So maybe he isn't the last word for APA heritage month, but I'm concluding this week-long series on Asian Pacific American history/heritage with a shout out to spoken word artist Beau Sia. He is of mixed Chinese and Filipino heritage, which I think makes him a fitting spokesperson for my last APA heritage month tidbit. I'm going to post three of his YouTube performances below, the last of which is a spoken word tribute compliments of the now defunct AZN channel (a cable television station that had been devoted to all Asian/Asian American programming--sort've like the Asian Telemundo or BET). It's a slamming piece, if I don't say so myself, but so are the other two, the first called "Hip Hop" and the second "An Open Letter to all the Rosie O'Donnell." For more on Beau Sia, go to his official website. And of his art below, watch, listen, and learn.
["Hip Hop"]
["An Open Letter to all the Rosie O'Donnells"]
[Asian Pacific American Heritage Month PSA]
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query beau sia. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query beau sia. Sort by date Show all posts
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Why Asian American studies matters
I've been in NYC for the last few days (it was spring break last week at Southern U) so I didn't get to see this video until today--but perhaps by now some of you are familiar with the racist rant from UCLA undergraduate, Alexandra Wallace in which she complains about "Asians" and all those awful things Asians do, like bring their families to the dorms, let their kids run wild, and talk on their cell phones in their "ching chong a ling long" voice (actual quote -- or perhaps actual paraphrase of her quote).
If you want to see the awfulness in its entriety, all you need to do is google the words "UCLA racist rant Asian" and up will pop the youtube video.
However, what I want to post is this vlog response from David So:
It's pretty funny and a MUCH better thing to watch than the actual video itself (which is just PAINFUL) but I do think that Ms. Wallace makes one thing clear, and that is the continued need for Asian American studies -- why people need to be educated about Asian American issues and about Asian American people. And Ms. Wallace is in the perfect place for such an education since the UCLA Asian American Studies department is one of the first such departments in the nation -- and the Amerasia Journal is one of the most pre-eminent journals on Asian American topics.
Also, a word to Alexandra Wallace and anyone else who think that (1) there is a single "Asian" language (2) that it sounds like people saying "ching chong ling long" -- I direct you to spoken word artist Beau Sia's "an open letter to all the rosie o'donnells" because he breaks it down and says it best.
Finally, I want to say one last thing about Alexandra Wallace. I think that A LOT of people have expressed a lot of anger towards her--but in some of that anger (including in David So's response above) people feel the need to make assumptions about her based on the fact that she is a blonde female student showing some cleavage--and so she's been called a whore and other disparaging names. While I confess that she sounds extraordinarily ignorant based on the content of her rant (and grammar is not a strong suit in her speaking skills), I think we need to be careful not to perpetuate another form of violence--misogyny and sexism--in order to decry Ms. Wallace's bigotry and racism. I think we can call her an ignorant idiot without calling her a slut.
[Update: The New York Times has now covered this debacle -- click here for the link to the article. Apparently UCLA officials are considering disciplinary actions against Ms. Wallace. So I decided to write an email message to the UCLA Chancellor--which I've reprinted below:]
March 16, 2011
Dear Chancellor Gene Block,
Forgive the intrusion—I recognize that you are a very busy man and that the last thing you need is more email to sift through regarding UCLA undergraduate Alexandra Wallace's viral youtube video. However, I just read an article in The New York Times that says you are considering disciplinary actions against Ms. Wallace.
As a professor who teaches Asian American literature and researches issues of race and anti-racism, may I make a suggestion? If you do decide to pursue some type of disciplinary action, I recommend requiring Ms. Wallace to enroll in an Asian American studies course. Any course will do. Given the level of ignorance about Asian Americans that Ms. Wallace demonstrated and given the illustrious history of Asian American studies at UCLA, I think it fitting to require Ms. Wallace to learn a little something about the people she is maligning.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
[Second Update: So I have been seeing a lot of video responses by folks, and I find it interesting that people (college-aged folks mainly) seem to be using YouTube as a platform to respond to Ms. Wallace. Now, a lot of stuff has been pretty misogynist--as a friend of mine put it (quoting from Audre Lorde) people have to learn that you can't dismantle the master's house using the master's tools--in other words, like I said above, resorting to sexist comments is another kind of violence that isn't helpful.
