GENERASIAN NYU's premier Asian American publication Fall 2012 • Vol 11 • No 1
EXPRESSION
What’s Inside 03 Letter from the Editor Patrick Yan 04 Trending: July–December 2012
Arts & Culture
Features
10 How Do You Like Your Café? Rachel Liu & Kimberly Chen 14 Being Asian American in Asia Evelyn Cheng 16 Asian American Clique Formation Jacqueline Mai 17 The Model Minority: For Better or for Worse Hasun Won 18 Asian Festivals Jade Chen & Tina Yu
Commentary
06
The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style
24
The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last
Soo Mi Rho
20 The Ties that Bind Us Eunice Lau 22 FOBs: The Baggage They Bring Natalie Weng
LOCAL 28 eSports: From Foreigners to Phenoms John Chen
Catherine Ye
30 Our Picks: Restaurants and More! Zi Lin, Subin Chung, Jacqueline Mai, Harrison Lin, Nancy Nan 31 Quick Tips: Save Your Wallet and Mind Jennifer Tseng, Stephanie Zhou, Yuna Park, Amy Lu
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Editorial Staff
Media Staff
Editor-in-Chief Patrick Yan Editor-at-Large Soo Mi Rho Art Director Rachel Liu Operations Manager Han Yu Asst. Operations Manager Connie Lee Public Relations Manager Yuna Park
Editors
Media Producer Nancy Nan Asst. Media Producer Emily Lu Technical Director Joey Wang
2 Table of Contents
Jane Chun
Layout Designers
Eunice Lau
Kimberly Chen
Zi Lin
Howard Lee
Jacqueline Mai
Rachel Liu
Online Editors
Hasun Won
Jennifer Tseng
Evelyn Cheng & Joyce Chen
Letter editor from the
S
itting outside in below freezing
devoted to student artists, who have presented
temperatures on this December
beautiful interpretations of Asian festivals.
evening, the frosty tips of my fingers may be
Although I’m extremely proud of where we’ve
turning blue, but the warmth within me dulls the
gotten since our re-founding two and a half years
chilliness. As I flip through a draft of this issue,
ago, Generasian still has many improvements
I can’t help but feel extremely proud seeing the
to make and new roads to explore. Our blog has
incredible rebirth and growth of this two-and-
been an integral component of Generasian’s
a-half-year-old publication. Just two years ago
revitalization, and I hope to see the expansion
today, we had just printed our first pamphlet.
and refinement of our online presence that will
Now we are publishing biannual journals,
bring our voice to even more readers around
operating a blog with 3,000 monthly readers,
the world. In addition, our media crew is small,
and video-documenting local phenomena.
but growing. We’ve already covered hot events
The purpose of Generasian is noble—to provide
and interviewed pop stars, but we still have
a completely open channel for students to discuss
a lot of learning to do. I hope that Generasian
issues relevant to the Asian American community.
continues on its incredible path. We’re still far
Every face that walks into the publication lab every
from perfect, but I’d like to thank everyone who
Monday evening has the dedicated expression of
has supported us since our inception. Please look
fervor drawn on it. It’s incredible that this talented
forward to more amazing content in the coming
group of over twenty writers, bloggers, editors,
years, but for the mean time enjoy these psychotic
artists, videographers, and reporters gathers each
snapshots of Hasun, one of our feature editors. GG
week to develop and publish this dialogue for the world to explore. Despite losing an entire week to Hurricane Sandy, we still managed to stick to our original schedule without forfeiting quality. In this issue, we explore some of the hottest topics of the year, from the global “Gangnam
Patrick Yan is a senior studying Finance in the Leonard N. Stern School of Business with a minor in East Asian Studies.
Style” phenomenon to the 2012 US election, in depth. This year, we’ve especially focused on developing more complete stories and thorough analyses. Our writers have also brought you some of the most thought-provoking and nuanced perspectives on the influence of Asian parenting styles and the usage of the term “fob.” We also explore some new territory with a section
Read our blog
generasian.tumblr.com
Oppar Gerngnerm Sterl! Our favorite feature editor Hasun.
Letter from the Editor 3
TRENDING July–December 2012 Data from Google Trends
Gangnam Style PSY’s “Gangnam Style” shoots up to #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has become the most liked and
July
4 Trending: July–December 2012
most viewed YouTube video in history.
A white supremacist opens fire
In the past few months, the Korean singer
on a Sikh Temple in Milwaukee,
and his horse dance took over the VMAs,
Wisconsin, killing six. President
AMAs, EMAs, and just about every
Obama condemned the act of terrorism
other music or talk show in the world.
and called for the end of such violence.
Obama nominates openly gay Asian
A video of Olympic swimmer Ryan
American judge Pamela Ki Mai
Lochte’s sister Megan Lochte
Chen to serve as a United States
making racist remarks about China
District Judge. If confirmed, Chen
resurfaces. Lochte called the Great
will be the first Asian American
Wall “an OCD fence” and repeatedly
lesbian to serve on the bench.
disparaged the local “chinks.”
August
September
ELECTION Asian Americans make history on Election Day as Grace Meng, Mazie Hirono, Tulsi Gabbard, Tammy Duckworth, and Ron Kim made their ways into the House of Representatives and Senate.
NYU Shanghai, a joint venture between New York University and East China Normal University, is officially established. It will open next year to 300 students, half of whom will be Chinese.
Jeremy Lin becomes the first Asian man on the cover of GQ
Magazine for its November issue.
Victoria’s Secret comes out with a “Go East” line before Halloween. A set of provocatively Japanese geisha-inspired lingerie called “Sexy Little Geisha” stirred controversy. Shortly after, the lingerie giant pulled it off its website.
Hong Kong property tycoon Cecil Chao Sze-tsung offers $65 million to any man who can ‘straighten’ his lesbian daughter, who had recently married her female partner in France.
Red Dawn, a movie focusing on a Lucy Liu plays an Asian female
group of teenagers fighting against
Dr. Watson in CBS’s Sherlock
North Korean invaders, comes out.
Holmes remake Elementary. Not
The movie stirred up controversy
long after the premiere, Liu made a
with a slew of issues, such as its
controversial remark about looking “a
treatment of minority groups.
little Filipino” when she gets tanned.
October
Read our blog
generasian.tumblr.com
November
Trending: July–December 2012 5
The PsyCHology by Soo Mi Rho
w
ith almost a billion YouTube
hits and counting, “Gangnam
radio show and showed Britney Spears
Side of South Korea where urbanites
how to do the famed “horse dance”
are known to sip expensive coffee
Style” is yet unlike any viral video
on The Ellen Show. He seamlessly
and don brand names. And PSY,
sensation. That’s because it’s different
played a part in a SNL comedy sketch
true to his reputation as a funny and
with PSY, the portly, US-educated but
and he and Gangnam Style have been
society-critiquing rapper, is poking
South Korea-bred hip-hop artist. He
analyzed from all angles by publications
at this bourgeois society through his
isn’t anything like a sexy girl group
like the the Wall Street Journal and
seemingly light-hearted performances.
or a cut, swagged-out rapper from
the Harvard Business Review.
In an interview, he stated his goal is to
Asia with big dreams of making it in
Indeed, PSY and his success with
“be funny but not stupid.” And PSY,
the wild wild West. No, he’s the guy
Gangnam Style have shown some
despite his increasing English-speaking
whose self-professed motto is “Dress
serious success in the States, but
audience, has claimed that he does
classy, dance cheesy.” Most people
PSY’s not one to take himself all that
not plan to release Gangnam Style in
seem to like him well enough, but most
seriously. He’s a veteran in the South
English. After all, wouldn’t it be great
of them just look confused. His flashy
Korean music scene and is commonly
if all of his international listeners
70s-style tux, greased back hair, and
known as that quirky, slightly crude,
could have their cake and understand
almost violent dance moves have surely
yet well-respected “bad-ass” (his words,
it too? With other K-pop artists who
raised some eyebrows since late in the
not mine) musical artist who sticks out
try to break into the US market, their
summer when the infamous music
like a sore thumb among his skinny and
originally Korean songs are translated
video caught on internationally.
beautifully coiffed musical colleagues
into English, resulting in a subpar and
It was all a happy accident. The
who are all considerably younger than
rather generic single that echo random
song debuted in mid-July of this year
PSY, now 34-years-old and a father
phrases about love. PSY’s refusal to
in South Korea and reached the tops
of twins. On stage, he lives up to his
compromise his music is perhaps a
of Billboard-equivalent charts there.
stage name as a “PSY”-cho: doing his
window into what he is attempting to
That was probably the most success
horse-trot dance, he swings his hands
do with the fame he has gathered.
PSY had expected out of the single
overhead as if he truly is reeling in
from the sixth album of his career. But
the toughest horse in the West.
