PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 37 NO 19 MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
FREE
36 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Aztec dancers from CeAtl Tonalli lead a May Day parade in Seattle
Relationship-minded Patrick Chun picked to lead WSU athletic department By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Photo by Assunta Ng
Prior to accepting his position at Washington State University (WSU) as its athletic director, Patrick Chun had been to Pullman one other time. He did not forget the experience. Chun was introduced as the new Director of Athletics for WSU this past January after a nationwide search. He is the see CHUN on 12
Dancers passing through S. Jackson St. in the ID
Patrick Chun
Identity crisis The unique challenges of mixed race children
By Carolyn Bick NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Describing herself in pieces makes Sharon Chang cringe.
Mark Okazaki
Okazaki retiring from Neighborhood House
Chang is the mixed race child of a Taiwanese father and a white American mother of primarily European descent. But describing herself as “half” or see INTERRACIAL KIDS on 16
Sharon Chang
N. Korea glorifies summit with South; analysts less sure
“During my time at Neighborhood House, we have accomplished a lot and I am filled with pride every day.” — Mark Okazaki
DOUG BALDWIN » 3
SEATTLE — Neighborhood House announced on April 15 that its executive director, Mark Okazaki, will retire in the fall of 2019 after 18 years of service. The Neighborhood House Board of Trustees will begin engaging a broad range of stakeholders to inform the search, selection, and transition process for the new executive director. One of the oldest social service agencies in the Puget Sound region, Neighborhood House serves over 14,000 of our region’s immigrant, refugee, and low-income community members each year. Under Okazaki’s leadership, the organization has quadrupled its budget from $5 million to $20 million, bringing services to some of King County’s most isolated residents and underserved communities.
■
see OKAZAKI on 13
Korea Summit Press Pool via AP
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
XIAOHUI “TONY” CHEN » 8
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in raise their hands after signing a joint statement at the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea, Friday, April 27, 2018.
By FOSTER KLUG and KIM TONGHYUNG ASSOCIATED PRESS GOYANG, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s state media trumpeted leader Kim Jong Un’s “immortal achievement’’ a day after he met South Korean President Moon Jae-in and repeated past vows to remove nuclear weapons from the peninsula and work toward a formal end to the Korean War. Despite the bold declarations, the leaders failed to provide any new measures
on a nuclear standoff that has captivated and terrified millions, and analysts expressed doubts on whether the summit represented a real breakthrough. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency, in typically fawning language, reported that the leaders exchanged “honest and heartfelt talks’’ at a summit that “was a realization of the supreme leader’s blazing love for the nation and unyielding will for self-reliance.’’ The see KOREA on 15
A-POP! » 9
BLOG » 10
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36 YEARS
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS FCS Seafair Princess
surpassing her personal best of 167-1, set in June 2017. Fong, a senior at Kentlake High School, will be attending Stanford University on a track and field scholarship.
Dorothy Ko lecture
passion for social justice and public service,” said Chancellor Wolf Yeigh. Yu was appointed to the high court in 2014 by Gov. Jay Inslee. As a judge in 2012, Yu performed the first same-sex marriage in Washington on the day same-sex marriages became legal in the state. She is the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve on the state Supreme Court.
Elevate NW Conference
Bianca Llorico and runner-up Krystal Shantel Jimenez
Bianca Llorico was crowned 2018 Miss Filipino Community of Seattle Seafair Princess on April 29, at the Filipino Community Center’s Grand Ballroom. Llorico expects to graduate in December with a Bachelors of Science in nursing. Krystal Shantel Jimenez was the runner-up. Llorica said, “[Krystal] has the biggest heart in everything she does and I am so thankful to have her next to me as we go on our journeys towards becoming Miss Seafair. I am extremely thankful for the Filipino Community of Seattle for entrusting myself and Krystal to represent our Filipino community at Seafair this summer.”
Fong breaks state record
Jordan Fong
Jordan Fong broke the all-time Washington state high school hammer record for both boys and girls that has stood for eight years. On April 24, Fong threw the hammer 177 feet, 7 inches to win the event and set a new state record. It placed her second in the nation,
Nanhee and Bill Hahn hosted a lunch for Dorothy Ko at Women’s University Club.
Dorothy Ko held a lecture at the University of Washington on April 26 about her recent book, “The Social Life of Inkstones: Artisans and Scholars in Early Qing China.” Ko, a Barnard College professor of history, offered a peek into the world of ancient Asian stones, and the artisans and stonecutters who created them.
Justice Mary Yu to speak at commencement
Washington Supreme Court Associate Justice Mary Yu will address graduates at the UW Bothell commencement ceremony on June 10. “Justice Yu has a compelling personal story, as well as a
Photo by Assunta Ng
Bianca Llorico crowned by the previous year’s Miss FCS Seafair Princess
Vikram Jandhyala (left) was on a panel at the conference
Dozens of people attended the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Elevate NW Conference on April 24 at Fisher Pavilion. The event is dedicated to the growth and success of small businesses in the Seattle metro region — from solopreneurs to companies that employ tens of thousands of people. The keynote presentation was on MOD Pizza — and how its people-first culture has driven the company’s success.
Justice Mary Yu
Fresh Asian Specialty Chicken — locally produced in BC, Canada 新鮮的亞洲特色雞 ̶ 加拿大卑詩省本地養殖 Authentic Silkie & Free Run chicken meat from the Fraser Valley in BC is healthy, flavourful and raised to Canadian standards. 來自卑詩省菲莎河谷的正宗竹絲雞及台灣走地雞，依照加拿大品質標準養殖，健康又美味。
Supported by the Government of BC’s Buy Local Program; delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Look for these Canadian brands at your local Chinese grocery store. 以下優良 加 拿 大 品牌產品於各 大華人 超 市 有售
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Doug Baldwin was recognized on April 30 with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service. “Dr. King understood the importance of the opportunities athletes had to use their platforms for positive social change,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “Doug’s commitment to service in Renton and all of the communities in King County embodies that vision — and we are better for it.” As soon as he became a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Baldwin — whose grandmother is Filipino — made the city of Renton his home. Baldwin partnered with the City of Renton and the Renton School District to design and build the Family First Community Center in the Cascade/
Benson Hill area. The area is home to nearly a quarter of Renton’s population, with 12 percent living below the poverty line with over 20 percent 14 years or younger. This center will provide a variety of programs, including youth sports, art and music classes, group exercise, English as a second language classes, and much more. Healthpoint, a nonprofit health center, will also provide services in the facility. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year. The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County in answer to Dr. King’s question: “What are you doing for others?” Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
GOT A TIP?
Photo provided by the Metropolitan King County Council
Doug Baldwin receives MLK Medal of Distinguished Service King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove (left) with MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recipient Doug Baldwin and Baldwin’s wife, Tara.
Have you ever wondered what your electric utility is working on? Seattle City Light's Strategic Plan is a report on the future of your electric service. To learn more, visit seattle.gov/light/stratplan and read about City Light’s plan for the next six years.
editor@nwasianweekly.com
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MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
36 YEARS
■ WORLD NEWS
Campaigning starts in Malaysia’s May 9 election race By EILEEN NG ASSOCIATED PRESS
Prime Minister Najib Razak
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Campaigning has formally started for Malaysia’s May 9 general elections that will determine if scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak’s coalition can extend nearly 61 years of unbroken rule against an unprecedented challenge led by nonagenarian former strongman
Mahathir Mohamad. Scores of election candidates submitted nomination papers at their home constituencies, paving the way for the start of an 11-day campaigning period. Najib, escorted by hundreds of supporters waving party flags, filed his nomination in Pekan in central Pahang state. Mahathir, who was one of Asia’s longest serving rulers for 22 years until his retirement in 2003, registered to run in the northern resort island
of Langkawi. About 15 million Malaysians will cast ballots to fill 222 seats in federal Parliament and choose representatives for 12 state legislatures. “It is another test of Najib’s survival. He has so far emerged unscathed in all the challenges presented to him in the last few years and this is the biggest see ELECTION on 12 See related op eds on 11.
Beijing Auto show highlights e-cars designed for China By JOE McDONALD AP BUSINESS WRITER BEIJING (AP) — Volkswagen and Nissan have unveiled electric cars designed for China at a Beijing auto show that highlights the growing importance of Chinese buyers for a technology seen as a key part of the global industry’s future.
