Dim Sum of all Things
There is a lot of stereotype for Chinese Americans. Dim sum of all things by Kim Wong Keltner’s answers most Chinese stereotype’s in a funny light read. This books tells a story about a girl name Lindsey Owyang, a twenty-ish year old receptionist at Vegan Warrior magazine although she is a “closet meat-eater”. Lindsey is a typical ABC, American Born Chinese, lives in San Francisco with her grandmother, Pau Pau. Pau Pau is an important character to Lindsey, she helped her discovers her Chinese Heritage during a China trip. Lindsey is pretty picky about dates. She usually dislikes white guys or “hoarders of all things Asian” but in the book, she falls for a white guy named Michael Cartier, a travel editor for the magazine. Pau Pau, dislikes the idea of interracial relationships tries to steer Lindsey in the right direction.
This book is more than your average Asian American story. Unlike the Joy Luck Club or Bones, this book is fairly short. Even though this book was a quick read, it gives a lot of details in the life of a ABC living in San Francisco, especially from a perspective of a women. Though I am also a Chinese-American, I find most of the things said in the book was hilarious. I especially like the portrayal of Pau Pau, it reminds me of my own grandmother. However I think Lindsey’s character could be more focused on how she struggles to find her heritage more than about dating “hoarders”. Surprisingly the ending was sort of dry, though it was pretty much what I expected. Although this book maybe in the same category as the Joy Luck Club, it does not compare to it. When I read the joy luck club, it feels like I am in the actual scene of the book. When I read this book, it feels like talking to a friend that complains about everything! Overall I would give this book a 3/5 because this book have so much potential that could be probably unleashed if Kim had another stab at it.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Book Review- The Dim Sum of All Things by Kim Wong Keltner
The Dim Sum of All Things is a book I would’ve never heard about unless suggested to me. Assigned to read in class, a group member started reading it before I did and I asked her whether she liked it or not. She replied that she was enjoying the book, being that the setting was here in San Francisco itself, mentioning actual street names and familiar settings. As I was reading, I was thinking back in my mind if I knew where the locations were at, if I ever heard of the street names, which most of it I knew. Another reason why I liked The Dim Sum of All Things is that the main character, Lindsey, was a girl. I’m not being sexist or anything, but it felt like I can relate to her more. Being that I myself am an Asian American young woman living in San Francisco. It was a very easy book to read. The language author Kim Wong Keltner uses is very modern. It wasn’t difficult to comprehend. It really draws the attention of young readers, because it really is that easy to understand and go along with. Not once in the book did I have to read back because I didn’t understand something. The Dim Sum of All Things has a good story line of what a typical Asian American girl goes through- immigrant parents and grandparents, with a family that is based on unity and their culture. It was funny to read also! There were several times I had a good laugh because I related to it. Such as towards the end of the book when Lindsey invites Michael over for her family dinner and her father whispers to her cousin something about all white guys being named Mike now since Lindey’s cousin, Stephanie, her husband’s name was Mike also. Not that I have any intimate relationships with any Mike’s but I found that quite funny. Some things that I did not like about the book, as many can agree with me was the ending. The beginning of the book was very interesting! And as reading towards the end, it kind of dies down. After I read the whole book, I said to myself “That’s it?!” I think Kim could have done a better job coming up with a better ending. Another thing I did not like about the book was that there were some words in Cantonese that readers could not understand unless they knew the language. Most of the time, Kim included the translations, but not for all. It would’ve been helpful if all translations were there. And finally, something I would change towards the ending would to include what happens between Lindsey and Michael. At the end of the book, it makes you think- did they pursue their relationship? Or did they stay as just friends?
Overall, The Dim Sum of All Things was an enjoyable book to read. I personally liked reading the book just because I can relate to it so much. It is definitely a book I would suggest to fellow Asian American girls to read. I have a group mate who from the very first few pages of the book, despised Lindsey already. He says she is everything he is against in an Asian American Chinese girl. He says Lindsey was a typical ABC (American Born Chinese). But everyone has their own views and opinions!
-Abigail Burgos
Overall, The Dim Sum of All Things was an enjoyable book to read. I personally liked reading the book just because I can relate to it so much. It is definitely a book I would suggest to fellow Asian American girls to read. I have a group mate who from the very first few pages of the book, despised Lindsey already. He says she is everything he is against in an Asian American Chinese girl. He says Lindsey was a typical ABC (American Born Chinese). But everyone has their own views and opinions!
