Generasians: Fall 2010

FEMINISM IN THE KPOP INDUSTRY? WELLESLEY ABROAD LIVE, STUDY, WORK

GENERASIANS FALL 2010

Q&A WITH PROFESSORS KO AND CREEF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAAM-SLAM THE MOST VIGOROUS STUDENT-LED ACTIVIST MOVEMENT IN WELLESLEY COLLEGE HISTORY FALL2010 1 GENERASIANS | FALL 2010 [ EDITORIAL BOARD ] President Tiffany Chan ‘12, Dear Reader, Caroline Sun ‘11 Ten years ago on December 15, Wellesley College’s Managing Editor Committee on Faculty Appointments denied Natalie Ornell ‘12 Asian-American Studies scholar and then-Assistant Pub Relations Chair Professor of Women’s Studies Elena Creef tenure. Alice Tang ‘13 As you’ll learn in our cover story, the College’s rejection of Creef’s tenure pushed students beyond Main Layout Editor a threshold of tolerating thwarted efforts to nurture Lucy Liu ‘13 multiculturalism, spurring the entire campus into Business Manager/Treasurer action and triggering the largest student movement Alison Song ‘12 ever to hit our campus. As we look ahead to next semester’s events commemorating this critical chapter in Wellesley’s [ GA STAFF ] history, we attempt to capture snapshots of Copy Editors intersections between diversity and cultural identity Mona Guo ‘11, Ashley Lee ‘11, shaping our experiences today. Rachel Shuen ‘12 This issue delves into how our on-campus Features Editor experiences and diverse backgrounds will shape our HeeSoo Chung ‘13 our views and actions beyond the Wellesley “bubble”. The tenth anniversary of WAAM-SLAM comes in a Opinions Editor year when 8 percent of our first-year class identifies as Michelle Shkedi ‘12 biracial, accompanied by the revival of Club Fusion. Assistant Opinions Editor In March, Asian-American Awareness Month, we Erika Turner ‘13 look forward to a student-held stage production Spotlights/Reviews Editor contemplating Yellow Face, a satirical contemplation Esther Kim ‘12 of the Hollywood practice that brought us faux-Asian characters like Mr. Yunioshi in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Assistant Spotlights Editor In addition to chronicling advances and issues in Connie Shen ‘14, Diana Su ‘14 multiculturalism on campus, we consider how cross- Arts/Literary Editor cultural collaboration bridges understanding on a Regina Tahk ‘12 global scale. As critical consumers of pop culture, Creative Works Editor corporate culture, and many themes in between, our Jie Han ‘12 writers consider how the world around us shapes what we know and learn, and how we, in turn, affect Creative Works Team the world. Wendy Chen ‘14, In celebrating the 10-year anniversary, we Reffat Manzur ‘14, Ji-Su Park ‘13 acknowledge that the narrative of WAAM-SLAM Columnists is just one thread woven into the larger tapestry Catherine Guo ‘13, Christine J. Lee portraying the evolving ideals of multiculturalism ‘12, Katie Wright ‘12 and diversity at Wellesley and beyond. We hope that this issue begins conversations and inspires our Contributors readers to think deeply about their own experiences Jane Qu ‘14, Eda Lee ‘14 and identities. Staff Writers Katie Chen ‘13, Jessica Choi ‘13, Questionably yours, Patricia Liu ‘14, Christine Oh ‘13 Assistant Layout Editors Tiffany Chan ‘12 and Caroline Sun ‘11 Michelle Chien ‘14, Shreya Chohan ‘13, Cicia Lee ‘14, Yang Li ‘13 Business Team Allison Li ‘13, Carol Ling ‘13, Lin Mimi Han ‘13 2 GENERASIANS GENERASIANS STAFF SPOTLIGHT 4 BY HEE SOO CHUNG ‘13 & YANG LI ‘14 FEMINISM IN KPOP: IT’S THE MANGEMENT, STUPID 6 BY PATRICIA LIU ‘14 THE NEW EVOLUTION OF FEMINISM IN KPOP 8 BY REGINA TAHK ‘12 MEET PROFESSOR YU JIN KO 10 BY ESTHER KIM ‘12 & REGINA TAHK ‘12 NEEDED: BONE MARROW DONORS OF ASIAN/MULTICULTURAL DESCENT 12 BY KATIE CHEN ‘13 FUSION: BEST OF BOTH WORLDS 15 BY KATIE WRIGHT ‘12 THE P’YONGYANG PROJECT 16 BY ERIKA TURNER ‘13 HOW TO.... 20 BY WENDY CHEN ‘14, JIE HAN ‘12, REFFAT MANZUR ‘14, JI-SU PARK ‘13 WAAM-SLAM: TEN YEARS LATER 22 BY JESSICA CHOI ‘13 ASIAN POSES PHOTOSHOOT 27 BY JIE HAN ‘12 & CAROLINE SUN ‘11 DESTINATION: ALLSTON 30 BY WENDY CHEN ‘14, JIE HAN ‘12, & CAROLINE SUN ‘11

CONTENTS A SUMMER OF EXCHANGE IN JAPAN 32 BY EDA LEE ‘14 VIDEOTAGE: INTERNING IN HONG KONG 34 BY ASHLEY LEE ‘11 INTERNSHIP ABROAD: SOUTH KOREA 36 BY CHRISTINE J. LEE ‘12 HUGE ECONOMIES, BUT WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? 38 BY CATHERINE GUO ‘13

OF YELLOW FACE COMES TO WELLESLEY 40 BY NATALIE ORNELL ‘12 CREATIVE WORKS 42 BY WENDY CHEN ‘14 & JAELIM CHUNG ‘12 MIRROR, MIRROR: DIGITAL YOUTH AND BEAUTY IN KOREA 44 BY JESSICA CHOI ‘13 & JI-SU PARK ‘13 TARGETED: A LOOK AT MOB CULTURE IN KOREA 49 BY PATRICIA LIU ‘14 ASIAN PRESENCE ON TV 54 BY CONNIE SHEN ‘14 & DIANA SU ‘14 THE LEGEND OF KORRA 56 BY ESTHER KIM ‘12 TABLE MEANWHILE 59 BY WENDY CHEN ‘14

FALL2010 3 GENERASIANS: STAFF SPOTLIGHT

As part of GenerAsians Magazine’s annual fall staff retreat, members were paired with an interview partner, given five minutes to get to know each other, and then had ten minutes to write a brief profile on their new friend. Of those interviews, the editorial board selected these as the best. COOL BANGS SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS: CICIA LEE ‘14 by heesoo chung ‘13 ith her bangs cooly got formed. swept aside, Cicia “We were in sixth grade… Lee, a first-year at and we were lame,” Lee said. WWellesley from Michigan, Other than guitar-playing, began explaining how she Lee likes to read and drink tea. started playing guitar. She also likes to eat breakfast A guitar-player for seven but doesn’t like eating in years, Lee explained that she general. When asked about started learning guitar in pet peeves, she said she didn’t sixth grade when her friends have many. wanted to start a band, “I’m pretty chill about which, unfortunately, never things,” Lee said. (Top) Cicia Lee ‘14 (Left) HeeSoo Chung ‘13

4 GENERASIANS THE PASSIONATE JOURNALIST AND WRITER: ESTHER KIM ‘12 by yang li ‘13

inger on her chin and eyes in deep thought, Esther Kim scribbles furiously yet elegantly onto a piece of paper. It’s Fa typical activity for an aspiring writer. Kim hails from New York, and has a younger sister. This summer she took Introduction to Statistics (ECON 103) and then, in her own words, “bummed around back home in New York.” Although Kim is minoring in economics, her true passion lies in writing. The English major has written for The Wellesley Pavilion, Wellesley News, and has photographed for Legenda. Her goal is to be published in every Wellesley publication before she graduates. “I still need to write for Counterpoint!” she exclaims. Nonetheless, she claims that GenerAsians is the best publication at Wellesley. Why? “It’s the prettiest magazine, and it’s in full color!” Here’s to another exciting year of writing.

(Right) Yang Li ‘13 (Top) Esther Kim ‘12

FALL2010 5 FEMINISM IN KPOP IT’S THE MANAGEMENT, STUPID by patricia liu ‘14

-pop: It’s all fun and their willingness to tell boys and games until that they “don’t care-eh-eh-eh- someone brings eh-eh.” Young, female audiences Kup sexism. liked that. Heck, I liked that – and I don’t know about not only because I was a total CL all you other K-pop fans fangirl. I saw 2NE1 and thought, out there, but when I’m “Hey! Maybe this is a sign that the jamming out to the latest feminist movement in Korea is overproduced cotton candy growing! Maybe empowerment fluff to hit the K-pop scene, in women will become a social I’m not gonna distract myself norm! Maybe we’ll finally be with comparatively unfun things regarded as equals now!” like gender roles, hypersexuality Wrong. and objectification. Oh no, surely 2NE1 is oftentimes compared not when I’m being distracted to Girls’ Generation (also known full-time by flashy dances and as So Nyeo Shi Dae, or SNSD), Kpop group 2NE1 Kpop group

http://ygfamily.com godly voices and very, very a popular K-pop girl group attractive faces. and home to the nine reigning So when one of my favorite princesses of the K-pop industry. attractive faces drives herself Girls’ Generation has stolen straight into a trainwreck of a the hearts of men everywhere feminism issue, then I’m a little since their 2007 debut, which peeved. Just a little. therefore makes them nine of I’m not the biggest 2NE1 fan, the most hated girls in the K-pop but I am a fan of 2NE1’s leader, industry by other girls. One CL. The 19-year-old rapper might assume that this hatred redefined the girl group image is rooted out of jealousy. Which when 2NE1 burst onto the K-pop is a viable possibility. But then scene in mid-2009. 2NE1 brought one discovers organizations like something that was previously “Stand Till All Nine Disappear,” unfamiliar to the K-pop girl or STAND – who have a mission group scene, which had been rooted in a purpose much deeper dominated by the girly-girlish than mere jealousy. likes of Girls’ Generation and “Everything from [Girls’ Wonder Girls. That “something” Generation’s] dance moves, was called “fierce.” facial expressions and their Since then, the four members outfits are chock full of sexual of K-pop girl group 2NE1 have connotations,” claims STAND. become the pioneers in promoting “The image characterizes them the “strong girl” image in K-pop, as representatives of their what with their crazysexycool Generation…” outfits, their club-oriented songs “What kind of society needs

6 GENERASIANS “INDEED. GIRLS’ GENERATION WAS DESIGNED TO APPEAL TO MEN – MANY OF THEIR SONGS’ LYRICS PORTRAY AND PROPAGATE A RATHER SUBMISSIVE IMAGE OF GIRLS PANDERING FOR AFFECTION FROM OLDER MEN OR ASKING THEM TO ‘TELL ME YOUR WISH.’”