General Motors displayed five allelectric models on April 25 including a concept Buick SUV it says can go 375 miles on one charge. Ford and other brands showed off some of the dozens of electric SUVs, sedans and other models they say are planned for China. see E-CARS on 14
KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01252C18, Demolition, Abatement, and Well Decommissioning Work Order; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 1:30 PM on May 15, 2018. Late bids will not be accepted. Brief Scope: The work under this Contract consists of furnishing all labor, tools, equipment, materials, incidentals, superintendents, subcontractor coordination and overhead to perform demolition, lead and asbestos abatement, and well decommissioning at various sites within the County. Structures will be homes, mobile homes and various non-residential structures throughout the County with some located along river and floodplain acquired spaces. Work orders will have various needs and which will be included in each work order. These sites will be most often returned to a natural state with excavation and seeding. Work site: Various locations throughout King County, Washington Estimated contract price: $1,000,000 Pre-Bid Conference: May 8, 2018, 10:00 a.m., King Street Center 201 S. Jackson Street Conference Room 2A & 2B, Seattle WA 98104. A site tour will not be conducted. There is a 15% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) on this contract. Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://procurement. kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/default.aspx
PROMOTE YOUR REGIONAL EVENT STATEWIDE WITH A $325 CLASSIFIED LISTING OR $1,575 FOR A DISPLAY AD. CALL THIS NEWSPAPER OR 360-344-2938 FOR DETAILS. WASHINGTON DIVORCE-SEPARATION, $155. $175 WITH CHILDREN. NO COURT APPEARANCES. INCLUDES PROPERTY, BILLS, CUSTODY, SUPPORT. COMPLETE PREPARATION OF DOCUMENTS. LEGAL ALTERNATIVES, 503-772-5295. WWW.PARALEGALALTERNATIVES.COM A PLACE FOR MOM HAS HELPED OVER A MILLION FAMILIES FIND SENIOR LIVING. OUR TRUSTED, LOCAL ADVISORS HELP FIND SOLUTIONS TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS AT NO COST TO YOU. CALL 855-415-4148. DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. RECEIVE MAXIMUM VALUE OF WRITE OFF FOR YOUR TAXES. RUNNING OR NOT! ALL CONDITIONS ACCEPTED. FREE PICKUP. CALL FOR DETAILS, 855-635-4229. STOP OVERPAYING FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS! SAVE! CALL OUR LICENSED CANADIAN & INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY, COMPARE PRICES AND GET $25 OFF YOUR FIRST PRESCRIPTION! CALL 855-585-5225.
YOUR VOICE
■ NATIONAL NEWS
asianweekly northwest
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
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Trump’s travel ban likely to be upheld, justices indicate By MARK SHERMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seemed poised to uphold President Donald Trump’s ban on travel to the U.S. by visitors from several Muslim-majority countries, a move that would hand the president a major victory on a controversial signature policy. In the court’s first full-blown consideration of a Trump order, the conservative justices who make up the court’s majority seemed unwilling to hem in a president who has invoked national security to justify restrictions on who can or cannot step on U.S. soil. The justices in December allowed the ban
to take full effect even as the legal fight over it continued, but April 25 was the first time they took it up in open court. Trump’s tough stance on immigration was a centerpiece of his presidential campaign, and he rolled out the first version of the ban just a week after taking office, sparking chaos and protests at a number of airports. The ban’s challengers almost certainly need either Chief Justice John Roberts or Justice Anthony Kennedy on their side if the court is to strike down the policy that its opponents have labeled a Muslim ban. But neither appeared receptive to arguments made by lawyer Neal Katyal, representing the see TRAVEL BAN on 13
Tourists enjoy final day at beach before Boracay closure By JOEAL CALUPITAN ASSOCIATED PRESS BORACAY, Philippines (AP) — Tourists are spending their final hours on Boracay, enjoying the Philippine island’s famed white-sand beaches before it closes for up to six months to recover from overcrowding and development. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte described the waters off Boracay as a “cesspool’’ before ordering the closure. But on April 24, one Australian visitor said the island had one of the cleanest beaches he’s seen. “I don’t really understand too much about Philippine President what’s going on, about Rodrigo Duterte the sewage problem . because when I look out there, I see one of the cleanest beaches I’ve ever seen in my life, and the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in my life,’’ said Tim Malone, 33. “We are just waiting for the bar to open so that we can get a couple of beers before we go on to our flight, but yeah we just want to enjoy the beach for a few more hours so we got up pretty early and made sure we make the most of it .’’ A government study says more than 2 million tourists visited Boracay last year to enjoy its powdery beaches, spectacular sunsets and festive nightlife, generating about 56 billion pesos ($1 billion) in revenue. But it said the tourist influx, neglected infrastructure and growth of resorts threatened to turn Boracay into a “dead island’’ in less than a decade. Tourism Undersecretary Frederick Alegre hopes the island will be more sustainable when it resumes normal operations after a few months. “We have to bite the bullet,’’ Alegre said last week. “We have to swallow the bitter pill, one see BORACAY on 12
asianweekly northwest
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MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
36 YEARS
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 3
CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF & ANNUAL TASTE OF THE 9TH EVENT Renton Community Center 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton 6 p.m. RSVP to katherine@ electadamsmith.com 206-486-5913
4 THROUGH FEB. 24, 2019
EXHIBIT, “WHAM BAM POW! CARTOONS, TURBANS, AND CONFRONTING HATE” BY VISHAVJIT SINGH Wing Luke Museum 719 S. King St., Seattle 6 p.m.
5 2018 ASIAN HALL OF FAME Fairmont Olympic Hotel 411 University St., Seattle 6 p.m. asianhalloffame2018.shindigg. com CAMBODIA BANQUET TO SUPPORT THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL IN PAILIN Overlake School campus, 20301 N.E. 108th St., Redmond 5 p.m. overlake.org ICHS’S 45 YEARS BLOOM GALA Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Ave., Seattle 5:30 p.m.
$175 ichs.com
6 NORTH AMERICA MAPLE CULTURE CENTER IN SEATTLE NEW PLAY CONFERENCE King County Library System Service Center 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah 10 a.m. 425-503-8877 KODOMO NO HI also known as Children’s Day Festival JCCCW 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle 11 a.m. jcccw.org TAIWANESE FUSION HAPPY HOUR Tavern 12 3 p.m. chenheritagefoundation.org ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION Seattle Center Armory 11:45 a.m. Free admission apiheritage.com
7 UNIQUE LIVES - SEATTLE’S INTELLIGENT LECTURE SERIES WITH LAURA LING McCaw Hall 321 Mercer St., Seattle 7:30 p.m. uniquelives.com
8
1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy, Renton 7 p.m. DYNAMIC KOREA WITH JINJO CREW IN SEATTLE Edmonds Center for the Arts 7 p.m. Free admission. First come, first serve.
9 16TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LUNCHEON, “WITH ALL OF US, THEY CAN” The Westin Seattle 12 p.m. alliance4ed.ejoinme.org
10 CHINESE ART & CULTURE SERIES, “CONTEMPORARY ASIAN ART FROM GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES” Seattle Art Museum Simons Board Room 1300 First Ave., Seattle 4 p.m.
11 “THE 3RD ANNUAL IMAGINE US!” DINNER Washington Hall 6 p.m. 21progress.org DEBUNKING THE TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT DEPT. OF LABOR & INDUSTRIES WITH ROSE GUNDERSEN China Harbor Restaurant 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 11:30 a.m. seattlechinesechamber.org
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TAIWANESE NIGHT MARKET UW Red Square & Quad 5:30 p.m. uwnightmarket.com
CISC’S 46TH ANNUAL FRIENDSHIP DINNER & AUCTION, “COME TOGETHER” Seattle Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle 5:30 p.m. $150/person cisc-seattle.org
12 & 13 THOUSAND FACES CHINESE OPERA May 12 at Chief Sealth International High School 2600 SW Thistle St., Seattle May 13 at Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma 7:20 p.m. PEONY & BAMBOO FESTIVAL Seattle Chinese Garden 6000 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle 10 a.m. seattlechinesegarden.org Bonsai Fest Pacific Bonsai Museum 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way Suggested donation: $5 10 a.m.