For one, PSY has not changed anything about Gangnam Style between
the music video’s views on YouTube
Despite its immense success,
its first debut in mid-July in Korea and
started rocketing and it was brought
Gangnam Style is an unconventional
now, over half a billion YouTube views
to his attention that his video was
top Billboard song in that the song is
later. Whether it was his intention or
getting traffic from all over the world.
entirely in Korean. For the average,
not, nothing about Gangnam Style has
Within 60 days of the music video’s
non-Korean-speaking listener, it is
been adapted to contour U.S. market
YouTube release, he was creating a
absolutely impossible to understand
demands. Compare this to K-pop girl
frenzy of curious and amused viewers
what PSY is getting at with the
group, Wonder Girls, who released their
in the United States and subsequently
exception of the “Hey, sexy lady”-s.
most recent single “Nobody” in English
signed with Scooter Braun, who is
What is Gangnam and is it in any
despite the awkward translation. Girls’
famous for having discovered YouTube
way related to robot figurines (see:
Generation, another K-pop girl group,
star Justin Bieber. Since then, PSY has
Gundam)? Or, is this song actually a
signed with Interscope Records and
made the Guinness World Records for
well-hidden PSA promoting safe sex
released their originally Korean single,
accruing the most likes on YouTube,
habits (see: Open Condom Style)? But
“The Boys,” in English and performed
amounting to 5.5 million and counting.
Gangnam is actually a district of South
it on Late Show with David Letterman.
From then on, it has been a crazy,
Korea’s industrious and metropolitan
However, releasing the song in English
upward climb. PSY has rambled about
capital, Seoul. Recently, the Gangnam
did not help either group amass as
his love of drinking on Ryan Seacrest’s
district has become the Upper East
much recognition as PSY did. Gangnam
6 Features
of gangnam style Style’s language barrier hasn’t halted
“Everyone—even the people on the
excitedly returned the favor. And this
its success. PSY stated in an interview
side and people in the back who were
is the distinct charm of PSY, the kind
with CNN that “fun” was a universal
covered and couldn’t see him—were
that goes beyond the hip-thrusting
language, and the possible reason why
going crazy and jumping up and
moves and absurd outfits. After the
Gangnam Style is ranking number
down even if they weren’t going to
performance, the interviewer asked
one on music charts of Australia,
be in front of the camera,” recalled
PSY what he thought his success meant
Canada, France, Germany, and many
senior Constance Jiang who was lucky
for those back in South Korea. He
other countries. And why indeed
enough to snag a front row spot. “It
responded: “I’m on Today Show, NBC,
should PSY be expected to awkwardly
was definitely majority Asian, but
this stage, excuse me but let me say...
stumble through English lyrics? As
there were more [non-Asians] than I
Daehanminguk manse!” “What does
an artist, he would not be able to fully
expected.” It did seem to be a motley
that mean?” asked the interviewer.
hone his craft through a language he’s
of people of all races and ages from the
“Korea rules,” PSY responded.
not fully comfortable with. And just
televised footage, which is perhaps the
as how American musicians release
most moving part of it all. What’s more,
whoops and applause on The Ellen
their singles internationally and tour
“a lot of [non-Asians] knew the lyrics
Show, PSY took the stage running—
around the world, they are not expected
because they were screaming along,”
literally—in that horse trot, raising
have songs in any other language but
remarked Jiang. With as much gusto
whoops and laughter from the
English. So again, why should PSY?
as the first, second, third runthrough
audience. And in a backstage interview
At the Today Show, hundreds of
performances before cameras started
between a producer and Mike Song
enthusiastic fans showed up in the
rolling, PSY gave all of his energy
and his mother (the adorable duo
early morning to watch PSY perform.
to the audience and the audience
made famous through their rendition
Photo courtesy of Ricardo Guntur
The night before, we had a dance
“
Moreover, when greeted with
had to be out by 3:00. So last minute
workshop for people who wanted
I posted on the Facebook page, 2:45,
to actually learn the dance, the
and I got some backlash afterwards
choreography. We got in contact with [a
because there were people coming in
professional Korean pop dance instructor
from Long Island and New Jersey who
from I LOVE DANCE] and she hosted
thought it was 3:00. But it was still fun.
a workshop and about twenty people
I think the most memorable [part
showed up. They were the main dancers
of this experience] was when I went to
that started off the song. [On the day of,]
the Parks and Recreation department
Washington Square Style
I think a lot more people were standing
and got told “no” in the face. My
CAS Freshman Tae Young Woo explains how he
around the event and taking pictures
friend and I were like, “Alright, we’re
took the Gangnam Style craze to NYU’s backyard
than people dancing but we had a lot of
probably going to have to cancel this.”
It started off as just a fun event and
students from NYU, a lot of reporters
That night, we got a phone call from
then we got contacted by a TV producer
from newspapers and TV stations…
another flash mob group and they
[from KBS]. We hoped that through
there were way too many people. And
said they were willing to help. They
the flash mob, we would spread the
there was some miscommunication
had the permits to do events at the
word about the song, perhaps the
because I said the event supposed to
park and they brought us under theirs.
artist himself, and hopefully Korean
be at 3:00, but we were told by the
Planning in general kind of shows that
culture and music in general.
authorities that the sound equipment
college freshmen can do something.”
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The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style 7
of Gangnam Style on YouTube), PSY
on Asians are far from being freed
His performances are so energetic that
sauntered in and proceeded to talk to
of common stereotypes and racial
one even finds it a bit overwhelming the
the two in Korean, as if the camera and
overtones. Any number of ignorant
way he thrashes about on stage. The effort
the interviewer weren’t there. Perhaps
comments on YouTube videos is a clear
is there, as it always has been since his
it was a cultural move—it would be
sign of this. In Ellen DeGeneres’ video
first single in 2001. In an interview by
considered inconsiderate to speak in
featuring the Gangnam Style-dancing
Korean network MBC, PSY remarked, “A
a language that is unfamiliar to the
mother-son duo, a viewer ended his
philosopher once explained that when
eldest in the room. But this is, again,
comment with “at least they’re not
effort meets opportunity, it becomes luck.
the distinct charm of PSY. It’s that he
killing animals in this video…” So,
After hearing that, I think I always gave
is simply himself, wherever he is.
again, is PSY breaking molds and
effort.” It’s clear that he understands that
In fact when Braun wanted to talk
smashing through stereotypes? Perhaps
it’s not always about getting lucky; it is
business, PSY responded: “You know,
it’s not a cultural revolution, but one
often about creating one’s own luck.
this is very nice but I’d rather take you
could argue such stringent barriers
to Koreatown for a drink.” What PSY
are slowing being chipped away.
does right is he doesn’t try to be more
For example, the success of
And one may wonder, what good is an energetic performance if there is a language barrier. Yet, while a
American or more Western. He’s just
Gangnam Style may have transformed
language barrier can be a hindrance,
himself, this raging hip-hop artist who
media attention on Asians. At first
it is not the final call. CAS sophomore
makes a point to give shout-outs to
it was a bit troubling—the last thing
Jadayah Spencer, who admits to not
Korea because it is the place he knows,
the West needed was another chubby,
understanding Korean, still proclaimed
the place that is so integral to him as
sunglass-wearing, weirdly dressed
her love for Gangnam Style: “When I
an artist and as a person. It’s natural,
Asian guy (see: Kim Jong-Il and co).
saw the music video, I thought it was
almost obvious, to represent and radiate
And there was also the danger of PSY
hilariously ridiculous. So much, in fact,
the part of your identity and the place
pigeonholing himself as that somewhat
that I had to watch it again. And again.
that has shaped it. For K-pop artists
glittery, magical YouTube sensation
And before I knew it, I was watching
or any international artists that try to
who would surely disappear into the
and listening to it every day. I just sing
conceal this fact does so as a conscious,
vast unknown once his time in the
along, despite understanding like 7%
PR-department-manufactured
spotlight was over. But instead of
[of the lyrics].” Moreover, although the
choice. Jiang also recalled attending
simply isolating himself as that one-hit
crowd at the Today Show might have
a certain K-pop group’s performance
wonder from Asia, PSY demonstrated
been Asian-dominant, the hundreds
in Houston, Texas. When the girl
that he isn’t just a fluke in the system.
of people who gathered at Washington
group was picking out members of they “picked the three white people in
The Rest of the Cast
the audience.” What does that mean for the rest of the Koreans standing there, supporting their favorite K-pop group? Why cast out the Koreans because they’re, well, Korean?
q While this is all great in and of itself,
Hyuna
Noh Hong-Chul
realistically PSY isn’t slicing through
Who’s that darling PSY encounters in the
That creepy-looking man in the elevator
cultural barriers like some sort of social
subway with orange eyebrows? She goes by
with the scary, wide-set eyes and
justice bandit. Indeed to make such
Hyuna, a member of popular K-pop girl group
uncomfortable smile is Noh Hong-Chul,
claims would be over-enthusiastic. We
4minute. She is commonly known for her sweet
a popular comedian and variety show
live in a world where South Korea’s
voice and hip-thrusting moves and makes a
regular in Korea, known for his out of the
top artists like Rain travel overseas to
cameo as PSY’s dance partner and unlikely
box humor and that infamous pelvic thrust
take on the ever-so original role of a
love interest. Not to mention, she’s released her
(known in Korea as the Juhjil Dance which
ninja assassin that flopped in the box
own version of Gangnam Style, titled “Oppan
roughly translates to Crude Dance),
offices. To put it briefly, media attention
Ddak Nae Style” (Oppa You’re Just My Style).