Girls’ Generation (SNSD) http://pandabutter.wordpress.com a role model that characterizes designers want you to think. something, and it’s up to us to women as only sex objects?” 2NE1 can sing about girl power determine if our feminist moral Indeed. Girls’ Generation was until their throats bleed, but consciousness want us to take it designed to appeal to men, many in the end, they’re just another or leave it. With 2NE1, however, of their songs’ lyrics portray and K-pop girl group generated by a one might be easily fooled into propagate a rather submissive big, male-dominated company buying what one believes to be image of girls pandering for in a big, male-dominated a pro-feminist image – when affection from older men or asking industry. Ultimately, 2NE1’s in fact the purpose behind the them to “tell me your wish.” entire concept becomes rather shiny packaging is anything but. Despite their fun, cutesy image, paradoxical – on the one hand, Feminism in K-pop is a funny Girls’ Generation encouraged they promote a pro-feminist concept, as it serves as an arena female submissiveness in a image to a large and highly to display different perceptions way that made many feminist- impressionable audience. But of women as defined by men, forward K-pop fans rather on the other, a male-dominated ranging from the cliché – like uncomfortable. K-pop industry makes it clear Girls’ Generation – to the But it’s not like they can help that the concept of “girl power” paradoxical – like 2NE1. 2NE1 it, reasoned many. Which is true: can’t be created nor promoted exemplifies the conflict where Girls’ Generation bears an image without the help of men. the idea of pro-feminism is that was designed, built, and sold In the end, Girls’ Generation certainly alive and popular – but by a male-dominated industry, and 2NE1 are on equal planes not alive and popular enough an image that is beyond their – men utilize both groups to be adopted by the corporate control; an image that is entirely in order to dictate to young, world. at the mercy of men at both the impressionable girls what they So when will the day come giving and receiving ends. should think: whether it’s to “be when women finally take charge So ultimately, does Girls’ a genie for you, boy,” a la Girls’ of the entertainment industry Generation propagate a socially Generation, or to tell your man and end the double standards backwards, anti-feminist to “go away,” a la 2NE1. for good? Place your bets now. image while 2NE1 encourages What makes 2NE1’s position “girl power” and social that much worse, though, is the progressiveness? gross potential for deception. At Hilariously enough, that’s least with Girls’ Generation, we exactly what 2NE1’s concept know they’re trying to sell us

FALL2010 7 orean popular culture is fabulous in every way imaginable. And whether you love it, hate it or just do not Kcare for it – you would have to agree on its increasing influence in the online world. One of the more recent music videos of the most popular girl group in Korea, 2NE1, has hit over 4 million views on YouTube in less than a month. With this enormous popularity, however, comes great responsibility that some are accusing the girl groups of not meeting. Many are criticizing the young pop stars for encouraging an oversexed, anorexic image of women as the norm among young girls. While this is not entirely wrong, if anyone really delved into the South Korean pop culture, it would be obvious that matters are not that clear-cut. Besides, how much better is Hollywood pop culture? At least these girls aren’t on drugs, shoplifting, getting DUIs or making sex tapes to stay famous. Really, celebrity culture is the same everywhere. It gets us hooked by appealing to the worst in us. Anyways, as a veteran consumer of Korean pop culture since 1994 (I supported Seo-Tae-Ji’s band, the father of Korean pop, in Kindergarten by sporting enormous Seo- Tae-Ji sweatshirts that none of my peers understood except high-school students at the time), I will explain the different appeal of the two most popular girl groups in Korea, SNSD (So Nyuh Shi Dae or

THE NEW EVOLUTION OF FEMINISM IN KPOP by regina tahk ‘12

Sandara Park from 2NE1 http://letsplay2ne1.wordpress.com 8 GENERASIANS Girl’s Generation) and 2NE1. in 2NE1 deserves to be there and The most obvious difference “THEY TRY TO REPRESENT deserves their fame because they between the two girl groups is the THE ONLY FEMALE VOICE have talent, they are new and entertainment company that they IN THE INDUSTRY AND they are different. 2NE1 does represent. SM Entertainment WHILE THEY HAVE THEIR not wear skanky outfits while manages SNSD while YG singing veiled lyrics about sex. Entertainment manages 2NE1. LIMITATIONS, THEY Instead, they try to represent The argument could end right SHOULD BE PRAISED FOR the only female voice in the there. JYP excluded, those two TRYING.“ industry and while they have entertainment companies are their limitations, they should the biggest and the “baddest.” and promoting a “sexy, grown still be praised for trying. The If you knew anything about the up image” by singing about head of YG Entertainment, Yang glory days of when idol stars— cheating boys and how they Hyun Suk, one of the original that’s what the young and hot will take revenge on these boys members of Seo-Tae-Ji’s band, Korean pop groups are called— by becoming “better” or more is a successful experimenter just started becoming popular worthy. What they are implying in K-pop. He has produced in Korea, you would know that in the song, “Run Devil Run,” true legends like 1TYM, whose SM Entertainment practically is the idea that the boys had a distinct mixing of Korean invented the prototype. SM right to cheat because the girls traditional music with hip hop Entertainment, in a word, is were not as worthy and did not has left fans still wanting more about the ideal—the incredibly meet the standards of the boys. years after the band stopped plastic, fake, unattainable ideal. Fans might accuse me of a) singing. And he’s succeeded The company has rightly been being a jealous, ugly feminist, again in producing 2NE1, who accused for starting an unhealthy b) a jealous, ugly feminist who dresses and acts consistently culture among Korean youth also happens to live under a rock with their lyrics and sings live to be “too thin.” The problem because this is how things are on stage. 2NE1, a shortened does not end there. You know these days or c) simply irrelevant. anagram of “21st century’s new the frustrating dichotomous Yes, these girls are beautiful evolution,” sings about how stereotype of women as either after their years of “perfecting” women can be independent on virgins or whores? Well, SM themselves through plastic their own and women do not Entertainment wholly embraces surgery and dieting, and I’m need a man to be worthy, which that stereotype and takes it a step not judging them for that. The is a welcome change. They also further by making things really problem is how they barely have incorporate a different kind of confusing. SNSD members any real talent other than their fashion as an integral part of will wear the tiniest shorts and sexed up images and thin bodies. their image with crazy hair, loud dresses while talking about They are not real artists but just a make-up and never-seen-before their shyness when it comes to passing moneymaking machine outfits that cannot be described approaching and talking to a boy. that will become old and gone but must be seen. Their fashion The overall message that they in a few years or so despite the sense was so amazing that the give out through their outfits, headlines they make among fans. famous designer Jeremy Scott their choreography and lyrics And then came 2NE1. 2NE1 (who, known for his outrageous is that girls cannot be valuable is a gift except for Sandara designs, has dressed Britney if they grow and mature into Park. In order to compete in Spears and has been selected as women. They actively promote the market, YG Entertainment Agyness Deyn, Katy Perry and the infantalization of women and included the “face” of 2NE1 to Lady Gaga’s favorite designer) embody anti-feminism. Their pander to the Korean fans who has professed to be their avid fan. idea of “girl power” is dressing in are used to beauty not talent 2NE1 shows that Korean black as opposed to the virginal in pop culture, but aside from pop culture may not be white that they are more used to Sandara, every single member completely devoid of hope.

FALL2010 9 MEET PROFESSOR YU JIN KO Professor Yu Jin Ko teaches in the English Department at Wellesley College. Since his arrival at the College in 1995, he has taught a variety of courses, but his specialty remains Shakespeare with a particular focus on performance. Not surprisingly, he sports a Shakespeare tattoo.

Images courtesy of Professor Ko by regina tahk ‘12 and esther kim ‘12

GenerAsians: Did you always want to become life in academia because you interact with people a professor? What would you be doing if you on a completely different basis. weren’t teaching English? GA: What’s a memorable risk you’ve taken in Professor Yu Jin Ko: No, I didn’t always want to life and how did it turn out? become a professor, which is quite common for people in English. Most people have the ambition Ko: Marriage without question, and related to to write creatively, and the common model is for that, having children. It has turned out well. people to use their graduate thesis as a fallback. For me, it wasn’t just the default position, though, GA: How did you meet your wife? since I enjoyed academia. Ko: She accosted me at an English department If I weren’t teaching English, I would be working function while in graduate school at Yale. in an arts organization or on Wall Street. GA: What were you like as a student? GA: Really? Wall Street? Ko: Well, it is difficult to say because you change Ko: I was an assistant to a broker before, and from undergrad to graduate school, but I was not it was interesting. Very high-pressure. But I a model student -- in part because of the sensibility don’t like business altogether because you start at the time. At Columbia [University], people in thinking of people in relation to the bottom line. the English department sported the persona of Not to sound self-righteous, but it is difficult to the cavalier, anti-establishment intellectual … deal with when you constantly think in terms of There was this cavalier attitude to the academic ‘what can that person do for me’. It’s a privileged elements of being a student. People thought of

10 GENERASIANS “BUT BEING IMMIGRANTS, MY Passport of Ko as MOM THOUGHT IT’D BE BETTER an undergraduate TO TAKE A PRAGMATIC PATH. SHE student. ENCOURAGED MEDICINE AND LAW. “I was not a model WE HAD RELATIVES ALREADY QUITE student -- in part ESTABLISHED IN THOSE CAREERS. because of the sensibility at the VERY CURIOUSLY, [MY BROTHER time. “ AND I] BOTH WENT IN THE MOST IMPRACTICAL DIRECTIONS YOU CAN THINK OF.”

college as a great period of liberation, intellectually a teacher. She studied Korean literature at a and otherwise. university. But being immigrants, my mom thought it’d be better to take a pragmatic path. She There were discoveries made in the classroom as encouraged medicine and law. We had relatives well as outside [the classroom]. Barack Obama, already quite established in those careers. Very a classmate who graduated in ’83, the same year curiously, [my brother and I] both went in the as I did, describes in his autobiography a sense most impractical directions you can think of. that the political activities he engaged in on- and off-campus were more primary although he took GA: What are you reading these days? his classes somewhat seriously. It was a formative and transformative period. Ko: Ian McEwan and Steig Larsson. I finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo just to see how bad That said, I took literature seriously, read it gets. voraciously and was deeply engaged in what was interesting to me. GA: What is your favorite food?

GA: Do you have any siblings? Ko: Let’s change that to favorite cuisine. My favorite cuisine is Korean. I was in New York Ko: Yes, I have an older brother who teaches art at yesterday visiting my mother, and we went to the his old high school. Korean restaurant, Poong Lim, and the banchan (side dishes) there was amazing! Incomparable GA: Did your parents encourage you two to go to the skimpy banchan given here in the Boston into the arts? What did they do? Korean restaurants. They charge you a dollar extra for kimchi here! Ko: My father was a poet, and my mother was

FALL2010 11 NEEDED: BONE MARROW DONORS OF ASIAN/MULTIRACIAL DESCENT by katie chen ‘13

Image courtesy of Katie Chen ‘13 and Catherine Claeys of The National Marrow Donor Program (BeTheMatch.org)

Imagine that someone you is a growing problem. As the know has been diagnosed with number of multiracial people leukemia and needs a bone in this country increases, so too marrow transplant in order to does the need for these kinds of live a normal life with a normal donors. Currently, 74 percent of life span. Although you may be registered donors in the Be the more than happy to be a donor, Match registry are Caucasian, you may not be a match. National while only three percent are potential donor lists often provide multiracial and seven percent are a solution, but the situation is Asian (Be The Match). The Be The much graver for minority or Match Registry, the national bone multiracial patients. marrow and peripheral blood The ability to find bone marrow stem cell registry operated by the donor matches for patients of National Marrow Donor Program, multiracial or minority ethnicities is in need of donors of minority

12 GENERASIANS CURRENT BREAKDOWN OF THE BE THE MATCH REGISTRY BY RACE AND ETHNICITY

WHITE 74% More than 6 million

HISPANIC/LATINO 10% Nearly 800,000 AFRICAN AMERICAN 7% More than 600,000 ASIAN 7% Nearly 550,000 MULTIPLE RACE 3% More than 250,000 AMERICAN INDIAN 1% Nearly 90,000 PACIFIC ISLANDER 0.1% More than 11,000 Source: Be the Match or multiracial backgrounds to genetic disorders every year on the national registry ranges increase the number of potential according to Be the Match. from 66 to 93 percent and is matches for these patients. These patients generally receive dependent upon ethnicity. “Racial and ethnic heritage chemotherapy to destroy their However for Asian or Pacific are very important factors,” diseased marrow. Donated Islander patients, the likelihood Executive Director of the bone marrow is then put into of finding a donor is 73 percent. Asian American Donor the patient’s bloodstream so “The important thing to Program, Carol Gillespie said. the cells can start to function remember is that within “Patients are most likely to and multiply. The donor must every race or ethnicity there match someone of their own be a close genetic match to the are individuals with rare race or ethnicity. Today there patient so the new cells can be tissue types, which is why we simply aren’t enough registry accepted in the body. continually strive to increase the members of diverse racial and “Marrow is basically your size and the diversity of the Be ethnic heritage. Adding more immune system—without it The Match Registry,” National diverse members increases the you would die,” Gillespie said. Marrow Donor Program likelihood that all patients will “If it is diseased with cancer, representative Catherine Claeys find a life-saving match.” you need to replace it with said. In the U.S., more than 10,000 healthy cells from a donor.” Although the need exists, patients are diagnosed with Be The Match reports that some people are still hesitant to serious blood, immune or the chance of finding a donor sign up. Claeys believes myths

FALL2010 13 Image courtesy of Katie Chen ‘13 and Catherine Claeys of The National Marrow Donor Program (BeTheMatch.org) about the donation process often non-surgical and is essentially “IN THE U.S., prevent people from registering. like donating blood. Sometimes However, the process of bone the physician will request MORE THAN marrow donation is fairly simple actual marrow. This requires a 10,000 PATIENTS and usually doesn’t even require surgical procedure. The donor is ARE DIAGNOSED surgery. anesthetized and liquid marrow is Most of the time, the patient’s drawn out of the pelvic bone. The WITH SERIOUS physician will request a peripheral body replaces this liquid marrow BLOOD, IMMUNE blood stem cell donation. The in about four to six weeks. OR GENETIC blood is drawn from one of the “Every person who joins the donor’s arms and passes through Be The Match Registry has the DISORDERS EVERY a machine that separates the blood chance to save a life and to give YEAR” forming cells. Then the remaining every patient hope,” Claeys said. blood is returned to the donor’s other arm. This procedure is

Want to register? You can sign up at BeTheMatch.org or at a donor registry drive. The registration process includes completing a health history form and giving a swab of cheek cells. Donors need to be willing to donate to any patient in need and must meet health guidelines.

