternatives: When reaching out to skin product users in Asia, Africa and America, we were able to get the full scoop on why exactly people use these products and if they are actually satisfied. We also asked if they would continue to use the products if they were found detrimental to their health, as well as if they were aware of natural alternatives to lightening or tanning skin. Common amongst every interview, not a single ingredient in these products were known by its user. So, while these people are using products on their own bodies, they have no clue how harmful it could be to their health. One woman from KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa even stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know there are some harmful risks

Work cited Bauso, Anne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Common Skin-Care Ingredient You Should Probably Avoid, According to Jennifer Lawrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facialist.â&#x20AC;? Allure, Allure Magazine, 26 May 2017, www.allure.com/story/ mineral-oil-skin-care. Estares, Maria Suzette. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hollywood Celebrity Skin Whitening: How and Why Black and Asians Use Skin Lighteners.â&#x20AC;? Magic Potions, 21 Nov. 2017,mag ic-potions.com/hollywood-celebrityskin-bleaching/. Kozaki, Kiho. Japan Sociology, 10 Jan. 2015, japansociology.com/tag/human-skin-color/. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lead Poisoning.â&#x20AC;? Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Dec. 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/ symptoms-causes/syc20354717. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mercury Poisoning: Symptoms, Sources, Forms & Side Effects.â&#x20AC;? MedicineNet, www. medicinenet.com/mercury_poisoning/article.htm. Sommer, Craig. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mercury Poisoning-What Are The Symptoms ?â&#x20AC;? Holistic Dental Institute, Craig Sommer, 19 Feb. 2016, holisticdentalinstitute.com/mercury-poisoning-what-are-t hesymptoms/. Quinn M. , Alamian A. , Hillhouse J. , Scott C. , Turrisi R. , Baker K. (2015) Preventive Medicine Reports, 2 , pp. 40-43.

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 7

Chinascope in Retrospect: By Brendan Lin

OMING INTO COLLEGE, I WAS A LITTLE BITCH. In fact, I’ll admit that I’ve been a little bitch for most of my life. I was shy as fuck and was really just going through the motions; going to school, getting good grades–all so I could earn that schmoney in the future. But you know what was really sad? I didn’t know what I wanted to do–what goals I wanted to achieve, and I definitely didn’t know how to make that schmoney. But that changed–when I came to UFest during my first week. I met some random Chinese person sitting at a table next to other Chinese people because I liked talking to people with small eyes. At first, I was like, “The fuck is Chinascope?”, but I came to realize that it wasn’t strictly for Chinese people–in fact, we have a person of Caucasian ethnicity on the current executive board. But in all seriousness, Chinascope has taught me so damn much I really can’t even put it into words. I learned how to crossdress, dance like a butterfly, and to be more open-minded. Over the course of the three years I’ve been here, from Outreach to President, I’ve met so many amazing people through Chinascope; and most of what I’ve experienced is through each and every one of these individuals. Now, I can say that I know how to finally make that schmoney–and make my Asian parents proud. I’ve been given the blessing to work with a spectacular e-board–and over the past few months, we’ve been working our asses off to bring you the best show we can! Thank you for being here tonight–and we hope you enjoy!

ASIAN OUTLOOK

Dragon Night 2019

Chinascope Binghamton Facebook Image by Pexels

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 9

homeward bound A One-Of-a-Kind Exhibit Giving Voice to the Converging Worlds of Chinatowns By Emma Shen

HAT DOES CHINATOWN MEAN TO YOU? Chinatown is my safe haven, a place of identity and childhood memories, and a go-to spot for cheap food and adventures. It was created by Chinese people as a means to restore community, to provide resources, and to implement familiarity whenever they migrated to a new place. This became commonplace ever since the mid-1800s: in the 1840s when Britain defeated China in the First Opium War, misfortunes such as famine, rebellions and peasant uprisings were widespread throughout China. It continued on in the 1950s during WWII (severely affected by the Second Sino-Japanese War) and political dissent, which became known as the Chinese Diaspora - when large amounts of Chinese people (usually impoverished men) left home to find better jobs and economic opportunities elsewhere including, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe etc. The restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, schools, senior centers and so on, echo the community enrichment of Chinese culture. People are everywhere from running errands, enjoying tea lunch to the youth playing in the park and the elderly taking care of their grandchildren. The culture is bustling with street stands plentiful with fruit, street-food, clothes, and endless other commodities that make the neighborhood welcoming for business and social interactions (with sprinkles of tourism everywhere). You are bound to bump into someone you know if you grew up in the town. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and alive. It’s not surprising that Chinatowns are located all over the world. For instance, just in New York City, which is renown as the melting pot of diversity, there are several different locations considered Chinatown. There’s Manhattan Chinatown in the Lower East Side, Brooklyn