15 SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN Applications due today Event is in August 2018 Download an application at seattlechinesechamber.org
18 FAMILY NIGHT, “NI HAO! TAIWAN” Mercer Island Community & Event Center 6:30 p.m.
TASTE OF KOREA HOSTED BY KOREAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES STAR Center 3873 S. 66th St., Tacoma 4:30 p.m. tasteofkorea_kwa.eventbrite. com
19 & 20 UNIVERSITY DISTRICT STREET FAIR University Way N.E., Seattle 10 a.m.
20 CACA SEATTLE ANNUAL BANQUET CELEBRATING UNITY & FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 5:30 p.m. $20-$60 cacaseattle.org
21 & 22 A DOCUMENTARY, “LOOKING FOR?” BY CHOU TUNG-YEN Seattle International Film Festival
LIGHT UP TAIWAN Carco Theatre
View the solution on page 14
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
YOUR VOICE
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
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asianweekly northwest
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■ SPORTS
36 YEARS
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
Not afraid of getting seasick, sailing enthusiast takes on open ocean race By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY After attending the Seattle Boat Show a couple years ago, Xiaohui “Tony” Chen decided to take on a huge sailing adventure. He learned about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and signed up to be a part of the almost two-month ocean adventure. The race made its stop in Seattle during mid-April as part of leg 6 of an 8-leg, 40,000-nautical mile voyage around the world. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo nonstop around the world, came up with the idea for this event. It is now in its eleventh year. The uniqueness of allowing normal individuals with a passion for adventure and sailing to partake in this experience is what draws many to the race. This year, the race features 712 non-professional crew, the most-ever, including many who had no previous sailing experience prior to signing up. The full 11 month circumnavigation costs roughly $61,245, which includes accommodation on board, all food and drink, and ocean racing clothing. A leg of the race costs about $6,800. Clipper Race training is mandatory for everyone and the crew must pass each of the four levels of training which take one week to complete. Joining crew also get tested in port before they can sail. Safety drills are carried out before each race starts. Some crew members will undertake additional theoretical and practical training to become
Clipper Race Coxswain Crew members. The training is designed in collaboration with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). “This is the first time doing the Clipper race,” said the software engineer from Issaquah. “I learned to sail in 2014 because Seattle is a great sailing place.” Chen participates locally in the summer and dabbled in some events, including a sailing race in Victoria. Born in Beijing, China, Chen came to the United States to attend graduate school in Missouri. He moved to Seattle in 2007. “In 2015, I saw a commercial for the Clipper Race and I thought it was a good way to gain sailing experience.” In addition to the hands-on experience, there is a competitive aspect of the event. Days before leaving, Chen spoke about his excitement for the race. He would be on a yacht racing with a crew that would start in Seattle, sailing in the Pacific along the West Coast and through the Panama Canal by the end of May, and then arriving in New York by mid-June. Chen noted that it was the longest time he was able to take time off from work, otherwise Chen may have decided to stay on. The Clipper Round the World Race includes 12 70foot ocean racing yachts. The race is divided into 8 legs and individuals can complete the full race, which begins and ends in Liverpool, England, or participate in individual legs. This previous leg started in Qingdao, China before docking in Seattle. Chen took the mandatory 4 week training courses
Xiaohui “Tony” Chen
required for the race. “You need to have the physical strength.” Chen added, “There is a mental part, too.” Chen noted that there is little privacy on the yacht and his sleep schedule is sporadic. There is also the need to work together with the crew members who come from different backgrounds with different personalities. Chen has met many fellow competitors through his training for the event, as well as participating in other local sailing activities. There is also the issue of preparing to be seasick. Although he enjoys sailing, Chen acknowledges that there is a likelihood that he may become seasick while on the trip. “It’s something that I need to deal with,” Chen said. Chen will be separated from his 13-year-old daughter during the race. Despite the hesitancy of being away, his daughter has been supportive and understands his passion for sailing. When Chen told her about the opportunity, she told him, “Dad, you need to go.” “I appreciate her understanding,” he said. “I owe her two months,” indicating the time Chen will be away that he’ll repay his daughter when he returns. Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Man, I love the 90s!
This month, I’m tackling two shows that I used to love very much, but the passage of time have ravaged their faces a bit — much like how wrinkles have started to overtake mine. But, it’s never too late to put on a bit of sunscreen and just take some time to think about why we do the unhealthy things we do.
“Simpsons” respond to Apu criticism with grace — JK!
On April 8, the people behind “The Simpsons” responded to accusations of stereotyping by presenting a meta episode of the animated show. In it, Marge Simpson reads her daughter Lisa a favorite childhood book that is rife with racism. Marge cleans up the book by making it politically correct. What results is a really crappy and bland story. Marge asks Lisa, “Well, what am I supposed to do?” Lisa says, “It’s hard to say. Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now
politically incorrect. What can you do?” Then, the camera pans to a photo of Apu on Lisa’s bedside table. Oh, okay. The impetus behind this episode is, “The Problem with Apu,” a TruTV documentary that aired last fall. It’s by Hari Kondabolu and it features South Asian actors and performers talking about the problematic character of Apu on “The Simpsons.” Apu is basically a caricature rife with racially insensitive stereotypes, yet that character was the only mainstream representation of a South Asian in popular culture for the longest time. By being dismissive of the concerns raised in his documentary about representations of South Asians in popular culture, Kondabolu told USA Today that the “The Simpsons” episode “doesn’t address the problem with Apu. Instead, it jabs at those who want to see better representation of marginalized groups in popular culture. It was petty and remarkably regressive.” When asked by USA Today on April 27 about whether he has any thoughts about the criticisms of Apu as a stereotype, “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening sounded like a tool and said, “Not really. I’m proud of what we do on the show. And I think it’s a time in our culture where people love to pretend they’re offended.” In contrast, Hank Azaria, the actor who voices Apu, was actually cool and thoughtful. While he originally declined to appear in the documentary, he did appear on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on April 24 and said: “I think the most important thing is we have to listen to South Asian people, Indian people in this country, when they talk about what they feel and how they think about this character, and what their American experience of it has been. … Listening to voices means inclusion in the writers’ room. I really want to see Indian, South Asian writer/
Hey Seattle! How can we make it easier for your kids to walk and bike to school?
writers in the room, not in a token way, but genuinely informing whatever new direction this character may take, including how it is voiced or not voiced. I’m perfectly willing and happy to step aside or help it transition into something new.”
90s sitcoms, they’re just like us!
The “Roseanne” revival on ABC is a huge hit, smashing rating expectations. According to some reports, it brought in 10 percent more viewers than its series finale did in 1997. People love it. Yet — I don’t. And there was a comment in a recent episode about Asians and Blacks that I found troubling. I was actually a huge fan of the original series — so much
www.seattle.gov/transportation/srts-rea
see A-POP on 15
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 11:45 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. SEATTLE CENTER ARMORY
FREE ADMISSION • FAMILY EVENT
SCHEDULE: 11:45am
Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team
12:00pm
Opening Remarks: John Chen & Tammy Le, Co-Emcees Welcoming Remarks: Janice Deguchi, APDC Chairperson Tam Dinh, 2nd Vice Chair, CAPAA
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A-POP!
Back when it was easier to get away with racism!
By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
asianweekly weekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
12:15pm
Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team
12:30pm
Kinnaly, Laotian Cultural Dancers
12:45pm
Wu Shu Martial Arts
1:00pm
Ruamjai Thai Dancing
1:15pm
Huraiti Mana, Polynesian Dance Troupe
1:30pm
Nepal Music Group
1:45pm
International Lion Dance Team
2:00pm
Alan Sugiyama Hum Bow Eating Contest Emcee: Harold Taniguchi Battle of the Local Celebrities & Community Leaders!