14 GENERASIANS GOOGLE IMAGES FUSION: BEST OF ALL WORLDS by katie wright ‘12

resident Obama, KT club last year and was never Lindsay reminded me, brunch Tunstall, and Apolo Ohno, constituted, though members itself is a meal of mixed identity oh my! Mixed race people did attend a fair number of [EK3], not quite breakfast or Pare invading today’s society! mixers and the mixed race lunch, and therefore a perfect [EK1] This invasion is not, as conference sponsored by setting for discussing interracial you may think, anywhere near Harvard Hapa. This year, identity. If Fusion is constituted, a zombie invasion. For one, it we are back in business with it also intends to host lectures is based in reality. Also, unlike “Fusion”, a revival of a pre- (perhaps inviting Kip Fulbeck, zombies, mixed race people 2008 club for people of mixed the famous, artistic, half-Asian are good news! The increase of race and allies. The amazing dreamboat) and celebrate mixed race individuals implies Lindsay Barnes, president of “Loving Day,” the anniversary more interracial relationships, Fusion, is currently not only of the 1967 Supreme Court which implies fewer people trying to get the organization case that legalized interracial adhering to racial boundaries. SOAC constituted, but is also marriages. Even if Fusion is At Wellesley, 8 percent of the working on some epic plans. not constituted, it still plans on class of 2014 identifies as either Fusion intends to be an being an excellent, inclusive, biracial or multiracial, which awesome club for those who and exciting organization. is a 3 percent increase from the would like to talk about mixed- Class of 2013 (Wellesley College race issues and experiences, If you’d like to know more office of Admission) . possibly over “mixed- race about the organization or With a substantive number of brunches.” I, for one, am mixed race related things, people identifying themselves extremely excited about this! At feel free to contact Lindsay as a part of the group, of first I thought the idea catered Barnes (lbarnes@wellesley. course we’re going to want to my love of sandwiches and edu) or Katie Wright an organization! “Wellesley pancakes (and occasionally ([email protected]). Hapa” had a slow start as a pancake sandwiches), but as “BRUNCH ITSELF IS A MEAL OF MIXED IDENTITY, NOT QUITE BREAKFAST OR LUNCH, AND THEREFORE A PERFECT SETTING FOR DISCUSSING INTERRACIAL IDENTITY.” FALL2010 15 Photos courtesy of Laura Corser ‘09 16 GENERASIANS THE P’YONGYANG PROJECT AN “A-POLITICAL” STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN NORTH KOREA by erika turner ‘13

he Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), also known as North Korea, is not a country that one generally considers for leisurely travel. Yet, with the creation of the P’yongyang Project, 24-year-old Brown TUniversity alumni Nicholas Young and Matthew C. Reichel are determined to make North Korea a new destination for study abroad programs and summer travel. The P’yongyang Project, named after the capital of North Korea, is an “a-political” program, according to Young. Its goals are purely academic in nature, with the hopes that students from across the globe will have a chance at positive cultural interaction. Reichel hopes that this program will not only allow students gain a new perspective on North Korea, but also “break media- fueled perceptions and bring people from seemingly opposite societies together as human beings,” he said. On October 14, Reichel and Young held an information session about the P’yongyang Project at Wellesley College. Immediately after their presentation, the two men were grilled on a number of issues concerning U.S.- North Korean relations, with a prevailing concern for safety. As one student put it, her parents were convinced that she would die if she decided to apply for the program. Others, if not wholly convinced of certain FALL2010 17 death, were still quick to add students are issued a visa by The P’yongyang Project has in their fears of personal well- North Korea and thus legally 60 alumni, two of which are being. accepted into country. Wellesley alumna. Laura Corser However, Reichel joked, Due to the program’s ‘09, participated in the project the only thing students have apolitical nature, however, in its early stages, when it to fear is alcohol poisoning. students are encouraged to was called “Five Passes North According to him, North Korean apply purely for academic Korea” and there was only one citizens have a propensity for reasons or cultural interest. The program. drinking. All other concerns are purpose of participation is “less Before her trip, Corser had unnecessary as all the planned about drawing conclusions,” intense training in Korean activities for the trips have been and more about learning about culture. She had previously pre-approved by the North North Korea, Young said. interned with the Citizens’ Korea government, Reichel said. During the information Alliance for North Korean The U.S. State Department session, students expressed Human Rights and served website states that the North concern about the possibility as president of Wellesley’s Korean government imposes that the government would Advocates for North Korean strict punishment, including stage certain components of Human Rights. Corser also had hard labor, on anyone who their trip, only allowing project a Korean language background enters the country without participants to see desirable and had attempted to visit North a valid passport and a visa aspects of North Korea Korea in 2008 via the Hyundai issued by the North Korean culture. Reichel admitted that it Asan tours, before the tours were government. However, students was an aspect of the culture that cancelled due to heightened who apply to participate in had to be expected and accepted. tensions in South Korean-North the P’yongyang Project are not “It’s a unique experience Korean relations. only reviewed and selected by because it allows you to unpack During her trip, however, Reichel and Young, but also by what is real and what is staged Corser attempted to appear “less North Korean officials. Accepted on your own,” Young said. threatening” to North Korea

18 GENERASIANS “IT’S A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IT ALLOWS YOU TO UNPACK WHAT IS REAL AND WHAT IS STAGED ON YOUR OWN.”

officials who, she says, tend “In a society as controlled “I think it can play a role to be suspicious of Caucasian as North Korea, [studying in reducing misperceptions travelers with a background in the culture] also makes you and contribute to an easing of Korean studies. reconsider what you believe in foreign policy tensions with the “I refrained from mentioning I and why,” Corser said. hopes of moving such policies in had any background in North Indeed, Reichel and Young a peaceful direction,” he said in Korean human rights, and hope to find students who an e-mail interview. second, I pretended I didn’t are looking to enhance their Reichel and Young launched understand a word of Korean,” understanding of another the project in April 2009. The Corser said. culture and the world at large, project has four components: For Corser, the program was regardless of their academic delegation trips, which are an enlightening experience background is. Students from all less than two weeks long, the that supplemented her Korean majors are encouraged to apply. North South Dialogue project, studies, although the reality “We look for open-minded independent programs, and of her studies were at times individuals who are genuinely summer study. disheartening. curious and eager to experience, The newest addition to “I have yet to meet a North learn, observe and share their the project is the summer Korean residing in her country knowledge, experiences and study abroad program called or China who will articulate her feelings,” Reichel said. Political ‘Transcending History in North thoughts about her future,” she science professor William Korea (THiNK). The program, said. “Whether it be about what Joseph, who helped organize which is still in the planning job she will have, who she will the information session, visited process, will be the first of its marry, or the political situation, China in the 1970s on a people- kind. It allows students to study nothing is definite.” to-people program when U.S. – at Kim II Sung University for However, even for those who China relations were particularly two months, learn the North do not intend on studying the tense. Though he admitted that Korean dialect, and visit cultural Democratic Republic of North U.S relations with the North sites. Korea in the future or do not have Korea are perhaps more tense a background in such studies, than they had been with China, Students who are interested in Corser stills recommends the he believes that the P’yongyang learning more about the project program, emphasizing the Project has the ability to enhance can visit pyongyangproject.org or importance of opening one’s mutual understanding between e-mail info@pyongyangproject. mind to a new culture. the two nations. org for more information. FALL2010 19 20 GENERASIANS FALL2010 21 WAAM-SLAM: TEN YEARS LATER REMEMBERING THE LARGEST STUDENT-ORGANIZED PROTEST WELLESLEY HAS EVER SEEN by jessica choi ‘13

Photos courtesy of Cathy Chu ‘10 22 GENERASIANS en years ago, hundreds of impassioned Wellesley women congregated to produce the largest student-organized protest the college had ever seen. Angered by the administration’s Tcontinued negligence of its Asian and Asian American student population, Wellesley students banded together for over two months of rallies, sit-ins, teach-ins, national publicity campaigns, and almost staged a hunger strike. While known for well-spoken — though not always outspoken — female students, Wellesley set a new precedent for college protests through the movement that became to be known as Wellesley Asian Action Movement - Sisters Leading Action for Multiculturalism (WAAM-SLAM) in the winter of 2001. student activist movement. Last This coming February year, Cathy Chu ‘10 undertook marks the tenth anniversary of an independent study focusing WAAM-SLAM. To pay tribute on WAAM-SLAM. She first to Wellesley’s most vigorous heard about the movement from student activist movement, the her friends who were involved College will be hosting several with Wellesley Asian Alliance commemoration events. An (WAA) and was disappointed exhibition at the Sculpture Court to discover that many of the of the Jewett Arts Center (3rd personal experiences and floor) will display photographic strategies from those involved mementos of the movement had largely fallen into historical in an effort to educate visitors oblivion. “WELLESLEY unfamiliar with this significant “The struggles of former moment in the College’s history. Wellesley students are valuable STUDENTS INVOLVED Wellesley’s Pan-Asian Council lessons,” Chu said. “We’ve IN THE CAMPAIGN (PAC) will host several other heard the warnings — that on- celebratory events that have yet campus organizing easily falls RELENTLESSLY to be determined. victim to momentum loss from PUBLICIZED THEIR Though the legacy of graduating seniors, breaks, WAAM-SLAM has largely been juniors going abroad… and that ACTIONS AS MEDIA forgotten as new generations of it’s really easy for administrators COVERAGE SPREAD students file in through the New to wait issues out because of it.” England campus every year, In contrast to protests that ALL THE WAY ACROSS one Wellesley student felt the sizzle then fizzle, WAAM-SLAM THE NATION AND imperative to dig a little deeper was an on-campus organizing into the College’s most vigorous success story. EVEN TO JAPAN.”

TIMELINE 1993 Professor Elena Creef arrives at OF EVENTS Wellesley. FALL2010 23 “THE FOLLOWING WEEK, 200 STUDENTS FILED INTO THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL ROOM FOR SENATE HAVING COMPILED A LIST OF GRIEVANCES TO THE COLLEGE, MANY OF WHICH WERE ULTIMATELY FULFILLED.”