-Abigail Burgos
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fashion
Hey guys, it's Ria and I just got home from class. I thought I'd write about the discussion we had in class today. I didn't feel like expressing my opinions @ the time, so I'll post it here. I just wanted to go into deeper meaning about one of our classmates saying the majority of Asian Americans dress urban. I would have to disagree with that. To be honest I don't think Asian Americans have one certified look that you can stereotype them on. Sub-culturally it can be possible. How he said guys in the sunset wear white jeans w/ black jackets and dye their bangs blond. I can see where he's coming from with that because a lot of Asians in my high school were victims of this particular look. As for the majority of us being urban, I don't know about that. Like what Irene said, maybe it's because our surroundings we all reside in the city. Of course being in the city the media's going to influence urban type clothing. I feel like he mentioned urban because it's probably the most popular amongst other styles here. And I could go on about many topics on fashion related or unrelated to the topic. Like I hate the fact that were classified by what we wear. When to be honest our style will always constantly change to fit the standards of modern time fashion. Even individuals sav enough to have their own style end up being like everyone else. As much as we don't want to admit it, but fashion will never be original in any sense because everything worn has some kind of history behind it in which it came to us today. How come we can't wear this or that just because we think it's sick. We always have to be classified in some type of group. And jumping to another topic it reminded me of a time I came across a girl who dressed a certain way because she thought "it was what Americans wore". And where the fuck do these people get these ideas of what Americans wear you know? It's the media that advertise clothes to make them look so good you have my grandma even buying that shit. So I was in San Jose and I met this Hawaiian/Filippina girl who was born in the Philippines, moved to Hawaii, and comes to San Francisco frequently to visit her boyfriend. So my brother's girlfriend ask her why do you always wear slippers with heels on them and what's with the bell bottoms. Straight up she said that's what she thought Americans wore. So my brother's girlfriend schools her on clothing that's in. And now she got the girl wearing high-end sandals with some skinny jeans. This shows you how people's sense of style is manipulated by some kind of resource. But yeah there's like some much shit I could say and I'm sorry how jumpy the topics are, haha.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Asian American Culture
It's Ria again and I've decided to post the poem type activity we did in class.
Asian American culture was a new beginning of life for the immigrants.
Asian American culture is shaped into an Americanized infusion of our ancestors.
Asian American culture will be known.
Asian American food was more in touch with the tastes of it's origin.
Asian American food is untraditional and more American.
Asian American food will lose it's essence of history.
Asian American art was inspired by deeper meanings of our culture.
Asian American art is confused by the mainstream images of being Asian American.
Asian American art will hopefully recapture the true definition of our people.
Asian American studies was about ancient background.
Asian American studies is now in tune with the modern day issues affecting their people.
Asian American studies will influence others to "do, think, and create".
Asian American families was more oriented.
Asian American families is losing their younger generations to the American culture.
Asian American families will hopefully regain better understandings of closer relationships.
Asian American culture was a new beginning of life for the immigrants.
Asian American culture is shaped into an Americanized infusion of our ancestors.
Asian American culture will be known.
Asian American food was more in touch with the tastes of it's origin.
Asian American food is untraditional and more American.
Asian American food will lose it's essence of history.
Asian American art was inspired by deeper meanings of our culture.
Asian American art is confused by the mainstream images of being Asian American.
Asian American art will hopefully recapture the true definition of our people.
Asian American studies was about ancient background.
Asian American studies is now in tune with the modern day issues affecting their people.
Asian American studies will influence others to "do, think, and create".
Asian American families was more oriented.
Asian American families is losing their younger generations to the American culture.
Asian American families will hopefully regain better understandings of closer relationships.
Random Blog
Hey this is Alvin, this is totally random but I got really pissed at one of my classmate/friend today. I thought this would be a good way to say something. So this started about a few weeks ago where me and my friend and I was working on an online midterm. I finished on time and was trying to help out the friend. It was due on monday and it was sunday already, she did not have much done. So I gave her a lot of pointers. And eventually I went out. So she went to another friend for help. A week later, we received our grades, where I had a 73%. She found out that she got a 83% and was really happy. I was happy too even though i didn't score as high. So that other friend scored 80% and was really pissed, and said to us in class "OK, no body ask me for anything now!" I think he was being a dick b/c hes hella trippin about this. Not only was he disrespecting my friend, but he just showed me his real ugly side which i did not see since i knew him last year. What a bitch!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
English Assignment using the Hyphen Magazine
Hi, it's Ria, I thought for one of my daily postings I'd put up four paragraphs I started for an English assignment using the Hyphen Magazine. The goal of the assignment was to identify the different appeals in a magazine or television show and explain how the advertiser defines the reader or viewer.