10 ASIAN OUTLOOK

Chinatown on 8th Avenue and on 86th Street, Flushing and Elmhurst in Queens, and emerging Chinatowns throughout. Chinatowns are diverse within themselves, having cuisines from all across Asia, all intertwined into a community. Especially in New York City, every culture forms a niche in a neighborhood rather it be Koreatown on 32nd Street or Little Italy (slowly disintegrating) just next to Manhattan Chinatown. It’s astonishing because of how strong people hold onto their roots and are able to share it with others. New York City is not quite the entire world, but its strong cultural roots and diversity emphasizes how Chinatowns are dispersed on a small scale, thus imagine how widespread they can be around the globe. New York’s Chinatown, which began in the 1870s, was not the first in the United States, unlike San Francisco Chinatown (on the West Coast of the U.S.) was the first established in the 1850s. People immigrate all over the U.S. , so, for each state’s major city to have its own Chinatown, like Philadelphia from Pennsylvania and Boston in Massachusetts, is mind boggling! Then you go to a neighboring country, Canada (also highly multicultural), that has Toronto and Vancouver as major Chinese populated cities. Chinatowns are literally worldwide from South America to Europe. More importantly, it’s fascinating how even other Asian countries (the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore etc.) have Chinatowns. That being said, what’s the best way to preserve all the historical significance and continue on the Chinese culture in the converging Chinatowns of the world? I introduce you to “Homeward Bound: Global Intimacies in Converging Chinatowns,” an oral history exhibit, curated by Diane Wong (an Asian Outlook Alumnus) and Huiying B. Chan. Located in Pearl River Mart, a vibrant store full with objects of the Chinese culture, currently

Scott Webb pexel.com.

on Broadway and Walker Street of Manhattan Chinatown, was on display from November 2018 to January 2019. The exhibit captured the essence of Chinatowns all over the world through photography and multimedia archives. The layout of the exhibit was in a small quaint room up the artsy stairs that yelled “ART THIS WAY” in bright red against the black steps. You are welcomed into the exhibit with a large timeline (lined with newspaper clippings and art pieces) of the history and displacement of Pearl River Mart due to rising rent prices, which is in itself a representation of how Chinatowns are gentrified. It’s so creative and innovative to incorporate the store’s history as a parallel to tell the story of all the changes in Chinatowns globally. As a Friendship Store, Pearl River Mart was opened in 1971 on 22 Catherine Street by Ming Yi Chen and three political activists as a way to start diplomacy between America and China and connect people in the community who wanted merchandise reminiscent of their homeland. In 1978 it moved to Elizabeth Street, due to rising rent. Eight years later, in 1986, they relocated to Canal Street. During the 1990s, celebrities from all over visited Pearl River because of the increased awe with Pan-Asian aesthetic in fashion and magazines. Throughout the years, Pearl River Mart has changed locations based on circumstantial reasons such as the availability of a larger space, or skyrocketing rent prices. In 2003 the store moved to Soho on 477 Broadway, however in 2015 due to their quintupled rent prices it had to shut down. Luckily in 2016, with new leadership under the daughter-inlaw of the Chens, Pearl River was able to reopen on Walker and Broadway in the Tribeca neighborhood. In addition, in 2017 the mart got to expand to a second location in Chelsea Market for its unique cultural and artistic display. For a small business like Pearl River Mart it is hard to be maintained and survive, largely due to the competition for the latest developments. The beginning of the exhibit is a wall with the curator’s overview and biographies stating their introspection with the Chinese Diaspora and Chinatown communities. The walls continue with distinct labels summarizing different meanings to the Chinatown communities. The purpose of the exhibit becomes clear in wanting to voice the need to preserve the survival of Chinatowns. It was inspired by their Homeward Bound series made prior with the W.O.W project at Wing on Wo & Co (a store on 26 Mott st.); displaying their travels all over the world to different Chinatowns. These “queer Chinese American scholars, organizers, and artists” wanted to narrate the “home, community and intergenerational resistance” as well as migration and displacement in Chinatowns. Using

