GENERASIAN NYU'S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN PUBLICATION FALL 2016 • VOL 15 • NO 1
LETTERS
from the
EDITORS
Dear readers and members, I learned about Generasian the same way many of you did—pushing through the throngs of other freshmen at Club Fest trying desperately to find some community to cling onto in the vastness that is NYU. Some are successful in this respect, and others hop around from club to club. I’m thankful to say that I did find a community in Generasian, one of like-minded individuals who are interested in Asian-Pacific American issues and communicating them through creative platforms. This is the one club that I’ve stuck with from the very beginning, and although my term as Editor-in-Chief has been a short one, it is one that I will treasure. I hope that being a member of Generasian has allowed you to have your own voice, to tell stories that you feel are important to you as an Asian or Asian American, and most importantly, to feel as if you’re a part of something bigger, whether it be our club at NYU or the A/P/A community as a whole. To our readers, I hope these pieces bring you the same joy, curiosity, and new revelations that I experienced when reading them for the first time. Thank you all for your continued support!
Shirley Foo, Editor-in-Chief
Dear readers, In light of recent events, our community and creativity are more important than ever. I am so grateful for the passionate and talented community here at Generasian, and for the tireless work that our writers, artists, and other creatives have poured into this magazine. This semester’s issue explores the concept of “you and yours.” Join as we delve into what we, as an Asian American community, identify as truly ours. What informs and compels our capacity and willingness to exert ownership over our intellectual, emotional, and cultural spaces of belonging? Whether reclaiming a last name, a mother tongue, or a food culture, we hope you resonate with these stories and carry them forward along with your own. Happy reading,
Rebecca Kao, Editor-at-Large
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WHAT’S INSIDE 01 Cover Graphic Zoya To 02 Letters from the Editors Shirley Foo & Rebecca Kao
FOOD
CULTURE
04 Evolution of Chinese Food Lauren Zou
28 Escaping Silence Shashank Rao
06 Mukbang Suji Ahn
30 Keeping Arakawa Emily Arakawa
10 Singapore: A Nirvana for Foodies Herman Lee
31 Miao Embroidery: A Dying Art? Haiyun Chen
POLITICS & MIGRATION 11
Artwork Jenny He 33 China Dolls: China’s Second Wives Culture Michelle Zhang
Across the Ocean Jessie Yeung Artwork Kevin Tu
13 Asian American Immigration Lina Wu
ART 10 Lunch Break Danou “Jenny” He
16 Still Fresh Off the Boat Faith Choi
ENTERTAINMENT
18 Festival Whei Lujan 22 Below the Surface Tatiana Hollander-Ho
19 Media Highlight Jeffrey Wu 27 And So He Walks Kevin Tu 20 Zombies: The Pandemic Spreading 35 Enlightenment in Love Ziying Zhou
to Asia Jihoon Yang 23 Animation: Your Name
and Its Success Manchen Wang 25 Asian Filmmakers in the U.S:
LAST LOOK 38
Classifieds Staff
A Dialogue Olia Zhang
EXECUTIVE STAFF Editor-in-Chief Editors-at-Large Art Director Media Director Blog Directors Layout Director Public Relations Treasurer
Shirley Foo Rebecca Kao
EDITORIAL STAFF Deputy Editors Deputy Art Director
Anna Oehlkers & Jessie Yeung
Layout Contributors
Suji Ahn
Herman Lee
Tatiana Hollander-Ho
Avery Chang Jeffrey Wu Alison Cheng & Katie Huang
Emily Arakawa
Megan Liao
Jamie Sung
Haiyun Chen
Anna Oehlkers
Casey Lee
Lucy Chi
Jihoon Yang
Tiffany Chen
Sarah Hahn
Jessie Yeung
Jenny He
Olia Zhang
Table of Contents 3
FROM STINKY TOFU TO GENERAL TSAO’S CHICKEN:
THE EVOLUTION OF CHINESE FOOD by Lauren Zou
T
Image: http://cookdiary.net/wp-content/uploads/images/General-Tso’s-Chicken_17145.jpg
oday, Chinese food in America
entity almost diminishes the vast
Francisco were warmly welcomed, and
is almost unrecognizable
diversity that can be found within
white patrons considered them cleaner
to many people from China. The
Chinese food. Typically, the different
and more professional than restaurants
overwhelmingly sweet and the heavily
styles of Chinese cooking are broken
owned by Americans. However, this
fried food characterize Chinese food in
up into the distinct “eight cuisines”,
mindset did not last, as anti-Chinese
America, but are very rare in authentic
which differ in the ingredients used
sentiment grew in America during the
Chinese cuisine. Many Chinese
and styles of cooking. The ingredients
late 19th century. The white American
immigrants dislike Americanized
that were easily found in China were
working class did not want competition
Chinese food, and try to avoid it as
uncommon in America, so immigrants
for jobs, a driving factor in passing the
much as possible. “It sucked,” said
had to make do with what they had.
1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. The Act
Shumeng, a Chinese international
Key elements of food commonly used
prohibited Chinese immigrants from
student, describing her first experience with Chinese food in America. She went on to add that the quality she was used to in China was not present in the food she had in America. “The
“The rice is harder, it tastes completely different, and it’s not traditional.”
rice is harder, it tastes completely different, and it’s not traditional.” The food made in the pioneering
entering the US over a ten year period, and national propaganda painted Chinese people as immoral and filthy. This rising fear and disdain, dubbed the “Yellow Peril,” changed American public opinion to view Chinese people
in their regions of origin, such as bok
as uncivilized, lesser beings. During
choy, sesame oil, and various spices,
this time, Chinese restaurants garnered
Chinese restaurants during the 1800s
were not readily available. Therefore,
the reputation of being dirty and low-
were not totally authentic, even though
the food they made was a slightly
class, which prevails today. A study
they were made by the recent Chinese
different version of the food back in
published by the International Journal
immigrants. Chinese food consists
China. Later, Chinese restaurants began
of Hospitality Management found
of a variety of complex cuisines that
to adapt to American tastes, making
that “ethnic-operated” restaurants
requires an abundance of ingredients
dishes sweeter and more fried.
had notably higher rates of inspection
and time. Referring to it all as one
At first, Chinese restaurants in San
and critical violations. MSG, a
1 Rude, Emelyn. “A Very Brief History of Chinese Food in America.” Time. February 8, 2016. 2 Harris, Kimberly, Kevin S. Murphy, Robin B. DiPietro, and Gretchen L. Rivera. “Food Safety Inspections Results: A Comparison of Ethnic-operated Restaurants to Non-ethnic-operated Restaurants.” ResearchGate. April 2015. 4 Food
flavor enhancer commonly found
the richer its emigrants are, the more
for the Irish and Italian immigrants
in Chinese food, was the center of
likely its cuisine will command high
to be integrated as “Americans,”
many xenophobic fears surrounding
menu prices.” Japanese restaurants
since they were considered white.
Chinese cuisine. People were scared
in America are an example of this
of alleged health effects from MSG
principle, as they are typically seen as
habits of Chinese people are often
called the “Chinese Restaurant
expensive and high class. Now, many
jokes that “Chinese will eat anything.”
Syndrome”, but most scientists are
of the Chinese immigrants in America
After finding out I was Chinese, a girl
now in agreement that these fears
are wealthier and the Chinese economy
once asked me if I ate dogs. She was
are unsubstantiated, as the health
is growing, which could indicate a
completely genuine about it. When I
effects don’t differ much from salt.
change in the way we view Chinese
stuttered out that, no, I do not in fact
food. However, authentic “ethnic”
eat dogs, she quipped, “Stay away from
food is still expected to be cheap.
my dog!” These are misconceptions
This view of “ethnic” food as being cheap and unhealthy is nothing new. Italian food was originally looked down upon when Italian immigrants began arriving in the US, but now many Italian dishes are a staple of American food, and can even be seen as high class. Chinese food is seen as
Chinese food is seen as cheap partly because of the notion that China produces cheap materials and labor.
cheap partly because of the notion that China produces cheap materials and
Stereotypes surrounding the eating
and stereotypes that originate from China’s past with poverty. People may have eaten dogs and other animals in the past, but nowadays this is looked down upon by the majority of China. Furthermore, the act of eating dogs is only a taboo in Western culture because
Perhaps authentic Chinese cuisine
of the cultural beliefs that Western
labor. Another factor is the economic
is sometimes seen as disgusting in
society holds. In many cultures, eating
position Chinese immigrants were
America because American mindsets
beef or shrimp is a taboo, though
in when they started restaurants.
are so entrenched in Western culture.
in Western society, those meats are
The initial influx of poor Chinese
Dishes like lo mein, General Tso’s
quite popular. Stereotypes such as
immigrants was viewed as low class,
chicken, and the pu pu platter are
these may lead to the assumption that
and by extension, so was their food.
popular in America. However, there
Chinese food is “gross” or “dirty.”
is a distaste for more authentic dishes
American perceptions of Chinese
such as stinky tofu, steamed fish, and
culture and traditions will certainly
beef liver. Many times, our perceptions
change as the status of Chinese
of other foods don’t have anything to
immigrants and of China’s economy
do with actual taste, but rather our
changes. Chinese fusion restaurants are
views of the people associated with
becoming especially trendy and popular
the food. American culture tends to
in places like New York City, where they
shy away from cultures that are too
are typically upscale and modern. Could
“exotic” or “ethnic.” Venturing out to
it be that combining “ethnic foods” with
eat foods that are not from a Western
“high class” foods will lead to a better
culture seems to be commended as
view toward those so-called “ethnic
a real feat. Different cultures have
foods?” Either way, it seems like there is
foods that are seen as repulsive by
a trend where Chinese food is becoming
others, so it only makes sense that
more highly regarded. It may be that
Yellow Peril propaganda depicting the threat
“ethnic food” is typically seen as food
Chinese restaurants will be viewed
of Chinese immigrants on American society.
from a poorer minority community
similarly to Japanese restaurants. So
in America.⁴ It also is defined by
the next time you walk into a Chinese
According to Krishnendu Ray, author
how “American” that community is,
restaurant, notice the prices!
of The Ethnic Restaurateur and a
seeing as how Italian food is no longer
professor at NYU, “The more capital
lumped in as “ethnic.” Race definitely
Lauren is a freshman in the Liberal Studies
or military power a nation wields and
plays a role in this, as it is was easier
program. She is a tofu enthusiast.
G
3 Nogrady, Bianca. “Is MSG as Bad as It’s Made out to Be?” BBC. November 10, 2015. 4 Godoy, Maria. “Why Hunting Down ‘Authentic Ethnic Food’ Is A Loaded Proposition.” NPR. April 9, 2016.
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Evolution of Chinese Food 5
TELEVISING THE TABLE
A short overview on the Mukbang phenomenon and how it relates to the South Korean Society
has been a platform where people connect and reconcile, an agora where groundbreaking ideas are exchanged and developed, a communal activity that calls for cooperation and collaboration. In an interview with CNN, Professor Sung-hee Park of Ewha University’s Division of Media Studies explains, “for Koreans, eating is an extremely social, communal activity, which is why even the Korean word ‘family’ means ‘those who eat together.’” Intertwined with the practice of eating are ideas of Photo courtesy of Shoogi, one of the most popular South Korean Mukbang show host
community, camaraderie, and comfort.
by Suji Ahn
T
he lights of Seoul shine
brightest in the night. One by
Still, such form of entertainment
the equivalent of Youtube in Korea)
where masses of people would regularly
enables show hosts to communicate
watch others stuffing food down their
one, nameless, formless scavengers surf
with their viewers in real time. With
throats has been unprecedented.
through the virtual space, searching
the viewers conversing freely with
Why has this form of amusement
for a haven to relish on. With a wisp
the host at an almost personal level,
seen such a sudden, meteoric rise in
of skepticism and a wisp of thrill, I
the show conjures a lifelike dining
the entertainment industry, to the
joined the others in the pilgrimage.
experience with the host. Quite often,
point where it is consolidated as a
It was not long until I finally settled
when viewers deem the show to be
major, legitimate genre of a show?
on a site that seemed to be the hub of
worthwhile, spectators remunerate
the ravenous rummagers. Yet, rather
the host with star-balloons, a form of
than finding a place where I could sit
virtual money. The show host would
back and unwind, I found the haven
then return the courtesy by openly
of theirs to be weirdly appalling - a
acknowledging the username, speaking
beautiful lady with an enchanting
directly to each individual user who
smile tirelessly gorging herself with
has made a financial contribution.
piles of food arrayed before her.