“The WAAM demonstrations the only professor on campus The following week, 200 and protests (before it became who specialized in Asian students filed into the Academic SLAM) were powerful because American Studies at the time, Council Room for Senate having no one expected Asian/Asian was denied tenure. The denial of compiled a list of grievances American students to protest,” tenure to Creef on December 15, to the College, many of which Chu said. “If you believe the 2000 served as the final impetus were ultimately fulfilled. The model minority myth, ‘good’ for fed-up students to organize. demands included the expansion Asians and Asian Americans Wellesley’s Asian and Asian of the Advisor to Students don’t get angry. And based American student population of Asian Descent’s position on known history of Asians not only felt that Creef’s tenure from part-time to full-time, an and Asian Americans at was well-deserved, but that its adequate venue on campus to Wellesley, they had not gotten denial was an additional obstacle accommodate the various Asian angry, or protested, or visibly to improving the College’s Asian and Asian American student demonstrated on an issue. American Studies curriculum, organizations, and the addition That was why WAAM was which had been blighted by a of Korean language, South Asian symbolically important.” history of neglect. Studies, and Asian American In 1999, the Advisor to On the night of February 5, Studies courses. Students of Asian Descent, 2001, thirty students gathered Wellesley students involved Sue Wang, resigned due to low in Green Hall to meet with the in the campaign relentlessly wages, a lack of benefits, and the Dean of the College and several publicized their actions as media unmanageably high demands administrators in an effort coverage spread all the way of her job. Nearly a year later, to discuss the Creef’s tenure across the nation and even to Professor Elena Creef, virtually decision. Japan. Word of WAAM-SLAM

1999 DEC 15, 2000 FEB 5, 2001 Sue Wang, Advisor to Students of Creef is denied tenure. Thirty students gather in Green Asian Descent, resigns. Hall with administrators to discuss Creef’s tenure decision. 24 GENERASIANS reached everywhere from the campus, including MEZCLA, The legacy of Wellesley’s offices of national news agencies joined the cause, further fueling most ambitious student activist to online Asian American the movement’s momentum. movement has largely fallen magazines and blogs. The On March 5, 2001, the part-time through the cracks of new falls following two months consisted Advisor to Students of Latina and annual goodbyes as first- of endless sit-ins in the third Descent, Irma Tryon, resigned. years replace seniors each year. floor of Green Hall, student- After several failed negotiations, Yet the change WAAM-SLAM administrator negotiation the protest escalated to its climax created lives on today through meetings, crowded teach-ins, when students issued a press the institutions and solidarity and fervent demonstrations. release announcing a hunger on campus that would not Hallways were covered with strike. As national news agencies exist were it not for a group of posters in protest and college including NBC Dateline received Wellesley students who were employees wore yellow word of the hunger strike threat determined to be heard. armbands to show support for and phones began to ring in the the movement. Dean of Students Office and The WAAM-SLAM 10-year “People got tired, burned Public Affairs, a compromise anniversary exhibit opens out,” Chu said. “Organizing was was reached between the on April 2nd, 2011 and runs exhausting,” administration and the student throughout the month of April. But other minority groups on protestors.

FEB 12, 2001 Two-hundred students fill the FEB 22, 2001 Academic Council Room for Another sit-in in Green Hall that MAR 5, 2001 Senate and present a list of lasts overnight. Irma Tryon, part-time Advisor to demands for the College. The administration agrees to Students of Latina Descent, resigns. Students issue a press release of the draft a proposal to reconcile the Students rally in the Academic demands. students’ demands. Quad.

FEB 14, 2001 FEB 23, 2001 MAR 13, 2001 The deadline for the administration The proposal is considered WAAM becomes WAAM-SLAM as to fulfill the students’ demands. inadequate, triggering another MEZCLA joins the cause. round of negotiations. FALL2010 25 Q&A with Professor of Women’s Studies ELENA CREEF Jessica Choi (JC): What was of multiculturalism at the our readers to know about your initial personal reaction college (in its curriculum and WAAM-SLAM and its legacy? to seeing the student body so community). While the student EC: There have been very few passionately gather for a cause body is incredibly diverse, the moments in Wellesley’s history that largely regarded you? faculty diversity has a long when students have stood up Elena Creef (EC): It was ways to go. And it seems like for what they believed was right extremely moving --and was the the number of courses in Asian and made sure the campus and first time I had ever seen students American Studies, Chicano/ community took notice. During organize themselves on such a Latino Studies is somewhere the 1960s, students protested large scale since my arrival at between static and shrinking. the Vietnam War, in the 1980s, the college in the fall of 1993. I students protested Apartheid had missed the anti-apartheid JC: What do you think of student in South Africa, and at the movement on this campus years activism at Wellesley today? turn of the 21st century, Asian earlier. EC: When there is a reason American students spearhead to mobilize or educate the the Wellesley Asian Action JC: During WAAM-SLAM, were community, Wellesley students Movement that grew into the you optimistic that it would be are some of the bravest, smartest coalitional Sisters Leading successful? students I have ever seen. Last Action for Multiculturaiism EC: I was always impressed by year, when the Asian Awareness (SLAM) that resulted in the the students’ commitment and Month poster campaign was creation of full time positions for ability to organize themselves hijiacked, I was both pleased the cultural advisors on campus with such carefully planned and proud of the way that and support for developing and strategies and goals. students (both Asian American, strengthening the multicultural curriculum at the college--a white, Latina, and African challenge that departments like JC: Do you think Wellesley has American) pushed back, stood Women’s Studies and American made enough progress since up, made noise, and reclaimed Studies have taken very WAAM-SLAM? the discourse on racism and seriously. On campuses around EC: One of the goals of the white privilege as a coalition. the country, Asian American WAAM-SLAM movement was students looked to WAAM- to support the diversification JC: What’s one thing you want SLAM as a legend.

APR 2, 2001 MAR 28, 2001 Word of a potential hunger strike A potential hunger strike is at Wellesley is picked up by several announced. news agencies.

APR 2, 2001 After extended negotiations, a compromise is reached. 26 GENERASIANS Asian people have come up with a variety of Asian Poses poses, both cute and quirky. It started with a peace PHOTOGRAPHERS: CAROLINE SUN ‘11, JIE HAN ‘12 sign, but has expanded to a variety of simple and WELLESLEY COLLEGE, FALL - OCTOBER 2010 complex moves. Check out these poses.

FALL2010 27 28 GENERASIANS FALL2010 29 Destination: Yi Soon Bakery | (617) 254-3099

Hungry for red bean buns, moon cakes, or even some green tea cookies? This Asian bakery has all sorts of baked goods for your to choose from, from breads to cookies to ALLSTON cakes and more! Their cheap prices, ador- By Jie Han’12, Wendy Chen ‘14, & Caroline Sun ‘11 able presentations, and yummy taste hooked us from the start. If you want to take a bit of Allston back with you, then stock up on snacks at this cute little bakery!

Lollicup Boston | (617) 782-BOBA

In the mood for a classic tapioca milk tea with mini boba or an exotic coconut pine- apple tea with passionfruit jelly? With so many combinations of flavors and teas, there is sure to be something for everyone! After ordering drinks ($3-$4) for this little café, you can check out their selection of snacks or pudding. This is great for a quick stop for some refreshments after roaming around Allston all day!

Every Little Thing | (617) 202–4016

How many Hello Kitty and cute Asian goodies can you cram into a store?? From ceiling to floor, this little shop is covered in trinkets galore! Check out the glittery assort- ment of rhinestone headbands and jewelry or browse the adorable stationery and ori- gami paper for crafts -- those adorable pens are just calling your name! 30 GENERASIANS Destination: Need somewhere new to go on the weekends? Want to sample a variety of different Asian cuisine or collect cute, sparkly trinkets? Head over to Allston for all this and more! For the best way to explore this exciting town, take the Super 88 Food Court | (617) 787-2288 B line and get off at Packards Corner Can’t decide if you want Vietnamese, station. Most stores are cash only, so Chinese, Korean, Indian, Japanese or maybe bring cash and give yourself plenty of a little bit of everything for lunch? Super time to browse the vast array of shops, 88’s Food Court has a great selection of Asian food, whether you have a hankering bakeries, and cafés! for dim-sum, a bowl of pho, a plate of curry, or some gimbap. Hungry diners can browse the various food booths and eat in a cafete- ria-style area. The prices are comparable to Chinatown’s—you can get a great meal for under $10. Make sure to stop by the Super 88 market next door if you want to bring some Asian snacks home with you!

Café Japonaise | (617) 566-7730

Delicious baked goods, with a French-Japa- nese fusion twist, are served in a Starbucks- like setting—what more could you ask for? Among the variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, we recommend the azuki cream pastry and ichigo cream pas- try. If you need a quick pick-me-up for the afternoon, head over with some friends for a casual get-together in a relaxed and sophisti- cated setting.

FALL2010 31 A SUMMER OF EXCHANGE IN JAPAN: t was a sweltering afternoon Kim Jung Il waving to a crowd, LEARNING IN THE in late July, and I was and a missile leaving behind an spending some quality time ominous trail of gray smoke. Iwith my Japanese host dad. We The segment on North Korea LAND OF THE sat on the tatami floor of the living came to an abrupt end, but the room in pleasant silence, and the clip of an olive-green-clad Kim only sound came from the news Jung Il waving to his audience RISING SUN broadcast on TV. I was about replayed in my mind. to get up for a much-needed This historical tension was by eda lee ‘14 glass of water when I heard the something that my host father reporter say “Hiroshima” and and I felt mutually, but the saw shots of the Genbaku Dome, thoughts concerning North also known as the Hiroshima Korea was something I mulled Peace Memorial. I frowned in over by myself. It’s interesting concentration, struggling to how I viewed those news reports make sense of the rapid-fire from two different angles. Japanese. The main subject First, I watched the Hiroshima was about the approaching Memorial segment as American Hiroshima Memorial Day on student. And second, I watched Aug. 6. the North Korean segment as an As an on-site newswoman American of Korean heritage. began to interview a tourist, I The division between the North looked down at the tatami and and South saddens and worries let out a mournful sigh. Maybe it me. On the surface, my host dad was all in my head, but I felt that seemed rather unresponsive to in contrast to the calm that had the images of the last Stalinist existed just moments before, the state. I, on the other hand, was room had taken on an uneasy fighting to control the writhing atmosphere. However, the next anxiety within myself. few minutes of news would take In its entirety, the tension the awkwardness to another within and surrounding the level. I looked up to find that Koreas represents one of today’s the next report was about North most complex and sensitive Korea. It had something do with global issues. It is quite messy. missile testing, and there was This is no “clean break” between fragmented video footage of two nations. The Korean War 32 GENERASIANS in Hiroshima and Nagasaki…” a spiteful attitude towards my Our conversation about the host country. It was crucial that bombings ended just as quickly I didn’t allow myself to ignore as it had begun, and I regretted the dark patches of modern that I was unable to discuss the Japanese history, but it was even matter in more detail. Topics more critical that I didn’t allow such as nuclear devastation are my awareness of such history not to be talked about in black to prevent me from forging and white. new friendships and absorbing After my sophomore year in the culture. My stay in Japan high school, I participated in only reinforced the idea that a summer exchange program one should not form judgments in Japan through a wonderful about a whole based on a part. organization called Youth For I had to find a way to balance Understanding (YFU USA). For all this mental, emotional, and six weeks, I lived with a host historical baggage. In retrospect, family in a small town called I see that it was my host family’s Kozakai, located in Japan’s kindness and generosity that Aichi Prefecture. I felt it was helped me the most when dealing important that I got to know with my internal burden. Some the country and its people on a of my YFU USA buddies were more intimate level. I wanted sympathetic that I was assigned PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDA LEE ‘14 my experience to be personal to a family in the rural suburbs, and down-to-earth. One of the but I couldn’t have asked for a “FAR AWAY FROM greatest aspects of my stay was better place to spend my summer TOKYO’S LIGHTS that I was in a position in which days. Far away from Tokyo’s I could start learning beyond lights and glamour, I took AND GLAMOUR, I any generalized perceptions advantage of the opportunity TOOK ADVANTAGE OF that I had been exposed to to understand a different side of THE OPPORTUNITY beforehand. the country. It was my once-in- For the longest time, it felt as a-lifetime chance to live the life TO UNDERSTAND A though too many people around of your average, small-town girl DIFFERENT SIDE OF me had stereotypical notions of in Japan, and I was anything but Japan. It’s predictable that the a tourist. THE COUNTRY.” following things might pop into Immersing myself in a foreign their minds first when thinking culture was one of the most has not yet ended with an about Japan: sushi, Tokyo, nurturing and mind-broadening official peace treaty. There is anime, technology, atomic bomb, experiences in my life thus so much we don’t understand, et cetera. In my case, however, I far. Thanks to YFU USA, I was there is so much that we need to inadvertently set myself up for a able to carefully maintain my do. I hope someday we can say bit of tension in terms of playing awareness of the realities of that the Korean peninsula has a this little mind game. Just two historical U.S.-Japan relations promising future — it’s been a weeks before my departure for while simultaneously bonding long time coming. Japan, I had finished a research with my Japanese friends and Having had enough of the news, paper on war crimes committed host family. These bonds are, my host dad shut off the TV. He by Japan during World War above all, the most precious gifts asked me what I had learned II: the Nanjing massacre, the the exchange program has given about the atomic bombings in use of military sex slaves, and to me. I cannot help but wonder school. He wanted to know biowarfare experimentation. how the world might change if what I knew about this history Researching such heavy every student were given the as a student — an American material is not an easy task—it chance to live and learn overseas. student. All I could muster can change you. For more information about the up in my broken Japanese Hopefully, you are not reading YFU USA program, visit: was, “Yes our textbooks tell us this thinking that I developed http://www.yfu-usa.org/ about the war, the destruction FALL2010 33 VIDEOTAGE: INTERNING IN HONG KONG by ashley lee ‘11