"The strongest appeal exemplified in the Hyphen Magazines is affiliation. Affiliation is the desired connection between a family member, a significant other, or a friend. Since the magazine is specifically written to acknowledge Asian Americans, the magazine gives the idea of a group of people coming together as one. The first ad is a group of young teens going out to an Apature event where Asian Americans can express themselves artistically. The images manifested a euphoric array of colors and random objects capturing the reader's attention. Another ad is a picture of a man and woman together in which both persons are wearing Asian related shirts representing their culture proudly. The relationships you have with people are an important aspect in life and the magazine favors these types of relationships using ads. The idea of people working together to achieve a goal is one of the many messages the magazine is trying to portray.
Another appeal drawn in the magazine is guidance. Many of the ads influences the reader to register to vote. One of the ads uses the words "Empower yourself and fellow APAs" by "registering to vote Democrat today." The statement blatantly guides the reader to vote Democrat. Another ad achieves the same message by using big font for the words to catch the readers attention. The ad states "Change it up. Vote. Election day November 4th." which clearly induces the reader to register to vote and support Asians in an political aspect. The ad also states "Where we're at & where we're not" and then lists places where Asians have successfully represented their culture. The magazine believes Asians are not recognized for their efforts in society. The idea of voting gives Asians the power to help our culture achieve the breakthrough of acceptance and gaining an honorable place in this world. To support the people of Asians in places others did not believe Asians are capable of being is one step closer to accomplishing this goal.
The third appeal expressed in the magazine is attention. Attention is the need to be looked at. One of the ad features various Asian related t-shirts, which displays the need to express one's race. The ad states "clothing for a new state of mind", which is encouraging Asians to accept the Asian American culture and be aware of certain stereotypes targeting their race. Another ad attracts Asians specifically, which draws the attention to one race. The shirts the people are wearing are all Asian related, which illustrates the idea of wanting to show society he/she identifies as their kind. The magazine uses these images to illustrate the idea of not getting attention by one's beauty, but rather acknowledged for one's skin. Hyphen magazine believe Asian Americans are not involved as much as we should be in society. By drawing attention to oneself as little as wearing a t-shirt is a big enough remark to express themselves positively. The image the shirt depicts can capture another's attention, which can act as a chain reaction to pass the importance of the message.
Lastly, the least expressed appeal is curiosity. Curiosity is being "interested in the world you and intrigued by tid bits of knowledge and new developments." One ad is one of the previous ads discussed about voting, but also asks questions as well such as "Are you wondering why Bush is still your President?" or "Did you find yourself at the war protest with a friend?", which creates a curiosity to the reader to why the following questions appeal to their emotions. Because the reader is probably affected by the cause he/she is curious to what he/she can do about the situation. Another ad displays diversified areas of the world. All the sceneries characterize the idea of peacefulness and serenity. In the middle of the collage of pictures are the words "explore your options." The ad does not discuss which options to explore, which gives the reader the curiosity of what the advertiser means. The advertiser can be implying the reader to look beyond their limits or express your need for your culture by traveling to other places."
"The strongest appeal exemplified in the Hyphen Magazines is affiliation. Affiliation is the desired connection between a family member, a significant other, or a friend. Since the magazine is specifically written to acknowledge Asian Americans, the magazine gives the idea of a group of people coming together as one. The first ad is a group of young teens going out to an Apature event where Asian Americans can express themselves artistically. The images manifested a euphoric array of colors and random objects capturing the reader's attention. Another ad is a picture of a man and woman together in which both persons are wearing Asian related shirts representing their culture proudly. The relationships you have with people are an important aspect in life and the magazine favors these types of relationships using ads. The idea of people working together to achieve a goal is one of the many messages the magazine is trying to portray.