8 Features
Photos courtesy of YG Entertainment
the audience to come up to their stage,
Square Park for a flash mob of Gangnam
to have dewy-eyed expectations of
real—it’s soju. It’s like rubbing alcohol.”
Style was a mixed bunch. The main
Universal attempting to diversify the
And then they toast to “breaking
event organizer, Tae Young Woo, a
music scene so that all cultures to hold
down barriers.” Idealistic? Perhaps.
freshman in CAS, commented, “Even
hands and sing Kumbaya. But Scooter
the people who didn’t know about the
Braun, who initially reached out to PSY,
That’s a universal characteristic
event and were just at the park at that
does seem to share these seemingly
that anyone can appreciate, along
moment just decided to jump in to have
fantastical sentiments. He tweeted on
with a solid performance and a
fun. Everybody knows the song.”
the day of PSY’s Today performance:
shiny blazer. The world doesn’t
q In regards to his future plans, PSY is due to release an English album through Braun’s Schoolboy Records, a sublabel under Universal Records. The label has commented that Korean rap lyrics are
Authenticity. That’s a universal characteristic that anyone can appreciate, along with a solid performance and a shiny blazer.
“sticky” and “delicious,” and his first
But perhaps not. Authenticity.
need another ninja assassin. Should PSY flop, should he not—these are not the issues to be stressing over. What matters are what has already happened, and what roads have been paved for future success stories. Amidst speculations, irrefutable facts remain: Gangnam Style has
single in the United States is projected
reached number one on Billboards
to be in half Korean and half English. “I
“As an immigrant’s kid I’m taking a
all over the world. The music video
guess to the U.S., my songs in Korean
lot of pride in what is happening on
has made world records. It’s a song
sound fun to them,” PSY stated in an
the @todayshow right now. Thousand
in a foreign language, about a foreign
interview. But the obvious speculation is:
r here for #GangnamStyle. Watch!”
city, from a foreign person. Yet here
will it crash and burn? A Korean-English
And in a YouTube video uploaded by
it is, in all its unprecedented glory.
hybrid song released in the US market?
PSY’s official account with the title,
Once the dust settles, these facts will
Gangnam Style worked, but it almost
“Public Announcement - Scooter Braun
remain, and they must say something
seemed to be a transcendental meeting
Regarding PSY,” the two are holding
about the world we live in today.
of the minds between the gods and the
up cups of soju in a rather awkward,
forces of K-pop. There are many ways
candlelit porch setting. Braun proclaims,
Soo Mi Rho is a senior majoring in
to argue whether this is indeed a smart
“And to mark this moment in history
Media, Culture and Communication
business move or not (consult a Sternie,
between our great nations we are going
and minoring in Business in
perhaps). Moreover, it may be unrealistic
to take—and I want to show you so it’s
Entertainment, Media & Technology.
Yoo Jae-Suk
Hwang Min-Woo
Daesung & Seungri
Arguably one of the top comedians and
Everyone’s asking: who’s the little
It’s popular K-pop hip-hop group Big Bang’s
well-respected variety show MCs in Korea,
heartbreaker showing up Psy in the beginning
members Daesung and Seungri who don
Yoo Jae-Suk cameos as the yellow suit-
playground scene? It’s Hwang Min-Woo, a
gray hair and some traditional Korean
donning maverick who completes the look
former contestant of American Idol-esque
clothes for their small role in the music
with a bowl cut and a flashy red sports car,
shows like Superstar K and Korea’s Got Talent
video. As these “old men” play checkers,
in which he speeds off into the sunset after
2. When PSY saw him on the latter showing
they are blown away, literally, by a large
a fierce dance battle with the PSY-cho.
off his moves to a Michael Jackson song, he
explosion that only PSY comes out of
got on the phone and brought out the budding
unscathed, looking quite boss as per usual.
G
5-year-old dancer to his music video set.
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The PSY-chology of Gangnam Style 9
How do you like your café? by Rachel Liu & Kimberly Chen Generasian has put together an aromatic scrapbook
Caffé Bene is one such example. It launched its first
of five coffee shops around NYU campus. Café
international store in New York on February 1, 2012.
culture has taken over many Asian urban cities
Located in Times Square, it is one of the biggest
such as Seoul, South Korea and Shanghai, China.
coffee shops with 600 square meters of ambient
In turn, some of the American coffee shop
music and a charming vintage interior design.
experience has been revolutionized by Asian
Follow the footsteps of these students on
culture and has been brought back to America
their visual journey to find that adored
with an interesting and endearing twist.
café culture around campus.
Bonnie Jin, Liberal Studies 2015
Aroma
10 Arts & Culture
Caffé Bene
Patrick Yan, Stern School of Business 2013
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How Do You Like Your Café? 11
La Colombe Gordon Wong, CAS 2015
12 Arts & Culture
The Bean
Caren Cee, CAS 2016
Van Leeuwen
Jessica Lee, Steinhardt 2015
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How Do You Like Your CafĂŠ? 13
Being Asian American in Asia by Evelyn Cheng
H
ere in China, I have been
personally treats everyone at her
they have lost some of their appeal since
reminded repeatedly
birthday dinner or that girls link
my Chinese peers cannot access them.
how good it is to be young. Perhaps it’s because of China’s
arms while walking. Bargaining for a
As many have observed before,
greater variety of clothes than seen in
China may be Communist in name,
thriving youth culture. Whether
America makes shopping entertaining,
but the rules are often negligible. The
they are writing furiously online,
and the prevalence of Hello Kitty and
workers at the subway stations tell
singing, or making speeches, Chinese
Doraemon themes in merchandise is
passengers to pass their bags through
youth have embraced China’s wave of
heartwarming. From food to household
the scanner, but few listen and no one
economic growth and are optimistic
products, I am comforted by seeing
cares that they do not listen. Train
about their opportunities. They
how the culture held only by my
station employees sometimes check
are filled with ideas and energy
family and social circles in America
passenger IDs; at other times they let
for the future. Studying abroad in
is common practice here. I value my
people through with just their tickets.
Shanghai, I have absorbed some of the
Chinese heritage even more as the
The sign at the acrobat show says
Chinese enthusiasm about life while
commonalities allow me to connect
no photographs, but everyone takes
finding frustrations with myself.
with the locals, especially the students.
pictures anyway. Compared to America,
If I ever questioned the idea that
I look Chinese enough to have strangers
where one’s bags must be checked at
a young person should see as much of
address me in Shanghainese, which
security and unofficial photographers
the world as possible, I am refuted this
I do not understand. Although my
in Lincoln Center are severely
semester; in each part of Shanghai and
Mandarin is not fluent, I know enough
reprimanded, all these practices in
in each part of China that I visit I learn
to get around and inwardly hope
China are disturbing, but only initially.
something new about society and life.
that I look, and sound like, a local.
Perhaps it is reasonable and more
As a college junior, experiencing China
I have learned to use and enjoy the
efficient not to scan every single bag
has opened my mind to new ways of
colorful Chinese social media sites:
during rush hour; a photograph or two
thinking, while allowing me to focus
QQ (similar to AIM), Weibo (Twitter),
can serve to publicize the event via
and Renren (Facebook). Orders made
social media. In China I have found,
through online markets such as Taobao
perhaps selfishly, how often I can get
language and culture which I picked
and Tmall arrive in less than three
away with what is reasonable despite
up during my childhood through
days. Through NYU’s VPN (Virtual
what the rules may say. I find this
family gatherings and Chinese school
Private Network) service, I can still
flexibility liberating. The only area in
are all useful here. It is not strange
access blocked sites such as Facebook,
which I have found confusion rather
that my Chinese language partner
YouTube, Wordpress, and Twitter, but
than liberation is the language.
more time and energy on developing my personal life. With the exchange rate of 6.3 RMB to 1 US dollar, I do not need to worry about high food costs as I did in New York. At the school cafeteria in Shanghai, I can enjoy fresh soy milk and buns for breakfast, beef soup noodles for lunch and fried rice for dinner for less than 5 US dollars. Transportation and housing costs are also low, allowing me to see different parts of China during my semester here. The bits and pieces of Chinese
14 Commentary
The bits and pieces of Chinese language and culture which I picked up during my childhood through family gatherings and Chinese school are all useful here. It is not strange that my Chinese language partner personally treats everyone at her birthday dinner or that girls link arms while walking. Bilingualism is a proven asset in the job and
Many say there are advantages to being
internship market. Employers want workers
Asian American, especially as a visitor to
who can speak Chinese but write English
China. The local Chinese students here say
well. Yet at the same time I have realized
they are more comfortable conversing with
that my Mandarin language skills are not as
someone who looks like themselves. Despite
good as they were touted to be in America.
the slight language and cultural barrier,
Not only do I struggle with proper usage, but
we can still be good friends. Having family
I also encounter a host of pop culture terms
and friends on both sides of the globe also
and historical references which confuse me.
broadens my mind to future possibilities.