his summer, I interned it was the first time I lived on 1986 by Ellen Pau and May Fung. at Videotage, a small my own in a new city. Asia Art Pau was an influential Hong independent arts Archive is in a central location, Kong video artist in the 1990s Torganization located in Hong was very international in its as both an Asian woman and a Kong that bills itself as “Asia’s scope, and was incredibly member of the LGBT community New Media Art Organization.” organized. I had specific tasks and continues to be its director Though I had experience and learned to do them well, today. To share only part of her working in Hong Kong the even if they were occasionally vast resume, she has exhibited previous summer as well, this monotonous. All in all, it was at the Venice Biennale, the New was a completely different really rewarding.I would really York Independent Film Festival, experience. recommend the internship if and the London Lesbian and Back in 2009, I spent the you are interested in Asian Gay Film Festival. Videotage is summer interning at Asia Art contemporary art! currently repositioning itself as Archive on the Center for Work Interning at Videotage gave me an international center for media and Service’s Luce Internship some entirely new perspectives art, and I was excited to witness Fund, and it was a really great on art and working in Hong its transformation firsthand. experience, especially since Kong. Videotage was founded in Though it was ultimately a great 34 GENERASIANS I was given Videotage’s most interesting and important work. Though I technically had to help the other interns put together a timeline of Hong Kong’s media art events for a traveling exhibition in Shanghai, I also curated several potential exhibitions. The first proposal I wrote was to the Mondrian foundation in the Netherlands to bring Net Artists JODI to Videotage. The proposal was accepted, and the show actually opened on October 10, 2010— its title was 10/10/10zzz. Also, learning how to write proposals is a ridiculously useful skill for working in non-profits. Perhaps the most interesting proposal I had to write was for a potential Venice Biennale exhibition. The Venice Biennale is the most prestigious biennale in the art world today. It occurs every other year (hence its name) and displays the best of contemporary art from all participating countries. Videotage had decided to apply at the last minute, and as the only PHOTOS COURTESY native English speaker on staff, I OF ASHLEY LEE ‘11 was expected to write it. I stayed up until 4 am and woke up at 9 am for half that week. I wrote the internship, it required that I take and I had no idea where I was vast majority of the proposal, and a lot more initiative. going (I actually still don’t know copy edited and compiled the First of all, Videotage’s exactly where Videotage was), rest. The results aren’t back yet, location was troublesome. It because I didn’t know anything and Videotage isn’t a favorite to is in To Kwa Wan, which is an about off-island geography. win the commission, but it was underdeveloped (as far as Hong Secondly, my Cantonese is an exhilarating experience. Kong goes) area in Kowloon— terrible. Though I understand In terms of the internship, I off the island. If you don’t it, my pronunciation (on a good felt that I learned more about know anything about Hong day) is barely understandable. the inner workings of an arts Kong’s geography, the island is Thus I had issues communicating organization and partook in analogous to Manhattan, and in a mostly Cantonese-speaking significant events on its behalf. Kowloon and New Territories office. Though everyone could Though Videotage was quite to the other four boroughs of speak English, Cantonese was far from central Hong Kong New York. I’m admittedly an still the preferred language. It and my Chinese was often an island snob: I’m familiar with it definitely made a difference issue, I really enjoyed my time after years of visiting and living when other people had to there. Media and video art are there. My commute went from read me lunch menus and interesting and understudied 10 minutes on the subway to 40 when I couldn’t participate in mediums and I was also able to minutes by bus or 50 minutes conversations. witness the emergence of sound by ferry, when I was lucky. That On the bright side, however, art in Hong Kong. FALL2010 35 INTERNSHIP ABROAD: SOUTH KOREA by christine j. lee ‘12

y internship experi- opportunity has been amazing. 2011, if we chose to. This is how ence in South Korea Originally, members of Advo- the Hana Center Volunteer Team at the government’s cates for North Korean Human became the One Korea Team MMinistry of Unification (MOU) Rights (ANKHR) were inter- (www.onekorea.tumblr.com). was a completely unexpected ested in volunteering at North Once we decided to take the but great opportunity for me. Korean resettlement centers in MOU up on its offer, summer I didn’t know that I would get South Korea. As interest grew, was a whirlwind of last-minute this internship until the last we were noticed by the MOU plans. Even as we were meeting minute, since I spent all of May and invited to join them and their Korean students (who, expect- and part of June bumming at other interns on a trip along the ing us to be blonde and blue- my brother’s place in Somer- DMZ as well as become student eyed Americans, were quite ville as I frantically looking for reporters for them. I was given surprised) and MOU officials, internships. I didn’t even know this wonderful opportunity with attending social media training if I would be able to go to Ko- seven other Wellesley students and touring the DMZ, I don’t rea on July 25th until June. I was and one student from Boston think any of us actually knew stressed out about finding air- University. Since the other in- what was going on most of the plane tickets and lodging, but terns were Korean students and time! everything worked out in the had begun interning earlier in The MOU was interested in hav- end. the year, we would be attached ing us as interns because they My time as an intern for South to this program as the overseas wanted to raise global aware- Korea’s MOU and the events branch after our four weeks end- ness of the issues surrounding leading up to this fortuitous ed in August and on until Jun Korean unification. To do this,

36 GENERASIANS “ALTHOUGH IT WAS DIFFICULT AT TIMES FOR THOSE OF US WHO AREN’T FLUENT IN KOREAN, INCLUDING MYSELF, THE ACTUAL TIME WE HAVE SPENT WITH THE MOU WAS VERY EDUCATIONAL.”

they needed English-speaking flexibility is key. In the United aren’t fluent in Korean, includ- interns to write articles on their States, an interviewee will most ing myself, the actual time we blog to increase readership. It likely ask for questions before- have spent with the MOU was was a short four weeks of doing hand and try and prepare. In very educational. I was also able MOU work as well as volunteer Korea, an interviewee is expect- to meet many wonderful people work, but one of the most in- ed to just go to the interview through this internship. Because valuable experiences I have ever and answer the questions on I am the only one in the group had, for which I am supremely the spot (I mention this because who is still staying in Korea, I thankful for (and still surprised many OneKorea team members also had the chance to go to one about). Our team of interns con- did radio and TV interviews). of the student reporter educa- tinues to help the MOU to raise I noticed that while people in tional meetings, as well as attend awareness among the younger the United States usually try the Korea Global Forum and generations of Koreans, mainly to finalize events at least a few interview the Assistant Coun- by writing articles in English to weeks before something actually selor of the German Embassy create more traffic for the MOU happens, in Korea, sometimes a in Korea, Matthias Vollert about blog. In addition, since I am change in the schedule will hap- his thoughts-my education is studying abroad in South Korea, pen on the spot, and you just ongoing. My summer and fall I attend local unification-related have to go with it; even if the turned out to be so much more events and report on them. event goes really late! than I could have hoped for, and I feel safe generalizing that the Overall, we were treated really I would advise other Wellesley Korean way of handling busi- well, and although it was diffi- students to apply for internship ness is often last-minute, and cult at times for those of us who opportunities abroad! all images courtesy of christine j. lee ‘12 FALL2010 37 HUGE ECONOMIES... BUT WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?

by catherine guo ‘13

http://flickr.com http://education-portal.com 38 GENERASIANS “IN ORDER FOR WOMEN TO PROGRESS IN THE EAST ASIAN CORPORATE WORLD, THESE COUNTRIES MUST SHED DEEPLY INGRAINED TRADITIONAL VALUES THAT DISCOURAGE WOMEN FROM TAKING ON ‘MASCULINE’ JOBS.”

ccording to the interviewed in a May 2010 New Times article, the promotion International Monetary York Times article. Although of ippanshoku women to Fund (IMF) 2009 business opportunities increase management positions in the Arankings, the Gross Domestic as the economy in China restructured companies led to Product (GDP) of Japan and continues to grow, other women some of these women leaving China rank second and third, comment that there are few the company because they “felt respectively, behind the United female mentors available to uncomfortable in their [new] States. Despite their strong permit the rise of women to high positions”. Even some women economies, Japan and China’s business positions, and that the hold traditional views of their workforce have little to no business scene is too cutthroat to own place in society, which representation of women in facilitate mentoring for female further contributes to the lack managerial and corporate board business people. of female representation in high positions. The lack of women in In Japan, there is a sogoshoku- level corporate positions. high-ranking positions means ippanshoku division among According to the World that these two countries miss females in the corporate Economic Forum’s 2009 index out on the potential economic world, according to a July 2010 of gender equality, China ranks contributions of people who make Japan Times article. Basically, 60th and Japan ranks 101st, up about half their populations. women in Japan can follow out of a total of 134 countries. According to the April 2010 two tracks: women can follow The higher the ranking, the issue of The Economist, about the ippanshoku track and more equal genders are in the 20% of the managers in China remain in clerical positions economy. South Korea, another are female and only 8% in Japan. with little chance of rising to Asian country with a significant In comparison, about 40% of the higher positions, or follow economy, ranks 115th in this list. managers in the United States the sogoshoku track and have All three of these countries are are women. Even more dismal opportunities for promotion. On stereotypically characterized are the percentages of board the surface, the system seems like as patriarchal societies, and members who are women: about it would allow women who want unfortunately this stereotype 5% in China and 1.4% in Japan, the security of a clerical position is reflected in the WEF gender according to a January 2010 New to maintain a job, while also equality rankings. In order for York Times article. giving career-oriented women women to progress in the East Why is there a gender gap, and the opportunity to reach higher Asian corporate world, these what can be done about this? positions. In reality, pressure countries must shed deeply In China, there is a popular from ippanshoku women ingrained traditional values that Mao Zedong saying, “Women prevent sogoshoku women discourage women from taking hold up half the sky”. Contrary from being as aggressive as they on “masculine” jobs. When to this saying, the reality is that should be. If the ippanshoku act women can assert themselves in men dominate the corporate feminine and non-threatening, the economy, they can also gain world. Chinese feminists say that the sogoshoku are expected to ground in politics, another realm women must “act like men” in act the same. where women are dismally order to succeed in the corporate The “feminine female” gender underrepresented. In any case, world, and that Chinese women role was found even when remedying the slump in the stand up to numerous instances foreign takeovers of Japanese current economic climate will of prejudice before reaching companies restructured the require China and Japan to tap high positions, according to Wu companies to include more into the economic potential of Naifang, president of Tianjin women in high positions. women. Tasly Pharmaceutical, who was According to a July 2010 Japan FALL2010 39 YELLOWFACE COMES TO WELLESLEY AN INTERVIEW WITH KAT CHEN, CLASS OF 2012 by natalie ornell ‘12

nspired by the conviction that Asian American issues matter and need to be discussed publicly, Kat Chen ’12 is directing the play “Yellow Face” at Wellesley this spring. “Yellow Face” is written Iby David Henry Hwang, the prominent Asian-American playwright best known for “Miss Saigon” and “M. Butterfly.” The play retells the story of how Hwang, angry that a Broadway production of “Miss Saigon” cast a white actor as an Asian character, wrote another play in retaliation. Ironically, he accidentally casts a white actor as the Asian lead. The play deals with the repercussions of that incident but also tangentially follows the “Donorgate” scandal of the mid- 90s in which Asian American businesses were targeted by Congress for allegedly rigging the election. In this GA interview, Kat shares her interest in “Yellow Face”, her passion for theater, and her view on Asian Americans in the acting world.