But humor is--and a friend send me a link to this YouTube video that showcases the humorous and most importantly musical talents of a guy named "Jimmy":
If you want to see the awfulness in its entriety, all you need to do is google the words "UCLA racist rant Asian" and up will pop the youtube video.
However, what I want to post is this vlog response from David So:
It's pretty funny and a MUCH better thing to watch than the actual video itself (which is just PAINFUL) but I do think that Ms. Wallace makes one thing clear, and that is the continued need for Asian American studies -- why people need to be educated about Asian American issues and about Asian American people. And Ms. Wallace is in the perfect place for such an education since the UCLA Asian American Studies department is one of the first such departments in the nation -- and the Amerasia Journal is one of the most pre-eminent journals on Asian American topics.
Also, a word to Alexandra Wallace and anyone else who think that (1) there is a single "Asian" language (2) that it sounds like people saying "ching chong ling long" -- I direct you to spoken word artist Beau Sia's "an open letter to all the rosie o'donnells" because he breaks it down and says it best.
Finally, I want to say one last thing about Alexandra Wallace. I think that A LOT of people have expressed a lot of anger towards her--but in some of that anger (including in David So's response above) people feel the need to make assumptions about her based on the fact that she is a blonde female student showing some cleavage--and so she's been called a whore and other disparaging names. While I confess that she sounds extraordinarily ignorant based on the content of her rant (and grammar is not a strong suit in her speaking skills), I think we need to be careful not to perpetuate another form of violence--misogyny and sexism--in order to decry Ms. Wallace's bigotry and racism. I think we can call her an ignorant idiot without calling her a slut.
[Update: The New York Times has now covered this debacle -- click here for the link to the article. Apparently UCLA officials are considering disciplinary actions against Ms. Wallace. So I decided to write an email message to the UCLA Chancellor--which I've reprinted below:]
March 16, 2011
Dear Chancellor Gene Block,
Forgive the intrusion—I recognize that you are a very busy man and that the last thing you need is more email to sift through regarding UCLA undergraduate Alexandra Wallace's viral youtube video. However, I just read an article in The New York Times that says you are considering disciplinary actions against Ms. Wallace.
As a professor who teaches Asian American literature and researches issues of race and anti-racism, may I make a suggestion? If you do decide to pursue some type of disciplinary action, I recommend requiring Ms. Wallace to enroll in an Asian American studies course. Any course will do. Given the level of ignorance about Asian Americans that Ms. Wallace demonstrated and given the illustrious history of Asian American studies at UCLA, I think it fitting to require Ms. Wallace to learn a little something about the people she is maligning.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
[Second Update: So I have been seeing a lot of video responses by folks, and I find it interesting that people (college-aged folks mainly) seem to be using YouTube as a platform to respond to Ms. Wallace. Now, a lot of stuff has been pretty misogynist--as a friend of mine put it (quoting from Audre Lorde) people have to learn that you can't dismantle the master's house using the master's tools--in other words, like I said above, resorting to sexist comments is another kind of violence that isn't helpful.
