http://fascinasians.tumblr.com/

kiwizzo: Looking for high school-aged Asian men from Oakland...

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:53:24 -0400

Looking for high school-aged Asian men from Oakland for our AWESOME Young Men’s Summer program! Please pass on to those you think might be interested! Questions: jack@forwardtogether.org

Shit people ask when they first meet me

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:48:12 -0400

queerkhmer:

People: “So where are you from?”

Me: “Riverside.”

People: “Where are you really from?”

Me: “Riverside.”

People: “Where were you born?”

Me: “Riverside. In a hospital that is now a Lowe’s and a Cold Stones.”

vogueflo: A great example of just how fetishized Asian women...

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:36:31 -0400

vogueflo:

A great example of just how fetishized Asian women are. >:|

This honestly makes me unbelievably angry—we can work as hard as we like and succeed in whatever we can and be the best people possible, but the only thing people want to view us Asian women as are exotic, sexualized fetishes on the same level as feet and leather collars.

Just…fuck this shit.

APAHM Pick: Shogunna - Forbidden City

Tue, 29 May 2012 13:42:13 -0400

riseandgrnd:

Usually when it comes to Asian raps its mainly about a regular kid who just pursued his interest in music, but Queens rapper, Shogunna comes with a different story.

Born and raised in Flushing, Queens this MC has experienced life in the darker side of Asian American life. Living in a struggling household, the young Shogun turned to the streets to find some enlightenment, bringing him throughout the Asian undergrounds of neighborhoods like Chinatown and Flushing. He served 5 years at Rikers Island and during then started to put his thoughts down on paper in lyrical form, eventually turning a talent and hobby into a full time passion. Take a gander at what he’s saying, he’ll paint the pictures pretty clearly.

He’s released several mixtapes and an album, Signed to the Streets, but has been inactive now for several years. BUT!!! He had just announced several days ago that he’s back in the lab!

This is the first track I’ve heard of his and is still one of my favorites of his to date. Forbidden City was released in 2006 and is from Shogunna’s Last Man Standing Volume II mixtape.

Evo

"Vietnam has become a blind statement about the United States, like most places are these days. Not..."

Tue, 29 May 2012 11:59:37 -0400

“Vietnam has become a blind statement about the United States, like most places are these days. Not technically, but in the way they try to adjust to American standards, so to speak, they’re becoming a satellite of the United States. There are many negative aspects of this, but one of them is that Americans tend to view a foreigner as an imperfect American: his jeans not quite right, his t-shirt is a little off, his haircut. Americans judge the rest of the world by American standards and see failures everywhere. Which is I think preposterous. That’s not how it is. Well, it’s sort of how it is.”

- Linh Dinh with Matthew Sharpe, 2004. (via surnameviet)

Here is the 2011-2012 Scholarship List (regardless of immigration/residency status)

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:01:29 -0400

Here is the 2011-2012 Scholarship List (regardless of immigration/residency status)

Attention DREAMers! Here's a scholarship for you!

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:59:05 -0400

Attention DREAMers! Here's a scholarship for you!:

MALDEF now offers a scholarship to support the nation’s college and graduate student leaders who have been outstanding advocates for the DREAM Act and all immigrant rights. In 2012, MALDEF will offer scholarships of up to $5,000 each to deserving DREAM Act student activists. All current college and graduate students are eligible to apply. Students seeking to enroll in college or university for the first time (or to re-enroll following a leave of absence) are also eligible to apply if they will be enrolled in a college or university before the end of 2012. All applications must be postmarked by Monday, July 2, 2012. Students will be notified of the results in the fall of 2012.

Here is the following document that contains a database of scholarships that are open to students regardless of immigration/residency status.

Mon, 28 May 2012 11:55:35 -0400

Here is the following document that contains a database of scholarships that are open to students regardless of immigration/residency status.:

dreaminginspanish:

pag-asaharibon: Filipinos join massive protest against NATO in...

Sun, 27 May 2012 13:48:19 -0400

pag-asaharibon:

Filipinos join massive protest against NATO in Chicago; demand for US troops of out the Philippines

Over 230 Filipinos from across the US and the Philippines joined over 15,000 more last Sunday in downtown Chicago to march in protest against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit taking place just blocks away in McCormick Place. It was the largest outdoor anti-war demonstration in the US in years.