Another appeal drawn in the magazine is guidance. Many of the ads influences the reader to register to vote. One of the ads uses the words "Empower yourself and fellow APAs" by "registering to vote Democrat today." The statement blatantly guides the reader to vote Democrat. Another ad achieves the same message by using big font for the words to catch the readers attention. The ad states "Change it up. Vote. Election day November 4th." which clearly induces the reader to register to vote and support Asians in an political aspect. The ad also states "Where we're at & where we're not" and then lists places where Asians have successfully represented their culture. The magazine believes Asians are not recognized for their efforts in society. The idea of voting gives Asians the power to help our culture achieve the breakthrough of acceptance and gaining an honorable place in this world. To support the people of Asians in places others did not believe Asians are capable of being is one step closer to accomplishing this goal.
The third appeal expressed in the magazine is attention. Attention is the need to be looked at. One of the ad features various Asian related t-shirts, which displays the need to express one's race. The ad states "clothing for a new state of mind", which is encouraging Asians to accept the Asian American culture and be aware of certain stereotypes targeting their race. Another ad attracts Asians specifically, which draws the attention to one race. The shirts the people are wearing are all Asian related, which illustrates the idea of wanting to show society he/she identifies as their kind. The magazine uses these images to illustrate the idea of not getting attention by one's beauty, but rather acknowledged for one's skin. Hyphen magazine believe Asian Americans are not involved as much as we should be in society. By drawing attention to oneself as little as wearing a t-shirt is a big enough remark to express themselves positively. The image the shirt depicts can capture another's attention, which can act as a chain reaction to pass the importance of the message.
Lastly, the least expressed appeal is curiosity. Curiosity is being "interested in the world you and intrigued by tid bits of knowledge and new developments." One ad is one of the previous ads discussed about voting, but also asks questions as well such as "Are you wondering why Bush is still your President?" or "Did you find yourself at the war protest with a friend?", which creates a curiosity to the reader to why the following questions appeal to their emotions. Because the reader is probably affected by the cause he/she is curious to what he/she can do about the situation. Another ad displays diversified areas of the world. All the sceneries characterize the idea of peacefulness and serenity. In the middle of the collage of pictures are the words "explore your options." The ad does not discuss which options to explore, which gives the reader the curiosity of what the advertiser means. The advertiser can be implying the reader to look beyond their limits or express your need for your culture by traveling to other places."
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Apature
Yo, this is leslie and i am about to write about Apature. Apature is a good place to expierience asian american culture in a perspesctive of others.I decided to go on the last day w/ my fellow group mates Abigail and Angelie. At the first glimpse, it seems that we had gotten lost.We saw another group also going to Apature i think from the Awesomeness. We pressed on the doorbell somebody opened the door for us. As we walked up the stairs to the 3rd floor, it reminded me of the old chinatown buildings that my family use to live in. While we were walking up the stairs, we saw unique artwork. As we walk down the hallway, we saw more art and paintings hanging on the wall. Originally, we were planning to go to the Comics and Zine exhbition, but we were pulled into a workshop about Asian American Hip-Hop. They were already started when we came but we were able to catch up on what they were talking about. They were trying to define what is Asian, America, and Hip-Hop. The point was to make us realize that we as Asians are apart of the Hip-Hop community too, through MC, producers, and artists. It was a fun expierience being at the workshop because it taught us some history of Hip-hop and how some music are consider hip-hop instead of another genre. Overall i think it was pretty unique how a bunch of people can create an experience in a tiny place in the middle of the mission district.
Yo, this is Abby, my turn to write about APAture-
So Leslie picked Angelie and I up and we headed over to the place. At first we were just gunna go to the comic session, but we went to the music session on accident. When we were heading over, we were confused by the place it was located at. It didn't seem like a session would be held there, but we didn't know what to expect. The place was very small, and it was hot! As we were going up, we saw some art work hung on the wall. When we finally arrived at the room, they had already started their session but welcomed us in. So they started by asking us what was hip-hop, and what did it mean to be an Asian American, they they finally asked us how those two correlated with each other. They said that both terms were hard to define, quoting them "fuzzy, blurry". They asked us if we knew of some Asian American hip-hop artists. And i honestly didn't know much. But as they were listing and saying out many, it seriously surprised me. I remember they included MIA- singer of Paper Planes, as an Asian American Hip Hop artist. And though her style is different from typical hip-hop artists, she is still included as one. Another fact that I learned that day was that Lupe Fiasco's Kick Push song was produced by a Filipino. That just amazed me. I know not everyone knows that but if people were really trying to make it big, that factor should inspire Asian American's out there that WE CAN DO IT ALSO. DJ Phatrick also said that the mainstream has no control over hip-hop, it is up to the artists, and the creators. I strongly believe in that. YOU have to make it happen.