2:30pm
Live2Dance, Bollywood Dance Troupe
2:45pm
Fraggle Rock Crew, Breakdance Group
3:00pm
Luna Lee International YouTube Music Sensation
3:45pm
Morning Star, Korean Cultural Dancers
4:00pm
Seattle Aphrodite Fashion Show, presented by MiYoung Margolis
4:15pm
Vietnamese Student Association
4:30pm
Kaze Daiko, Taiko Drum Group
4:45pm
Malaysian Student Association
5:00pm
Closing Remarks
FOOD TRUCKS:
Enjoy delicious cuisine from local favorites: Incredibowls, Tuk Tuk Mobile Feast, Big Boys Kainan & Food Truck
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES:
Unleash your creativity and take home the fun! Enjoy balloon animals, face painting, button making, child ID, and lei making
CULTURAL DISPLAY OF NATIONS: Explore the magic of API countries and cultures, presented by Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma
MEDIA SPONSOR:
Crossings TV, Where Cultures Meet
SPONSORED BY:
Amerigroup | APACEvotes | Asian Counseling and Referral Service | APICAT | Bellevue College | Chinese Information and Service Center | Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs | Executive Development Institute | Ethnic Chamber of Commerce Coalition | Getaround | Goodwill | Keiro Northwest | Kin On | Livetech, LLC | Neighborhood House | New York Life Insurance | Northwest Asian Weekly | OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates | Overnight Printing Seattle | Puget Sound Clean Air Agency | Seattle Police Department
**Line-Up Subject to Change
For more information and updates, visit www.apiheritage.com or facebook.com/apiheritage
asianweekly northwest
10
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
36 YEARS
Diary of a spring day in the ID
Good and sad news juxtaposed each other
On April 28, it rained as I peeked out the window in the morning. “Oh no,” I thought. It was the annual cleanup day in the International District (ID). Will volunteers show up? Rain can ruin outdoor events, including picnics, weddings, hiking and biking, and even protests. As I strolled through South King Street, rain destroyed the beautiful pink “silk carpet,” made of cherry blossom petals on the ground in the ID. Before 9 a.m., hundreds of seniors and others had already gathered at Hing Hay Park. The loyal volunteers were ready to work, holding brooms and pans, and garbage bags. Some have volunteered for years. The ID got a facelift after the cleanup. I had never seen the workers so cheerful and giving. It’s quite a testament to community effort, collaboration, and team building. Under the I-5 freeway parking lot, Seattle Public Utilities crews were collecting electronic waste. Folks could discard their computers, television sets, electric heaters, and furniture. Anything big was welcome. Thanks to the City, businesses and residents got rid of junk, while saving money. Believe me, you have to pay someone to come pick up that waste, and many would not pick up small quantities. In the afternoon, I passed by A Piece of Cake and learned the bad news. Owner-baker Andy Meng said April 30 would be his last day. The eatery was sold to two young men.
“It’s time to go,” Meng said. “We are victims of Seattle’s high minimum wage law. A bakery is not a restaurant, which can increase prices to cover its operating costs. The most we can increase is a quarter. But restaurants can increase prices by a dollar or more. And tips can make up for a restaurant’s wages. People would rather work in restaurants than bakeries. I couldn’t hire enough help. “Then the garbage is another challenge. We have to divide them into compost and other things for recycling. I have to do everything. Seattle’s climate hurts many small businesses. At the end of the day, it’s just no fun because I have to work so hard and long.” The other ID bakeries, Yummy House Bakery and Cake House, face the same challenges. Owners have to do everything, including selling and cleaning up.
Morning Star Cultural Center
I then hurried off to attend the Interim dinner, “Building Community Power Together,” at the Bell Harbor Conference Center. There were about 250 people, smaller than some other ID agency fundraising
Photos by Assunta Ng
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Diane Narasaki, and Pradeepta Upadhyay
dinners. But the supporters were enthusiastic. They were there to honor the late Bob Santos, Interim’s founder. More than 10 ID projects over four decades are connected to Santos. Also, the recipient of the Santos Leadership in Sustainability Awards was Diane Narasaki, who had announced her retirement from Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) in October. As executive director of ACRS, Narasaki is instrumental in creating and spearheading many programs to empower the community, and not just its agency. She is fearless and determined to fight against social injustice. Attendees watched a compelling video produced by Matt Chan before the auction began. Chan, who owned a production company prior to his retirement, produced an incredibly moving story about displacement, for free. The cinematography was beautiful, showing the new heights and angles of the ID from a drone. The ID is so fascinating through his camera lens.
Amy and Andrew Liu
I also want to acknowledge Amy and Andrew Liu. Of the 10 auction items in the program, Andrew Liu — Interim’s board chair — donated five, expensive trips. His generosity is a nice example to those who lead nonprofit organizations. Don’t just enjoy the visibility. Do something, set examples, and give to make a difference. When asked why he is so generous, “Why, I am the board president!” he proudly replied. The gala raised a total of $150,000. People often ask what I do exactly, as publisher of the Northwest Asian Weekly, besides writing my weekly
column. Well, I get to see the community in action, dynamic leaders like Narasaki and many others, who shape the history of the Asian community. With this privilege, I am constantly in awe of humanity. I thank God every day for being inspired and transformed to be a better human being. Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
■ EDITORIAL
11
Inappropriate? Or re-appropriating?
Whole Foods sparked social media outrage after its newest store partnered with an Asian restaurant with the racially charged name of Yellow Fever. The independently owned and operated restaurant is located in the Whole Foods 365 store that opened in Long Beach, Calif. last week. The name comes from a disease spread by mosquitoes. It’s also a slang term for a white man’s sexual attraction to Asian women. Here’s the plot twist. Yellow Fever is co-founded by executive chef Kelly Kim, who is originally from South Korea. She said she was aware that the name choice would be attention-getting and controversial. She and her husband wanted the name of their new pan-Asian restaurant to stand out, eschewing bland or stereotypical phrases, like bamboo, dragon, and lotus. “One night, we just said ‘Yellow Fever!’ and it worked.
It’s tongue-in-cheek, kind of shocking, and it’s not exclusive — you can fit all Asian cultures under one roof with a name like this. We just decided to go for it,” Kim told Asian American news site NextShark six months ago. “I think it’s been silly, and I think it’s a bit funny that it’s all of a sudden a big deal,” Kim told the NY Daily News. So is it OK because the restaurant owner is Asian? Kinda
like it’s OK when Blacks use the n-word? Kim said she was re-appropriating the term and that the issue actually came up while working out the details of partnering with Whole Foods. Kim said negative comments and messages she has received have been from non-Asian Americans, she said. Asian American and white customers alike have come to support her, she said, and business has been good at her new location. Marie Myung-Ok Lee, an author and professor at Columbia University, tweeted, “An Asian ‘bowl’ resto called YELLOW FEVER in the middle of whitest Whole Foods — is this taking back of a racist image or colonized mind?” What do you think? Is it re-appropriation? Or inappropriate?