As such process repeats over time, the entertainer becomes much more
Mukbang, the combination
familiar with her fan base, thereby
of eating (muk-da) and broadcasting
allowing her to better cater the show to
(bangsong) has been the latest craze in
her followers, fortifying viewer loyalty.
Professor Sung-hee Park of Ewha University’s Division of Media Studies says, “for Koreans, eating is an extremely social, communal activity, which is why even the Korean word ‘family’ means ‘those who eat together.”
South Korea. Typically lasting about an hour or more, these shows feature
Food and feasts. Since the
One of the speculations attributes
hosts - mostly young, beautiful, and
inception of their civilization, Koreans
the exorbitant penchant for “well-
surprisingly thin, women - televising
have built a complex relationship
beingness,” to be a major reason behind
themselves devouring large quantities
around the practice of eating. Eating
the popularity of Mukbangs. With obesity
of food. Apart from eating, the
was never an obligatory task merely
now associated with incompetence, Korea
interactive platform of Afreeca TV(
to refuel and recover. Rather, it
has rushed into an era where the state of
6 Food
Ultimately the haven
being skinny is no longer a choice - it’s
“generation who foregoes the three,”
now a social requirement, whether
points to the discouraged millennials
I discovered was not merely a
in forming romantic relationships or
who forego romantic relationships,
recreational ground for the restless - it
finding a lifetime job. When it comes
marriage, and child rearing due to the
was a refuge for the desperate souls
to women, corpulence is no longer a
high unemployment rate, employment
who were unable to find their place
socially acceptable attribute. Such
instability, and high cost associated
in society - a sanctuary without the
societal pressure for a “fit” body
with marriage and child rearing. The
excruciating judgements categorizing
induces young women to resort to
category further stresses to “oh-po se
them to be negligent, inadequate,
excessive diets, where they would
dae,” or “the generation who foregoes
and misfit, based on their body
turn a blind eye to their body’s cries
the five,” embracing the additional
figures, social status, or financial
for nourishment and ventilate such
renouncement of socializing and
stability. A virtual asylum where
desires into other windows. Mukbangs
homeownership. Socioeconomic
they could be themselves, not what
come to play as a major window for
deprivation, and the inferiority
others expected them to be. Rather
young women who vicariously satisfy
complex derived by the guilt of not
than shunning these lights for their
their desires watching beautiful young
living up to their family’s expectations
abnormality, perhaps it is time
ultimately drive the deflated generation
for us to rectify the socioeconomic
to withdraw themselves from society.
structure that inhibits each and
Mukbang, in a way, creates a sense
every one of these lights from
of companionship and effaces shades
radiating in their own special way.
Park Seo-Yeon, one of the major mukbang broadcasters in Korea who goes by the name of DIVA, says, “my fans tell me that they really love watching me eat because I do so with so much gusto and make everything look so delicious.”
of solitude for the recluses suffocated by society’s shackles. Virtually accompanying the spectator to dinner,
Suji Ahn is a sophomore studying
Mukbangs turn the individualized
Economics in CAS.
event once again communal.
women binge eating high calories. In an interview with CNN, Park Seo-Yeon, one of the major mukbang broadcasters in Korea who goes by the name of DIVA, confessed, “my fans tell me that they really love watching me eat because I do so with so much gusto and make everything look so delicious.” Contrary to other culinary programs, Mukbang satiates both the desire of women to be slim and fit, as well as the desire to enjoy a nice, delectable meal. Another major cause for the rise of Mukbangs could be ascribed to the economic instability of South Korea. Amid the slow economic growth,
Photo courtesy of the NPR
many of the younger generation has failed to land on stable jobs, rendering depression and demoralization. With the youth unemployment rate
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8cpLSTSyFU
peaking a total of 9.4%, the millennial
2. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/03/24/392430233/koreans-
terminology, “sampo se-dae,” or the
have-an-insatiable-appetite-for-watching-strangers-binge-eat
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Televising the Table 7
G
SINGAPORE:FOODIES A NIRVANA FOR
By Herman Lee
S
ingapore’s cuisine is renowned worldwide, and for good reason
too. It’s a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian culinary influences, expressed through a vibrant hawker culture. “Hawker food” is supposed to mean “street food,” but hawker food in Singapore is no longer eaten on the streets. Usually, hawker food is eaten in hawker centers, open air complexes
Bak Kuh Teh: http://www.founderbkt.com.sg/wp- Assam Laksa: https://hungryaustralian.com/
where hawker stalls congregate.
content/gallery/home-page-slider/founder1.jpg
wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_87261.jpg
Hawker centers are where the best and cheapest Singaporean food is sold, making them an essential part of Singaporean food culture. They let you enjoy all the pleasures of street food, without having to worry about things like exposure to the elements, poor hygiene, or traffic problems, or having nowhere to sit. In the words of food writer Anthony Bourdain, “You know, most cultures, most places, they treat street food like a problem to be
Teh Tarik: http://carnivalmunchies.com/wp-content/ Nasi Lemak: http://i1.wp.com/angsarap.net/wp-
solved. But for me, it’s the number
uploads/2015/12/6836327620_648f79b711_o.jpg
content/uploads/2014/11/Nasi-Lemak-Wide.jpg
one reason to come to Singapore.” In any typical hawker center in Singapore, you would be hard pressed
Bak Kut Teh Bak Kut Teh literally translates
Teh Tarik Teh Tarik, literally “pulled tea,” is
not to find at least one stall plastered
as “Pork Rib Tea.” It is a dish of great
not a drink for connoisseurs. It is made
with newspaper clippings, certificates,
beauty and simplicity – picture great
from low grade black tea, giving it an
and photos of the owners proudly
hulking slabs of rib meat, floating in a
acrid flavor that is only offset by the
posing next to beaming celebrities
peppery herbal broth, with a steaming
cloying sweetness of the condensed
and politicians. It’s light on your
bowl of rice on the side. For the daring,
milk, and the creaminess of the
wallet too, especially by Singaporean
there is a small saucer of soy sauce
evaporated milk. Its most distinguishing
standards (Singapore is one of the most
seasoned with red hot slices of chopped
feature is the way it is mixed – the tea is
expensive cities on the planet). It’s no
bird’s eye chili. Preserved vegetables,
repeatedly poured from a great height
wonder that eating out is a national
sheet tofu, fried dough and peanuts
between two containers, which serves
pastime here! Singaporean cuisine is
are popular, if superfluous, additions.
to cool the drink down and give it a nice
incredibly rich and diverse – there are
For someone who loves meat, carbs
layer of froth on top. The end result is
hundreds of mouthwatering dishes
and hot soup, it’s the perfect dish. The
a drink that is almost overwhelmingly
that deserve mention in this article.
“Founder Bak Kut Teh” restaurant on
strong, sugary and creamy. It’s crude
Unfortunately, there’s no space to
Balestier road has some of the best Bak
and unsubtle in the best possible way.
include them all, so here is a short list
Kut Teh on the island, so be sure to
It is one of my favorite drinks on the
of some of my personal favorites:
check it out if you ever visit Singapore!
planet. After a good cup of Teh Tarik,
8 Food
the delicate flavors of Earl Grey and the
of green kaya, a coconut jam made
dish. It is the Southeast Asian answer
gentle nuances of Green Tea just don’t
with pandan leaves, sugar, egg and
to the English breakfast – heavy,
… feel … right anymore. If I weren’t
coconut. The toast can be dipped
fattening and bad for your heart,
so worried about my family’s history
into the half boiled eggs or kopi, or
but also a bloody good way to start
with diabetes, or the very real threat of
both, whatever floats your boat!
the morning. I cannot recommend
advanced tooth decay, I would gladly
this dish highly enough. It is a must
have a cup of Teh Tarik at every meal.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Curry Laksa
Singaporean comfort food. Hearty,
Chicken rice is the ultimate Curry Laksa is the heavier,
ubiquitous, and easy to understand,
try for any visitor to Singapore.
You know, most cultures, most places, they treat street food like a problem to be solved. But for me, it’s the number one reason to come to Singapore.
richer cousin of Assam Laksa. It
it’s no wonder that many consider this
consists of rice noodles or vermicelli,
to be Singapore’s national dish. The
swimming in a thick curry gravy.
rice is sinfully oily, not from boring
Floating around inside are cockles,
old vegetable oil like fried rice, but
shrimp, fish cake, fried tofu and
from being boiled in chicken fat and
bean sprouts. Those looking for an
garlic. The greasy richness of the rice
extra kick can stir in a spoonful of
is livened up by sweet dark soy sauce
sambal belacan, a wonderful spicy
and spicy chili garlic sauce. A bowl of
dishes not mentioned here – Char
and savory paste made from chili,
chicken broth, and slices of chicken
Kway Tiao, Hokkien Mee, Roti Prata,
fermented shrimp and lime juice.
and cucumber marinated in sesame
Prawn Mee, Rojak, just to name a
sauce, complete the experience. It’s
few. There are some great places that
amazing, even when compared with
serve Singaporean food near NYU.
the other great fare that Singapore has
Nyonya, a Malaysian restaurant in
should be a multi-pronged assault on
to offer. With a dish like this, there
Chinatown, is a particularly good
the senses. This one-of-a-kind noodle
is a great temptation to overindulge
choice - I’ve tried it out personally, and
dish has a wonderfully complex flavor
– after your first fiery, heartburn
I can guarantee that it serves authentic
and texture, as you would expect from
inducing encounter with chicken rice,
fare at a reasonable price. You can
a dish that lists tamarind, shrimp
you may start wishing your stomach
find out more at www.yoursingapore.
paste, mangosteen, shredded mackerel,
was stretchier, and start counting
com/dining-drinks-singapore/local-
pineapple, onion, chili and mint among
down the hours till your next meal so
dishes.html, or better yet, just hop
its ingredients. The taste is impossible
you can have another go. When this
on a plane and fly to Singapore!
to describe – it’s sweet, sour, savoury,
happens, just remember that chicken
fishy, minty, spicy, tangy, but above all,
rice is pretty much just saturated
damn good to eat. Just reading about
fat and carbs, and it isn’t worth
Assam Laksa doesn’t do it any justice.
risking a heart attack over. Or is it?
Assam Laksa A good bowl of Assam Laksa
There is a myriad of other excellent
G
It’s something you simply have to experience for yourself to understand.