The Filipino contingent was led by BAYAN USA, a US-wide alliance of 18 Filipino social justice organizations and a founding member of the Coalition Against the NATO & G8 War and Poverty Agenda (CANG8), the main organizer of last Sunday’s demonstration against NATO. Founded in 2005, BAYAN USA is the oldest and largest overseas chapter of BAYAN Philippines.

BAYAN USA joined the ranks of the 500+ marching contingent of the US chapter of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS-US), which included Palestinians and Puerto Ricans projecting the role of national liberation struggles as key in the fight against the US-NATO agenda.

“Filipinos are here today because the US-NATO agenda seeks to intensify militarization in the Asia-Pacific region,” stated Bernadette Ellorin of BAYAN USA at the opening noon rally in Grant Park. “As I speak, the US is sending drones, nuclear warships, nuclear submarines, and more US troops to engage in military exercises in the South China Sea. They say this is to contain the threat of China, but that is a distortion.”

Ellorin spoke of the worsening global economic crisis driving US-NATO powers to secure critical economic investments in the Asia-Pacific region, where the US export position accounts for approximately $1 trillion of the US economy. Therefore, the US-NATO military pivot to Asia is to enforce a new free-trade agreement– the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA)– that would ensure US economic dominance in the region.

Responding to the recent high-level talks in Washington DC between US Secretary Hilary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin regarding the Philippines strategic role in the US military shift to the Asia-Pacific region, BAYAN USA also participated in a speaking panel on US bases one week prior at the People’s Summit, presenting the social impact of over 114 years of US military presence in the country.

Since its founding in 2005, BAYAN USA has campaigned consistently against continuing US militarization in the Philippines, including cutting US military aid to the country. It has worked in alliance with Philippine and US-based human rights organizations in drawing clear links between increased US military presence and increased human rights abuses in the country.

In 2009, BAYAN USA founding member Melissa Roxas was abducted by elements of the Philippine military while on a medical mission in a rural community in Tarlac, Central Luzon and subjected to 6 days of blindfolded secret detention and torture before surfacing. BAYAN USA spearheaded the Justice for Melissa Roxas campaign and continues to fight for justice.

If you don't mind, can you link me to the exact post?

Sun, 27 May 2012 12:53:37 -0400

http://colorblinding.tumblr.com/post/23645284673/a-chronological-summary-how-asian-american-experiences

Your last reblog...what's going on? Forgive my ignorance, but I'm confused...?

Sun, 27 May 2012 12:23:22 -0400

Recently on Tumblr there was an…explosion of arguments and accusations between a group of bloggers discussing Asian Americans, privilege, oppression in relation to other people of color, and appropriation of black culture.

It’s been interesting to read everyone’s perspective, and that last reblog was kind of my own reminder to myself that East Asians are often the most anti-black communities of color, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t endured and survived centuries of racism, oppression, injustice, cruelty, abuse, etc.

I think colorblinding posted a pretty detailed record of the exchanges if you’re interested in reading/learning more!

and before i see more crying in notes or possibly my inbox

Sun, 27 May 2012 11:51:47 -0400

littlewendycat:

dumbthingswhitepplsay:

stfuantiblackpoc:

european-booty-scratcher:

blackridinhood:

european-booty-scratcher:

yes poc can appropriate too.

look up b-style in japan. because you know black style is static! only fashion trend that black people are involved in is hip-hop -_-

wtf do you think is happening when a kpop artists willing shits on black folk then get up on stage and bust out a rhyme?

and as much as i love 2NE1 side-eying the fuck out of them for that fire (space version) music video. deadass Dara? throwing on a sari and dancing to a generic indian melody?

domt worry i blame the shitty american media for forcefeeding other countries warped imagery.

And don’t forget the T-ara Ya Ya Ya MV where they were dressed up in faux Native garbs and hunted a dude, while doing a dance move that pats their hands over their mouths as they sing “Ya Ya Ya Ya!” and shit.