Essays I write for Chinese class are considered
Spending this semester in China I have found
unnatural to the Chinese ear, for my brain is
a pride in being Asian, in being Chinese, which
translating sentences from English to Chinese
I do not sense as much in America about being
as I write. Even in QQ instant messages, my
American. A Chinese doctor I met on the train
friends correct my Chinese and say they know
told me that being Chinese runs deeper than
immediately that I am a foreigner. I may imagine
being a citizen of a country. He reminded me
that I am thoroughly Chinese, but with these
that I represent China wherever I go and that I
language barriers my hopes for full assimilation
must show in both my character and writing that
into Chinese society are disillusioned.
the Chinese are worthy in their own right and
Now I understand how the international
should not let themselves be despised by others.
students in America feel, for I myself am one in
Being Asian American in Asia has shown me
China. I realize how difficult it was for my father
that I have a heritage and identity to be proud of.
and other immigrants when they first arrived in
At 19, I am still young and can further develop
America. I once made fun of their English and
my understanding of my cultural background.
cultural gaps; now I find the same jokes are being
When I return to New York, I hope to present a
made about my Chinese language and cultural
better image of Asia and Asians to those who may
knowledge. To be on the receiving end of such
never have the opportunity to travel here. G G
criticism is initially hurtful. Yet seeing how those immigrants have assimilated to America
Evelyn Cheng is a junior studying Journalism and
gives me hope that I can do the same in China.
Urban Design and Architectural Studies in CAS.
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Being Asian American in China 15
Asian American Clique Formation by Jaqueline Mai
I
n America, it is commonly expected for people to marry, live near, and
contrast to my own circle of friends. As we moved on to college, many
adolescents completed an in-school questionnaire. Asian youths with
become friends with people who are
schools used diversity as their selling
same-ethnic best friends were reported
similar to them, even (and some may
point. However, the diversity that
to have do more activities than their
argue, especially) within multiracial
exists in schools does not necessarily
counterparts of different ethnic/race
and multiethnic communities. These
translate to more multiethnic nor
friends. “The tendency for ethnically
social trends of intraracial, intra-
multiracial social relationships.
homophilous Asian friends to share
ethnic group formation begin as
Grace Kao and Kara Joyner, in
more activities is most apparent in
early as childhood. The 2000 US
their essay “Do Race and Ethnicity
items where there is face-to-face
Census reported that approximately
Matter among Friends? Activities
contact, especially at a friend’s house.”
36% of the 14-17 year old population
among Interracial, Interethnic, and
Surprisingly, it seems that maintaining
in America is made up of minority
Intraethnic Adolescent Friends,”
a relationship in the school setting
students. Society expects students
address how the issue of multiethnic
is not enough; an invitation into a
to have exposure to multiethnic
and multiracial friendships and
fellow Asian American classmate’s
and multiracial student bodies by
relationships is explored to measure
home bears more significance for the
the time they’re in high school.
the difficulty of maintaining these ties.
friendship than what we would assume.
Digging deeper into the factors that play into this development, I sought
Kao and Joyner explored whether interracial or interethnic relationships
In retrospect, I remember forming close ties with my elementary school
to explore the changes that a second
friends by bonding through playing
generation Asian American goes
Kongee, a Korean table game similar to
through to find his niche in his social
Jacks. I remember lunchtime strangely
circle early on, and the pervading
well, sharing kimbap and Pocky sticks
mindset about social circles he brings
with my closest friends. The familiarity
with him to high school and beyond.
was comforting and allowed me to
I examined the factors that play into
connect easily with them. I vaguely
this development using my personal
remember being conscious, even in
experience and observation as well
elementary school, of the ties I formed
as scientific backing through use
with my Asian American friends,
of accredited sources and renown
and how much we had in common as
sociologists and try to include data to better explain this phenomenon. As a student who went to a public
opposed to my friends of other races. It were characterized by fewer shared
was only later in my life that I started
activities: “One might anticipate
to branch out and become involved in
high school in New York City, I have
that fewer shared activities are a
clubs in high school that allowed me
had a pretty ethnically diverse friend
sign of less intimate relationships.”
to reach out to people of other races
group. I have noticed over the years in
The study concluded by saying that
and ethnicities. And I believe that
school that cliques also tend to form to
interracial relationships are the
through my involvement in the various
include those who are of the same or
exception rather than the norm.
cultural clubs and extracurriculars
similar ethnic or cultural background
Even though they are uncommon,
I was engaged in that I was able to
and exclude those who aren’t. I have
when the people do cross interracial
form deeper and more personal
been surrounded by Asian American
boundaries, their friendships are
bonds with the people in them. GG
communities my whole life and always
likely to suffer from fewer shared
wondered why Asian Americans form
activities and thus lesser intimacy.
cliques in the school setting and in the
In the National Longitudinal
social context. It always struck me as a
Study of Adolescent Health, 90,000
16 Asian American Clique Formation
Jacqueline Mai is a junior studying Finance in the Stern School of Business.
The Model Minority
for Better or for Worse
by Hasun Won
A
sian American. The word is widely associated
nine out of ten Pacific Islanders are not prepared for college-level coursework.
classified as Asians regardless. The Asian American model minority
with adjectives like hardworking,
It is true that Asian Americans in
imagery is irrevocably incorrect
overachieving, and well educated.
general represent a disproportionately
because there are many who are socially
Such stereotype is commonly used,
high amount of college enrollment and
suppressed by its use. Describing
given that there is a website entirely
graduation according to the same study.
Asian Americans as the perfect model
dedicated to Asians sleeping in the
Nevertheless, such figures say little
minority effectively undermined the
library. The term “model minority”
about actually social status and well-
hardships of a large portion of people
comes immediately into mind when
being of Asian Americans in general;
and made many apathetic and even
people talk about the typical success
there are many underprivileged Asian
ignorant to their problems. Ronald
story of an Asian American student.
Americans who struggle more than
Takaki writes, in his book Strangers
their ethnically different peers. Over
from a Different Shore: A History of
Asians as a particular kind of group,
10% of Asian Americans in United
Asian Americans, “Thinking Asian
a group that not only looks East Asian
States live at poverty level as opposed
Americans have succeeded, government
in appearance but also excels at math,
to 8.2% of Caucasians. The number
officials have sometimes denied
studies hard, and so on as suggested by
of Asian Americans living on public
funding for social service programs
the popular notion. After all, what could
assistance are also a whopping 70%
designed to help Asian Americans
be wrong about defining a certain group
more than Caucasian households
learn English and find employment.”
and calling them out on being good at
needing identical assistance. Of course,
The problem is not only psychological,
what they do? The very connotation
as it is the case with aid per capita for
but also tangible and concrete.
carried by the word “Asian” seemingly
African Americans who represents a
represents a harmless, even positive
significantly larger population needing
stereotype: it is a vicious cycle. If
consensus about correlation between
public assistance, aid received by an
an ethnically Asian student were to
Asian American population and
individual Asian American household
improve his social status through
the term “model minority.”
is quite small. By emphasizing the
vigorous effort, then he is esteemed as
success stories of “Asians,” a large
another “model minority” figure, or
portion of Asian Americans not
just another Asian American adhering
falling into the category are being
to the stereotype. The incentive to
neglected; what appears to be a positive
aid underwhelming Asian students
stereotype is actually destructive in
will decrease, which in turn will
its pervasively misleading image.
cause typical Asian student to work
Perhaps we just came to think of
According to the 2010 Census
There is also a sad truth to the
even harder to receive governmental
report, some 61.3% of Asian American
benefits. It is past due time that this
respondents wrote their race as Asian
cycle be terminated, which will only
and white. In other words, supposedly
happen through the extension of the
overachieving Asian American
term “Asian American” to reflect
population also includes a large—in
its vast and diverse population:
fact, more than half-—portion of
Chinese, Indian, yellow, brown,
However, statistics say otherwise.
well off, ethnically mixed families
underachieving, and hardworking.