Nasi Lemak
Kaya Toast and Half Boiled Egg
is a dish born from pure genius. A
Nasi Lemak, literally “greasy rice”, Kaya Toast, Half Boiled Egg, and a
spoonful of Nasi Lemak is the perfect
cup of Teh (tea) or Kopi (coffee) - this
marriage between crunchiness
http://www.inspirefusion.com/media/2016/
is the classic Singaporean breakfast
and wetness – the roasted peanuts,
singapore_flag_with_food.jpg
served at the “Kopitiam” (coffeeshop).
fried anchovies and fresh cucumber
The half boiled eggs are soft and
crackle satisfyingly between your
Herman is a Freshman in Liberal Studies,
runny, and can be taken with pepper
teeth, while the spicy shrimp paste
planning to major in Journalism and
and sweet soy sauce. The kopi is dark
and fragrant coconut rice takes away
Economics. He misses Singapore very,
and thick. The toast is crustless,
the dryness from your mouth. A
very much. He also really wants to land
and toasted evenly until it is crispy
hardboiled egg, some fried chicken,
a good journalism gig in New York.
throughout. Sandwiched in between
or even a chunk of rendang beef are
the toast is a solid, totally unapologetic
welcome, but ultimately unnecessary
hunk of butter, and generous helpings
additions to this immensely popular
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Singaporean Food 9
LUNCH BREAK
The Taiwanese nighttime heat and humidity, the stench of grilled squid and stinky tofu, the iconic By Danou “Jenny” He game over sounds within an earshot from the numerous arcades are the senses I remember most. Each storefront, cramped between others, is just a small window to people’s lives and their culture. Medium: Digital Danou is a sophomore studying Studio Art in Steinhardt
10 Art
ACROSS THE OCEAN
O
By Jessie Yeung
Artwork by Kevin Tu
the number of students attending
practice tests, tutoring sessions, and
age of thirteen, I set foot for the first
ne September night, at the
American high schools on F-1 visas
harmful practices (one picture online
time in the boarding school I would
has increased from 1,700 in 2009
shows students with intravenous
come to call home. I was overflowing
to over 80,000 in 2014, of which a
drips to give them strength to keep
with nerves; beneath the typical
large percentage are Chinese.¹
studying). Failure is not an option,
worries about making friends and
This flood of Chinese students
and often times the pressure has fatal
juggling academics lurked the fear of
into America for high school can
consequences. In a 2013 Chinese study,
entering a new world by myself, a vast
seem puzzling, but there are myriad
92% of student suicides were related
ocean away from home. Though my
reasons to send your thirteen-year-
to academic stress; the cases occurred
previous school was American-based
old halfway across the world. In
after the students received poor exam
and international, it was one thing to
the end, most of these reasons boil
scores, were rejected from universities,
mingle with white students in Asia, and
down to obtaining a better education
or had been criticized by teachers.²
another entirely to attend high school
and better future opportunities.
Going abroad, therefore, is a way to
in a small New Hampshire town. The hopes and fears I experienced
The first goal of a better education is born of a desire to escape the
escape the unforgiving gaokao system. The desire to study abroad also
that night are echoed across the nation
high-pressure Chinese education
reveals the different natures of
every year. Asian students began
system. Unlike American colleges,
Western and Eastern education.
flocking to the United States in the
Chinese colleges don’t require essays,
Chinese lessons often focus on rote
1980s, when wealthy families in Hong
extracurriculars, or recommendations
memorization, producing students
Kong, Taiwan, and Korea could afford
- instead, there is only the grueling
who follow directions well and can
to send their children abroad. Chinese
gaokao entrance exam, which consumes
rattle algorithms off the top of their
families in particular jumped on the
students’ lives. Students begin studying
heads. In comparison, American
bandwagon, due to their massive
years in advance, attending cram
education focuses more on creativity,
population and rising upper class.
lessons and working until dawn. More
individuality, and the underlying why
According to the Council on Standards
than nine million students take the
of issues and concepts, not simply the
for International Educational Travel,
test each year, amassing countless
what. Both systems have their benefits
1 Chang, Cindy, and Frank Shyong. “Teens’ Attack on Chinese Girl Draws Comparison to ‘Lord of the Flies’ from Judge.” Los Angeles Times. July 2, 2015. 2 Roberts, Dexter. “China Exam System Drives Student Suicides.” Bloomberg News. May 15, 2014. READ OUR BLOG
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Across the Ocean 11
and disadvantages, but America’s low-
to increased suspicion
pressure, holistic style appeals to many
and scrutiny towards
Chinese students who have never had
Chinese applicants.
the chance to actually enjoy learning. The last motive for going abroad
Another problem is that of cultural differences,
for high school is to (supposedly)
which begin at the
clear a path to attending an American
application process and
university. In China, if you don’t
endure far beyond the
perform well in the gaokao and don’t
student’s acceptance. The
get into a top university, your career
cultural gap is apparent
options are severely limited. Therefore,
from the get-go; an article
many look to the most elite colleges
from The Atlantic explains,
in the United States as an alternative.
“American applications, which ask
those kids out there on their own,
Harvard, Princeton, and Yale (also
open-ended behavioral questions and
and problems like this happen.”5
known as The Big Three) conjure
request casual personal statements,
up images of successful careers and
can feel unfamiliar, even confusing.”³
tragedies, the emigration of Chinese
comfortable lives; so, to chase their
To Chinese students, who are used to
students is clearly a complex issue that
version of the American Dream,
strict instructions and standardized
delves into mental health, globalization,
Chinese students go abroad for high
test scores, these personal questions
and cultural differences in education.
school to strengthen their future college
can be baffling. The differences in
The influx of Chinese students will also
applications. Despite the $200,000
values and expectations continue
undoubtedly change both countries’
price tag of a private American
when students arrive at their new
education systems; U.S. schools have
schools; sometimes they do well,
already increased efforts to recruit
excel academically, and continue
international students who add to the
onto good colleges. Other times, they
sought-after standard of diversity.
struggle with language barriers, social
Meanwhile, perhaps galvanized by the
problems, loneliness, and resentment.
outflow of students, Chinese schools are
More than nine million students take the test each year, amassing countless practice tests, tutoring sessions, and harmful practices.
These difficulties can manifest in depression and mental health problems, but also in violence. One infamous
With both success stories and
emerging with more “Western” styles that emphasize freedom and creativity. With the punishing gaokao and no
high school education, for China’s
instance is the 2015 attack on Yiran
room for creative thought, it’s easy to
wealthy, it is a calculated investment
Liu in Los Angeles, in which a group
see why Chinese students are flooding
to pave the way to the Ivy League.
of fellow Chinese students stripped,
to the U.S. Conversely, with the amount
beat, and burned Liu. The attorney of
of challenges they face, it’s also easy
a number of problems have arisen
one attacker later said, “I’m sure they
to see how some students flounder.
for both the system and the students.
[the attackers] suffer loneliness. So
Although I was fortunate and adjusted
To snatch those coveted high school
they bond with other kids in the small
quickly, I vividly remember the anxiety
spots, Chinese families often employ
Chinese circles with no supervision, no
of navigating a new school in an
agencies and consultants to help their
one to turn to for assistance.” Whether
unfamiliar country. The flow of Chinese
children’s applications. This popular
or not this is an accurate depiction
students is unlikely to diminish,
tactic, also used for college applications,
of the case, the statement highlights
especially at NYU, which prides itself
leads to ghost-written essays, cheating
the danger of teenagers experiencing
on being multicultural. They aren’t
on the SSAT, and memorizing scripts
their most formative years in an
simply part of your classes, your dorms,
for interviews. American admissions
unfamiliar environment, away from
your parties - they are part of America’s
officers find it increasingly difficult to
steadying adult influences. Even the
future. Let’s welcome them as such.
tell which applications are legitimate
father of one attacker admitted, “I
and honest, and which are products
think an attack like this would have
Jessie is a sophomore in CAS studying English
of education agencies - in turn leading
happened sooner or later...You leave
Despite the benefits of going abroad,
and Media. Her first crush was Simba.
3 Gao, Helen. “How China’s New Love Affair with U.S. Private Schools Is Changing Them Both.” The Atlantic. March 28, 2012. 4 Li, Cao. “Q. and A.: Zhang Fan on Chinese ‘Parachute Kids’ in the U.S.” The New York Times. March 01, 2016. 12 Politics & Migration
G
ASIAN AMERICAN IMMIGRATION by Lina Wu
“B
uild the wall!” is a statement loudly echoed by Trump
Chinese workers
Why We Rise Promo
fought to receive
followers across America. However, it
the same pay as
is often overlooked that a large propor-
white workers,
tion of undocumented immigrants are
they still worked
of Asian descent. The Asian American
longer and harder
community has some of the fastest
hours. 1Regard-
growing numbers of undocumented
less, Chinese im-
immigrants, and the 2016 election
migrants still ex-
results will determine the fates of these
perienced heavy
lives. For thousands of years, people of
backlash from
Asian descent have migrated into the
the American
U.S. both legally and illegally. Un-
public, and were perceived as job-
an American ally against Japan, so the
documented and documented Asian-
stealers and threat to American society.
Magnuson Act was passed to repeal
American immigration has had a long
American legislators would stop
the Exclusion Act. However, only 105
and arduous history that will be exam-
at nothing to prevent “yellow peril”
Chinese immigrants were allowed
ined countless times when looking at
from continuing to spread across the
in per year, and the Magnuson Act
America’s current immigration policy.
United States. “Yellow peril” is a racial
still reflected the strong prejudice
The United States has exploited
stereotype for people of Asian descent
against Chinese people in America.
people of Asian heritage throughout
rooted in European colonialism. It es-
The Anti-Coolie Act was passed
the years. One example is the labor of
sentially implies that people of Asian
years later on February, 19th, 1962;
the Transcontinental Railroad. Chinese
descent are a threat to the West. In the
“coolies” referred to Chinese im-
immigrants contributed a large part
spring of 1882, one major discrimina-
migrants, specifically unskilled
of the railroad labor force in the 19th
tory piece of legislation was passed to
laborers. It banned transportation
century, and were exploited because
stop further immigration from China.
of Chinese workers to America. 3
American contractors had difficulties
Signed by President Chester A. Arthur,
controlling Irish laborers, who re-
The Chinese Exclusion Act aimed to
Act, immigration was regulated by
fused to take on the harder jobs for the
stop Chinese immigrants from “steal-
the provisions of the National Origins
railroad. As a result, Chinese workers
ing jobs.” It put a 10-year absolute
System. The National Origins System
took their place. American contractors
moratorium on Chinese immigration.2
was implemented in 1924 as America’s
found them to have a better work ethic
During World War II, China was
first set of comprehensive immigration
Around the time of the Anti-Coolie
so Chinese workers were chosen for the most difficult work. Even though 1 “American Experience: TV’s Most-watched History Series.” PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. 2 “Milestones: 1921–1936 - Office of the Historian.” U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. 3 “Chinese Exclusion Act (1882).” Open Collections Program: Immigration to the US,. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. READ OUR BLOG
generasian.org
Asian American Immigration 13
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f8/e1/7e/f8e17ef3aed21d9332e87a6a6e2091c6.jpg
mented Asian immigrants arriving regulations, and restricted immigration
of systematic exclusion and oppressive
in the U.S. has increased 202% from
from certain nations based on immi-
immigration policies, aiming to elimi-
2000 to 2013. “The Asian countries
grant percentages and quotas. It ef-
nate the former national origins quota.
with the largest growth are India (306
fectively limited immigration from Asia
No longer would race, national origin,
percent), South Korea (249 percent),
at token levels because it excluded im-
and ancestry be used as the basis for
and China (148 percent).” But why do
migrants from an “Asiatic Barred Zone”
entry. Despite these benefits, it wasn’t
these nations have the largest growth?4
except Japan and the Philippines. Al-
entirely progressive, as it prohibited en-
Today, Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing minority groups in America; according to the Pew Research Center we made up 5.8% of the American population in 2011.
Despite the fact that undocumented
try for LBGTQ people
immigrants often come from low in-
on the grounds of
come backgrounds, this is not entirely
“mental illness.”
the case for Asian immigration. South
People of Asian
Korea, China, and India have developed
descent have
thriving economies that make it more fi-
been systemati-
nancially possible to migrate to America
cally excluded from
- undocumented or documented.5
American society
Today’s immigration legislation has a
though China was not in that zone, Chi-
by restrictive immigration regulations
great impact on the lives of these undoc-
nese immigrants were already barred
and other forms of legislation. Today,
umented Asian immigrants. Deferred
entry under the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Asian Americans are one of the fastest
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Legislation like this allowed for an
growing minority groups in America;
is one of these pieces of legislation.
environment that tolerated nativism
according to the Pew Research Center
Those who entered the U.S. before the
and xenophobia. It used literacy tests
we made up 5.8% of the American
to prevent entry from “unskilled im-
population in 2011. We also are a large
migrants”, and the system didn’t end
part of the undocumented population:
until the Immigration and Nationality
according to a new report by the the
Act of 1965. This Act reversed decades
Migration Policy Institute, undocu-
14 Politics & Migration
1 4 Phippen, J. Weston. “Asians Now Outpace Mexicans In Terms of Undocumented Growth.” The Alantic. Atlantic Media Company, 20 Aug. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.
age of 16 qualify for DACA. Recipients
versity’s Transactional Records Access
as “lazy burdens to America”, none
receive postponement of deportation
Clearinghouse as deportation rates rise,
of that is true. Undocumented immi-
and a opportunity to request work
officials try to deport the wrong people.
grants are hard workers looking for a
authorization. Many undocumented
The Justice Department’s Executive
better life, and we must respect that.