SHOW DATES: Natalie Ornell (NO): Tell me devoted to theater. Directing a about yourself. show here is possibly the biggest March 10-13 Kat Chen (KC): I’m originally theater-related task I’ve taken (Five performances) from Beijing, China, but I am a on, and while it’s incredibly US citizen and I divide my time daunting, it’s also so exciting, between Boston and Beijing. I’m and especially to be able to direct AUDITIONS: half-Asian, all the sensation, a play that has so much personal Week of January 24 with a Caucasian mother and meaning to me really is a treat. a Taiwanese father. However, Apart from the cultural my mother, ‘77, was one of the shows, while Asian and Asian- CONTACT: first graduates from the Chinese American students definitely Department here at Wellesley , can participate in theater, there Kat Chen and she has lived and worked in hasn’t really been a production [email protected] Beijing for over 30 years. in a long time here that explicitly NO: Why theater and how do deals with Asian-American for more information. you feel about directing a show issues. The Theater Department at Wellesley? and Upstage are being nothing KC: I’ve had practically a but incredibly supportive of lifelong crazy obsession for “Yellow Face”, because I feel theater, and Wellesley and that they know how special and Upstage have really helped me important this production is, not be able to pursue that interest just to me but to our community by giving me opportunities to as well. act in and tech for productions NO: What draws you to “Yellow to gain experience. I am also Face”? a member of the Shakespeare KC: It’s a play that’s both Society and Dead Serious, so funny and heartbreaking, as even my extracurricular life is it deals with two sides of the 40 GENERASIANS as being useful or as a serious career, that it’s too risky, and so that career path is generally not well-emphasized in the Asian- American community. I mean, why be an actor when you can be an I-banker? So there is a need for presenting Asian Americans onscreen but there’s also a small pool of actors to choose from. NO: What do you hope audiences will get out of watching your production? KC: I hope that it will cause people to truly think about Asian-American issues and our representation in American life. I hope it will help people realize that we are more than just your takeout delivery people, more than just your manicurists, and more than Long Duk Dong from “Sixteen Candles” (and don’t even get me started on same coin: that race shouldn’t and me to never feel like we had Mickey Rooney in “Breakfast matter and that race does matter. to make a “choice” between our at Tiffany’s”). We are living, Additionally the play explores racial identities. We were wholly breathing, nuanced people what it means to be an American accepted on both sides. We’re all with our own charms and our and also what it means to be an very comfortable being in the own flaws. This play is really Asian American in the business middle, and we see our mixed a journey of discovery for the of theater. There are a lot of identities as blessings rather main character - he is not likeable messages in the play, but it than burdens. all the time in the play, he is discusses them not in a preachy NO: What is your view of Asian flawed and he makes mistakes. matter. It will hopefully leave Americans in theater in the U.S. But he also learns something by people thinking. and at Wellesley? the play’s end, and the fact that NO: What do you identify as KC: While the representation he is such a multidimensional your background/ethnicity, and of Asian Americans in theater character capable of failure is how does the way people see and in entertainment is slowly what makes his character, and you affect roles, opportunities, getting better, the key word is “Yellow Face” itself, so human. and casting in the theater world? “slowly”. They still relegate us Additionally, I hope it inspires KC: I’m half-Asian and it actually to supporting or bit players, members of our Asian-American hasn’t negatively influenced my and I think the only show community to participate more ability to participate in plays at right now with a leading Asian in theater. Wellesley at all. It’s not seen as a American character is “Nikita” NO: What do you hope to get handicap. But I do know in “the with Maggie Q. I think that the out of the project? Is this a career real world”, being “ethnically theater world and Hollywood path for you? ambiguous” looking, which I still has so far to go in terms KC: In Imagination Land, where am, can be seen as either a good of accurately representing I live most of the time, this or bad thing. You either look too Asian Americans on screen and would lead to a career of fame white or not white enough, or onstage. However, at the same and fortune as a famous director too Asian or not Asian enough. time, I do understand that a lot or actor. For now, I just want It’s really a mixed bag. However, of Asian and Asian-American to direct a good play that both I give so much credit to my parents really do not see going makes people think and makes parents for raising my sisters into show business or into theater my community proud. FALL2010 41 CREATIVE WORKS

Pencil on paper Wendy Chen ‘14 BALLERINA

wendy chen ‘14

started drawing when I was very little, taking occasional classes “Ballerina” is modeled off of I from my best friend’s mother. a picture of myself taken while I I like to draw human figures and was in China. The simplicity of enjoy experimenting with abstract the set and the personal relevance art, such as the decomposition “ of figures. Particularly inspired of ballet to my life particularly appealed to me. I wanted to artwork by abstract expressionists like to take on a more minimalistic Jackson Pollock and Surrealist feel, so I only used graphite painters like Giorgio de Chirico, pencils when drawing the piece. I want to similarly push the limits of art by producing artwork that not only shows the intersection between art and literature, but also merges poetry with art. During my ” time at Wellesley College, I plan to become an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing.

42 GENERASIANS I SPY A GOLDFISH Pencil on paper JaeLim Chung ‘12

jaelim chung ‘12 “I Spy a Goldfish” was my final project for Advanced Drawing. It is a visual representation of my thoughts and emotions on a given day, and as ’ve been involved in the arts ever “you can probably tell, I made free use since I was a kid. Art has always of still lifes as symbols of my feelings. Ibeen an integral part of my identity, I employed photorealism and and it’s hard for me to imagine a surrealism to express the fragility future that does not include the and variability of the human arts in some way. I am a huge fan emotions. In retrospect, I can say that of Chuck Close, Michelangelo, I was inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and To the Lighthouse, which I was from architects, Antonio Gaudi and reading at the time instead of writing Santiago Calatrava. At the moment my political theory essay. This I am striving towards hyperrealism, piece is a visual adaptation of her which to me is the apex of stream-of-consciousness technique. artistic technique. Unfortunately, And why the goldfish? It all started I have a long way to go. with a conversation over the phone about how nice it might be to be a goldfish (granted its owner feeds it regularly) as opposed to a student with three essays due the following week. ” FALL2010 43 MIRROR, MIRROR DIGITAL YOUTH AND BEAUTY IN KOREA by ji-su park’13 and jessica choi ‘13 otions of beauty in Asia are largely affected by Western aesthetic standards. Cosmetic phenomena across the Asian continent, such as double eyelid surgery in East Asia and the use of skin-whitening creams in India, demonstrate the strength of Western influence. The Nlack of Asian images in Hollywood bolsters these dominant standards. Both Asian women and men alike are partaking in re-inventive strategies to fit Western standards of beauty, ultimately reinforcing Western hegemony and overlooking their own unique features. 44 GENERASIANS http://www.soompi.com/news/soompi-ulzzang-contest-2010-results

Beauty Subcultures: Selca and and ulzzang contest. These “SELCA IS AN Ulzzang Contest digital subcultures are strongly related to beauty standards for ABBREVIATION Young Koreans’ ability to women. embrace new technology and Selca is an abbreviation for FOR “SELF- use or modify it according to “self-camera,” a Konglish their tastes has earned them expression for a “self-portrait CAMERA,” A the nickname “digital youth.” picture.” Girls take selcas with One successful Korean business their camera phones or digital KONGLISH that took advantage of young cameras and post the pictures. tech-consumers is Cyworld, a Then their online friends on EXPRESSION social network service owned Cyworld and other Cy-users see FOR A “SELF- by SK Communications. Over them and leave comments such one-third of South Korea’s as, “Wow, you are so pretty. You PORTRAIT population – and 90 percent of are an ulzzang!” 20-year-olds – spends hours The word ulzzang, a popular PICTURE.” online in their virtual spaces slang term, is a combination of called “mini-hompy” in Cyworld. two abbreviations: zzang and ul. The Korean youth spend up Zzang is a slang for “the best”. to three hours per day taking Ul is an abbreviation for ulgul, “THE WORD pictures, customizing and or “face.” So, ulzzang means uploading them on their mini- the best face, or the best-looking ULZZANG, A hompys, checking comments, person. Girls submit their best and visiting their friends’ pages. selcas to contests on Cyworld, POPULAR SLANG An interesting fact is that where their looks can be ranked most Cyworld users are young by other Cy-users. TERM, IS A girls. According to a survey Some winners can catch by the Korea Social Research the attention of the people in COMBINATION Center in 2004, 85 percent of the entertainment business OF TWO high school girls, compared and pursue modeling, acting, to 68.5 percent of boys, use or singing careers. Korean ABBREVIATIONS: mobile phones actively to celebrities like Park Han Byul, maintain social relationships. Oh Yoon Ah, and Im Soo Jung ZZANG AND Young Korean girls are also are among the famous stars who more willing to adopt new gained stardom through online UL...ULZZANG multimedia functions than men, contests. Inspired by numerous and their daily participation ulzzang celebrities, many girls MEANS THE in Cyworld activities has aspiring to become glamorous created two significant online actresses and models compete to BEST FACE...” subcultures: selca subculture win the ulzzang contests. FALL2010 45 “A WESTERNIZED BEAUTY STANDARD IN KOREA THAT IS STRICTLY UNIFORM IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR MOST KOREAN WOMEN TO ACHIEVE WITHOUT COSMETIC SURGERY... WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE WESTERN IMAGE OF IDEAL BEAUTY REPLACED THE KOREAN IDEAL.”

Origin and History of Korean In the late 20th century, the The Korean Beauty Standards Beauty Standards South Korean government Today:What Does an Ulzzang adopted a “partial American- Look Like? The origins of the Korean forward foreign policy,” concept of female body can importing American culture The Korean standard beauty of be traced back to the Chosŏn without reservation. Moreover, today has two serious problems: Dynasty that adopted Neo- American Forces Network overemphasis of Westernized Confucianism as its official Korea, an American television features and extreme uniformity. ideology. In Chosŏn society, men channel for American troops Many Korean female celebrities were encouraged to become residing in Korea, began look so similar to each other that selfless by studying the teachings airing Korean households, it is difficult to distinguish them. of Confucius and following contributing to American When asked to describe what a the rules of proper conduct to values, as Korean viewers beautiful Korean woman looks obtain sagehood. However, this could watch Miss Universe like, most people respond: giant concept of the mind being more competitions and Hollywood eyes with double eyelids, high important than body did not movies at home. Furthermore, nose, small and egg-shaped face apply to women, since women when legal changes allowed the (or a V-line face), white (fair) were considered inferior to Korean advertising industry to skin, long legs, and slender body men. Women were encouraged use Western models in 1994, (or an S-line body). to maintain and produce the Koreans could see Western This depiction demonstrates “family body,” or the healthy, models on televisions and in a Westernized beauty standard “functional body” to bear the magazines every day. Today, of Korea that is strictly uniform family’s offspring. Korean editions of Western is impossible for most Korean At the turn of the 20th century, fashion magazines like Elle, women to achieve without the emphasis on women’s Vogue, and In Style continuously cosmetic surgery. Korea’s functional body disappeared introduce Western beauty ideals cosmetic surgery industry as Western influences marched to Korean women by using the is dependent on medical into Korea. After experiencing same contents and images of the techniques and operations that Japanese colonization, original editions published in were originally created in the independence, and Korean War, Western countries. West with Western women in the South Korean government Now, with the Internet and mind. For example, the most focused on the nation’s economic international cable television common cosmetic procedure growth. Korean women became networks, Koreans can in Korea is the double eyelid a crucial source of labor and experience American culture operation, which is designed to gained power and positions in on a daily basis as they watch make Korean eyes look bigger the society that were not open Sex and the City or American by making a small incision above to women before. The rise of video clips on YouTube. Western the eye to create an artificial capitalist consumer society beauty standards have become double lid. Without a doubt, the saw women become major the new standard of Korean Western image of ideal beauty consumers of products. female values. replaced the Korean ideal. 46 GENERASIANS http://topscorer.tistory.com http://ampedasia.com

“TODAY, YOUNG WOMEN WHO HAVE NOT HAD COSMETIC SURGERY ARE THE MINORITY.”