According to a study on Asian American
that are not exclusively “Asian.” By
performance in California published by
definition, Asian Americans are not
Hasun Won is a senior majoring in
the Educational Trust, a Washington-
homogeneous nor mutually exclusive
History and Economics in CAS.
based education advocacy organization,
from the Caucasian American
seven out of ten Asian students and
grouping. Yet, they appear to be
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The Model Minority: For Better or for Worse 17
Asian Festivals by Tina Yu & Jade Chen Festivals play a vital role in Asian cultures around the globe. These celebrations bring together families and communities through tradition and ritual. Hanami, the cherry blossom festival, celebrates the changing of seasons and the beauty of nature. Diwali, the festival of lights, reflects on our inner lights and calls for the victory of good over evil. Lanterns are lit to honor the Buddha during the Lantern Festival. The Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in Asian cultures where people ask for fortune and prosperity in the new year.
18 Asian Festivals
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Article Title 19
The Ties that Bind
us
the first bond in which a child finds support, love, and understanding, and is therefore crucial to his development. In spite of this, a distance exists between many Asian American children and their parents. A study by the University
Photo courtesy of goldsea.com
W
of Arizona found that many Asian girls struggle to reconcile the difference
by Eunice Lau
between the close mother-daughter ith their powerful
presence in our lives,
our parents and guardians mold our personalities, self-perception, and
thrive in environments that both
bond that Western culture emphasizes
regulate their behavior and support
and the more distant, authoritative
their interests and dreams.
relationship that Asian cultures
When it comes to Asian American
encourage. In addition, the study
psychological health. Their love,
households, studies have shown that
also indicated that Chinese American
sacrifice, and unique temperaments
children consider their parents as
girls often feel that a close father-
rub off on us, and the way they
authoritarian figures. Characterized
daughter relationship is not something
choose to raise us plays a large role in
by high demands, little psychological
that can be realistically achieved.
who we become. Diana Baumrind, a
support, and strict rule reinforcement,
developmental psychologist known
authoritarian parenting is not ideal for
only stunts conversations between
for her work on parenting styles,
most situations but is the way that many
children and their parents, but also
classifies parents into four different
Asian parents traditionally raise their
those between them and their peers.
categories: indulgent, uninvolved,
children. And from what mainstream
Results from a study of Asian American
authoritarian, and authoritative.
media tells us, Asian Americans
high school students in Los Angeles
Indulgent parents constantly assert that
have been doing fine, if not stellar,
showed that the group was less
they are friends rather than authority
in academics and in the workforce.
willing to openly share their emotions
figures. Uninvolved parents make little
However, while Asian Americans
with others than students of other
effort to be a part of their children’s
seem to rake in accomplishment after
races. Many of them attributed their
lives. Authoritarian parents emphasize
accomplishment, how they got there
reluctance to the fact that they rarely
structure and demands, but provide
can reveal a more complicated and
have conversations with their parents.
little warmth and praise. Authoritative
often darker truth. Being raised in an
The students’ comments speak volumes;
parents provide a mixture of both
authoritarian home has its positive
their thoughts clearly indicate that the
authority and open affection, which
benefits, but it can also lead to strained
distance authoritarian parenting can
is the ideal parent-child relationship
parent-child relationships, lower
place between a child and his parents
for many children. The best parenting
self-esteem, and deep psychological
can be replicated in future interactions.
style depends on individual situations,
problems later on in life.
but psychologists agree that children 20 Commentary
A parent-child relationship is often
This interpersonal barrier not
In addition to the emotional distance that many Asian Americans
feel in their relationships, they also
women between the ages of 15 and
get them to open up again.” If children
struggle with another consequence of
24 have the highest suicide rates
are subjected to emotional suppression,
authoritarian parenting—low self-
amongst all races in that age group.
they will endure more psychological
esteem. In her 2011 commentary, “Why
They also reported that only 28% of
damage as they grow older.
Chinese Mothers are Superior,” Amy
Asian Americans seek professional
Chua blasts the notion that self-esteem
help when they are struggling with
criticism of Asian parenting. Some
is important, saying that if a child is
psychological concerns. Out of that
studies have found that Asian
ashamed of himself, he will learn to
28%, more people drop out of therapy
adolescents view their parents’
work hard and be better off in life.
early than individuals in other minority
protectiveness and strictness as signs
Chua’s emphasis on using shame as a
groups. Furthermore, not only do
of love. They might feel immense
motivating factor is not uncommon.
Asian Americans tend to leave earlier,
pressure to work harder, but they
In fact, a study done by Heidi Fung, a
but they also enter therapy with
often see it as a necessary pain if they
researcher who focuses on socialization
more severe symptoms because they
want to succeed in the future. Rather
during childhood, labeled several
have been delaying help for so long.
than hugs, open praise, and kisses,
Asian societies as “shame cultures,”
Dr. Shinhee Han, a New York-
Of course, this is not a full-on
displays of affection within many
in which parents frequently used
based private practitioner, notes that
Asian households often come in the
statements such as “shame on you” to
the collective, cultural reluctance to
form of educational support, extra
invoke a sense of guilt in their children.
share emotions and personal thoughts
spending on extracurricular activities,
This shaming technique is often used
discourages Asian Americans from
and familial sacrifice. The family is
to teach children what is considered
asking for help. This silence often
a collective unit that strives to better
inappropriate and unwanted behavior. However, an overemphasis on shame and inadequacy can weaken a child’s self-esteem. Parents are one of the biggest influences in a child’s life and their words and actions can have a profound effect. As Peggy O’Mara,
As Peggy O’Mara, founder of Mothering magazine, once stated, “The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”
everyone in it, and one is expected to conform in order to keep things going. In spite of this cultural expression of love, rigidity within the household and reluctance to talk about personal issues can lead to a multitude of psychological issues. As a result, it is
founder of Mothering magazine,
important to consider the addition of
once stated, “The way we talk to
psychological support in parenting.
our children becomes their inner
manifests itself into depression in girls
It cannot be easily done, but an
voice.” If a child feels as though he is
and behavioral rebellion in boys, both
understanding atmosphere and more
constantly bringing disgrace to his
of which are psychologically damaging
personal interactions can truly help.
family, it will severely impact his
to adolescents who are already juggling
If individuals cannot find support at
self-perception. Shaming might get
academics, relationships, and a growing
home, academic institutions, as Dr.
children to do what is expected of them,
list of responsibilities. If parents do not
Han suggests, can ensure that their
but their inner voice, the voice that
give their children a chance to express
mental health programs have a variety
guides them throughout life, should
their frustrations, they make it difficult
of counselors from all backgrounds
not be one of scolding and shaming
for their children to open up to others
so they can reach out and understand
as harsh criticism and demands
when they truly need psychological
the students’ cultural concerns
can lead to a sense of inadequacy
support. Haruki Murakami notes in
better. It is not simple to unravel
and helplessness. Unfortunately,
his novel Kafka on the Shore, “Adults
the work of parents and cultural
these feelings only intensify if they
constantly raise the bar on smart
norms, but with encouragement and
remain unchecked and ignored and
children, precisely because they’re
support from their family, peers,
can lead to serious problems.
able to handle it. The children get
and mental health professionals,
overwhelmed by the tasks in front of
people can start to break free from
psychological disorders. Psychological
them and gradually lose the sort of
the restraining ties that bind them to
illnesses pervade Asian American
openness and sense of accomplishment
world of psychological damage. GG
communities even if they are rarely
they innately have. When they’re
mentioned in mainstream media. The
treated like that, children start to crawl
Eunice Lau is a sophomore majoring in
Department of Health and Human
inside a shell and keep everything
Applied Psychology in Steinhardt.
Services reported that Asian American
inside. It takes a lot of time and effort to
One such issue is the onset of
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The Ties that Bind Us 21
FOBs
The Baggage They Bring by Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng
I
t is not uncommon to hear the
of a fob. The participants responded
Dang claim that fob is an undesirable
term “fob” being thrown around
with traits such as “being Asian,”
classification because it incorporates
in conversations, especially when
exhibiting “Asian behavior,” “studying
these negative associations.
in the vicinity of foreigners. One
a lot,” “liking math,” “liking to take
might hear comments such as “He’s
‘selfies,’ or pictures of oneself,” and
implications of the word fob, it is
such a fob!” or “That’s so ‘fobby,’” but
being “dedicated K-Pop fans.” They also
also important to understand who
what does fob actually signify? In its
described fobs as people who speak
identifies with this term. The survey
original context, fob is an acronym
poor English, have an accent when
also asked participants how long
meaning “fresh off the boat,” used to
speaking English, or choose to surround
they have been in the United States
describe someone who has just set
themselves with people of the same
and how Americanized or “fobby”
foot in a country. Even though fob by
ethnicity. From these responses, it is
they would describe themselves. Out
definition should encompass a variety
evident that Asian Americans associate
of all the participants, 56% stated
of ethnic and racial groups, it has
the word fob with being a foreigner or
they were born and raised in the
now become a term predominantly
outsider, or someone who upholds the
United States, and 58% indicated
associated with Asians. The underlying
stereotypes that are often associated
that they strongly see themselves as
connotations of fob include traits such
with Asians. It is also clear that the term
Americanized (responding with 1, 2,
as speaking poor English and having
is being used in a negative way; some of
or 3 with 1 being very assimilated into
a distinctly foreign fashion style.
the characteristics given clearly imply
American culture and 10 being a fob).