Oh, and B.A.P (who I have dubbed Black Appropriation People) who mother fucking stepped, STEPPED, on stage. And it wasn’t even a good step; most of the beats came from the song, and yet Kpop fans of all races shit their pants over it. Not to mention the general illusion of gun violence in the dance and MV for Warrior, even ganging up and pretending to shoot their youngest member at the end; something that would be “look at those violent niggers that can’t even do a MV without shooting someone” if a black hip hop artist did that.

Oh, and I have a link to something about the b-style. This dumbass Japanese girl was like “one day, my hair got frizzy.” And for some reason, that meant she should tan hardcore and dress like a “black” girl. CUZ OUR HAIR IS JUST FRIZZY GUYS. THAT’S ALL IT IS. IT’S JUST FRIZZY.

-_-

Asians appropriating blackness is a huge issue. HUGE.

absolutely no problem with east Asians enjoying and making their own hip-hop, music is fkr everybody imo. but the anti-blackness is a legit problem, only way they can lift our music amd style while shitting on black folk

Yeah, I’d like to see the Asians who talk about the cultural appropriation also talk about how fucked up it is when Asians appropriate black culture.

I mean, we know its not about appreciation, and we know its not a “fond tribute”, or whatever bullshit we might want to dress up K-pop’s antiblackness, or b-style in Japan.

We know because we laugh when white people try to defend their essentialization and exotification of us with those kinds of weak-ass arguments.

We shouldn’t play the same game.

— Hi-C

rarely ever see this called out, especially by east asians who are often some of the worst fucking offenders

oh my GOD THAT VIDEO

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK

antesdachuva: There’s nothing more ridiculous than someone tatted up in Chinese characters who...

Sun, 27 May 2012 01:32:41 -0400

antesdachuva:

There’s nothing more ridiculous than someone tatted up in Chinese characters who can’t speak a word of Chinese or Japanese.

kollaborationsf: Check out this cool event coming up by Kearny...

Sat, 26 May 2012 11:58:00 -0400

kollaborationsf:

Check out this cool event coming up by Kearny Street Workshop on May 22!

Hand-Me-Down: Three Generations of KSW Performance

Admission: $10-20 sliding scale

2012 marks the milestone 40th birthday of KSW! To celebrate, our anniversary programs will feature three generations of artists. This performance showcase features notable solo theater artists, musicians, storytellers, dancers, and more who explore the past and future of Asian American art.

FEATURING
Samantha Chanse
Charlie Chin
Eth-Noh-Tec
DeNNiS M. SOmeRA
Lina Yang
and more

RSVP

Honour student who works two jobs to support her siblings after her parents split up and left town is put in JAIL for missing school due to exhaustion

Sat, 26 May 2012 11:03:43 -0400

Honour student who works two jobs to support her siblings after her parents split up and left town is put in JAIL for missing school due to exhaustion:

paach:

Diane Tran, 17, thrown in jail for one night because of repeated absences from school

Honours student has been working two jobs to keep family afloat since parents’ divorce

Has been taking advanced placement and college courses in addition to jobs and missed school due to exhaustion

Spent the night in jail for truancy

Petition for the decision to be overturned here

This is the person behind this blog

Fri, 25 May 2012 18:09:00 -0400

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

This is the person behind this blog

"I grew up hard and am still hard and I don’t care. I did not choose this face or this body and I..."

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:51:33 -0400

“I grew up hard and am still hard and I don’t care. I did not choose this face or this body and I have learned to live with it and love it and celebrate it and adorn it with tremendous drawings from the greatest artists in the world and I feel good and powerful like a nation that has never been free and now after many hard won victories is finally fucking free. I am beautiful and I am finally fucking free.

I fly my flag of self-esteem for all those who have been told they were ugly and fat and hurt and shamed and violated and abused for the way they look and told time and time again that they were “different” and therefore unlovable. Come to me and I will tell you and show you how beautiful and loved you are and you will see it and feel it and know it and then look in the mirror and truly believe it. If you are offended by my anger and my might at defending my borders and my people you do not deserve entry into my beloved and magnificent country.”

- Margaret Cho (via bigfatfeminist)

Margaret Cho is awesome.