Asian American immigrants are too scared to actually sign up for DACA. Thousands of undocumented Asian American immigrants are eligible to DACA as we speak, but are either unaware or unwilling to come out of the shadows. Ultimately
Our ancestors migrated to the US searching for better futures for them and new generations. To this day people of Asian descent continue to enter the US searching for better lives. As our presence continues to be solidified in American society, our stories must have increased representation.
How do we respect that? We can’t support candidates like Donald Trump that echo xenophobic nativist rhetoric. We can’t support legislation that punishes the innocent for searching for a better
there needs to be more of
life. We need to demand
an effort to tell the stories
more support from
of these undocumented Asian im-
Office for Immigration Review’s records
government figures for legislation that
migrants so that less fear will shroud
indicate that many times, immigration
protects undocumented immigrants.
their presences in our society.
officials had either tried to deport the
But there needs to be more done
wrong people or requested dismissal of
beyond that. We can demand more
ing Asian American Immigrant Stories
cases because they didn’t have enough
representation of the lives and stories
on the East Coast work to tell the stories
evidence to justify deportation. 5
of undocumented Asian immigrants
Groups such as RAISE: Revolutioniz-
of undocumented Asian Americans.
Films such as 2013 film Why We
in Hollywood. To be more inclusive of
However, we do not see enough positive
Rise directed by Corinne Manabat and
Asian American lives in Hollywood
attention from the mainstream media,
Brian Redondo are perfect examples of
is not just stopping the whitewashing
which merely continues to add fire
fighting back against such negativity.
of Mulan, it is also telling the stories
to the bigotry of Donald Trump and
The film follows three undocumented
of all members of our community.
Asian American
Although the Asian American
students in New
identity hasn’t been alive for that long
York, and gives
in American society, the creation of our
an intimate
identity has been in the works for hun-
perspective on
dreds of years. Our ancestors migrated
the struggles of
to the U.S. searching for better futures
undocumented
for them and new generations. To this
Asian Ameri-
day people of Asian descent continue to
cans.6 Although
enter the U.S. searching for better lives.
we often see big-
As our presence continues to be solidi-
oted stereotypes
fied in American society, our stories
that portray
must have increased representation. G
undocumented immigrants
Donald Trump
his followers calling for the increased deportation of undocumented immigrants. By increasing deportations, we’ll be effectively sending many people back to worse situations. According to 2010 data obtained by Syracuse UniREAD OUR BLOG
generasian.org
Lina Wu is a second year at NYU who’s curious about the world and its problems.
1 5 Wang, Marian. “As Deportations Increase, So Have Officials’ Attempts to Deport the Wrong People.” ProPublica. Pro Publica Inc, 10 Nov. 2013. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.
2 6 Hjandu. “PBS ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL: “WHY WE RISE” FILMMAKERS Q&A.” CAAM Home. 2014 CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA, 16 June 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. Asian American Immigration 15
S T IL L FR E SH OFF T HE BO AT A force that drives discrimination simultaneously inspires unity, and that’s a sad but beautiful thing.
T
by Faith Choi
http://hmhinthenews.com/hs_snlean792200_228p_article/
wo months ago I sat in the
back row of an Uber on the way
to a party, legs beginning to cramp from the ridiculously tight space
Because what exactly is the word FOB?
to create a divide between those
Are we, Asian Americans, allowed to
using the word and those being
use it? Is anybody else allowed to use it?
categorized under this term.
Fresh off the boat, or FOB, was
I always thought that the insult
six other people and I had managed
popularized in the 1960s. Its original
of being called “FOB” just because I
to squeeze into. The rowdy chorus
definition encompassed any and
was Asian was a bitter pill I had to
of my intoxicated friends shouting
all foreigners who came overseas
swallow -- that it was better to stay
random things had all started to
(back then by boats/ships) to live in
quiet and not start an argument. But
sound the same until I heard one girl
the United States, but over time it
now, I have noticed that the group
sitting in the front say, “But there
has evolved to become a derogatory
are, like, so many FOBs at NYU.”
racial stereotype of Asians. It can
Another girl, squeezed in the
also be used to describe the actions
back row with me, gave her a slap
and characteristics of someone or
on the shoulder and gasped, “You’re
something. Calling someone a “FOB” or
not supposed to use that word!”
describing their clothing and speech as
“Why not? All my Asian friends use it.”
“I’m Korean, but it’s not like I’m from a different planet or anything.”
“FOB-ish” is rarely a compliment; it is
targeted by this term is beginning
used to criticize and insult. Jin Youn,
to fight back. We (the “FOBs,” so
a Korean American NYU freshman
to speak), have taken the first step
how to feel about the whole situation.
majoring in music performance, puts
towards reclamation. We have decided
Was I supposed to be upset? Angry?
the situation into context: “You’re
to no longer ignore the history and
Did I need to confront this girl?
basically categorizing them… I’m
the finger-pointing that term brings.
So, there it was. I didn’t know
But before I said or did anything,
Korean, but it’s not like I’m from a
This fight is evident when you
I realized I didn’t know what to say
different planet or anything.” It creates
google “fresh off the boat” and find
except, “Hey, don’t use that word!”
an “us” vs. “them” environment
results linked to ABC’s latest hit
16 Politics & Migration
comedy show instead of derogatory comments. We keep the struggles and the painful memories of our ancestors while trying to move on and create
of this generation to reclaim this term. So are we, as Asians, allowed to use the word “FOB?” I should think so, for the
more memories with the present.
sake of reclamation.
This is part of the Asian American
“But I don’t think it’s necessary to use the word to describe someone,” Sarah Shin, a Korean American senior in Stern, points out. And she is correct. Ultimately, there are better expressions that can be used besides “FOB,” and it is not necessary to have in one’s vocabulary. Like many fraught words, I believe there may be certain times, places, and groups you can use it in. For the sake of reasonability, I am for the idea of reclaiming this discriminatory term rather than strictly tabooing it. In the end, the girl in the Uber could’ve phrased her sentence differently. I may go so far as to say it would’ve been best if she hadn’t said it at all. Should I have called her out on it? Probably. Because isn’t individuals speaking up how collective change is set in motion? Despite the fact that almost 60 years have passed since the coining of this term, it’s evident
transition to redefine, reclaim, and embrace a term created to taunt us. The aforementioned TV program Fresh Off the Boat shows that “FOB” does not need to have a derogatory connotation (and how it can be reclaimed) -- sometimes it can be humorous and good natured. The show sheds light on a story that is part of the American history not often told -the Asian American immigrants who traveled far to start a new life. While the usage of “FOB” still has its original purpose of isolating a group of people and ridiculing them, it also has the power to do the opposite, and unite that very group of people together. People often bond over shared hurt and experiences, and being called “FOB” fits into both of these categories. A force that drives discrimination simultaneously inspires unity, and that’s a sad but beautiful thing. This sense of oneness is the very thing that drives many Asians
that much remains the same. America, especially the east and west coasts, started off by being called “melting pots” that represented and still represent many different cultures from many different places, and New York stands as a prime example. NYU, as a smaller community within that city, is no exception. It is one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the whole world, and I believe that as a student attending a college with that reputation, I bear some sort of responsibility. I believe that we, regardless of race, all bear that responsibility. We all must learn to understand and embrace cultures that are different from ours, and work towards breaking down the walls of racial stereotypes and stigmatism. G Faith is a freshman in the Global Liberal Studies program looking to concentrate in Contemporary Culture and Creative Production. She is an avid lover of dogs and food, but NOT dogs as food (contrary to the popular Korean stereotype).
ABC’s new hit comedy show, Fresh Off the Boat http://tvline.com/2016/07/25/fresh-off-the-boat-season-3-premiere-taiwan/ (ABC)
READ OUR BLOG
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Still Fresh Off the Boat 17
FESTIVAL
By Whei Lujan
Since I was a child I’ve loved to read about mythology and folktales. With this piece, I wanted to combine this aspect of myself into imagery. Whei is a Sophomore studying Computer Science in the College of Arts and Science.
18 Art
GENERASIAN: MEDIA HIGHLIGHT (2016) By Jeffery Wu
An interview series where we talk to important figures in the AAPI space to pick their brain, explore their work, and share their thoughts. This year we caught up with directors Sueann Shiah and David Tyson Lam, who represent AAPI interests and cultures in documentaries and movies respectfully, as well as Ryan Liu, director of AAPI for Hillary. More than ever, having frank and enlightening conversations about our identity, race, and culture through a variety of lens is sorely needed. (EST: 2016)
CHIT-CHAT
NOM
A food review series that explores New York’s old and new culinary establishments and explains the culture and the stories behind a cuisine or dish. This year we saw the rise of Asian-American entrepreneurs crafting and showcasing cuisine from abroad. Whether it was Thai rolled ice cream, matcha lattes, or Taiwanese baos, Asian cuisine has been heavily represented in new restaurants popping up over New York City. (EST: 2013)
A video series providing much needed inside look to the variety of Asian & Asian-American interest clubs on campus. It is actually the very first series started on Generasian Media with an interview of NYU’s Korean Student Association. Since then, it’s evolved to cover a wider breadth of clubs to not
ACROSS THE BOARD
only inform incoming students, but current students as well. (EST: 2012)
WATCH MORE: youtube.com/nyugenerasian
“Now in our fifth year of existence, Generasian Media provides a space and a platform for media creators and artists alike to create content for the content-less. In the past, our role was primarily that of a traditional media outlet, covering and promoting restaurants, events, and even artists. While it’s increasingly important to discuss the creations of other Asian-Americans, I realized Generasian Media could do more...” Read the full story on: generasian.org/media2016
READ OUR BLOG
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Media Highlight 19
ZOMBIES: THE PANDEMIC SPREADING TO
ASIA
affirming the profitability of this genre. Even the global hit Game of Thrones has its version of zombies in the form of the ‘White Walkers.’ This zombie craze is now spreading towards Asian countries, Drawing courtesy of Zoya To
Y
which have traditionally focused on ghost stories. After all, the modern
by Jihoon Yang
zombie was born in the Western world ou have nowhere to
escape. You can hide in
Singapore to make their own. These
through the Voodoo religion in Haiti,
films have often followed the same
which then spread to North America
your room with the door locked or in
trend: killer female ghosts who died
when the United States occupied
the most remote of shelters, but she
tragically in urban settings are out to
Haiti in the 20th century. With the
will find you. She has snow white
seek revenge. These films resonate with
global expansion of American pop
skin and pitch black hair, dark as the
Asian audiences because they represent
culture, it seems only natural that
void in her heart. Her eyes are both
deeper issues within contemporary
zombie cinema would spread as well,
cold yet hot, smoldering with the
society, such as moral disquietude
as evidenced by this summer’s zombie
flames of vengeance. Her grip on you
or disparity between the rich and
releases of Train to Busan in South
is inescapable, and, having nowhere
poor . Yet this trope of Asian horror
Korea and I am a Hero in Japan.
to run, everything starts caving in
movies is starting to slow down and
on you as fear rises in your throat.
make way for a genre of horror from
huge hit in Korea, earning $99 million
the Western hemisphere: zombies.
worldwide, making it the biggest
That is the image many movie enthusiasts imagine when they think
1
America is the the parent
Train to Busan quickly became a
release of the year, as well as the
about Asian horror movies. They tend
of zombie trope films, which have
biggest Korean release in Taiwan, Hong
to think of movies like Ju-on: The
undoubtedly become one of America’s
Kong, and Singapore. But what led to
Grudge and The Ring, both of which
most popular genres. This was made
this sudden release of a zombie films,
have ghosts. Ever since the 1990s,
clear with the release of World War Z,
which proved immensely popular in
the birth of “J-Horror,” or Japanese
which grossed $540 million worldwide,
Korea? Particularly when, according
Horror, has led to huge box office hits
becoming the highest grossing zombie
to Train director Yeon Sangho, in 2011
within the Asian cinema industry,
film of all time2. Popular American
to 2012 a series of zombie movies were
leading other Asian countries like South
TV shows like The Walking Dead
canceled during development stages
Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and
have also spread around the world,
for lack of commercial viability.