■ LETTERS Readers chime in on Malaysia's upcoming elections Why the U.S. should care about the May 9 Malaysian election By Linda Lowry and Ryan Stevenson On April 25, the Columbia Tower Center in Seattle hosted a panel discussion on the upcoming May 9 Malaysian elections and why these elections hold importance for residents of the United States. One cannot help but wonder how important the continued stability under the leadership of Malaysian Prime
Minister (PM) Najib Razak has been in the efforts to reduce global terrorism and minimize the growth of ISIS in Malaysia and other Islamic terrorist organizations in the ASEAN region. As Carl Silverberg (executive director – War Against Racism) mentioned, “Malaysia is approximately two-thirds Islamic with 50 percent of its see LOWRY on 16
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The real Najib By John Renaud With the 14th General Election (14th GE in Malaysian parlance) quickly approaching in Malaysia, some Americans have taken notice of events in this key piece of geopolitical real estate. As an American who lived in Malaysia for 11 years, and who is married to a Malaysian national, I feel I might have some insight on the 14th GE in general and Malaysia's current prime minister in particular, who happens
to have a lengthy name of honorifics and titles. Malaysians generally refer to this 64-year-old man as Najib. Prime Minister Najib learned his British inflected English at a young age and knows how to wear a smart suit in public to impress the right people. He can certainly appear to be democratic at times and make the appropriate democratic-sounding utterances for the (generally foreign) see RENAUD on 13
asianweekly northwest
12
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
CHUN from 1 first Asian American to lead a Power 5 Conference athletic department. The Power 5 includes the biggest colleges competing in athletics, divided into five conferences across the nation. “I’m the son of hardworking and proud immigrants from South Korea,” Chun said at his introductory news conference in Pullman. “The significance is not lost on me,” Chun told the Northwest Asian Weekly. “I know as an Asian American, I’m sitting in this unique chair.” He was quick to point out that there were many people along the way that took him under their wing. Former Ohio State University athletic director Andy Geiger and current athletic director Gene Smith were two people who groomed Chun to lead. “I’m the product of being around some really great people.” Chun intends to help and mentor others, as Geiger and Smith have aided him. He hopes to bring more diversity within the administration of university athletics. “We service a diverse group of athletes, and we need to make sure all voices are heard and ensuring that they become the best they can be.” Chun always wanted to work in sports. Growing up in Ohio, he recalled the futility of Cleveland sports teams. The 43-yearold pointed out that this was before LeBron James brought a title to “The Land” and the Cleveland Indians appeared in the World Series a couple years back. His father is a Taekwondo instructor (who still teaches to this day) and grew up in a sports environment. “There are so many life lessons that you can learn by being involved in sports.” Aside from Taekwondo, in which he earned a black belt, Chun played football, basketball, and
BORACAY from 5 step backward, two steps forward, because we know that it’s something that has to be done now to sustain the island.’’ Officials have said the island can only handle 30,000 people but teems with 70,000 at any given time, including 50,000 residents
36 YEARS
baseball. Chun attended Ohio State University. He worked within the athletic department for 15 years, starting as a student intern and then as a full-time intern. He was named the school’s director of development in 2005, with a focus on major gifts and endowment projects. External relations and fundraising became Chun’s specialty. The Buckeye alum worked his way up within the athletic department to executive associate athletic director. Chun then went on to Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he was the athletic director from 2012, until taking the WSU job this year. At FAU, he oversaw the athletics department and helped improve student grade point averages and graduation success rates. In 2016, the school was awarded the National Association of Academic Advisors Model Practices Award for displaying best practices in their programming for student-athletes. In addition, Chun helped secure a $16 million gift from a donor to design and construct a new athletics facility. It was the largest single gift in school history. He also helped oversee the building of a new $800,000 FAU Tennis Complex — funded primarily through private philanthropy. Chun also helped with FAU signing a 10-year agreement with Learfield Sports as its exclusive corporate sponsorship sales unit, which is expected to generate $25 million in revenue. Fundraising has become a calling card for Chun, who focuses on relationships when it comes to securing donations. “Fundraising is a team sport and you have to understand its role in higher education,” said Chun. “It is upon us to meet people and make sure they (alumni) can make a difference with philanthropy.” Known as a people person, Chun emphasizes the extraordinary things that philanthropy can do for a school with a passionate alumni base. “You never pay back, you always pay forward,” said Chun.
and daily arrivals of about 20,000 tourists. About 17,000 are employed in Boracay’s tourist establishments, and 10,000 to 12,000 others benefit from the bustling tourism business. Only about 47 percent of the hundreds of establishments are connected to the island’s main sewerage treatment plant, with many
ELECTION from 4 one of all,’’ said Rashaad Ali, research analyst with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. Mahathir made a high-profile return to politics two years ago amid anger over a massive corruption scandal involving the 1MDB state fund, which is under investigation in the U.S. and other countries for allegations of cross-border embezzlement and money laundering. Najib set up and previously led the 1MDB fund when he took power in 2009 to promote economic development, but it accumulated billions in debt. The U.S. Justice Department says at least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB by associates of Najib and it is working to seize $1.7 billion allegedly taken from the fund to buy assets in the U.S. Najib, who denies any wrongdoing, has taken an
Chun is married to a former Oregon State University softball player and they have three daughters. Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
of the rest maintaining crude septic tanks or discharging their waste directly into the sea. A similar decision was made in Thailand, where Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea will be closed for four months starting in June. Many Thai marine parks close for part of the year but the release of the Leonardo
authoritarian bent since the scandal emerged by sacking critics in his government and muzzling the media. His National Front coalition currently holds 132 parliamentary seats after support eroded in the last two elections. It lost its supermajority in Parliament in 2008 and in 2013, it lost the popular vote for the first time to the opposition. Mahathir now leads the four-party Hope Alliance, which currently holds about a third of parliamentary seats and controls two of Malaysia’s 13 states. Analysts expect Najib, 64, to win a third term due to increased gerrymandering following recent electoral boundary changes, a buoyant economy and strong support from rural Malays, the bedrock of support for his coalition in a multi-racial nation that also includes ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. The opposition has not managed to gain much ground in
TAITUNG
Smith, Ohio State’s current athletic director and mentor to Chun, told the Seattle Times, “Pat is one of the premier, young athletic administrators in the country.” He added, “He was my right-hand man when he was here (Ohio State University). His expertise and biggest asset is external relations. He was a huge fundraiser for us and raised millions of dollars.” Smith is one of a handful of Black athletic directors in Power 5 conferences in the nation. Chun was introduced around the time that Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinksi committed suicide. The news conference which announced his hiring was postponed due to Hilinski’s death. “My thoughts went out to the family of Tyler Hilinski.” Chun added, “I was able to come to this community and experience how wonderful, loyal, and supportive they were.” He remarked at how special it was to see first hand how caring and loving the community was during this time. “Although there is no roadmap on how to handle such a tragedy, I saw how well-equipped the school was in dealing with the trauma. They were proactive and it’s a great sign of the leadership here.” Chun signed a five-year contract worth $650,000 annually, according to WSU school President Kirk Schulz. The contract contains two main incentives — a $25,000 bonus tied to a specific fundraising goal, and a $25,000-per-year accrued retention bonus to be paid out after five years, if Chun completes his initial contract with WSU.
eastern Sabah and Sarawak states on Borneo island, which account for a quarter of parliamentary seats. Analysts say Najib has to win decisively to ward off challenges to his leadership ahead of year-end elections in his ruling Malay party. Najib has extended cash handouts to civil servants and Malays, his key voting blocs, as he urged Malaysians to stick to the National Front “for a greater Malaysia.’’ The economy grew 5.9 percent last year, its strongest in three years, but many Malaysians are upset with a rising cost of living partly due to an unpopular 6 percent goods and services tax introduced in 2015 to bolster government revenue. Mahathir’s opposition pact has promised to axe the goods and services tax and reopen investigations into the 1MDB scandal if it wins. It also pledged to clip the powers of the prime minister, revive a fuel subsidy and abolish tolls.
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asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
■ ASTROLOGY
13
Predictions and advice for the week of May 5–11, 2018 By Sun Lee Chang
Rat — Are you finding it hard to gain traction on a particular issue? Consider revisiting it at a more opportune time.
Dragon — If novelty is what you seek, then you must forgo where you have looked before and search in places you have not yet visited.
Monkey — When in doubt, you tend to stick with a more classic style. Your timeless choice will suit perfectly.
Ox — The cost of contesting all that you disagree with can turn out to be high. Instead, focus on areas where you feel you cannot stay silent.
Snake — If what you are hearing doesn’t make sense, then you must ask questions in order to come to an understanding.
Rooster — Where matters of the heart are concerned, this is a week to focus on what you can do to help each other.
Tiger — Something that sounds relatively simple on paper or in theory, could turn out to be quite complicated when it is actually put to practice.
Horse — A little bit of research on your part should be well worth the increase in leverage in upcoming negotiations.
Dog — A change in role can be difficult to adjust to. Stay focused on the benefits that the new position brings.
Rabbit — Once you begin to see the connection, you will realize that rather than a random assortment, you have a worthy collection.
Goat — You are not usually one to leave a stone unturned, but there are instances where you may not want to see what is on the other side.
Pig — Do you have some unfinished business that you have been wanting to tackle? You now have sufficient resources to do just that.
What’s your animal sign? Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.