Photo by suzukii xingfu on Pexel.

different mediums, the curators drew from four years of ethnographic research and “oral history interviews with the Chinese diaspora that spans nine countries and thirteen cities, including: New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle, Lima, Havana, Johannesburg, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Sydney.” The first wall “RESISTANCE” focuses on the San Francisco Chinatown with photographs and a hanging plaque quoting Dorothy G. C. Quock (Chinatown native and Wok Wiz Chinatown tour guide)’s anecdote in her relation to Chinatown. Beside the “RESISTANCE” wall is the rice sack outfit, described by Quock, embellished with sewed on red netting. The significance of the rice sack is that her father during the Great Depression delivered 50 - 100 lb rice sacks. The next wall is a giant map with yarn pinpointing all the converging Chinatowns, continuing on the right side of the same wall is “ROOTING” with a sweet poem integrating english and Taishan Chinese “remembering (y)our light” by one of the curators, Huiying, dedicated to her grandma. Another wall filled with only photographs titled “HOME”, then “LIVELIHOOD” and lastly “CHANGE.” It’s amazing how this exhibit, which is the first of its kind, so simply communicates the details of converging Chinatowns. With artistic touches the exhibit is not heavy with tons of words or facts. It artfully communicates the resistance, rooting, home, livelihood, and change of Chinatowns through mainly photography, anecdotes, a poem, and the timeline of Pearl River Mart. I think what makes this exhibit especially unique is that, because the story of Chinatowns is communicated in easy to understand mediums, anyone can visit and gain perspective, which is a big thing in Chinatowns; many elderly Chinatowners are only able to speak Chinese and not understand English. Respecting the people and culture of the Chinatown communities, by leaving them alone or providing helpful resources, globally is what will preserve the Chinese people’s roots. http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy/index.php?chinesediaspora https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/san-franciscochinatown https://www.pbs.org/kqed/chinatown/resourceguide/story.html https://urbandemos.nyu.edu/event/homeward-bound-globalintimacies-in-converging-chinatowns/ https://www.pearlriver.com/blogs/blog/how-homeward-boundcame-to-be-a-discussion-with-curators-diane-wong-and-huiyingb-chan https://www.pearlriver.com/blogs/past-exhibitions/diane-wongand-huiying-b-chan-homeward-bound-global-intimacies-inconverging-chinatowns-nov-10-2018-jan-25-2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQuzszNfx_0 https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Sino-Japanese-War

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 11

BLING: M

By Shivani Tambi Y MOTHER DID NOT HOLD ME WHEN MY EARS WERE PIERCED. She says that she could not bear to see the jeweler puncture my tender baby ears. Instead, it was my aunt who held me close, an infant of six months, so that I could go through a rite of passage that had been passed down for hundreds of years. After that, I adorned the same little red and gold earrings until I was at least five years old. After this came small gold hoops, worn until the age of eleven. While I write this, I can see the reflection of my current, flashier gold hoops in my laptop screen. They’re new, straight from India, brought by my mother after the early winter trip my parents took. Amongst all the large, gaudy pieces that she brought back home, this pair seems incredibly simple. However, even this simplicity carries beauty, a common occurrence in Indian jewelry. Lately I don’t go anywhere without earrings in. I find myself repeating my mother’s habits, my fingers going to my earlobes to check for some kind of metal, feeling incomplete if my ears are bare. Her grandmother -small, blind, and assertive- used to yell at her if she ever felt my mother’s arms void of bangles. Nange haath, naked arms -a cardinal sin, of course. The usage of jewelry is in the unwritten social constitution of South Asia. You will be hard pressed to find a little girl with un-pierced earlobes. Many women get their noses pierced simply for their wedding day. It is tradition. Although in many cases these expectations of women can be restrictive and detrimental, they also carry a legacy of strong cultural values, one that has lasted thousands of years. South Asian jewelry is a testament to their rich culture, it carries meaning and is a vessel of pride. Desi “bling” will always be a “statement piece,” because every piece inevitably carries deep meaning in some form -especially to South Asian women. Long known to hold one of the longest jewelry making traditions in the world, the Indian subcontinent is rife with beautiful adornments. The Indus Valley civilization -now modern day Pakistan in addition to parts of northern and western India- was home to some of the earliest known gold and beaded jewelry. After the objects became a hot commodity, many social rules were instituted outlining the usage of jewelry. As empires rose and fell in the Indian subcontinent, the royals asserted their dominance through wearing rare, expensive jewels. For many periods in South Asia, only the royals were allowed the honor of adorning any type of jewelry. Despite what the monarchies were doing, the crafting of the intricate pieces never stopped, and the rest of the world had their eyes on the creations as well. This did not stop in modern times. The West has often seen Asian jewelry as exotic, desirable for the rare gems and metals they use. Its otherness is romanticized and has been flung into Western fast fashion trends repeatedly. This causes many people to fail to recognize the strong history behind the accessories. Furthermore, most people outside of South Asia do not have a grasp on the importance of jewelry to South Asian women. Photo from @beahelman on Instagram.