1 “’Cinema-Spiritualism’ in Southeast Asia and Beyond. Encounters with Ghosts in the 21st Century [final Draft]. Forthcoming in Ghost Movies in Southeast Asia and Beyond Narratives, Cultural Contexts, Audiences, Ed. by Peter J. Bräunlein & Andrea.” Academia. Accessed October 26, 2016. 2 “World War Z (2013).” Box Office Mojo. Accessed October 26, 2016. 20 Entertainment
“I think the young people have been familiarized with the concept of zombies and innovative genre movies through those experiences.”
werewolves don’t get nearly the same hype nowadays. It turns out the appeal
zombie films to vent out their fears. But there are other reasons why
of zombie movies is natural; with
zombies have become the sensation
constant news of global catastrophes
of the horror genre. According to an
cropping up left and right in the media,
article by the Huffington Post, one of
contemporary society has used zombies
the reasons why zombies appeal to us
as bringers of the imagined doomsday.
is that the depiction of the mindless,
Instead of actually imagining what
flesh-consuming undead acts as a
the more realistic nuclear war or
metaphor for the idea that death will
been exposed to diverse types of
global warming apocalypse might look
consume us all. Faced directly with
contents through the internet,” said
like, we use zombies as a safe guilty
death, the audience enjoys the spectacle
Yeon. “These include foreign zombie
pleasure.
of killing zombies. Not only do we
“The younger generation has
films such as World War Z and The Walking Dead. Also, there have been [many] web cartoons featuring zombies. I think the young people have been familiarized with the concept of zombies and innovative genre movies through those experiences.” Zombie films have now become so popular that investors have
“Zombies are the perfect tool for exploring apocalyptic fears. There are things that are really scary out there in this world that are lot scarier than zombies, but we don’t talk about them.”
temporarily defeat death, but we also may kill without any feelings of guilt or remorse, because zombies cannot be cured or reasoned with. They embody the direct opposite of everything we desire, such as beauty or love5. Maybe it has to do with the fact that whenever we turn on the TV, there’s always some sort of global
received several pitches for zombie
doom forecasted: global warming, the
films after the release of Train.
U.S. presidential elections, terrorism,
Train is even getting an English
“You have to believe that this could
and so many more. As teenagers
remake and Yeon has been offered
happen,” said Max Brooks, author
or young adults, we can not help
deals to direct in Hollywood .
of World War Z, in an interview
but feel overwhelmed by the sheer
to Newsweek. “Zombies are the
feeling of claustrophobia that these
zombie trend as well with the release
perfect tool for exploring apocalyptic
possible apocalypses induce, and
of the manga adaptation, I am a Hero.
fears. There are things that are
instead designate zombies as physical,
Similarly to Korea, the Japanese zombie
really scary out there in this world
tangible substitutes to deal with.
film scene has been quiet until now.
that are lot scarier than zombies,
Although not as financially successful
but we don’t talk about them.”
3
Japan has been following the
as “Train,” the film has received
It is in this sense that zombies
positive reviews for how brutal and
have become a symbol of uncontrollable
thrilling it is. While Train is relatively
events. Vampires and werewolves
non-gory for a horror movie, Hero
pale in comparison, they are night
does not hold back on the pools of blood
creatures that generally feed off
that one might expect from a zombie
small populations. The horde of the
film, making it a heart-racing end of
undead, on the other hand, is meant
the world movie. With the chilling
to play on contemporary society’s
sound effects of bones crunching and
primitive fears of suffocating modern
the visuals of black veined, blood
disasters4. Indeed, with so many
eyed zombie, Hero definitely keeps
issues rising every day such as global
audiences gripping onto their seats.
warming, terrorism, epidemics,
But why have zombies become
G
This is Jihoon’s first article for Generasian.
nuclear warfare, and economic
so popular compared to other tropes in
collapse, it is quite reasonable that
the horror genre? After all, vampires or
even Asian film industries are making
1 Kil, Sonia. “Blockbuster ‘Train to Busan’ Opens Doors to More Asian Zombie Pics.” Variety. October 06, 2016. Accessed October 26, 2016. 2 Kelley, Raina. “The Social Significance of Zombies.” Newsweek. October 29, 2010. Accessed October 26, 2016. 3 Miller, Dennis. “Why Zombies Rule.” The Huffington Post. October 30, 2012. Accessed October 26, 2016.
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Zombies: The Pandemic Spreading to Asia 21
This piece plays on the implications behind the phrase “Sink or Swim.� Sinking is understood as succumbing to defeat, while swimming is seen as victoriously overcoming obstacles. With the use of light, I wanted to flip the dynamics of this phrase to show the burden of the expectations of success, as well as the inspiration and growth that flourishes out of failure.
SINK
22 Art
...OR SWIM?
By Tatiana Hollander-Ho Tatiana is a Junior studying Media, Culture, and Communication in Steinhardt. READ OUR BLOG
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Art 23
JAPANESE ANIMATION: YOUR NAME & ITS SUCCESS A
by Manchen Wang
s a Japanese anime
director and former graphic
designer, Makoto Shinkai has produced many works, like The Garden of Words. On October
of noise, entertainment, and department
that men ought to be stronger than women
stores. The movie reminded me of my trip
has become a pervading theme in many
and the two opposite environments.
Japanese films. For instance, in the 2015 film
This contrast between glamorous city life
Tag, Mitsuko, a high school girl, discovered
4th, his film Your Name earned a total of
and the beauty of nature is a common theme
herself in a game called Tag, in which she
US$152.9 million. It ranked the sixth highest-
in many famous animations. Some aim to
could not escape a doomed routine of being
grossing Japanese film ever, and fifteenth
reveal the harm humans have inflicted on
chased by killers. She nearly got killed by
highest-grossing Japanese or overseas film
the environment, like Miyazaki’s Spirited
teachers, and was pushed to marry a man
overall. Though some have praised him as
Away, in which a river spirit is covered
with a pig’s head. Though she finally escaped
the next Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese film
with human-produced pollution. In other
the game, her role in the game reflected many
producer internationally famous for his films
animations, highly industrialized cities serve
real-life difficulties women face, like being
such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving
as the story’s stage, like Psycho-Pass and
pushed to marry an undesirable partner.
Castle, Shinkai himself thought it was an
Tokyo Ghoul. In these works, the crowded,
Shinkai’s films have had other widespread
overstatement. Nevertheless, his lasting
fast-paced city life fosters an intense
effects on viewers; for example, the fact that
success is undeniable. What lies behind his
atmosphere for danger and violence. But in
Your Name takes place in Tokyo and Itomori
films’ global impact is their cultural elements
Your Name, this contrast is portrayed in a
prompted anime fans from all over the world
and reflection of Japanese society as a whole.
clear, lively and positive way: through the
His newest film, Your Name, uses time-
lenses of Mitsuha and Taki, the audience
and space-traveling to illustrate two distinct
experiences what high school students’
lifestyles in Japan: thriving city life and rural
lives are like in Tokyo and rural Japan.
life in faraway villages. These two separate
Apart from the contrast of urban and
lives have played remarkable roles in various
rural lifestyles, another intriguing theme
Japanese animations and they actually reflect
in Japanese film is the difference in female
significant values in Japanese culture: the
and male roles. In Shinkai’s works, both in
This phenomenon of gender roles might be related to the Japanese idealism of family roles to travel to Japan. Your Name is not the first
worship of
Garden of Words and
film to have this effect. In the manga Lucky
nature as a
Your Name, the female
Star, the tea house “Otori-chaya” is usually
place of god,
characters are much
seen in the opening scene. As a result, it
and longing
more submissive than
left a strong impression on fans, and a large
for adventure
the male characters.
number of tourists began visiting the tea
in the big
When Mitsuha
house in search of the filming locations. The
city. In the
exchanged bodies with
tourists were not only domestic citizens but
story, Mitsuha
Taki, she appeared
were from all around the world. Many of my
Miyamizu
softer in her speech
high school peers visited Japan to take tours at
is a girl
and movements.
the sites where scenes were shot; my friends
who lives in the country town of Itomori,
As a result, “Taki” (really Mitsuha) seemed
and I travelled to Shinjuku Gyoen searching
and finds herself exchanging bodies with a
girlish and was made fun of. On the other
for the view in Garden of Word’s main scene.
boy, Taki Tachibana from Tokyo. Whereas
hand, when others were saying bad things
Shinkai’s skillful storytelling attracts
Tokyo has various commercial districts
about Mitsuha, Taki in Mitsuha’s body
more and more people to take trips in
and shops, Itomori does not even have a
directly fought back by kicking the offender’s
search of the beautiful scenes where his
single coffee shop. Taki goes to school by
table in the classroom. However, Mitsuha
films take place, and for some, the romance
subway every day, but Mitsuha commutes
herself would not have dared to do so.
that comes with it. If you are looking for
by walking. In reality, these two completely
This phenomenon of gender roles
a reason to explore Japanese heritage and
different lifestyles do exist in Japan. On a
might be related to the Japanese idealism of
culture, manga and animation would be
trip there, my friends and I went to a quiet
family roles—particularly, the traditional
an easy and fun start. Just the scope that
town in Izu, a faraway rural area to see
view that women should stay at home all
G animations cover is exciting enough. G
fireflies at night. Afterward, we rented an
the time, whereas men should spend their
apartment near Shinjuku, a Tokyo area full
lives working. Protests against the notion
Manchen Wang is a first year student in College of Arts and Science. She is from Beijing and she likes animation.
24 Entertainment
ASIAN FILMMAKERS : A DIALOGUE by Olia Zhang
W
hat does it feel like to be Asian in the American film industry? This question has haunted me since I was 13, after my dad gave me an iPad. I would watch films on that iPad everyday, gradually becoming one of those weird kids who enjoyed staying in her room all day watching films, thinking about life and love, war and peace with immature pretension. Almost all of the films were
ing to give her funding because they had
are facing huge opportunities in markets
American. They would pique my curios-
never seen any Asian directors before.
both domestically and internationally.
ity about the United States of America,
She had to work relentlessly to convince
where I would later decide to go to college.
them to put their doubts aside. After one
difficulties than Asian filmmakers. For an
As an aspiring filmmaker, I noticed
company finally promised to invest in her
actor who wants to gain recognition, an
that in all the American films I saw, the
movie, the manager still couldn’t let go
Asian identity and physical appearance can
number of major Asian directors, pro-
of his concerns and forced her to replace
be a decisive disadvantage. Which Asian
ducers and actors could be counted on
the Asian editors in her team with white
characters are you most likely to find in
one hand. Ang Lee is the only Asian to
editors who were much less qualified.