And yeah, it’s a big issue for marginalized groups to feel attractive. WoC in particular have the same issues as white women in that they’re seen as incapable of leadership, punished for being too emotional, punished for being not emotional enough, and so on, but then unlike white women, they’re not exactly desirable either.

there was a test done at some film school where they gave all these students pictures of different people, like white men, MoC, white women, and some WoC. They were told to cast them in a fake movie with descriptions on their roles.

Unsurprisingly, white men had the most varied roles. They were interesting, complex, dynamic heroes (always heroes). MoC were usually flat sidekicks, with nothing much to do. White women were motherly figures or love interests, always hot of course. And WoC? Ha, WoC were drug addicts, harpies, shrews, occasionally exotic and sexy, Asian dragon ladies, Black mammies, you get the point. Racist and sexist stereotypes all over the damn place.

This is how people view WoC, such as Margaret Cho, and the immense strength it takes to become confident even after the way society pushes you should be acknowledged.

(via soooexotic)

aalimelight: APA Heritage Bash WHAT: A celebration of...

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:39:08 -0400

aalimelight:

APA Heritage Bash

WHAT: A celebration of Seattle’s influential Asian Americans as part of Asian Heritage Month

WHERE: Parlor Ultralounge in Bellevue

WHEN: 9 PM to midnight on 5/25/2012

WHO: Performers include comedians Helen Ho and Mo Mandel

For more information, please visit here

The Effects of Academic Pressure on South Asian Children

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:56:02 -0400

The Effects of Academic Pressure on South Asian Children:

For South Asian parents one of the biggest sources of pride is when their children are successful academically. Receiving the highest grades possible, doing extra work to expand knowledge and being ahead of the class are all examples of what many South Asian parents wish to see from their children. With this push to always try harder, many South Asian children grow up to become successful in their careers, striving for the best and trying to achieve more.

Unfortunately, for many other South Asian children, these expectations placed on them by their parents cause an incredible amount of stress. Instead of thriving under the pressure to continually better oneself, quite a few South Asian children crack, experiencing numerous symptoms of depression, anxiety, as well as countless illnesses that keep them out of school while they recover. In addition, countless South Asian children as young as the age of 9 years of age begin to contemplate suicide, believing that if they do not achieve a set standard academically, their parents will not want them anymore.

When South Asian parents define their child in terms of how they perform academically, the children who do not meet their parents often unrealistic expectations begin to internalize the negative messages sent by their parents. They think they are not worthy, not lovable, not important and that they are inherently flawed.

Reflection: APSA's Pass the Mic: Reclaim Your Roots

Wed, 23 May 2012 23:20:58 -0400

forwordcollective:

On April 27th at UC Irvine, there was an inspiring culmination of creative energy and social activism through spoken word, Hip Hop, and workshops. We are UC Irvine alumni, so it always feels homey to be back on the old “breeding” grounds where we as Uncultivated Rabbits frolicked over two years ago. Stephanie and I were there to represent forWord. An interesting fact is that Stephanie is also an alumnus of APSA. Generations bridged!

So we performed alongside a good friend of ours who we have known since he was a freshman, Nghiem Le, of Uncultivated Rabbits. He got jokes for days and also ran a workshop inspired by Sarah Kay.

Hoodini and King! came from the Valley to share with us some Hip Hop. The current ASUCI president, Traci Ishigo, facilitated a workshop about how to promote activism through art. Last but not least, Andy of APSA hosted the entire night and it is all thanks to him and the APSA board for organizing this to get all our minds thinking critically!

APSA currently have a set of events this month to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month! So if you are near UC Irvine, please be sure to check them out and reclaim or discover your roots! The next event is APSA’s 3rd Annual Talent-Art Show: ACYD: ALWAYS CHASE YOUR DREAMS.

This event is absolutely FREE! They are also taking donations for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, which seeks to diversify the bone marrow registry for underrepresented groups, particularly APIs.

THERE ARE NO TICKETS. Seating is open at the Student Terrace so make sure you come early to get a good view of the stage!

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGES AND PERFORMERS
- dumbfoundead
- Karen Song
- DANakaDAN (afterschoolspecial)
- Andy Chi-an Chen

More info can be found here: http://clubs.uci.edu/apsa/Home.html

- Eddy M. Gana Jr.