However superficial these distinctions
what Karen Pyke and Tran Dang call
Therefore, it is reasonable to say that
may seem, they divide the Asian
an “ignorance of American culture” in
most of the participants who defined
community in America quite deeply.
In addition to understanding the
their study “‘FOB’ and ‘Whitewashed’:
the term fob with the aforementioned
In a recent Generasian survey, 100
Identity and Internalized Racism
characteristics were Asian Americans,
Asian American students at NYU were
Among Second Generation Asian
and that their responses clearly
asked to define the characteristics
Americans.” As a result, Pyke and
demonstrate the way many Asian
What defines a fob? 73%
Can’t speak English very well
Americans view international Asians. Rather than identifying with them, Asian Americans allocate characteristics to them that clearly distinguish the fobs from themselves.
44%
Holds a passport from other country
11%
Looks different from me
Hence, it is clear that there is a distinction between non-Americanized Asians and Americanized Asians, and the term fob merely emphasizes the gap between the two groups. According
69%
Has accented English
22 Commentary
to French anthropologist Jean-Loup Amselle in his article “Ethnicity,”
labels are a method of classification that separates people into categories influenced by stereotypes. Amselle
What defines a fob (cont’d)? Hangs around the same race
69%
also argues that more often than not, these stereotypes derive from people’s origins, behaviors, and overarching character. The term fob serves a similar purpose; it is essentially an ethnic label perpetrating Asian stereotypes and creating a division within the Asian
Does not dress American
58%
Unaware of American culture and politics Other
41%
14%
community in the United States. originally come from places outside
Asians to continue in their existing form
by more Americanized Asians to
of the United States. As a result,
and allowing an “internalized racial
describe less assimilated Asians and
while Asian Americans may receive
oppression” to exist which, according to
separate themselves from them. As
a certain comfort by calling others
Pyke and Dang, perpetuates a distrust of
an immigrant trying to succeed in
fobs to demonstrate their superior
the less-assimilated by the assimilated.
America, one is expected to adapt
level of Americanization, they are
Creating this hierarchy merely deters
to its culture and environment. For
also ridiculing their own past.
the process of dissolving such false
Typically speaking, fob is used
example, to find a job in the States,
The discrepancy between those
stereotypes and leads to tension and animosity within the Asian community.
one must speak English to facilitate
who use the term fob and those being
clear communication. Similarly, one
called fobs creates a hierarchy within
needs to pass a test about American
the Asian community in the United
how Americanized or non-Americanized
history before becoming naturalized
States, where the perceived notion
one may be, it is imperative to set
as a citizen. Therefore, it is clear that
is that being more Americanized is
aside opinions about one other that
international Asians will not be able
better, at least to those who identify
create an idea of who is better or who
to assimilate unless they change their
as such. Such a distinction divides the
is worse. Rather, minorities should
mannerisms, style, and speech into
Asian community. The implications
recognize that they all come from
something more Americanized. If they
of the term fob is that they, the
immigrant backgrounds and that
do not, their differences are quickly
international Asians, do not belong
viewing themselves as superior to
pointed out and they are labeled as fobs.
here with us, Americanized Asians.
those who have recently immigrated,
They are seen as outsiders who, despite
The separation disrupts the unity
are less assimilated, or keep strong ties
being part of the Asian community in
of the Asian community and creates
with their cultural roots only serves to
America, are not completely accepted
a minority within a minority. As a
develop an unnecessary, detrimental
by Asian Americans; rather than
racial group, Asians arguably suffer
division within their community.
viewing them as a part of the same
from the same stereotypes and labels
Instead of focusing on creating this
community, Asian Americans consider
from an outsider’s point of view.
division, they should attempt to reach
international Asians as a group
For example, a common stereotype
an understanding about the root of
entirely different from their own.
Whatever the difference, no matter
designated to Asians is being nerds or
the problem and work together to
However, it is also important to
overachievers, and on the surface it
resolve it. By doing so, they will be
note that while Asian Americans may
is hard to tell which Asian adheres to
able to break down the stereotypes
view international Asians as different
these stereotypes and which do not,
they are given and tackle the array of
or foreign, every immigrant undergoes
especially as an Asian to an outsider,
common issues they face as a unified
a similar assimilation process before
fob or not. Therefore, we are often
force rather than splintered groups that
complete integration, if “complete”
judged with the same stereotype,
may end up hurting the community
integration actually does exist. Even
something that all Asians, no matter
rather than helping it flourish.
though they may want to distance
how Americanized, suffer from.
themselves from how they portray
However, by denying and pushing these
Natalie (Yun Jing) Weng is a freshman
international Asians to be, the fact
undesirable traits onto fobs, non-fobs
in Liberal Studies working to major
remains that all of their families have
are actually enabling stereotypes of
in Mathematics and Economics.
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FOBs: The Baggage They Bring 23
The Asian Vote Counting Us in at Last by Catherine Ye
I
n the past decade or so, the political shift
he/she felt that his/her vote will definitely impact
towards minority groups has been clear.
the election. The results also revealed that the ratio
Although political parties and their candidates
of those who felt that their vote tends to make a
have lobbied for the support of Hispanic and
difference to those who believed their vote makes
African American groups since the early 1990s,
little to no difference is 5:2. It seems as if there is
the emphasis this election seems to be on
not enough encouragement or motivation amongst
Asians—and with good reason. According to a
most Asian Americans to participate in politics.
U.S. Census report released in March of 2012, Asians are the fastest growing racial group in
cultures, the family is an integral part of and
the United States, increasing their numbers
a key influence on the individual. Studies
by more than 45% in the past ten years. It is
have shown that in general, the family has a
clear that Asian Americans, defined by the
larger influence on voting preferences than
Pew Research Center as the fastest-growing,
factors such as peers or geography. For me,
best-educated, highest-income minority
American politics and the question of voting
group in the country, are becoming more
were not exactly brought up much at home.
influential. Politicians have definitely noticed.
As a result, my exposure to what was going
However, this sudden shove into the limelight has not convinced Asian Americans to vote in
on was limited to school and social media. While family members influence our voting
larger numbers. While a significant number of
habits, according to the poll I conducted, in
Americans do not feel much political efficacy,
addition to a low number of regular voters
this sentiment seems to hold especially true
amongst family and peers, a low sense of political
for many Asian Americans. According to the
efficacy, a lack of active interest in politics, and
National Asian American Survey, a third of
a lack of candidate appeal also contributed to the
Asian Americans remained undecided mere weeks before the presidential election. Not only that, according to a Pew Hispanic Center’s 2010 report, the voter turnout for Asian voters is at 31% while it is at 31.2% for Latinos and nearly 50% for Caucasians. The general lack of political involvement and low sense of political efficacy extends to the younger generation. According to a survey that I conducted amongst students this October, the majority of the participants rated their sense of political efficacy as a 5; on the scale, a 0 meant that the individual felt he/she will have no influence on the election and a 10 meant that
24 Features
In Chinese culture, as well as in most Asian
overall feeling of indifference towards politics. Despite the general sense of political
Where we stand On the state level, there has been a growth by at
apathy in many Asian Americans, there
least 30% in every single state except Hawaii,
are still some issues and situations that will
which already has a population that is more than
convince them to vote. Of the Asian Americans
50% Asian. Nevada experienced a growth of 116
whom I surveyed, the top reason to vote is
percent and Arizona experienced a growth of
if the issues were relevant to the individual.
95%. The entirety of the United States population
The second is if the candidate’s policies are
has only grown by 9.7% in the past decade.
favorable to the racial group. According to a general consensus, the most important issues include education, immigration, and foreign policy. While Asian Americans tend to vote in smaller numbers, if they find the issues relevant and candidates compelling, they will make the effort to vote in an election. What is striking about the election this year is that my ethnicity plays a role in my final choice on Election Day. It used to be that I would vote along socioeconomic lines. After all, people often accept the notion that Republicans appeal to the ideals of the wealthy while Democrats speak to the beliefs of “the common man.” This year, however, I find myself more and more concerned with how the political parties are
anti-Asian sentiments are common throughout
dealing with the issue of China. For the first
American history. It is easy for Asian Americans
time, the president’s attitude towards China
to point out events in which they can respond,
and Chinese Americans will affect me directly.