American films? Nerds, Chinese restaurant
ever win a Oscar for “Best Director,”
Denise Zhou, a sophomore student
Asian actors in America face even more
owners, doctors, Kung Fu fighters, bystand-
and the last time an Asian actor won an
majoring in films at NYU said “The
ers, laundry men--the list goes on, and these
Oscar was in 1985. On the other hand,
school is like a bubble. It tries its best to
characters are almost always all stereo-
in 2012 only 2% of the voters for Oscars
ensure the inclusiveness and diversity
typed, misrepresented, and oversimplified.
were Asian, according to Times. When
of the student body so no one really
Raul, a student in Wharton School of
I arrived in New York, I decided to talk
gets a different treatment because of
Business in University of Pennsylvania, was
to Asian filmmakers here to find out
race. But we know that in the industry,
born in China and grew up in Los Angeles.
why there is such a shortage of Asian
things are very different. For example,
He described an audition where the cast-
representation. Here are their stories.
in American cinema, when competing
ing director asked him “Can you be more
with white people, Asian usually find it
Asian?” The implication was clear: he should
the film-making world, people treated us
harder to get hired. The market is pretty
act clumsier and speak with a funny accent.
like shit.” said Christine Choy, one of the
much white-dominant.”However, chal-
He was a passionate performer who worked
first Asian filmmakers in the US and a
lenges come with opportunities. Jamie,
four different jobs to support his career as
professor at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts.
a films and TV major student who grew
an actor even if he sometimes had to sleep at
She has made many nationally acclaimed
up in both Korea and the US said “I feel
McDonald’s to save money. However, after
films and is a member of the Academy of
my third-culture identity as an Asian
working as a professional actor for a year
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which
American has very positive effects on
and a half, he eventually gave up on acting
nominates and votes for films at the Os-
my path as a filmmaker. I see endless
to study business. He has seen Asian actors
cars. She started her career as a documen-
potential in the future.” She believes
playing the same types of characters for 20
tary director in the 1980s. Back then, her
because there are fewer Asian filmmak-
years. He talked about no matter how uncom-
Asian identity gave her enormous trouble.
ers in this field than there should be,
fortable Asian actors feel about playing roles
Almost all potential investors were unwill-
those who enter this industry right now
that are misrepresenting our cultures, they
“When Asian people just stepped into
1 Aptly dubbed by Orchestrated Pulse contributor RobtheIdealist 2 http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/2/trayvon-martin-jordandavisracefatigueimplicitbiasstandyourground.html READ OUR BLOG
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Asian Filmmakers: A Dialogue 25
must often sacrifice their own feelings and
background.” James Lee, a film ma-
changing the stereotype against Asian filmmak-
values to cater to what the directors or
jor freshman from China had another
ers has been growing stronger and stronger.
producers want, who are usually white.
explanation:“Whether to work in Ameri-
W
hy are Asians still a minority in film industry? There are many historical and social
can film industry sometimes is about
more new-comers to the film industry. For these
talent or hard work. It’s just what interests
aspiring filmmakers, my interviewees each of-
me is very different from what interests
fered advice drawn from their own experiences.
audience here in the US.” Even though he
One frequently mentioned suggestion was: no
came to the U.S. for the education system
matter what the environment is like, the most
aspects involved in the answer to this
and liberal environment, he thinks he
question. Comprising about 6% of the total
will go back to China after graduation.
population of America, Asians now don’t
In the future, things will get better, thanks to
Some situations in the American
To fight for a wider recognition of Asian filmmakers, I think what we should do is to expose ourselves and show people what we can do. Our ideas and work will eventually bring in-depth understanding to the public and change the situation.”
hold a corresponding percentage in
movie market are also preventing the
American cinema or receive correspond-
presence of Asians from expanding. John
ing recognition. Also, why is the number
said: “People are not used to seeing names
of Asians in the film industry so much
of Asian directors, producers, and actors
lower than fields like technology and
when they see a movie. That habit also
finance? One explanation is that the
affects the companies who then assume
history of Asians in cinema is relatively
hiring Asian people is against the need
short because they entered the industry
of the market. And this kind of became
later. Professor Choy discussed what it was
a cycle.” Why do we rarely see Asian
like when she began doing films in the 80s,
people as main characters on the screen?
important thing is to always be yourself and do
saying “There were almost no other Asians
Jamie mentioned that when the casting
your best doing what you want to do. Profes-
in the film school. I was only lucky because
directors hold auditions, there are usually
sor Christine said, “Don’t alienate yourself from
at that time state government started to
no specific indications of race in the script,
your ideas. The most crucial part of film-making
make policies to encourage schools to make
so the key is always about how the casting
is always original ideas and good storytelling.”
the student body more racially diverse.”
director imagines the characters’ races
Denise said, “Try to understand who you are
to be. Therefore, the answer might fall
and make the most out of your identity instead
of “correct” careers for Asian Ameri-
down to this unspoken assumption that
of being deterred by it.” And finally John said:
cans. “In my parents’ generation, Asian
most main characters are white, instead
“What matters the most is still your passion
Americans mostly would put financial
of Asian, Black or Hispanic.
and capability. Once you have these two things,
Another cause is the traditional notion
stability before anything else when choosing their careers.” Denise said. Being a doctor, lawyer, engineer, banker, or accountant tend to be supe-
H
ow can we improve ?
“Systematic change takes lots of time
others things will work out themselves.” Everyone who follows their passion for filmmaking deserves respect and equal treatment. At the end of the day, when we con-
rior choice for the majority of Asians in
and effort. But filmmakers and actors can
sider the term “Asian filmmaker”, the em-
the US. The movie industry brings up
start with taking a step” said Raul. True,
phasis should be put on “filmmaker”.
more uncertainty for future careers and
there is much to do if we want to create a
thus is usually perceived to be too risky.
better environment for Asians and Asian
of many filmmakers, I was inspired. I found
Families from the older generation fear
Americans in the US film industry.
myself sitting and thinking about what they
the unstable income and uncertainty of
Everyone I interviewed share a similar
After hearing the experiences and opinions
said for hours. My worries and complaints are
the film industry. This makes it difficult
optimism toward the future of Asian
replaced by a positive attitude. I wrote down
for Asians who are interested in pursu-
filmmakers in American cinema. Profes-
the insights and stories I grasped from our
ing a path as a filmmaker or an actor.
sor Choy said: “If you look at how things
conversations, and opened a new window on
were before, you would know why I am
my laptop to write a film proposal of my own.
The reasons why foreign Asian filmmakers are less represented in American
this optimistic. Now there are more and
cinema are more complex. John Lin, an
more role models the younger genera-
Olia is a freshman in Liberal Studies. She
editor and producer in the Graduate
tion can hold on to.” As a member of this
likes The Beatles, Socrates and bubble tea.
School of Chapman University said:“It’s
younger generation, Denise explained
mostly because of language and culture
her positive attitude: “The voice for
26 Entertainment
G
AND SO HE WALKS By Kevin Tu
These are the characters in my web-comic "And So He Walks" found at inkwalks.tumblr.com. It's about the main character finding out who he was and how the world became the way it was. I was inspired to do something like this because I agree with Ai Wei Wei, not necessarily in all of his views, but in the fact that art can be a form of unique expression. This is how I want to express myself so I do it. Also I got into art because I loved reading Spider-Man as a kid and drew him everyday which led into me reading more comics and eventually manga. Then I read American Born Chinese and discovered Gene Luen Yang’s story. His conviction to make a comic inspired me so I decided to start my own. Now I draw for fun and I honestly love it, even if I'm not as good as I want to be right now. Medium: Paint Tool Sai, Wacom Tablet Kevin Tu is a first year in Stern.
READ OUR BLOG
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Art 27
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Shashank Rao
L
anguage has always been a sensitive part of my life. It’s a powerful force that has shaped my identity very strongly to this day. English is my primary language, but it’s not my first language nor is it my favorite. At home, I speak Kannada, a South Indian language. I’m very attached to it and I use it as much as possible. However, there was a time when I couldn’t even speak it at all. Not being able to speak is kind of like being trapped inside a glass jar, not really knowing the glass is there. You know there’s something going on outside but you’re not able to participate. It’s not unlike being Asian-American or any immigrant minority. You’re immersed in two worlds, but too incomplete to really fully belong to either. The fact that I couldn’t speak Kannada was constantly repeated and reiterated throughout my childhood. I resented not being able to really speak the language, not being able to lay claim to my heritage. I wandered aimlessly through a world that demands a category on a scantron.
I wandered aimlessly through a world that demands a category on a scantron. Why couldn’t my parents just teach me Kannada? Well, while I was growing up, there were a lot of myths and half-truths about the languages of immigrants that are still flying around. One that was particularly widespread was that children couldn’t be taught multiple languages at once. This is patently false given that my parents grew up learning three languages each as children, including English. Many people grow up that way.
28 Culture
Multilingualism isn’t an anomaly. That being said, this myth pervades many Asian-American and immigrant families. It’s not uncommon to meet a child of immigrants who doesn’t speak their mother tongue very well, if at all. Speech therapists told my parents that speaking two languages at home would confuse me, and that I’d fall behind other students. This thought of falling behind understandably scares immigrant parents, but now we know that this fear is unfounded, so I want to spread the merits of being multilingual. I don’t want other kids to spend their childhoods trying to reclaim their language and their connection to their heritage the way I did. It’s been almost five years since I began my journey in relearning Kannada from the ground up. I pored over grammatical texts and dictionaries, compiling pages and pages of notes over the years. I even taught myself to read and write. It’s been a long, grueling climb, and there are still miles to go. My Kannada isn’t perfect but I think it’s pretty good. You might think I don’t need to speak Kannada to be a Kannadiga but not being able to speak blocked me off from my community and culture. Despite the progress I’ve made, I still feel somewhat invisible when it comes to my language. It’s enough to speak with family, right? But, among my friends and acquaintances, my language holds little to no value. People are excited to learn Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean. Those languages are big in popular culture, due in some part to utility of Mandarin, the popularity of K-pop, and the global audience for anime. But barely anyone even knows that Kannada is a language, because it’s not mainstream. Being visible makes speakers feel legitimized, feel real. Even in the Indian-American community, few of my peers have
heard of Kannada. To be a minority within a minority feels depressing and demoralizing, especially when
Being visible makes speakers feel legitimized, feel real. Asian-Americans fight so hard to have their upbringings legitimized. To the outsider, it might seem that languages they don’t know about are meaningless abstractions or distinctions. I have been told on more than one occasion: “No one cares that you speak Kannada.” Even if we’re not mainstream, it doesn’t mean we’re not important. I believe that our heritages are important, and it’s not for outsiders to decide. It’s our right to belong to our backgrounds, whether they’re dying or not. When you deny us even the right to belong, you tell us that our beliefs, traditions, and language mean nothing in your eyes. To my fellow children of immigrants: never let someone else decide your identity for you, because the moment that you do, it’s no longer yours. We sometimes hide because we’d prefer that to be unnoticed than to be told that we don’t matter. But don’t run or hide. Once you do, you’ll find yourself lost and alone. I know that it’s hard to find the way back home, but if you look for the light, you’ll find it even in the darkest of places. G
Shashank is a sophomore in Global Liberal Studies, concentrating in Politics, Rights, and Development. He loves learning languages and practices calligraphy.
NIŚEYALLIRUVA KĀNTI
HANDWRITTEN BY SHASHANK RAO Rātriyalli kattaleyannu huḍukidare Kattaleyē mātra noḍāguttade mattu ninna Kaṇṇa barē kuruḍāgi hōguttave Niśeyalliruvudu cennāgirabahudu Ēkendare ēnu duḥkhavu kāṇuvadilla Saha innū uriyunṭāgi uḷiyuttade Hāgiddarū summane huḍukidare Ā hoḷeyuva mahāprakāśa siguttade Ellādannu prakāśisuva kandila! Svadēśada sanskṛti, bhāṣe, mattu mūla Ellā namage śramadindamātra siguttade Devarē, adu śāśvatavāgi hēgirali? Bēreyavara ātmavannu nōḍabēḍa Ēkendare artha hēge siguttade Bēreyavara ātmadalli hēge dorakuvudu? Ninnoḷageyē huḍuku Allē ātmaviruttade Niśeyalliruva kānti! Idē mārgavannaḍe Ninna kuṭumba, samudāya Maneyū kariyuttade.
translation: 1. If you look for darkness in the night
4. One’s own culture, language, roots
7. You need only follow this road
That is all you will ever see and your
By effort alone do we attain them
Your family, your whole community
Eyes shall only become blind
O God, how shall they remain?
Your home awaits.
2. To hide in the darkness may be good
5. Look not at another’s soul
For one cannot even see pain
For how can you find your own meaning
Pattern: 5 stanzas in modified shatpadi
Even if it yet remains a-burning
Looking into another Self?
- 7 foot verses then 5 and 4 Incomplete verses and half pādas are
3. However, if one but searches
6. You must look inside yourself
compensated by completing a missing foot
A great, effulgent light may be found
There alone does the Self reside
from a previous stanza or by an extra foot
An all-illuminating lantern!
A light in the dark!
on a separate line within the same stanza.