TRAVEL BAN from 5 ban’s opponents, that Trump’s rule stems from his campaign pledge to keep Muslims out of the country and is unlike immigration orders issued by any other president.k The room was packed for the court’s final arguments until October, and people waited in line for seats for days. “Hamilton’’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was in the audience. Demonstrators protesting the ban filled the area outside the building. Some who oppose the ban have said courts should treat Trump differently from his predecessors. But that issue was raised only obliquely from the bench when Justice Elena Kagan talked about a hypothetical president who campaigned on an anti-Semitic platform and then tried to ban visitors from Israel. When Solicitor General Noel Francisco, defending the ban, started to answer that such a turn of events was extremely unlikely because of the two countries’ close relationship, Kagan stopped him. “This is an out-of-the-box kind of president in my hypothetical,’’ she said, to laughter. “We don’t have those, Your Honor,’’ Francisco replied. While there was discussion about Trump’s statements both as a candidate and as president, no justice specifically referenced his tweets on the subject, despite Katyal’s attempt to get them to focus on last fall’s retweets of inflammatory videos that stoked anti-Islam sentiment. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the most aggressive questioner of Francisco. She told him she doubted that the president has “the authority to do more than Congress has already decided is adequate’’ under immigration law. She and Kagan
OKAZAKI from 1 “During my time at Neighborhood House, we have accomplished a lot and I am filled with pride every day,” said Okazaki. Neighborhood House Board of Trustee President Aubrey Seffernick said, “So many successful programs have been added to address the needs of the communities we serve and none of that would have been possible without Mark’s leadership.” Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
also questioned Francisco closely about whether the ban discriminates against Muslims. From the other side, Kennedy challenged Katyal about whether the ban would be unending. He said the policy’s call for a report every six months “indicates there’ll be a reassessment’’ from time to time. “You want the president to say, ‘I’m convinced that in six months we’re going to have a safe world,’’’ Kennedy said, seemingly rejecting Katyal’s argument. His only question that seemed to favor the challengers came early in the arguments, when he asked Solicitor General Francisco whether Trump’s campaign statements should be considered in evaluating the administration’s ban. Francisco told the justices they shouldn’t look at those campaign statements. Kennedy pressed on that point. Speaking of a hypothetical candidate for mayor, he asked if what was said during that candidate’s campaign was irrelevant if on “day two’’ of his administration the new mayor acted on those statements. Francisco held his ground saying the presidential oath of office “marks a fundamental transformation.’’ With Katyal at the lectern, Justice Samuel Alito said it seemed wrong to call the travel policy a Muslim ban when it applies to just five of 50 mostly Muslim countries, 8 percent of the world’s Muslim population and only one country — Iran — among the 10 largest with Muslim majorities. “Would a reasonable observer think this is a Muslim ban?’’ Alito asked. Outside the court, opponents of the ban held signs that read “No Muslim Ban. Ever’’ and “Refugees Welcome.’’ In another indication of heightened public interest, the court released an audio recording after arguments ended. The last
that has passed a number of draconian laws that grant Najib sweeping powers, generally media. But he is no Jeffersonian democrat. in the name of 'national security.' Najib, in Najib is the heir and, in essence, owner of truth, is less a democrat and more an autocrat one of the world's most finely honed political who appears as a democrat when it suits him. machines, a political machine that has never As the 1MDB affair has amply demonstrated, lost an election in the history of Malaysia. Najib and his family have clearly enriched Since 1957, the year that marked the beginning themselves personally from Najib's lengthy 自1872年起服務西北岸社區 stay in power politics, which now has of Malaya and now Malaysia as a sovereign exceeded 40 years. To label Malaysia's state, the machine has used various names.非營利獨立協會 Now it is known as 'Barisan Nasional' (BN), economic system as 'crony capitalism' would not be an exaggeration. or 'National Front' in English. Opposing Najib's formidable electoral Najib and his coalition BN are the sole owners of Malaysia's national government machine is a jury rigged and cobbled together and have every intention of keeping it that opposition coalition, initially led by Anwar way, using every trick at their disposal. BN Ibrahim, who has been jailed since 2014 for owns the courts, the national police force, the crime of sodomy. The opposition, known and what passes for the Malaysian media — as Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope), is they all kowtow to BN and Najib personally. now led by former prime minister Mahathir Unlike many other truly democratic Mohamad. A nonagenarian, Mahathir countries, Najib rarely faces open criticism ironically ran Malaysia with an iron hand from Malaysia's official media. Media outfits, for nearly 23 years under the very same BN ‧骨灰靈位 he is now running against. Can which fail to observe this unwritten ‧陵墓地下室 rule, will banner that the 92-year-old former strongman defeat the fail to receive the required operating license ‧墓碑、紀念碑 ‧土葬福地 from the government and be forced to shut coalition that he himself once ran? On May down. Dissidents face official and unofficial 9th, we'll find out. harassment, arrest, and persecution thanks to a 1554 15th Ave East (North Capitol Hill) parliament, which is in effect a BN subsidiary, RENAUD from 11
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time the court did that was for gay marriage arguments in 2015. The justices are looking at the third version of a policy that Trump brought out shortly after taking office. That brought immediate turmoil as travelers were stopped at airports and some were detained for hours. The first version was blocked by courts and withdrawn. Its replacement was allowed to take partial effect, but expired in September. The current version is indefinite and now applies to travelers from five countries with overwhelmingly Muslim populations — Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It also affects two non-Muslim countries, blocking travelers from North Korea and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. A sixth majority-Muslim country, Chad, was removed from the list in April after improving “its identitymanagement and information sharing practices,’’ Trump said in a proclamation. The administration has argued that courts have no role to play because the president has broad powers over immigration and national security, and foreigners have no right to enter the country. Francisco also has said in written arguments that Trump’s September proclamation laying out the current policy comports with immigration law and does not violate the Constitution because it does not single out Muslims. The challengers have said that Trump is flouting immigration law by trying to keep more than 150 million people, the vast majority of them Muslim, from entering the country. They also argue that his policy amounts to the Muslim ban that he called for as a candidate, violating the Constitution’s prohibition against religious bias. The case is Trump v. Hawaii, 17-965.
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MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
E-CARS from 4 Auto China 2018, the industry’s biggest sales event this year, is overshadowed by mounting trade tensions between Beijing and President Donald Trump, who has threatened to hike tariffs on Chinese goods including automobiles in a dispute over technology policy. The impact on automakers should be small, according to industry analysts, because exports amount to only a few thousand vehicles a year. Those include a GM SUV, the Envision, and Volvo Cars sedans made in China for export to the United States. China accounted for half of last year’s global electric car sales, boosted by subsidies and other prodding from communist leaders who want to make their country a center for the emerging technology. “The Chinese market is key for the international auto industry and it is key to our success,’’ VW CEO Herbert Diess said. Volkswagen unveiled the E20X, an SUV that is the first model for SOL, an electric brand launched by the German automaker with a Chinese partner. The E20X, promising a 185-mile range on one charge, is aimed at the Chinese market’s bargain-priced tiers, where demand is strongest. GM, Ford, Daimler AG’s Mercedes unit and other automakers also have announced ventures with local partners to develop models for China that deliver more range at lower prices.
36 YEARS
Nissan Motor Co. presented its Sylphy Zero Emission, which it said can go 210 miles on a charge. The Sylphy is based on Nissan’s Leaf, a version of which is available in China but has sold poorly due to its relatively high price. Automakers say they expect electrics to account for 35 to over 50 percent of their China sales by 2025. First-quarter sales of electrics and gasoline-electric hybrids rose 154 percent over a year earlier to 143,000 units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. That compares with sales of just under 200,000 for all of last year in the United States, the No. 2 market. That trend has been propelled by the ruling Communist Party’s support for the technology. The party is shifting the financial burden to automakers with sales quotas that take effect next year and require them to earn credits by selling electrics or buy them from competitors. That increases pressure to transform electrics into a mainstream product that competes on price and features. Automakers also displayed dozens of gasoline-powered models from compact sedans to luxurious SUVs. Their popularity is paying for development of electrics, which aren’t expected to become profitable for most producers until sometime in the next decade. China’s total sales of SUVs, sedans and minivans reached 24.7 million units last year, compared with 17.2 million for the United States.
SUVs are the industry’s cash cow. First-quarter sales rose 11.3 percent over a year earlier to 2.6 million, or almost 45 percent of total auto sales, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Ford displayed its Mondeo Energi plug-in hybrid, its first electric model for China, which went on sale in March. Plans call for Ford and its luxury unit, Lincoln, to release 15 new electrified vehicles by 2025. GM plans to launch 10 electrics or hybrids in China from through 2020. VW is due to launch 15 electrics and hybrids in the next two to three years as part of a $12 billion development plan announced in November. Nissan says it will roll out 20 electrified models in China over the next five years. New but fast-growing Chinese auto trail global rivals in traditional gasoline technology but industry analysts say the top Chinese brands are catching up in electrics, a market with no entrenched leaders. BYD Auto, the biggest global electric brand by number sold, debuted two hybrid SUVs and an electric concept car. The company, which manufactures electric buses at a California factory and exports battery-powered taxis to Europe, also displayed nine other hybrid and plug-in electric models. Chery Automobile Co. showed a lineup that included two electric sedans, an SUV and a hatchback, all promising 150 to 250 miles on a charge.