Everyone Can Be an Ulzzang: health of Korean adolescents clinics proudly advertise that Cosmetic Surgery in Korea by Ministry of Education and several celebrities are their Human Resources Development regular customers. Chung, a In order to become perfect in 2002, 71.6 percent of female surgeon who runs the Cinderella ulzzangs, many girls and young high school students want to get Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul, women choose to undergo a a plastic surgery. According to said in an interview, “A lot of cosmetic surgery. The benefits a study by the Medical School my patients bring a picture of a of are very tempting. In order of Seoul National University Korean star from a magazine and to be successful in Korean (2004), 52.5 percent of the female say ‘I want to look like that’”. society, girls have to be smart college students Korea said that What complicates the issue of and pretty, since society tends they already had a cosmetic cosmetic surgery further is some to reward beautiful people with surgery. Today, young women female celebrities’ openness well-paying jobs, improved who have not had cosmetic about their own cosmetic marriage prospects, respect, surgery are the minority. surgeries. When the celebrities and popularity. This kind of Young women view cosmetic openly speak about their beauty power even stimulates surgery as a fashion trend. surgeries online or in public Korean parents to pay for their Indeed, most cosmetic surgery interviews, young girls consider daughters’ cosmetic surgery clinics are located in hip places having cosmetic surgery. as a high school graduation like Kangnam in Seoul, where Social rewards to ulzzangs, gift. Winter vacations – when girls can hang out at Starbucks unregulated advertisements for high school seniors prepare or beauty salons while waiting cosmetic surgery, and celebrities’ themselves for college or for a to talk to the doctors. It is also openness about their surgeries workforce – are the busiest time common to find advertisements stimulate young Korean girls to for the clinics. for cosmetic surgery in Korean get a cosmetic surgery. According to a study of mental fashion magazines, and some FALL2010 47 http://dailybeautysource.com/ How Should We React to Negative Consequences?

With subcultures focused on beauty, Korean society has gradually become appearance- centered, and cosmetic surgery has become a popular means to achieve a better social status. The uniformity of beauty standards stirs desire for cosmetic surgery, which deepens class alienation: in order to enjoy the benefits of being an ulzzang, one must possess the economic capability. How should the society react? First of all, we need to pay more attention to girls’ digital subcultures and study them. By Conformity or Defiance? women appear, men look at understanding the subcultures, women and women watch we can challenge the “imbalance Some sociologists argue themselves being looked at”. of a gendered technology that when women try to look In selca subculture, the culture”. attractive and sexy in their selcas, female gaze, or a narcissistic Also, there should be more women are just objectifying gaze that objectifies herself, strict regulations to control themselves and reproducing replaces the conventional male both direct and indirect the same images and same gaze. Girls do not merely own advertisements of cosmetic stereotypes that the mass media technology; they use it skillfully surgery clinics of the mass produces. to express their feelings and give media. Instead of reproducing But it is rash to conclude that meanings. Korean girls consume a uniform image of beauty, the girls are simply conforming to the technology to produce cultures mass media should provide patriarchal gaze through selca and meanings: they are active various images of natural beauty. and ulzzang subcultures. There “prosumers” who challenge the In order to prevent the society truly is evidence that women patriarchal society. from judging women’s social are challenging the conventional But although girls seem to be and economic status by their structure of gaze. Historically, creating a new gaze against the physical appearances, the mass technology has been considered patriarchal gaze through selcas, media should portray various as a male domain and technical the cosmetic surgery boom seems types of characters and images ability has been regarded as a to contradict that new, rebellious of beauty, helping consumers sign of masculinity. But today, gaze. Cosmetic surgery itself recognize distinctive values each girls are more comfortable is “a system of production of woman has. with mobile phones and digital ‘a body that is gazed at,’” and There is still hope. The negative cameras than boys. Girls’ tech- usually, the surgeons and doctors outcomes of digital subcultures friendliness itself is a challenge at cosmetic surgery clinics are can be fixed with the positive to the patriarchal norm. men. At cosmetic surgery clinics, aspects of digital subcultures. Moreover, girls taking men are in charge of examining, After all, the Internet is a public selcas become the observers rearranging, and organizing sphere on virtual reality in which of themselves; The process of women’s bodies. Even though “ordinary people” express their taking a selca requires a girl to young Korean girls take selcas opinions. When the ordinary search for her ideal image and with a new point of view that is people actively campaign both to become an active spectator not men’s, they still conform to online and offline to highlight when she reviews her pictures to the patriarchal gaze when they the variety of values each person select the best one. This process accept male surgeons’ advices has, the Korean beauty standards overthrows the conventions to transform their bodies. would be diverse and applicable of the gaze that Laura Mulvey Korean girls are simultaneously to everyone. criticizes, that “men act and rebelling and conforming. 48 GENERASIANS TARGETED: A LOOK AT INTERNET MOB CULTURE IN KOREA by patricia liu ‘14 http://todayshottopic.com “ don’t mind when you talk shit/I don’t even unfamiliar with the concept of Korea’s so-called know who the hell you are.” Those were the “anti-fans”: Internet users who seem to be on a words of Epik High frontman Tablo, as heard 24-hour haterade IV drip. They perpetually and Iin Epik High’s 2007 song “FAQ” (pronounced passionately vent their hate towards Celebrity X, “fah-kyu”). Lauded as “Korea’s premier hip-hop Y, or Z through whatever outlets are available on group,” Epik High is praised not only for their the web. In Korea, these outlets usually come in musical and lyrical ability, but also for their sharp the form of “internet cafes”: online communities wit, bold attitude, and air of confidence. Over the where like-minded Internet users, or “netizens,” past decade, Epik High has gained widespread gather to exchange ideas and bask in each other’s respect as one of the biggest names in Korean hip- digital awesomeness. In most instances, these hop. As Epik High’s leader, Stanford University- Internet cafes are harmless. But every so often, educated rapper Tablo (real name Daniel Sun- they are, in the words of Mean Girls’ Janis Ian, “life woong Lee) is sitting at the top of the heap. ruiners.” The guy’s got swagger, and for good reason - If you ask Tablo, he’d probably claim that the what with his degree in English literature, status malicious actions of Internet café “TaJinYo” are far as pet student of famed writer Tobias Wolff, worse than the pink-clad evil of Regina George. and 180-point IQ. Of course, Tablo’s picked up 190,000 times worse, in fact, according to the his fair share of haters who accuse him of being membership figures of “We Urge Tablo to Tell The pretentious and arrogant, to which Tablo responds Truth,” popularly known as TaJinYo. with a smirk and a sly “FAQ.” The movement began in November of 2009, Like any other Korean celebrity, Tablo is not with one simple mission: prove to the world that

FALL2010 49 http://last.fm Tablo lied about his Stanford and SangJinSe quickly pushed education. According to their way to the forefront of the TaJinYo’s ringleader (known by Korean Internet community, his username “whatbecomes”), gathering supporters and critics Tablo and Daniel Lee were two alike along the way. different people. He claimed The rapper kept mum about that the Epik High frontman the situation for several months, stole the identity of a masters’ but as the rumors escalated from degree holder from Stanford mild allegations against the University in order to inflate his legitimacy of Tablo’s masters’ own prestige as a public figure. degree to full-blown attacks on According to whatbecomes, Tablo’s reputation as a scholar Tablo’s entire existence was a lie, and artist, it became clear that and the netizen community was a simple “FAQ” wouldn’t be there to call him out. enough. In late April 2010, Tablo The idea might have seemed pressed charges against one of farfetched, but TaJinYo’s 190,000 the netizens, the first of many the legitimacy of his schooling members certainly didn’t think legal quibbles to come. documents on camera, and for so. Neither did recent Korean For months after, more the first time, spoke to the public news of various well-educated accusations were made, more regarding his netizen-spurred celebrities who had been caught legal suits were filed and more defamation. falsifying information about netizens were either joining “It’s not that they don’t their educations. A 2007 scandal the ranks or shaking their believe me,” said a teary-eyed involving Dongguk University heads in disbelief. Stanford Tablo during a short interview professor Shin Jung-ah was still University released a copy of segment. “They just don’t want fresh in netizens’ heads. Jung-ah, Tablo’s transcript to the media, to believe me.” a museum curator and artistic along with a written and signed TaJinYo members still didn’t genius, was caught lying about confirmation from Stanford buy it. On the same program, her Yale education, falsified University registrar Thomas a TaJinYo member was shown academic documentation and Black and Stanford University saying, “He’s never even been all. Since then, the Korean professor Tobias Wolff. Both admitted to the school. To say public became more scrutinous statements confirmed the that he graduated Stanford is about the validity of celebrities’ legitimacy of Tablo’s graduation simply out of the question.” educational backgrounds. The and genius. Needless to say, things didn’t Epik High frontman already “I have no gain other than to get better. proved the legitimacy of his produce records accurately,” The case boiled to a crux in Stanford education to the said Black in an interview with October when Tablo sued 22 public years before, answering Korean publication “JoongAng netizens for libel. Extensive questions regarding his Daily”. “All the documentation investigation by the police seemingly inconceivable five- has proved to the single fact that ultimately confirmed, once and year long completion of both his Daniel Lee has graduated from for all, the legitimacy of Tablo’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Stanford University.... Too many Stanford education. TaJinYo was But no matter. It appeared that will not acknowledge what a put up for sale, anti-fans fell Tablo was the next victim. talented person he really is.... away from the movement, and Within a few weeks, the The ignorant mob, I’ll call them, whatbecomes – revealed to be Internet community erupted - is just spewing poison for no a 58-year old Korean-American not only in numbers, but also reason.” living in Chicago – now has an in notoriety. Similar Internet And as for Tablo himself? arrest warrant issued against cafes began to emerge, such He had all but disappeared him. But most of all, Internet as “A World Where Common from the public eye, save for spectators everywhere breathed Sense is the Truth,” popularly his appearance on a television a sigh of relief that this nonsense known as “SangJinSe.” Despite special named “Tablo Goes To was finally over. the logical absurdity in the Stanford”, in which he returned What happens now? their arguments, both TaJinYo to Stanford in an attempt to prove “I haven’t thought about what 50 GENERASIANS to do,” said Tablo on his post- entitled “Introduction to Korean his death. Three months later TaJinYo career plans. “I don’t Language and Society.” “The Jaebum left 2PM and retreated have enough energy to do music culture of discussion is not well back to his hometown of Seattle. right now.” established [in South Korea] as Jaebum was lucky. Is this really the same guy opposed to [in] America. The Choi Jin-shil was a well-known who told the haters to “FAQ” history of democracy in Korea and well-loved Korean actress, themselves just three years is just so new. I think we need which of course, was license ago? As the case progressed, patience.” for a community of anti-fan the international K-pop Of course, int3rw3bz trolls netizens to launch a widespread audience followed the news are pests in any country’s campaign against her, shortly with disbelieving eyes. One cyberspace, but there’s a following the September 2008 user on Livejournal community fundamental difference between death of her manager. Internet “Omonatheydidnt” put it best: J0Br0luvr874 posting “I h8 gossip claimed that Choi had “Netizens: The new definition miley cyrus she is a slut lol” loaned an enormous sum of of ‘inferiority complex.’” on a Youtube comment board, money to her manager, who Any K-pop fan will tell you and an web-based army of was unable to repay the debt, so that there is no K-pop culture thousands calling for the death Choi killed him. Or so say the without K-netizens. The TaJinYo of a prominent celebrity. netizens. incident was only one of many Such was the case for Park An incredulous claim against netizen attacks that have Jaebum, the former leader Korea’s cinematic sweetheart? previously sent the K-pop world of K-pop boyband 2PM. In Not so, according to the anti- into a tizzy. Internet hostility September 2009, netizens fans - who proceeded to spread is not a new concept in Korea. discovered the Korean- libelous claims throughout Internet etiquette, on the other American’s old Myspace the Internet and lampoon hand, is. comments saying, “Korea the actress with malicious “The issue of online etiquette is gay” and “I hate Korea.” comments via whatever portals [in South Korea] is always Consequently, Jaebum gained an of communication to the actress challenging,” said Sun-hee Lee, anti-fan following of thousands they could find. a Wellesley professor in the East who signed a petition entitled On October 2, 2008, Choi Jin- Asian Studies Department and “Park Jaebum Should Commit shil’s body was found hanging current instructor of a course Suicide”, literally calling for from a shower stall bar, her neck

http://joongangdaily.joins.com FALL2010 51 http://mapthesoul.com

“AND ONE HAS TO ASK: WHY DO YOU CARE, DEAREST CRAY-CRAY FANGIRLS?”