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t 29
M
iddle school was the bane of my existence. While we all had
our regrettable share of splotchy pizzafaces and embarrassingly haphazard
KEEPINGARAKAWA by Emily Arakawa
‘relationships,’ I will never forget the offensive, intentional mispronunciation of my last name, Arakawa. I was known as an incredibly shy and awkward girl during middle school, and of course, my bullies took advantage of that. Whenever the teacher took attendance and completely butchered my last name, everybody snickered and repeated the teacher’s mistake. As the shy and awkward girl I was, I raised my hand hesitantly while looking down. I did not correct my teacher. I did not speak up for myself against my
I even played along with the joke,
elegantly into the marble tombstone.
classmates. I felt completely defenseless
pretending to enjoy the spotlight. I took
My father told me that all my ancestors
in the sea of derisive laughter.
part in their mockery as some sort
were very prominent doctors in
of self-defense mechanism, feeling a
Japan. They were even doctors for the
false sense of heightened self-esteem.
Tokugawa shogun, prominent leaders
Although they laughed at me, I
in feudal Japan. As my father proudly
pretended that they laughed with me.
told me about the Arakawa ancestry,
Over time, I felt as if the shame
I began to feel pride for my last name
I felt as if the shame surrounding my last name had become expected for me.
surrounding my last name had become I experienced this outside of the
expected for me. On every Powerpoint
and shame for my attempts at hiding it. After almost seven years of trying
classroom too. Whenever I walked
presentation title slide and first draft
to reconcile my Japanese background
past the intimidating crowd of my
that was to be peer edited, I just wrote
with my American upbringing, I
classmates, they always yelled my
my name as “Emily” or “Emily A.”
began to accept that being Japanese is
name and gawked at me. “Emily
Whenever my teachers took attendance
inescapable. My last name will always
Arakawaaaaa!!” they would scream
and stopped at my first name, I would
be attached to Japanese culture. My
across the halls, pronouncing my last
immediately interject with a hasty
travels to Japan every summer have
name as if it were a karate yell from
“Here!” Yet people still referred to me as
helped improve not only my fluency in
an old martial arts movie. As always,
“Emily Arakawaaaa!!” instead of just my
the language, but also my understanding
laughter ensued and my cheeks flushed
first name. No matter how “Western”
of a complex yet beautiful culture that
bright red with embarrassment. I began
my first name sounded, people still
I was previously ashamed of. To fit in,
to walk faster and avoid eye contact,
appropriated my Japanese culture, a
I disowned not only my name, but also
wishing that I could be invisible.
significant part of my identity, for their
my family and my culture. Throughout
entertainment. And so, I pretended
the years, I have come to love and realize
name as a form of entertainment.
that this part of my identity did not
that my unique tongue-twister of a
Confronting them was useless. Even
exist in the first place—that is, until
last name is a symbol of my pride for
when I mustered up the courage to
I visited my family grave in Japan.
my Japanese culture, and honestly, I
I got used to people using my last
confront my bullies about their antics,
After my grandfather passed away,
would never trade it for anything else.
G
it was obvious that I was completely
my parents and I were responsible for
powerless. My voice always trembled
burying his ashes in the grave of our
Emily is a freshman at Gallatin studying Asian-
whenever I pleaded them to stop
ancestors in Nagoya, Japan. Massive
American media representation. She loves Disney
mocking my last name. “But why?”
kanji characters for Arakawa and a
and her mom’s Japanese home-cooked meals.
they retorted, “Your last name is so
description of the many generations
cool, Emily Arakawaaaaa!!” Over time,
that rest in peace there were etched
30 Culture
MIAO EMBROIDERY: A DYING ART? T
by Haiyun Chen
hey walk down the
evergreen broad-leaved
mountains in an explosion of color and extravagant jewelry. Their history, as glorious as the Spartacus march and the Chinese Red Army’s Long March, has been full of turbulence and migration. Yet, led by destiny and extraordinary faith, they have survived. The Miao ethnic people, one of the 55 minority groups of China, develop their own colorful and earthy customs. Their understanding of the cosmos is crystallized into the highly abstract form of embroidery, which allows them to carry across borders and through centuries. Ethnic Miaos have no written language. Their cultural values are handed down by oral stories, and most importantly, by embroidery patterns on their costumes as the material form. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911), the Miao were “a stone in the shoe of central empire,” politically and militarily.¹ To eradicate potential decentralizing threats, the central government coerced Miao people to assimilate into the dominant Han traditions. In response, the Miao people rejected this and revolted. Therefore, the emperor implemented multiple discriminatory political methods to ostracize the Miao from coastal plains,
Art courtesy of Jenny He
significance of their embroidery.
forcing them to migrate to mountainous
Some have moved further into
regions. In a state of turmoil, different
Southeast Asian countries such
tribes could identify their members
as Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
time and energy consuming. The Miao
according to the unique patterns of
The Miao has become a “unique
only sew embroideries on costume
embroidery on clothing. The essence
transnational and transcontinental
clothing for important events, not
of Miao embroidery is beyond art;
ethnic group in the world,” said
for casual wear. A single garment for
it acts as a totem, a symbol of the
Miao ethnic culture researcher
weddings or funerals usually takes
tribe. Embroidery is their language.
XianYang Zeng. Contemporary
five years to complete. When one piece
Most embroideries are extremely
scholars have studied extensively on
of embroidery is too labor-intensive,
reside in southwestern China,
the broad history and culture of the
the work might be divided among the
especially in the Guizhou Province.
Miao, but not many scrutinize the
women in the family. For example, a
Nowadays, the Miao primarily
1 Elleman, Bruce A. (2001). “The Miao Revolt (1795–1806)”. Modern Chinese Warfare, 1795-1989. London: Routledge. pp. 7–8. 2001. READ OUR BLOG
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Miao Embroidery: A Dying Art? 31
wedding gown calls for a joint effort of
or specific elements of nature. Instead,
Chinese government. Women in this
grandmother, mother, and daughter.
the Miao are concerned with preserving
self-reliant community face obstacles
However, the Miao people are happy
their spiritual connection with the
of modernization, but their voices are
to spend this time because putting on
universe due to their migratory status.
heard through cultural ambassadors
embroidered costumes embodies the
If there is only one thing they would
like Zeng Li, Curator of the Guizhou
spirit of the ancestors. The work is a
carry in a hurry, they would carry
Ethnic Cultural Museum. Inspired by
symbol of their devotion to the spirits
their symbols of faith and beliefs.
her father’s photography collection
of their ancestors, who shield, protect,
Years of low demand and attention
of the Miao culture in the late 1970s,
and bless the offspring. Scholars sort
to folk art have endangered the Miao
Zeng Li re-explored all the existing
Miao embroidery techniques into 20
embroidery. Thirty years ago, Miao’s
Miao villages in China. She worked
different categories. Each skill requires
traditional handcrafts were less than
with Miao women and invited them to
substantial time devotion for a piece to
$2 USD, adjusted to current exchange
exhibitions, workshops, and museum
manifest into dense, even, and clear-cut
rate. With increased awareness in
programs to demonstrate Miao sewing.
embroideries with unbelievable quality.
preserving ethnic cultures, Miao
Besides educational forums, she also
embroidery has risen to the top of
designed silk scarves inspired by Miao
is almost equivalent to religious
Chinese aesthetic treasures. The same
embroidery prints and sold them to
meditation or spiritual practices
piece right now would be worth 2000
spread awareness of cultural heritage
The process of embroidering
like Zen, in which the embroiderer has to fully concentrate. Miao ladies cannot sew when a crying baby is present, when frogs are croaking, or when hands are soaked in sweat. It is crucial that the embroidering process faces no distractions. Moreover, the
The essence of Miao embroidery is beyond art; it acts as a totem, a symbol of the tribe. Embroidery is their language.
protection across the country. Western institutions are also recognizing the beauty of Miao embroidery. During the 2016 New York Fashion Week, Marie Claire and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation presented “China Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition.” Five complete
process of making a costume is always
garments used classic Miao embroidery
specialized for individuals. This means that from cotton growing, to silkwork
RMB (roughly $285 USD). Nevertheless,
methods and intricate designs. This
keeping, spinning, knitting, dyeing,
the embroidery heritage still faces
exhibition strengthened the cultural
and finally embroidering, everything
several major challenges in the future.
exchange between China and the
is done to promise singularity. There are no exact duplicates for each piece. The sacredness of Miao embroidery
Most Miao girls barely have time to be apprentices because many go to school at day, do homework and watch
United States, and echoed the theme of sustaining indigenous cultures. Along with African tribal cultures
also lies in content. A common
TV at night. More young adults move to
and Polynesian cultures, Miao
combination of butterflies and birds
cities and start new lives away from the
embroidery is only a small example of
derives from the Miao’s genesis story.
villages. As the modern material world
the many beautiful ethnic splendors.
According to the folktale, the cosmos
emphasizes fast factory production
The vivid colors and emotions seen on
was created through 12 eggs hatched by
rather than handmade time-consuming
the work touch the not only the heart
the Butterfly Mama. She was unable to
products, Miao girls have no interest
of the Miao people, but the hearts of
incubate the last egg so she asked the
to learn embroidery skills because the
all. “This is the source of joy which is
Jiyu Bird, the Divine Bird of the Miao,
craft is challenging to their livelihoods.
neglected by the many contemporary
for help. In this way, the forefather of
Their mothers also spend most of their
people,” said Zeng Li. No matter
the human race was born.² Whence,
time working outside, so they have less
what understanding one gains from
the cycles of life are synchronized with
time to sit down and learn to sew with
learning about traditional cultures,
generations of butterflies and birds. The
the same devotion as generations before
all can partake in the universal
folktale demonstrates the Miao’s three
had. The elders at the villages cannot
appreciation for cultural heritage.
anthropological questions: Who am I?
sew anymore due to their decline in
Where do I come? And where will I go? What differentiates Miao embroidery from other Chinese needlecraft is that it does not present details of daily life,
eyesight and their clumsy hands. Thankfully, Miao embroidery
Haiyun Chen is a first-year student at Liberal Studies. She loves dance and swimming.
is listed among the first catalog of non-material cultural heritage by the
2 Zeng, Xianyang, and Li Zeng. Ethnic Miao Embroidery: The Zeng’s Collection and Appreciation. Print. 2009. 32 Culture
G
CHINA DOLLS:
CHINA’S SECOND WIVES CULTURE
https://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-XE011_hermes_P_20130422023818.jpg
by Michelle Zhang
I
n a ghostly Shenzhen neighborhood, a 22-year-old girl
“good.” Ernai in China are seen as
earning jobs and become second
a status symbol to the men who
wives as a way to supplement their
can afford them; these women are
incomes and send money back home.
akin to a luxury good because only
Older, already married men in turn,
sits in a nail salon with a credit card
the very successful and very rich
view the income and material items
bearing another person’s name. Her
can afford to keep second wives.
they provide to their second wives as
friends live next door in high rises and
There are multiple economic
status symbols. The prettier the wife
their exclusive clique claims monopoly
factors and legislation that led to the
and the richer she’s dressed, the more
over the businesses that surround
continuing practice of second wives in
their apartment complexes. This girl,
China. Although China is considered
along with a number of other young
one of the fastest growing economies
women, is part of the rising Chinese
in the world, there are still economic
phenomenon of ernai - second wives.
divides between the classes that led
“The prettier the wife, the richer she’s dressed, the more successful the man is”
to the flocking of rural dwellers to the
successful the man is to his friends
in the global economy comes a new
city. Young women from rural areas in
and colleagues and thus, the entire
generation of upper class people and
China are often the target demographic
enterprise has a competitive edge to it.
entitlement. Luxury goods flood the
to become the second wives of richer
The young women that become
market in China, and men in particular
businessmen and politicians because
second wives are also sometimes just
are self-indulgent. Wealthy men in
these women need the money the
someone to fill up empty apartment
China are the biggest consumers
most. Most of the girls that come to
space. The current housing bubble in
of second wives - one such opulent
the city work for relatives in wage-
China has investors and businessmen
With the rise of China’s dominance
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China Dolls: China’s Second Wives Culture 33
buying up properties in cities with
history to why second wives were
to become second wives as a last resort
skyrocketing apartment prices, in
accepted in East Asian society. Many
in order to improve their station in
the hopes prices will keep rising and
global cultures, not just China, has
life. While China has been making
they can sell complexes back at a
long been obsessed with maintaining
headway in eliminating the second
marked up rate. Once these houses
the family line through male heirs. It
wives practice by banning polygamous
and apartments are bought by affluent
was seen as a symbol of power and a
marriages in 2003, the government
businessmen and real estate investors,
pillar of stability if an empire had a
still needs to address the overarching
they sit empty. This is why the
prince, if the family had a heir. From
discrimination that women face in
houses become an ideal place for the predominantly male owners to gift to a second wife. Second wives, if housed in the mainland, usually live in areas like Shenzhen where soaring real
Second wives are no longer a necessary precaution for procreation but rather a “luxury good”
estate prices lead to the development
China. Jobs specifically designed for young women in the city and outreach programs to educate girls who can’t afford education need to be readily available. Only by offering sustainable alternatives to the practice of second
of ernai neighborhoods. Second wives
this notion of always needing sons,
wives can we actually prevent these
will band together in areas that are
the practice of Chinese Emperors and
girls from going down that path.
almost exclusively tailored to the needs
other powerful men having multiple
of ernai. Salons flood these areas,
wives and concubines was born. While
Michelle is a freshman at SPS
determined to keep the second wives
this practice used to have a logical
studying Hospitality. She is a
looking the best and spending the most.
element behind it, today’s rise of second
firm believer in horoscopes.