“Ah, yes, it was tough for us then” or “It was
I have family and friends abroad and foreign
not a friendly time for us then.” Right now, the
policies will always affect those of us at home.
general mood seems to be swinging towards
Due to its increased involvement and influence
an era of anti-Chinese sentiment. And in the
on international economic and political affairs,
most recent political elections, candidates have
China is on the receiving end of most of the
played off of this hysterical wave of anxiety and
heat. A good chunk of labor that goes into
insecurity. This mood has already been flaunted
American products is outsourced to China,
before our eyes by political advertisements.
and China owns most of our debt. With the
A flurry of racist and insulting campaign
question of the extent of America’s involvement
ads just this past year has incited outrage from
in China looming over our heads, a president
Asian American groups. One of the most famous
with an antagonistic view of China could very
offenders was Pete Hoekstra’s “We Spend Your
well change policies in a manner unfavorable
Money” Superbowl advertisement, which was
towards Asian Americans in the country.
a part of the candidate’s campaign for a seat in
My father once stated gravely, “You must
the House. Another one was Spike Maynard’s
be careful. Right now, there is not a friendly
“Made In China” advertisement for his run for
mood towards Chinese people.” He was afraid
Congress. In the former video, a Chinese woman
that I would be bullied. What I am concerned
pedals by a rice field and stops to say, in obviously
with is whether my entire ethnic group is in
scripted broken English, how thankful she is
danger of being oppressed. These waves of
to “spend American money.” In the latter ad, a
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The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last 25
narrator states that everything in the United
year, I would not have been following political
States is “made in China” as stereotypical
elections so eagerly, or even writing an article
Chinese music plays in the background, along
about politics. For once, I feel that these issues
with flashes of the Chinese flag. Native Chinese
are directly and personally relevant to me; I
people and Chinese American reacted with
cannot continue to be oblivious to the words of
mixed responses. Some publicly expressed their
my representatives. My friends and classmates
disgust and outrage, while others watched on
are also beginning to use social media as a means
with bemused anger and curiosity. As well-
to show their interest to the rest of the world.
For once, I feel that these issues are directly and personally relevant to me; I cannot continue to be oblivious to the words of my representatives. known political blogger Michael Anti noted, Hoekstra’s ad is outright strange. Not only
Asian Americans to the election, influential
does the scene look more Southeast Asian than
figures are making the effort to draw Asian
mainland China, but the woman’s cone-shaped
American voters to their respective camps.
hat also resembles a typical Vietnamese dress.
Peter Su of the Republican Party played a key
In addition, some of the Chinese characters
role in collecting votes for Governor McDonnell
in the advertisement are more commonly
in Virginia. By featuring interviews with the
used in Taiwan than in mainland China. The
governor in local Asian newspapers, arranging
apparent goal of these videos is to encourage
for the governor to speak in local churches,
American voters to band together against a
and organizing other opportunities for the
common enemy—in this case, China—and to
governor to connect with the Asian population
vote. These politicians seem to have forgotten
in Virginia, Su was able to get 60% of the Asian
that the influence of Chinese Americans, as well
American vote for McDonnell. Shawn Steel,
as other Asian Americans, is ever growing.
former chair of California’s Republican Party,
The backlash from Asian groups like Super
has long been championing these tactics. For
PAC (Super Political Action Committee) and
years, he has advocated for increased efforts
APAP (Asian Pacific Americans for Progress)
to reach out to Asian American voters in
and from advocacy groups against racism
campaigns and policy ploys. Now, it seems
like American Citizens for Justice has done
that the politicians are finally listening.
much both to change the tune of political
The two main candidates for the most
advertisements and to make the general Asian
recent presidential election lobbied hard to get
American public more aware of the changing
the attention of Asian American voters. Mitt
tides. When I first saw these videos, I was both
Romney had a page on his website dedicated
amused and offended. Was this really what these
to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
politicians saw us as? When I read the responses
interested in supporting his campaign. Obama’s
from some Asian American extremists, I
campaign workers announced that the president
began to feel anxious. I had honestly never
selected more Asian American Cabinet
been conscious of the political mood around
members than any other president in history.
me until posts and videos like these caught my attention. This time, during any other previous
26 Features
Conscious of the rising importance of
While these were steps towards getting the Asian American vote, there was no shortage
of using China to further certain campaigns.
titled “New Wave of Immigrants--a New Target
Talk of China dominated the candidates’
Too?” argues, “It’s official: Asians are the new
discussions and debates. The “threat,” as they
Jews.” The writer compares the anti-Semitism
would put it, continues to put our livelihoods
present a few decades ago to what he calls the
in this country at risk. President Obama and
“dawn of a new era of anti-Asian bias.” He draws
Governor Romney were only two out of many
parallels between the current demand for the
politicians who used their discussions about
end of unskilled immigration and the possibility
stopping the “danger” of outsourcing jobs to
of future activism to end skilled immigration
China to further their campaigns; elections
from Asia. It is clear that the political spotlight is
seem to be fueling the anti-China sentiment.
not the only beam focused on Asian Americans;
A blogger from the Asia Society, however,
they are becoming more and more important
suggests that this anti-China rhetoric will end
in social and economic spheres. However, the
soon after the election. According to Richard
main question to ask is this: will this spotlight on
Solomon, former U.S. Institute of Peace president,
Asian Americans linger after the elections are
when it comes time to make policy decisions,
over? Or will it fade for a few years, only to be
presidents “do not live up to their inflammatory
revived again in time for the next big election?
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statements.” Even if this is true, however, the media and the candidates themselves have done a
Catherine Ye is a sophomore studying Biology
thorough job of rousing up the masses. An article
in CAS with a minor in Psychology.
in the Los Angeles Times from the summer of 2011
Student Profile: Tanya Gupta Q: How do you think this coming election will be different for you? Put differently, what effect does this election have on you? Or do you feel that this election is no different from past elections on its focus and mood? This election is taking place during a very crucial period in my opinion. I haven’t ever been too involved in any election but this one’s been drawing my attention because I think depending on who wins, it could change American politics today. Q: What do you predict for the future influence of Asian Americans in the political realm? Do you think the focus will remain on Asian Americans? Because so many Asian countries are developing at such fast rates and China is gaining so much power and economical control over the US, I’m sure there will be ample focus on Asian Americans for quite some time.
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The Asian Vote: Counting Us in at Last 27
e
Sports From Foreigners to Phenoms by John Chen
T
he beginning of October marked
broadcasted tournaments where only
a great standing in Korea, much like
South Korean players competed. The
how chess is quite popular in many
League of Legends (LoL), a popular
25% representation of players in LoL
countries. Go is so popular in South
online multiplayer game released in
outside of the Asian umbrella may seem
Korea that professional players are
2009 that pits two teams of 5 players
insignificant compared to the cultural
considered superstars and are known
against each other to destroy the
makeup of the game, but it might just be
throughout the country as well as
opposing stronghold. The LoL World
foreshadowing a huge wave of change
around the world. Professional matches
Championship, taking place in Los
taking place in the world of eSports.
are broadcast and commentated by
the end of the second season of
Angeles, has attracted over two million
In the past, video games
national television channels and
attendees and online viewers from
competitions were hardly ever
are watched by millions of people.
across the world. Every single fan
broadcast live on television or on the
At the same time, the country also
and player there is taking part in the
Internet. The exorbitant costs to show
experienced a huge boom in Internet
largest eSports, or professional and
video game tournaments or other game-
cafes throughout many cities. Hundreds
competitive gaming, event in history.
related events on television or online far
of stores with even more computers,
It’s an amazing event in terms of
outweighed the revenue received from
boasting an impressive Internet
organization, hype, and interaction.
viewers and sponsors. Additionally,
connection and a huge variety of
Various international teams gather in
the viewer base for most game
games, began attracting many people
one location to display months’ worth
broadcasts was very limited, making
to play these PC games, most notably
of practice and skill hoping to best their
production of video game shows less
StarCraft: Brood War, a real-time
opposition, prove themselves worthy
than practically and economically
strategy game. With the already
of the title of World Champions and
viable. But how did games like
successful institution of broadcasting
take home the $2 million prize pool.
StarCraft: Brood War and more recently
Go competitions in place and the
StarCraft 2 as well as League of Legends
skyrocketing popularity of StarCraft:
but the 60-player lineup at this year’s
become popular, self-sustaining,
Brood War, it was no surprise that a
LoL World Championship was 75%
and lucrative fields of interest? The
South Korean TV station put the two
Asian or Asian American, while
answer lies in South Korea, the
together and formed the first video
the remaining 25% was Caucasian
birthplace of broadcasted eSports.
game channel for a national audience.
It may come to a surprise to some,
American and European. Interestingly
One of the most popular games in
enough, only two years ago, StarCraft:
South Korea is a straightforward, but
continued to grow as time passed;
Brood War, the premiere eSport of
infinitely diverse board game called
tournaments giving away prizes of
the time, had its own internationally
Go, or baduk in Korean. The game has
up to three million dollars became a
28 Local
The success of StarCraft only
regular annual occurrence in South
the world, the elite players of the
in the competitive scene. In only a
Korea. Companies formed teams of
game remained 100% South Korean.
matter of three years, the ten-year long
South Korea’s most talented players
“Foreign” players, as any non-South
South Korean dominance in eSports
to face off against other teams for
Korean player is referred to by South
is starting to be offset by “foreigners”
prizes and sponsorships. Hundreds
Korean professionals, could not hold
who are meeting the challenge
of thousands of viewers tuned into
a candle to any of the full time pro
of being successful professional
the channels that broadcast StarCraft
players who play eight or more hours of
players to be reckoned with.