12 ASIAN OUTLOOK

For many women in Asia, jewelry is an extension of the self. Deeper than an accessory, a piece of jewelry is a weapon of expression. Social characteristics are distinguished from an adornment. The color, placement, and type can all tell a story about the individual who wears it. Toe rings are for married women. A special black and gold necklace signifies marriage as well, oftentimes a new one. Nose piercings are to be placed in the left nostril exclusively. There are rules and regulations in place. Admittedly, there are misogynistic implications of these traditional requirements. Therefore, many of these rules can and should be broken when the need arises. For example, a woman should have the choice to not wear jewelry, something that is often stripped of her after marriage in some South Asian households. But just as jewelry may be seen as a form of oppression, many women see it as method of liberation. Some widows in India continue to wear colorful jewelry despite the social pressure to be void of most color after becoming widowed. This tradition of visibly showing perpetual grief has been in place for hundreds of years, but a small act of resistance with a tiny piece of metal can be monumental for many. Thus, jewelry can go beyond expression and beauty. It is a weapon in the best way. Although there are issues with the traditional rules tied to jewelry, the fact that a piece of metal can hold so much cultural weight is incredible in itself. This weight is what Asian women, and men, should observe and analyze. By recognizing the significance of jewelry in South Asian life, and by acknowledging the problems associated with this cultural significance, perhaps something as small as a bright earring can be the catalyst for change. The way in which South Asian women have woven these accessories into their very existence is fascinating, to say the least. From the very beginning, the cultures took control

Photo from @dioscuriphotography on Instagram.

of these embellishments and made it their own. The intricate design of Asian jewelry is awe-inducing, the colors are striking, and the quality is one of a kind. I have always loved pretty things. Shiny things. Eye-catching pieces. The simple desire to wear a beautiful earring is not below me. I do not always think of the social and cultural implications every time I put a necklace on. However, for me, wearing Indian jewelry involves more than my love for the pretty little trinkets, it is a sign of pride. Earrings that dangle give me a sense of confidence that goes beyond superficiality. It reminds me that for thousands of years, South Asian women before me have taken a piece of metal, jewel, bead, or pearl and created a language out of it. A language that speaks to where they are in life and who they believe Photo from @m.l.e.w.i.s on Instagram. themselves to be. It is not hard to believe that this kind of message still resonates in the 21st century, in a country far from the Indian subcontinent. Expressing without words is alluring to most people, whatever form this expression takes. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;blingâ&#x20AC;? that many South Asian women adorn is one of the purest forms of expression, something authentically human and unendingly lovely. https://www.britannica.com/art/jewelry/The-history-of-jewelry-design

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 13

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash.