And while these second wives groups
wives in Chinese society has neither a
provide support for each other, the girls
positive or even neutral element to the
have an underlying competition with
practice. Second wives are no longer a
each other about whose “husband” is
necessary precaution for procreation
richer and how long they’ll last with
but rather a “luxury good” solely for
the threat of newer, younger wives.
the status associated with them.
The phenomenon of second wives
G
However, even with the risk of
is also an unexpected byproduct
public humiliation and censure, there
of state legislature. The One-Child
are still many girls who would willingly
Policy enacted in 1980 drastically
become second wives. Due to the
reduced the number of children in the
institutional and cultural obstacles
demographics - especially girls. China
of simply being a woman, many girls
has always placed higher value on sons
from less affluent families are forced
Below: Wives of Emperor Puyi
than daughters because of cultural and economic reasons, which is why boys became the preferred gender for a family’s designated single child. This led to a gap in numbers between the genders, causing all girls (regardless of social or economic standing) - to be seen as a commodity. There simply are not enough women for every man wanting marriage. Whereas the rest of the world has 107 boys for every 100 girls born, China has a statistic of 116 boys for every 100 girls born. That’s why having second wives is seen as a show of power - the more wives an affluent man can afford to keep, the more he’s taking away from other men seeking wives. In addition, there is a cultural 34 Culture
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ENLIGHTENMENT IN LOVE By Ziying Zhou
Falling in love is a process of enlightenment. The four panels, reading from right to left, are meant to convey a love story in which a man, previously stuck in the dark, finds his way to the light with the help of his lover. In the middle two panels, we see his lover helping him stand up and reach enlightenment in which he is able to see himself more clearly. Medium: Photography Ziying is a sophomore studying Nursing.
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Art 35
PERFORMING GENDER: THE BEAUTIFUL SPECTACLE OF TAKARAZUKA by Anna Ijiri Oehlkers Art by Whei Lujan
I
was browsing YouTube for
both male and female roles. At first glance it appears
First of all, the troupe’s hisory
clips of my favorite video game,
liberating: powerful Japanese women in the spotlight,
began thusly: In 1913, Ichizo Kobayashi,
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney —
defying gender roles and being celebrated for it. It’s hard
president of Hankyu Railways,
a video game where you play as
to watch their performances and not feel in awe of them
wanted tourist attractions near his
a lawyer. Despite not garnering
-- especially when professional theatre spheres are often
railroad station in Takarazuka, Japan.
much acclaim in America,
so male-dominated. But alas, every rose has its thorn,
He decided that a theatre troupe
Phoenix Wright was absurdly
and it turns out that Takarazuka might not be so simple.
performing Western style shows
popular in Japan - so absurdly
would fit the bill, and made it all-
popular in fact, that it spawned
female to increase the novelty and
its own musical. That was what I
attract more attention. The revue
found on Youtube that fateful day:
was met with raving popularity and
a clip from the Takarazuka Revue
eventually grew to become what it is
performing their all-female,
today: a cultural phenomenon with
Broadway-level interpretation
five different established troupes
of this zany lawyer video game.
(Flower, Moon, Sun, Star, Snow, and
Tall, suave women wearing
Cosmos), hundred of players, and
sharp suits and masterfully
hundreds of thousands of fans.
contoured makeup strut across
There’s an elaborate and strict inner
the stage with sweeping arm
hierarchy in Takarazuka -- each troupe
gestures and deep, husky voices.
is overseen by a (male) member of the
I was utterly entranced.
Revue administration, then there’s the troupe manager, the vice-manager,
Takarazuka is a Japanese
chairpersons, the leading man, the
theatre troupe that is best
leading woman, the leading comic man,
described as a combination of
and the supporting actors. It’s important
Kabuki (traditional, all-male
to note that the actors who play male
Japanese theatre) and Broadway.
roles (otokoyaku) are of higher status
Like my lawyer video game,
in the hierarchy than actors who
Takarazuka is barely known in
play female roles (musumeyaku).
the U.S. and around the world, but is akin to a cultural phenomenon
Image source: http://miseloveles.blogspot.com/
in Japan. The troupe is all-
1. Robertson, Jennifer. Takarazuka: Sexual Politics and Popular
progressive at first, especially given the
female, with women performing
Culture in Modern Japan. Berkeley: U of California, 1998. Print.
context of Japan’s often sexist and strict
2.3. Robertson.
36 Culture
The idea of Takarazuka seems highly
differences. A player of male
The performance was cheesy and campy, with facial
roles should exude charisma and
and gesticular exaggeration that felt over-the-top even
confidence, which is disparaged in
from my seat in the back. The set and costumes were
Japanese women. A player of female
flashy and exuberant, rivaling those seen on Broadway.
roles keep her forearms pinned to her
It was all in
side, “constraining her freedom of
Japanese, so I
movement and consequently making
tried to follow
her appear more ‘feminine.’”2
along with the
Cross-dressing is inherently tied
But at what point does performance become performative?
plot according
to the idea of “passing” for the other
to the short
gender, an idea that reinforces the
English plot summary in the program, but with a
dualism of male and female identities.3
story so convoluted, my efforts were in vain. It was
To “pass” means that you sufficiently
wonderful, confusing, awe-inspiring in all the best
display the socially prescribed
ways, even when it reached levels of ridiculousness.
stereotypes that define either
When you watch the Revue, it’s easy to get lost in the
adherence to gender roles. But
gender. In Takarazuka, the ideal
spectacle and forget the sexist histories, hierarchies, and
at what point does performance
male is crafted from coded markers
implications of gender conformity that come with it. I
become performative? This is
-- a confident strut, a powerful
watched the show with conflicted feelings, but still found
a controversial question often
deep voice, a masculine physique.
myself drawn in by their confident struts and contoured
debated when it comes to drag: is it subverting gender roles and
faces. I was as utterly entranced as when I first I went to Japan early last year
encountered Takarazuka on YouTube. Despite its faults,
stereotypes or reinforcing them?
and finally got the chance to see
at its core Takarazuka remains a genuinely wonderful
When it comes to Takarazuka,
Takarazuka live for myself. What
form of entertainment that pushes Japanese women
evidence points to the latter.
show was I seeing? “Shakespeare:
into the spotlight and asks us to bask in their glow.
When players are accepted
The Sky Filled With Eternal Words,”
into the troupe, they are
an original musical that makes
assigned their “secondary
fictional romance out of the life of
gender” (the gender they will
Shakespeare, followed by the revue:
be playing) based on details
“HOT EYES!!” It was quintessential
like their physique, height,
Takarazuka in concept and title alone.
Anna Ijiri Oehlkers is a sophomore at Gallatin who loves Cheezits.
and voice -- markers based on gender stereotypes.1 A tall actor with a deep voice will be an otokoyaku while a petite actor with a higher voice will be a musumeyaku, as though men can only be tall and deep-voiced and women the opposite. It also reinforces socially constructed behavioral
G
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Performing Gender: Takarazuka 37
GENERASIAN CLASSIFIEDS EDITORIAL: Second semester junior leaving to London to escape adulting responsibilities. Searching for the return of my social life (or a paying summer internship??) - Shirley
land down under for the spring, always on the hunt for new coffee spots and dogs to pet. -J. Yeung Gallatin sophomore who has almost convinced her advisor that “Cats Across Cultures: The Intersection
Safe Travels to Shirley, Rebecca, Jessie, and Anna! We’ll miss you!! Sophomore trying to live life to the hilt while fueled by almond croissants and cold brew. Leaving the Big Apple for Prague in a few months time. In search of: fellow word-lovers to take up the baton of this venerated(ish) magazine!! [Rebecca K.] Sophomore English major who spends far too much time napping. Off to the 38 Last Look
of Companion and Identity” is a viable topic for an individualized major. - A. Oehlkers
BLOGGING: [Alison C] Conducting an ongoing third year experiment in Steinhardt of keeping up with the millennial New Yorker experience while staying true to my granny-potatohomebody lifestyle.
ATTN: to all the bloggers of Fall 2016: Grace Cheng, Rachel Wang, Haiyun Chen, Yimei Shao, Priyana Rikhy, Joyce Lee, Jeffrey Wu
Just another failed photographer pretending that selfies with Instagram filters count as art. Seeking more followers to validate my selfworth (@T.HOLLA)
Please come back! Come write for us! Contact Devoted East Asian Studies major who’s hell-bent on spreading East Asian culture, news, and politics around the NYU & online community. - Katie H. READ: Talk American to Me by Yimei Shao http://bit.ly/2eULI3Z
A
ART:
Korean-American gal just trying to live her life. Seeking any opportunity to become the k-pop star she’s always been destined to be. Or a robot body to immortalize her consciousness in. -Avery C.
nyu.generasian@gmail.com
with the subject heading “BLOGGING” for more info!
LAYOUT: Perpetually exhausted Tischie looking for dedicated layout team to bring coffee and/or food to Pub Lab. Reward: the extraordinary gift of my friendship & select InDesign wizardry. - Jamie
Seeking non yellow or red color schemes for the Spring 2017 magazine. Send all inquiries to nyu.generasian@ gmail.com!
GENERAL:
Thank you to all Media contributors for the Fall of 2016!
English major turned Comp Sci major/ Psychology minor looking for fortune telling lessons or a Magic-8 ball repair service. Just trying to take life one step at a time until I attain clairvoyance. Contact me at Bowllin’ on Tuesdays if you offer either of these services. ( C A S E Y . )
Emily Arakawa, Veronica Liow, Monica Mai, Nicholas Tong, Chen Lu, Joyce Lee, Sarah Hee Jo Jahn, Jennifer Mihn Du, & Andrea Yee
Searching for a British accent tutor for a semester abroad in London. Can already say “Cheerio!” and “G’day mate!”
LOVE,
GENERASIAN To AHM: working with you has been the longest month of our club’s existence. Looking forward to rewriting the calendar with you in 2017, too.
CONTACT: A. OEHLKERS
JOIN THE PLAGUE for all the humor that just won’t fit in our serious, well-established publication.
Read our previous issues at issuu.com/generasian
To CMS: can’t stop thinking about the incredible time we had this semester. You are amazing. Call us?
Your Generasian eboard, Fall 2016
Come join the family! General Meetings: Tuesday Evenings Contact: nyu.generasian@gmail.com
GENERAL MEETINGS: Mondays 6.30-7.30pm @ Kimmel 710 OR EMAIL: plaguemagazine@gmail.com
MEDIA: Sad, graduating second semester senior seeking mentee to pass on knowledge and people who want to do series other than NOM - only guy in Generasian
And last but not least, THANK YOU to all our readers!
Classifieds 39
GENERASIAN generasian.tumblr.com youtube.com/nyugenerasian
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