The 60-player lineup at this year’s LoL World Championship is 75% Asian or Asian American, while the remaining 25% is Caucasian American and European.
games and rooted for their favorite
StarCraft per day as part of a strict daily
players. But the enthusiasm did not
training regiment of practice matches
for a successful eSports scene, but
stop there; these games were then
and workouts. South Korea continued
with the recent rise of League of
broadcast online on various streaming
to dominate all of the professional
Legends, the rest of the world is
websites, free for the world to view.
StarCraft scene throughout the 2000’s.
starting to penetrate into the higher
In America, various StarCraft
However, this might all change as
South Korea laid the foundations
echelons of eSports. It might be only a
supporters saw the phenomenon and
League of Legends became the most
matter of time before the disparity in
realized how amazing the game could
viewed and played eSport in history
representation at international eSports
be. American commentators and players
this year. Even though StarCraft 2 trails
events becomes a thing of the past.
started to emulate the South Koreans,
close behind LoL, the huge difference
though on a much smaller scale using
between these two eSports venues is
John Chen is sophomore majoring
mostly video sites like YouTube to show
the 25% non-Asian and Asian American
in Chemistry in CAS.
commentaries and gameplay. However,
representation and even more notably,
even with such huge popularity across
the 84% “foreign” representation
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Photo courtesy of Polygon
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eSports: From Foreigners to Phenoms 29
Cure your craving for curry
OUR PICKS
Asians go clubbing
A Perfect Date Night By Subin Chung Cha Chan Tang is a sleek Hong
by Harrison Lin, Jacqueline Mai & Nancy Nan Where have you been?
Kong style restaurant situated in
All: Crimson, Eden, Q Lounge,
Chinatown with quirky decorations
by Zi Lin
such as chandeliers of empty glass
Circle, Pacha, Highline Ballroom
If you’re tired of mac n’ cheese, stop by one
bottles and a wall partition of stacked
Music, dress, & dance
of these restaurants for a taste of karē, the
white teacups. The bright lighting and
immensely popular Japanese comfort food.
casual atmosphere make it a great
is enforced more strictly than at
choice for those butterflies-in-the-
other clubs. I prefer the music
q
H: Behavior wise, dress code
stomach moments. Have something
at Asian clubs because they play
Even though Udon West typically
sweet to start (and maybe calm
familiar Top 40 songs.
serves up giant, steaming bowls of udon
nerves): their rich and creamy fried
noodle soup, the narrow St. Mark’s
buns with condensed milk. Small and
and 2NE1, but in my experience it’s
restaurant is a great place to satisfy
easy to eat, these are great for flirting
been mostly Top 40 and house music.
your curry craving. Order the katsu
and feeding. Want something bold?
Expectations
curry ($10), sit at the bar, and watch
Try a dish with bitter melon—the
H: It’s much more expensive for
chefs drop pieces of cutlet breaded
bittersweet finish should play with
guys at Asian clubs than at other clubs.
with crunchy panko in the deep fryer.
your tongues and spice up the air.
The flavorful curry goes perfectly with fluffy white rice and crunchy fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables).
N: Asian clubs sometimes play PSY
N: I expect snazziness, high-end atmosphere, and celebrities at Circle
q
because I’ve heard about big celebrities
Saigon Market, the popular
like Usher and PSY clubbing there!
Vietnamese restaurant on University
q
J: Asian clubs are cleaner and
Place, is a personal favorite. Dimly
play catchier music and better
Go! Go! Curry, located behind Kimmel
lit with soft lamps, the beautiful
mixes than American clubs.
Center, is the quintessential fast food
atmosphere also comes with mouth-
Crowd
stop for Japanese-style curry. The katsu
watering food. Whether for a quick
curries are good and cheap, but order
bite for lunch or a casual dinner for
the Grand Slam ($12.50), a giant portion
two, this place does not disappoint.
of curry with both pork and chicken
Their Bun Xao, Pork Thit Sate,
at Circle whereas there is a more mixed
cutlet, sausage, tempura shrimp, and
and grilled eggplants are cooked
crowd of Asian Americans at Crimson.
a boiled egg served over a mountain of
perfectly and large enough to share
Best Experience
rice, if you are feeling extra hungry.
with your significant other.
You receive free topping coupons on
H: People drink less on average and the crowd tends to be more foreign. N: There is a bigger Korean crowd
H: Dancing with girls, drinking with my bros, and overall having a
the 5th, 15th, and 25th of every month
q
which can be redeemed for an entire
Lantern Thai Kitchen’s centerpiece
pork or chicken cutlet topping!
decoration is a series of twisting
location. It has the perfect dance
trees with lights hanging from their
space. It attracts a younger crowd in
q
good time at Q Lounge. N: Crimson is my default clubbing
branches. During the evening, this
general including college students.
Bakeries seem like unlikely places to
restaurant provides a dark and
Worst experience
go for curry, but Zaiya, the popular
romantic atmosphere, complete with
Japanese bakery chain, serves crisp
soft music and quiet chatter. Try their
and fresh curry-pan, deep-fried
popular Thai iced tea for a cold drink to
kept telling us the wait time was
sip between the ebbs in conversation.
less than what it actually was.
bread filled with hot curry daily. 30 Our Picks
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J: I waited two hours outside of Crimson because the bouncer G
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Tips for Budding Buddhists
Quick Tip
s
Bubble Tea for the Health Conscious
Save your wallet By Stephanie Zhou & Yuna Park Panya is a bakery in the East Village full of delicious bread and desserts. If
by Jennifer Tseng
you’re looking for a quick bite, you can
Life stressing you out? Take comfort
grab $2-$3 bags of pastries in the store.
in these time-honored tips from
But don’t miss out on their best deal
By Amy Lu
the practice of Buddhism.
for 50% off bread and pastries after 9
Until recent findings uncovered the
PM, and don’t forget to try their green
potential health hazard of consuming
tea sesame macarons for only $1.50!
“bubbles” or tapioca pearls, consumers
q Upon hearing the word “Buddhism,”
hardly thought of the sweet, milky,
a sense of serenity and composure
chewy and delightful drink as
rushes to mind. While tranquility
dangerous to our health. But according
is an integral element of Buddhism,
to Livestrong.com, the drink amasses
self-improvement, the notion of
more than 300 calories on average for
“tapping into our potential…[to] find
each 16 oz. cup and at least half of these
unlimited wisdom, courage, hope, [and]
Conveniently located behind
calories come from the tapioca pearls.
confidence,” is also a vital component
Kimmel, Baburchi is an Indian
It then goes on to say that the average
of the practice. Here are some Buddhist
restaurant that is perfect for NYU
four ounce serving of tapioca bubbles
ideals we can use to improve our lives.
students. In addition to the 50%
contains an astonishing 200 calories!
Embrace changes. In Buddhism,
off lunch discount, NYU students
A bubble tea customer should not
it is accepted that “the only constant in
also receive a 20% discount on
feel as if he has to sacrifice his health
life is change.” By understanding and
their bill. Tandoori chicken for
to enjoy a beverage. Here are some
accepting this, we can appreciate the
just $7.95? Count me in!
healthy options one can consider:
Request less sugar. Some
natural flux of life and respect the fact that while our plans throughout and
stores give their customers the option
after college may seem unwavering,
to increase or decrease the sugar
we must be open to change.
content in their drinks by 30, 50 or 70
By helping others, you help yourself. Your roommate is
percent or to not add fructose at all.
Request healthier toppings.
upset. Or maybe it is your friend or
MUJI Chopsticks. What about
Choose toppings such as honey aloe,
sibling. Listen to them and offer your
utensils? Check out MUJI Soho, a
grass jelly, honey lemon, or red and
advice. By helping others conquer
Japanese lifestyle store filled with many
green bean instead of tapioca.
their troubles, “our own lives are
essentials, including durable utensils
expanded” as it strengthens our
that you can use every day. Stop using
Adventurous consumers should try
character and helps us grapple with
plastic forks and spoons and get a
specialty drinks which vary from store
concocting positive solutions.
reusable chopstick set for just $6.25.
G
Try specialty drinks.
to store. These drinks are often made fresh and with healthier ingredients.
Know you have it in you. Midterms, internships, summer jobs…the list of challenges go on.
Order an alternative to bubble tea. Other beverages such as healthy
Take solace in the Buddhist belief
juice or mixed tea drinks such as
that there is “all the necessary traits
honey green tea, grapefruit green
to tackle every problem” we may
tea, or passion fruit tea, are great
face in our lives within each of us. Read our blog
G
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alternatives to bubble milk tea.
G
Quick Tips 31
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