_______________________________________________________
APAture is an annual arts festival where different Asian Pacific Americans can present their work. APAture is an event where people of different ethnic backgrounds can experience the artistic views of APAs in our community. This year, APAture was held from September 18-27 and showcased many artists including our teacher, Irene Duller. As an assignment, we were to attend an APAture event and write about our experience. Although our group wanted to go together, our schedules didn't fit in so we had to go on different days. I went with fellow groupmates, Abigail and Leslie, on the last day of APAture events, September 27. When we arrived at the location, we thought we had the wrong address because it didn't seem like there was an event there. But we were welcomed at the door by a lady who told us to go right on up to the 3rd floor. When we reached the 3rd floor, we were greeted by a hallway full of unique artwork. Although the workshop had already begun when we got there, they were happy to see more people join in. DJ Phatrick and Adriel Luis led a discussion about hip-hop and Asian Americans in hip-hop. They asked everyone to define each word individually and then together as a whole term. Everyone had different opinions about hip-hop and compared the kind of music we hear now to the music in the old days. The hosts also let us hear some sample music from Asian American hip-hop artists and were talking about how the hip-hop community or the music industry in general, has many APAs that aren't well known but have contributed a lot of their ideas and talents to produce good music. Since I've never been to an APAture event before, the experience was great, being able to get out and discover what's in our community.
- Angelie
Yo, this is Abby, my turn to write about APAture-
So Leslie picked Angelie and I up and we headed over to the place. At first we were just gunna go to the comic session, but we went to the music session on accident. When we were heading over, we were confused by the place it was located at. It didn't seem like a session would be held there, but we didn't know what to expect. The place was very small, and it was hot! As we were going up, we saw some art work hung on the wall. When we finally arrived at the room, they had already started their session but welcomed us in. So they started by asking us what was hip-hop, and what did it mean to be an Asian American, they they finally asked us how those two correlated with each other. They said that both terms were hard to define, quoting them "fuzzy, blurry". They asked us if we knew of some Asian American hip-hop artists. And i honestly didn't know much. But as they were listing and saying out many, it seriously surprised me. I remember they included MIA- singer of Paper Planes, as an Asian American Hip Hop artist. And though her style is different from typical hip-hop artists, she is still included as one. Another fact that I learned that day was that Lupe Fiasco's Kick Push song was produced by a Filipino. That just amazed me. I know not everyone knows that but if people were really trying to make it big, that factor should inspire Asian American's out there that WE CAN DO IT ALSO. DJ Phatrick also said that the mainstream has no control over hip-hop, it is up to the artists, and the creators. I strongly believe in that. YOU have to make it happen.
_______________________________________________________
APAture is an annual arts festival where different Asian Pacific Americans can present their work. APAture is an event where people of different ethnic backgrounds can experience the artistic views of APAs in our community. This year, APAture was held from September 18-27 and showcased many artists including our teacher, Irene Duller. As an assignment, we were to attend an APAture event and write about our experience. Although our group wanted to go together, our schedules didn't fit in so we had to go on different days. I went with fellow groupmates, Abigail and Leslie, on the last day of APAture events, September 27. When we arrived at the location, we thought we had the wrong address because it didn't seem like there was an event there. But we were welcomed at the door by a lady who told us to go right on up to the 3rd floor. When we reached the 3rd floor, we were greeted by a hallway full of unique artwork. Although the workshop had already begun when we got there, they were happy to see more people join in. DJ Phatrick and Adriel Luis led a discussion about hip-hop and Asian Americans in hip-hop. They asked everyone to define each word individually and then together as a whole term. Everyone had different opinions about hip-hop and compared the kind of music we hear now to the music in the old days. The hosts also let us hear some sample music from Asian American hip-hop artists and were talking about how the hip-hop community or the music industry in general, has many APAs that aren't well known but have contributed a lot of their ideas and talents to produce good music. Since I've never been to an APAture event before, the experience was great, being able to get out and discover what's in our community.
- Angelie
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