But humor is--and a friend send me a link to this YouTube video that showcases the humorous and most importantly musical talents of a guy named "Jimmy":
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Nearly 40 years ago, May was designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. And on May 1, this is the proclamation released from the White House by President Barack Obama:
[I know that Obama has people to write up these things, but I can't help but think that given his background from Hawaii, the man has some intimate knowledge about Asian Pacific Americans and their heritage and history. After all, his sister is Asian American, they both lived in Indonesia for a while, and his brother-in-law and niece/nephew are Asian American. In fact, one could consider Obama to be our first Asian American president]
Anyway, in honor of APA Heritage/History month, I'm going to offer five lucky commenters the chance to win one of the following books:
*Free Food for Millionaires -- Min Jin Lee
*Trail of Crumbs -- Kim Sunee
*The Fortune Cookie Chronicles -- Jennifer 8 Lee
*Transparency -- Frances Hwang
*Strangers from a Different Shore -- Ronald Takaki
All of these books were donated by the Hachette Book Group (if you click on the titles, you will get a description and it will take you to the Hachette Book website). Some of the above books I've read already, like Free Food for Millionaires. Takaki's book is required reading for anyone interested in a broader history of Asian Pacific Americans on this continent (or in the Pacific). Anyway, in honor of APA History month I'll be trying to write specific posts with tidbits of little-known Asian American factoids, especially those that emblemize a mixed-race America.
All you need to do for a chance to win one of the five books I've listed is to write a comment sometime during the month of May (all those who have already commented from May 1-13 are automatically entered to win). I'll draw five names, at random, on June 1 and then have Hachette Book group send you your winning book. How easy is that!
And on that note, let me end with a spoken-word clip by an artist I've written about in the past, Beau Sia, and his piece "Asian Invasion":
The vast diversity of languages, religions, and cultural traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continues to strengthen the fabric of American society. From the arrival of the first Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants 150 years ago to those who arrive today, as well as those native to the Hawaiian Islands and to our Pacific Island territories, all possess the common purpose of the fulfilling the American dream and leading a life bound by the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we remember the challenges and celebrate the achievements that define our history.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured and overcome hardship and heartache. In the earliest years, tens of thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners, transcontinental railroad builders, as well as farm and orchard laborers, were subject to unjust working conditions, prejudice, and discrimination——yet they excelled. Even in the darkness of the Exclusion Act and Japanese internment, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered, providing for their families and creating opportunities for their children.
Amidst these struggles, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed in great and significant ways to all aspects of society. They have created works of literature and art, thrived as American athletes, and prospered in the world of academia. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played a vital role in our Nation's economic and technological growth by establishing successful enterprises and pushing the limits of science. They are serving in positions of leadership within the government more now than ever before. And along with all of our great service men and women, they have defended the United States from threats at home and abroad, serving our Nation with valor.
From the beaches of the Pacific islands and the California coast, the grasslands of Central Asia and the bluegrass of Kentucky, and from the summits of the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community hails from near and far. This is the story of our more perfect union: that it is diversity itself that enriches, and is fundamental to, the American story.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2009, as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
[I know that Obama has people to write up these things, but I can't help but think that given his background from Hawaii, the man has some intimate knowledge about Asian Pacific Americans and their heritage and history. After all, his sister is Asian American, they both lived in Indonesia for a while, and his brother-in-law and niece/nephew are Asian American. In fact, one could consider Obama to be our first Asian American president]
Anyway, in honor of APA Heritage/History month, I'm going to offer five lucky commenters the chance to win one of the following books:
*Free Food for Millionaires -- Min Jin Lee
*Trail of Crumbs -- Kim Sunee
*The Fortune Cookie Chronicles -- Jennifer 8 Lee
*Transparency -- Frances Hwang
*Strangers from a Different Shore -- Ronald Takaki
All of these books were donated by the Hachette Book Group (if you click on the titles, you will get a description and it will take you to the Hachette Book website). Some of the above books I've read already, like Free Food for Millionaires. Takaki's book is required reading for anyone interested in a broader history of Asian Pacific Americans on this continent (or in the Pacific). Anyway, in honor of APA History month I'll be trying to write specific posts with tidbits of little-known Asian American factoids, especially those that emblemize a mixed-race America.
All you need to do for a chance to win one of the five books I've listed is to write a comment sometime during the month of May (all those who have already commented from May 1-13 are automatically entered to win). I'll draw five names, at random, on June 1 and then have Hachette Book group send you your winning book. How easy is that!
And on that note, let me end with a spoken-word clip by an artist I've written about in the past, Beau Sia, and his piece "Asian Invasion":
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