The Sohae Scandal: A Predictable Surprise By Dayne Feehan

14 ASIAN OUTLOOK

Sohae, North Korea

ESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE NO-DEAL at Sohae that occurred following the summit stopped HANOI SUMMIT HAS ENDED, South Korea’s just short of being irreversible. Had they dismantled the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reported a concrete foundation of the superstructure that is needed reversal of dismantlement at the Sohae Satellite to conduct static testing, this would have marked a truly Launch Site (SSLC), also referred to as Dongchang- irreversible measure that would have greatly impeded the ri. Further reports from the Center for Strategic and reconstruction of the Sohae facility. The discovery of activity at Sohae International Studies’ Beyond is best described as a predictable Parallel program as well as 38 North surprise. The Singapore summit have produced research using yielded notable progress in the satellite imagery technology to diplomatic relationship between the further support the findings of the U.S. and DPRK. Improvements in NIS. This discovery immediately diplomatic ties allowed for numerous sparked controversy; those who working-level negotiations between consider it to be a satellite launch the two states but fell short in securing site accuse the opposing group to be irreversible actions from either side. undermining the inter-Korean peace This provided a loose footing for the effort. Those who consider it to be a Photo from CBS News. two leaders to come together in Hanoi missile launch site accuse the other to devise a mutually acceptable plan side of being naive to the trickery of action. Leaving the cause of the of North Korea. These opposing groups showcase the no-deal Hanoi summit to speculation, the result of a noopposing ideological camps involved in the perspectives deal summit was an increased probability that one of the on U.S.-DPRK policy. actors would go back on their reversible commitments, A more in-depth discussion of Sohae’s previous as this was (a) possible and (b) a means of signaling to the activities suggests that these opposing camps are other party that they have grown impatient and/or that indeed more ideological than they are substantive. they are threatening to leave the bargaining table . Per the The Sohae satellite launch site has been the location of track record one could have assumed that the DPRK would multiple major static tests for liquid propellent engines cheat on the deal eventually. (LPEs) that are involved with both This analysis is indicative of the inter-continental (ICBM) and Photo from North Country Public Radio. fact that the U.S.-DPRK relationship intermediate-range ballistic missile has “ridden out” the course of (IRBM) development in addition to faux-diplomacy and exchanging major satellite launches. The first‘commitment for commitment’ to stage testing for the Hwasong-12 the point that it has grown stale. IRBM and Hwasong-15 ICBM Both parties are incredibly resilient occurred at Sohae in 2016 and 2017. (or stubborn) and have expressed Furthermore, Sohae was the site of on many occasions that neither the first- and second- stage testing of would back down first. In order for the Hwasong-14 ICBM. These are in denuclearization progress to be addition to major satellite launches, realized, both the United States and meaning that it is neither a “missile” the DPRK must reflect on their current site nor a “satellite” site. It is both. It is neither. However, strategy. this debate is a distraction from the reason for which The notion that trust must come before denuclearization this is an important development for understanding the cannot be overemphasized. The DPRK, and Kim in current state of U.S.-DPRK relations. particular, view their nuclear weapons as critical to the The reversal of dismantlement at Sohae is indicative survival of their regime. The international community of the progress towards denuclearization – that is to say needs to establish appropriate security assurances to the it’s minor at best. As of present, all measures towards DPRK if Kim is expected to give up his nuclear weapons. denuclearization, from both the United States and the In order for these security assurances to be accepted by DPRK are reversible. Thus, the “Sohae Scandal” is the result the DPRK, they must trust us. For that reason, trust must of exchanging reversible measure for reversible measure, precede denuclearization. without progressing towards an initial irreversible action from either party. The dismantlement progress https://www.nknews.org/pro/what-to-make-of-reports-on-renewedactivity-at-the-sohae-satellite-launching-center/

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 15

How Trash is Your Boba Opinion? By Thomas Hur

T’S NO SECRET THAT BINGHAMTON HAS SEEN AN EXPLOSION IN BUBBLE TEA SHOPS, ESPECIALLY OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS WITH THE ADDITION OF

STORES LIKE NOVEL TEA AND KUNG FU TEA. Currently, Binghamton has a total of 8 different bubble tea stores: Kung Fu Tea, WeTea, NiHao Tea, K&K’s Old Teahouse, Novel Tea, U Tea, CIW Tea, and the B Lounge. With such a diverse group of bubble tea shops, we were interested in determining precisely which stores both ABG’s (Asian Boba Girls) and the rest of the Binghamton population raved for. In a survey conducted asking subjects to rank their top five favorite stores, a ranking system was created based on total number of votes(1st choice = 5 points, 2nd choice = 4 points, etc) to numerically order the shops. Out of 66 responders, Kung Fu Tea clearly pulled ahead, scoring 256 points on our ranking, with Novel Tea distantly behind. The full results are published!