They include futuristic features such as internetlinked navigation and smartphone-style dashboard displays. “Our focus is not just an EV that runs. It is excellent performance,’’ Chery CEO Chen Anning said in an interview ahead of the show. Electrics are likely to play a leading role as Chery develops plans announced last year to expand to Western Europe, said Chen. He said the company has yet to decide on a timeline. Chery was China’s biggest auto exporter last year, selling 108,000 gasoline-powered vehicles abroad, though mostly in developing markets such as Russia and Egypt. “We do have a clear intention to bring an EV product as one of our initial offerings’’ in Europe, Chen said.
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YOUR VOICE A-POP from 9 that I used to try and convince people to binge-watch it with me. The show portrayed a low-income white working class family with gravity and nuance. Some episodes ended with tension and ambiguity, not neat and pat. In the 1994 episode, “White Men Can’t Kiss,” Roseanne’s son DJ was cast in a play in which he had to kiss his female co-star, Geena, who is Black. DJ refused to. Roseanne blew a gasket and tried to force DJ to kiss the girl. And Dan, the patriarch of the family, told Roseanne they can’t force their son to kiss someone he’s uncomfortable kissing — which you know, is true but also very complicated, right? Roseanne responded with a sick burn, witheringly telling Dan that she didn’t realize she had married a bigot. And at the end of the episode, Roseanne’s moral high ground shook. She was closing up at work and a Black man knocked on the door — scaring her. She didn’t let him in until she learned he was Geena’s dad. He asked her why it mattered that he was Geena’s dad, intimating that she gutresponded to him with racial bias. It was a goodass episode of “Roseanne.” Its current incarnation is harder for me to love. And part of it has to do with the political shift of the protagonist. Roseanne, the character, has always read as vocally progressive in the original series to me. In the revival, she is surrounded by a racially and ethnically changed landscape — her son DJ is married to a woman stationed overseas in the military named Geena (!!!) and his kids are Black. The show’s protagonist is now a Trump supporter. (It’s worth noting that Roseanne Barr herself is also a vocal Trump supporter.) During an early April episode of the revival, Roseanne, the character, made a joke about fellow ABC shows, “Blackish” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” At the end of the episode, Roseanne and Dan wake up from a nap on the couch with the TV still on. They had missed a block of primetime TV — Dan said, “We missed all the shows about Black and Asian families.” And then Roseanne quipped, “They’re just like us. There. Now you’re all caught up.” The thing is, watching that joke was much like the first time I was called an Oriental. I didn’t like it — but I didn’t know why I didn’t like it. Sometimes racism is that sneaky, guys. I had to go take some time out to collect some reasons why it was BS, which I did. So here you go: This character made a meta-comment to its huge audience dismissing two other family sitcoms featuring people
KOREA from 1 state propaganda arm said Kim’s “immortal achievement will be brightly engraved in the history of the Korean nation’s unification.’’ Even if the substance on nuclear matters was light, the images on April 27 at Panmunjom were striking: Kim and Moon set aside a year that saw them seemingly on the verge of war, grasped hands and strode together across the cracked concrete slab that marks the Koreas’ border. The sight, inconceivable just months ago, allowed the leaders to step forward toward the possibility of a cooperative future even as they acknowledged a fraught past and the widespread skepticism that, after decades of failed diplomacy, things will be any different this time. On the nuclear issue, the leaders merely repeated a previous vow to rid their peninsula of nuclear weapons, saying they will achieve a “nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization.’’ This kicks one of the world’s most pressing issues down the road to a muchanticipated summit between Kim and President Donald Trump in coming weeks. “There is no reference to verification, timetables, or an attempt to define the word ‘complete.’ It does not reiterate or advance Pyongyang’s unilateral offer to halt nuclear and ICBM tests,’’ said Adam Mount, a senior defense analyst at the Federation of American Scientists. “In practice, this statement should enable a U.S.-North Korea summit to detail specifics about what, when, and how denuclearization would occur, but it has not offered a head start on that process. All of the negotiation is left to a U.S. team that is understaffed and has little time to prepare.’’ Still, the summit produced the spectacle of two men from nations with a deep and bitter history of acrimony grinning from ear to ear after Kim walked over the border to greet Moon, becoming the first leader of his nation to set foot on southern soil since the Korean War. Both leaders then briefly stepped together into the North and back to the South. The summit marks a surreal, whiplash swing in relations for the countries, from nuclear threats and missile tests to intimations of peace and cooperation. Perhaps the change is best illustrated by geography: Kim and Moon’s historic handshake and a later 30-minute conversation at a footbridge on the border occurred within walking distance
asianweekly northwest
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018 of color. She basically said the shows aren’t even worth watching. It’s cool to sleep through them. I don’t get why it’s funny to joke about how we’re humanizing Black people and Asian people now. Like, I don’t get the joke. Like, I guess it’s kind of funny if I were white and I can finally find it within myself to see Asians and Blacks as people, too.
15
that episode, her words weren’t a joke. They were passionate and angry. Roseanne told DJ, “Black people are just like us. They’re every bit as good as us, and any people who don’t think so is just a bunch of banjo-picking, cousin-dating, barefoot embarrassments to respectable white trash like us.” I miss that Roseanne. But I guess I must also acknowledge that people change over time.
Smash and runs
Also! Inaccurate! We’re actually not the same. Like, the Johnsons on “Blackish” are upper-middle class AF. Dre Johnson is wearing shoes that cost hundreds of dollars and Bow Johnson is a medical doctor. On “Fresh Off the Boat,” the Huangs are an immigrant family running a steakhouse. Jessica Huang sends her kids to Chinese school and is Tiger Momming them toward success. They are not like the Connors at all.
Yeah, I spent a lot of time on shows that were really popular in the 90s. Sorry. Here are some smash and runs so you have something to talk about at the dinner table tonight: “Crazy Rich Asians” released a trailer. And it’s everything you’d expect from Jon M. Chu and more! However, the movie is also getting some heat over its lack of representation of brown Asians (South Asians, West Asians, Southeast Asians, and others). Singapore is 15 percent Malay and 7.4 percent Indian, but people have observed that the darker skin Asians in the trailer appear to mostly be servants or the help. Cathy Yan — have you heard of her? Well, you’re about to. She’s being tapped to potentially direct a major comic book movie centered around the Harley Quinn character in “Suicide Squad.” Yan is Chinese American and is a former Wall Street Journal reporter. She made her feature film debut at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, with “Dead Pigs.” Jimmy O. Yang’s memoir, “How to American: An Immigrant’s Guide to Disappointing Your Parents,” was released at the end of March. Yang plays Jian-Yang on HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” which is a really cool and incisive role that deftly avoids falling into stereotype holes. (Jian-Yang is an app developer, aka a nerd, who is a Chinese immigrant and who speaks in a thick Mandarin accent.) Jimmy O. Yang will also appear in “Crazy Rich Asians.”