16 ASIAN OUTLOOK

lts

Re su The Kung Fu Tea 45.5%

Novel Tea 19.7%

We Tea 13.6%

K&K’s Old Teahouse 10.6% CIW Tea 1.5%

UTea 1.5%

NiHao Tea 7.6%

Boba Shop Kung Fu Tea Novel Tea K&K’s WeTea NiHao Tea CIW Tea UTea B Lounge Don’t know any

1st Place 30 13 7 9 5 1 1 0 -

2nd Place 18 14 12 7 6 2 1 1 5

3nd Place 10 11 14 7 4 5 1 1 13

4th Place 1 10 12 6 6 2 2 2 25

5th Place 2 6 6 3 3 7 2 2 35

Total Points 256 180 155 109 76 39 18 13 -

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 17

C E N CO SCIE N C E N CO SCIE N C E N CO SCIE N

Photo by Charles Deluvio

Asian Outlook 18 ASIAN OUTLOOK

lowercase

By Ghost

ily means more in acronyms i miss u means more in lowercase weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re penpals through a phone screen sending love letters with wifi signals saving memories in photos starting convos from boredom making my circle smaller so i can see yours clearer making your bubble bigger so you can fit me better showing reciprocity by making fake names for each other with hearts next to them that have wires for arteries resizing long distance as much as possible so we can wear it without being choked because when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re far apart we can make a connection writing to each other in lowercase letters

Photo from Unsplash.

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 19

I Am an Immigrant By Claire Choi

I am an immigrant. Nah nah nah nah nah—you see, I, am an immi-grant. Immi-tation of the native people Grant-ed privileges of being American which I take for granted. I love you guys like brothers and sisters, But I hate you guys like brothers and sisters— You see I don’t want to be compared to you, I don’t want to be mistaken AS YOU It’s so unfair, I don’t get to be who I came into this world to be. Only another carbon copy of you and your story. Why can’t I just be another American kid on campus, not looked at for being different nor assumed to be a foreigner An outsider. I never felt so foreign until I came to college. As far as I can see from the sea of stares and glares I’m just regarded as another IS—international student. A worker at Marketplace told me my English is very good compared to some of the others (which I suppose look like me), that I don’t have an accent But boy what were you trying to say. Yes. She IS an international student He IS an international student I IS an international student— Excuse me for my poor English— They are international. And clearly your mind doesn’t travel as far as they had.

20 ASIAN OUTLOOK

image source.

Same goes for me. Why should I have to feel so bothered from being mistaken as When I could embrace them as People. Forget the language barrier. Forget the culture barrier. Forget the barrier. Open my own before trying to open others. In the end we’re all students and we have so much more in common than we do differences. And I gotta give it to you You traveled all the way here to get an education while I’m just a three hour drive away from home. Your valid complaints may be homesickness, the culture gap, and loneliness While mine was why I had to “suffer” from you guys being here. Seriously, it’s petty. So I wanna say I’m sorry. For feeling some type of way Against you When I should come Towards you and Listen to what you have to say instead of taking in all that bullshit clouding my brain What I learned from this is The problem starts from them Not you. It is only when we come together that we won’t feel the jabs derived from looking the way we do and we can feel so much like ourselves without feeling the need to prove it.

Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 21

Much of what I have known

Artwork By Kristen Uroda

Comes from the little ideas Planted in my mother’s head The day she came to America The gardener debatable The garden oblivious I fed on approval and How many times did you raise your hand in school today? “Good” grades Mom, I got all 4’s on my report card! The idea that I was smarter Than everyone else Became the platform upon which I built my citadel It gave me light brought me joy But I failed to realize the fleeting nature Of that poisonous definition of Enough and Now, my feet shake upon this Crumbling foundation Buried under the rubble My hand reaches out and Touches my brain before my heart No wonder it constantly

comes up empty-handed

22 ASIAN OUTLOOK

By Cin dy Wo ng

What I Ask

It’s simple

What I ask

Not from my mother

Who is still seeking it herself Not from my professors

Or peers or that cute boy at the party No

All I ask for is humanity For my hand to begin

Finding its way to my heart

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Vol. XXXVI, Issue 1 23

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RE: SEVEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT ASIANS