But cheap laughs. Cheap, bewildering laughs. In 1994, Roseanne said something in the “White Men Can’t Kiss” episode that parallels what she said in April. In
Stacy Nguyen can be reached at stacy@nwasianweekly.com.
of the spot where a North Korean soldier fled south in a hail of gunfire last year, and where North Korean soldiers killed two U.S. soldiers with axes in 1976. Standing next to Moon after the talks ended, Kim faced a wall of cameras beaming his image live to the world and declared that the Koreas are “linked by blood as a family and compatriots who cannot live separately.’’ The leaders also vowed to achieve “a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization,’’ something they’ve said before. The latest declaration between the Koreas, Kim said, should not repeat the “unfortunate history of past interKorean agreements that only reached the starting line’’ before becoming derailed. What happened on April 27 should be seen in the context of the last year — when the United States, its ally South Korea and North Korea threatened and raged as the North unleashed a torrent of weapons tests — but also in light of the long, destructive history of the rival Koreas, who fought one of the 20th century’s bloodiest conflicts and even today occupy a divided peninsula that’s still technically in a state of war. Trump tweeted, “KOREAN WAR TO END!’’ and said the U.S. “should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!’’ Both Koreas agreed to jointly push for talks this year with the U.S. and also potentially China to officially end the Korean War, which stopped with an armistice that never ended the war. Many will be judging the summit based on the weak nuclear language. North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests last year likely put it on the threshold of becoming a legitimate nuclear power. The North, which has spent decades doggedly building its bombs despite crippling sanctions and near-constant international opprobrium, claims it has already risen to that level. South Korean conservative politicians criticized the joint statement as letting North Korea off the hook by failing to secure a clear commitment on nuclear disarmament. But the Koreas made inroads on a raft of other points of friction between them. Moon agreed to visit Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, sometime in the autumn, and both leaders said they’d meet on a regular basis and exchange calls via a recently established hotline. They agreed to settle their disagreement over their western maritime border by designating it as a peace area
and securing fishing activities for both countries. They said they’d open a permanent communication office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong and resume temporary reunions of relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. “I feel like I’m firing a flare at the starting line in the moment of (the two Koreas) writing a new history in North-South relations, peace and prosperity,’’ Kim told Moon as they sat at a table, which had been built so that exactly 2018 millimeters separated them, to begin their closed-door talks. Kim acknowledged the widespread skepticism over their summit. “We have reached big agreements before but were unable to fulfill them. ... There are skeptical views on whether the meeting today will yield meaningful results,’’ Kim said. “If we maintain a firm will and proceed forward hand in hand, it will be impossible at least for things to get worse than they are now.’’ The historic greeting of the two leaders, which may be the images most remembered from the summit, was planned to the last detail, though the multiple border crossings may have been impromptu. As thousands of journalists, who were kept in a huge conference center well away from the summit, except for a small group of tightly controlled pool reporters at the border, waited and watched, Moon stood near the Koreas’ dividing line, moving forward the moment he glimpsed Kim, dressed in dark, Mao-style suit, appearing in front of a building on the northern side. They smiled broadly and shook hands with the border line between them. Moon then invited Kim to cross into the South, and, after Kim did so, Moon said, “You have crossed into the South, but when do I get to go across?’’ Kim replied, “Why don’t we go across now?’’ and then grasped Moon’s hand and led him into the North and then back into the South. Expectations were generally low on the nuclear issue, given that past so-called breakthroughs on North Korea’s weapons have collapsed amid acrimonious charges of cheating and bad faith. Skeptics of engagement have long said that the North often turns to interminable rounds of diplomacy meant to ease the pain of sanctions — giving it time to perfect its weapons and win aid for unfulfilled nuclear promises. Advocates of engagement, however, say the only way to get a deal is to do what the Koreas tried on April 27: Sit down and see what’s possible.
asianweekly northwest
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36 YEARS
MAY 5 – MAY 11, 2018
INTERRACIAL KIDS from 1 “part” anything makes her feel as though she is being pulled apart, viewed as a strange creature stitched up by blood, rather than a whole person. Still, Chang doesn’t quite know how else to describe herself, but it’s a question she has pursued for much of her career as a writer and activist, even publishing a book on the subject. Growing up, she said, she straddled the worlds of her Asian father’s heritage and her white American mother’s reality. But unlike the environment she and her husband — a mixed race man — try to create for their son at home, Chang found herself unable to talk with her parents about this strange liminality. While she was a generally happy child, Chang admitted she also felt a sense of loneliness and encountered invisible, but firm, barriers between herself and her peers, as well as between herself and adults that didn’t seem to exist for fully Asian or fully white children. “For me, it was a really strong sense of ‘othering,’ expressed through people’s fascination with the way I look. So, for white folks, it would be like, ‘Oh, you’re so exotic, what are you?’” Chang said. “In Asian communities, a fascination with, ‘Oh, you’re
LOWRY from 11 population under the age of 25 … stability is critical when you don’t want to have any problems [with terrorism].” Cathy Allen, a Democratic political consultant, reminds us that “while change looks exciting on the evening news … people look for change until people realize what kind of change they will get, then they [usually] choose stability.” In Malaysia, during PM Najib’s tenure, they have experienced unprecedented consistent economic growth of over 5 percent. His recent “Manifesto” with the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition mandates a plan for continued stability and growth featuring the addition of 3 million jobs, universal child care, better programs for fulfilling and enabling the success of women, a sustainable and prosperous national economy that includes digital empowerment and futuristic transportation, as well as people-centered housing. The call for change is typically a response to rising unemployment, poverty, lack of education, and limitation
Harry Dixon
mixed! What does that mean? It’s so fascinating.’ And it’s different, almost in a zoo animal kind of way.” Harry Dixon knows this feeling well. Raised part Korean and part white American, Dixon said he made “massive adaptation efforts” in order to mask his feelings of discomfort in both communities. “At school, I would have to do more adaptation efforts to show my friends, ‘Oh, no, I am one of you guys, I am white. Ignore the
to personal liberties, yet none of these seem prevalent during Najib’s guidance towards a better Malaysia. As Shanika Weerasundara (founder of TeqLaa and native of Sri Lanka) said, “While Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, their government has done a really good job working with liberal and non-Muslim countries and are a great ally to the U.S.” Maintaining this relationship with Najib is of great political and economic importance to the United States — both as a trade partner and a stabilizing factor in the region. So why are some advocating a change in leadership? Mahathir Mohamad is the 92-year-old former PM who perhaps is searching for a little nostalgia in regaining his previous position, and has partnered with his former rival Anwar Ibrahim whom CNN reports was previously imprisoned by Mahathir for “corruption and sodomy.” Anwar is also currently jailed with the plan to have Mahathir assume the role of interim prime minister until Anwar can have his convictions pardoned. Given Malaysia’s important role in the region,
fact that I am bringing kimchi to lunch,’” Dixon said with a laugh. This feeling is only amplified, especially in the Korean community. Dixon is a queer man, who also currently works as a licensed mental health counselor at the Asian Counseling and Referral Service in south Seattle. Sexuality and mental health are not typically topics the Asian American community talk about. “In the … Korean community, there isn’t an acceptance for people like me who are queer and in the LGBTQ continuum, and so, with that, especially in the queer community, I am more having to pass as white,” Dixon said. “Being in the mental health field is also not allowed in the Korean culture.” Dixon’s Korean mother is also unsupportive of both these aspects of her son, preferring to believe being queer is a choice, and he is only “choosing” queerness to harm her, while also believing that he “quit” after getting his master’s degree, instead of pursuing higher education. In the white, LGBTQ+ community, Dixon said he often feels tokenized. Too often, he has gone on dates where the person he was with admitted he was interested in Dixon only because, as a part-Asian man, that person views Dixon as exotic. Still, Dixon gravitates more towards his
why would you risk disruption to the current stability to empower these candidates? As Silverberg mentioned, “When my father was 92, we took away his driver’s license, as he was no longer capable of driving. Why would you elect someone to run a country at that age and what happens to their stability if he dies shortly after being elected?” Creating change just for the sake of change may not be the best course forward for Malaysia. As I continue to listen to this panel discussion and learn more about important
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issues in the upcoming election on May 9, it seems that on the domestic and foreign fronts, incumbent Najib is the best candidate to lead Malaysia forward and provide continued stability and economic growth in the ASEAN region. I am not a Malaysian citizen and have no vested interest in the outcome of these elections. The thoughts provided in this article are my perspective based on the information presented in this panel discussion.
May 2-8, 2018
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white heritage, choosing to blend aspects of his Korean heritage with the more accepting space of American culture. “It’s definitely more about finding those places I feel comfortable accessing my culture. … Every so often, I might go out and get Korean food. … Sometimes, I’ll find … a Korean-owned establishment, and I can converse with the owners in Korean,” Dixon said. “Sometimes, I might just listen to K-pop, or watch a Korean drama, as a way of really connecting back to my heritage.” Chang finds herself in a different space, choosing to surround her family with the diverse cultural influences she finds around her home in south Seattle. She said she and her husband keep open lines of communication with their son, and try to avoid describing him in the pieces that make her so uncomfortable. “We don’t say things like, ‘You are part white, or you are part Japanese.’ We just say things like, ‘You are … an Asian mixed American,’ or ‘You are mixed race,’ or ‘You are a Japanese American, or a Taiwanese American,’” Chang said. “And he has an affirmation in his parents that my husband and I never had.”
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