wrapped in pressure bandages. Third Generation (3G) mobile their perceived ridiculousness She is survived by her mother technology and has the world’s by the general public. So what and her two young children, highest percentage of mobile is it about equally ridiculous ages five and seven. users on 3G. With these advances celebrity gossip that attracts After Choi’s death, the South in web-based technology comes Internet crowds by the drove? Korean government took increased popularity for user- Many K-pop fangirls have measures to regulate Internet generated content on the web. this horribly annoying habit postings made by netizens. For Korean youth, the Internet is of throwing a fit whenever Congressmen proposed far too useful to be spent only on their favorite celeb “oppa” is legislation that would punish the occasional tweet or Facebook caught dating/hugging/talking those who propagated libelous wall post. Rather, Internet to/breathing the same air as statements throughout the web. culture in Korea is a land by another girl. Bring up gossip A noble effort that would sit well the netizen and for the netizen, about SHINee’s Jonghyun and in the hearts of those affected by a place that fosters the growth his rumored ex-girlfriends, and Choi Jin-shil’s death, but not and realization of ideas, with the out come the pitchforks. Burn the much else. gratuitous help of like-minded witch! screams the unrelenting The Web 2.0 trend is growing online supporters, of course. preteen crowd. Burn her with fire! too quickly for any form of One need only spend a few And one has to ask: Why “Internet regulation” to be truly minutes on StumbleUpon do you care, dearest cray-cray effective. This seems to make to find that the Internet is a fangirls? Korea’s efforts to curb mass magical vault filled with all the Lee offers a simple maliciousness on the Internet crazy ideas on planet Earth, explanation: “In pursuing these rather paradoxical, considering each conveniently packaged beliefs, [fans] escape from reality that 85 percent of all South in a 320 kilobyte webpage and and escape into fantasy, and once Korean households have a ready for distribution to the they find something wrong with high-speed, broadband Internet average, unsuspecting Internet this fantasy, they take it upon hookup. Over 95 percent of user. Of course, topics like themselves to try and fix it.” South Koreans between the “Healthy Cannibalism” and This delusional behavior could ages of 6 and 29 surf the web “How to Make Peanut Butter- be conveniently chalked up to on a regular basis. South Korea Avocado Lasagna” would hormones and preadolescent is the current global leader in probably appeal exclusively to insanity, but perhaps the fault niche audiences, considering 52 GENERASIANS “INTERNET CULTURE IS GROWING TO UNPRECEDENTED HEIGHTS IN BOTH KOREA AND BEYOND, AND NETIZENS WILL NOT BACK DOWN AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO AMPLIFY THEIR VOICES MORE LOUDLY WITH EVERY BYTE.” doesn’t rest completely with his personal business whenever dumbfounded at the sight of the fans. It’s no secret that she pleases. this impeccably well-organized K-pop idols are practically die- Idols have a rather awkward crowd of thousands, armed with cast, assembled, and packaged place in Korean society. They an uncontested enthusiasm and by various large, ominous are not your run-of-the- passion for their country. Cynics entertainment companies, mill laypeople; their regular called this mob psychology at its but that doesn’t make them television appearances and best, and absolute madness at uninteresting, especially if, as a legions of screaming fangirls its worst. In 2010, the Internet is fangirl, your life’s ambition is to claim otherwise. But they are the new Seoul City Square – just one day marry and make babies not gods, either. K-pop idols are bigger, bolder, and bitchier. with one of these K-pop idols. perpetually in the spotlight, but It’s easy to write off Tablo Life’s ambition, not dream. never on a pedestal. If anything, as a wimp and a hypocrite for Or that’s what entertainment they’re placed in a brightly lit reacting so violently to an attack companies want fans to believe. hole where the public can admire that harmed nothing but his While it is perhaps unfair to or admonish them from above. pride. Besides, the members say that Korean entertainment K-pop fan culture is at a level of TaJinYo and SangJinSe were companies treat their artists beyond your typical hormone- nothing more than trolls. But like lifeless, money-generating fueled fangirling, at a level in Korea, trolls are never just puppets, it is certainly within where fans make emotional trolls – not when they are able the bounds of logic to conclude investments in their idols to mobilize virtual armies of that Korean entertainment and hold them accountable thousands in a concentrated companies market their idols for straying from a perceived effort to, very literally, ruin in a way that propagates a ideal. Combine this obsessive an individual’s life in the perceived “closeness” between and invasive attitude with the name of justice. Despite their fan and idol. catalyzing power of the Internet, ultimate failure in achieving Through the strategic use and you’ve got a formidable their intended goals, TaJinYo of song lyrics (Noona is so force of public opinion to be was nonetheless successful in pretty!), visual “concept” reckoned with. demonstrating the extent of design (gratuitous shirt-ripping!), Crazy ideas only get crazier which both celebrity culture and and scripted variety show when placed in the midst of collectivist thinking influences appearances (“What’s your a large group, and Korea’s the everyman in Korea. ideal type?”), idols perform an traditionally collectivist society Internet culture is growing emotional striptease, inspiring evidences this theory quite well. to unprecedented heights in the fan to feel a perceived close Over 6.5 million Korean fans both Korea and beyond, and personal connection to their gathered at Seoul City Square netizens will not back down at favorite idol. The fan is fooled to watch the semifinal match the opportunity to amplify their into believing that she knows against Germany at the 2002 voices more loudly with every him, she’s his friend, and that World Cup games in Seoul, byte. Clearly, netizens will no she could marry him if she a phenomenon that gained longer take “FAQ” as an answer. wanted to. Or, at the very least, widespread press coverage she has the right to get all up in across the globe. People were FALL2010 53 gleehab.com

ASIAN PRESENCE ON TV by connie shen ‘14 and diana su ‘14

54 GENERASIANS magine a high school romance between a however, he’s clearly making himself known as football jock and goth girl. Both sing and someone who isn’t just the “Other Asian.” The dance, and meet through glee club. The glaring show seems to capitalize not only on his dancing Ipoint of their clichéd love story is not that they’re skills, but his washboard abs—a physical feature stark opposites on the social food chain, but rather that previously would not have been associated that they are both Asian American. Even more with Asian men. What a notion, an attractive Asian impressively, they’re not side characters or extras, guy that gets the Asian girl! Asian men have had but rather, key cast members. a typically harder time legitimizing themselves No longer does television limit itself to in the media than Asian women. The former is representations of Asians as the martial arts master usually portrayed as lacking masculinity and the or the token math nerd. With the appearance of latter as submissive. Moreover, Glee capitalizes on Asian Americans in shows such as the hit-musical the actors’ talents of singing and dancing, talents Glee, Asian Americans are comfortably getting not readily associated with Asians. more screen time. The media visibility of second- Tina and Mike’s coupling means that Asian- generation Asians will hopefully bring a show American story lines can actually float in that definitively recognizes the Asian American mainstream television. The audience can appreciate identity that comes from growing up in two very and relate to the characters regardless of their different cultures. Mike Chang (Harry Shrum Jr.) ethnicity. Television has slowly inched its way and Tina Cohen-Chang (Jenna Ushkowitz) are the along to recognizing Asian Americans as viable titular characters on the hit show Glee. Though characters. If Tina and Mike are any indication of Shrum’s earlier appearances only involved roles are going in the media, the possibility of an dancing, recently, Shrum has taken up singing, all-Asian cast or even an Asian American sitcom speaking lines, and a full-fledged story line with may soon not be. We look forward to the day a Ushkowitz. Meanwhile, Tina has been a primary show called The Chang’s headlines primetime. character throughout the show’s run and has done solos as well as had her own subplots. In television, the very existence of Asian characters that can actually speak fluent English and do not participate in stereotypically “Asian activities” like karate or chess club suggests that mainstream pop culture has begun to acknowledge a long neglected minority. Though it took a second season and a summer camp of technologically-advanced Asian kids to really bring their interconnected storyline to fruition, Mike and Tina could become the next Jay-Z and Beyonce celebrity couple. How many famous Asian couples can you name off the bat? No, Mulan and Captain Shang do not count. The truth is, they simply do not exist. We have no Lois Lane and Clark Kent to look back to, no Ricky Ricardo and Lucille Ball, or Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf. Perhaps, Mike Chang and Tina Chang are the first. Granted, the television producers couldn’t muster enough creativity to assign them different last names, but the point of diversifying the show is clear. Tina Chang is far from the stereotypical Asian girl—she may be quiet, but she’s a self- proclaimed Goth who has dyed hair and doesn’t exactly possess any academic flair. Plus, her strengths are singing and dancing, not deriving calculus problems. Mike Chang’s character hasn’t been assigned many lines until season 2 of Glee; http://mochimag.com FALL2010 55 http://avatarmovie.files.wordpress.com THE LEGEND OF KORRA by esther kim ‘12

efore “Avatar: The Last Airbender” became Avatar: The Last Airbender is a “children’s” show an animated TV series on Nickelodean, the same way that Harry Potter can be considered flying bison would never have crossed a “children’s” book. It’s almost an Asian Harry Bmy mind as plausibly cute animals. Thanks to Potter. It’s unadultered awesome. Avatar, I’ve been dying for someone to buy me a The story of Avatar: The Last Airbender is as stuffed flying bison. Before M. Night Shymalan’s follows: two siblings, Katara and Sokka, of the godawful movie The Last Airbender, the animated Southern Water Tribe find a young boy, Aang, series stood as a complete masterpiece in and of frozen inside an iceberg. They release him and itself and gained a legion of zealous fans. Now, discover that he is the much-awaited Avatar, the creators of the original animated series are destined to bring peace to the world. However, planning to launch a twelve episode mini-series while he was trapped inside the iceberg for several spin-off in November 2011 tentatively titled centuries, the Fire Nation conquered and wreaked Avatar: Legend of Korra. havoc on much of the world. Aang must learn how 56 GENERASIANS http://alphacoders.com http://avatarlastairbenderonline.com

cabbage merchant (“My teenager from the Southern cabbages!”) and the crazy King Water Tribe, and the story is Boomie. set 75 years after the end of the The show was the creation original series. Unlike the past of two Rhode Island School seasons, the Legend of Korra is http://avatarmovie.files.wordpress.com of Design (RISD) graduates, set only in “Republic City,” a Michael Dante DiMartino and cosmopolitan multinational city to manipulate, or “bend,” all Bryan Konietzko, who clearly inspired by Shanghai and Hong four elements, Air, Water, Fire, spent a lot of time researching Kong in the 1920s and 30s where and Earth, to restore balance and East Asian history, costumes, benders and non-benders live to serve as a bridge between the fighting styles and more for together. Korra, the new Avatar, natural and spiritual worlds. inspiration for the show. The must deal with an anti-bender Although the show may characters and cultures are fully revolution within the city while sound like a cheesy conventional realized, and definitely draw on she masters the element of Air, hero’s quest, the vividness of aspects of Asian culture. having already mastered Water, the world Aang inhabits, an After the titanic Earth, and Fire. (Spoiler alert!) Asian-inspired world split disappointment of Shymalan’s Her Airbending teacher will into four nations based on the The Last Airbender, fans of the be Tenzin, son of Avatar Aang four elements, makes the show original series are ecstatic that and Katara. According to the believable and extraordinary. the creators have come to the creators, who self-identify as Each of the four nations has its rescue with the Legend of Korra, “total cheeseballs,” the story distinct personalities, creatures, a twelve-episode mini-series. will have more of “cheesy, traditions, and customs. As While Appa, the last flying bison teen romance… but it’s the Aang, Katara and Sokka journey of his kind, may not fly in the same balance of ingredients we the world by riding Aang’s new season, fans will be able like.” Fans of “Avatar: The Last (adorable) giant flying bison, to once again enter the fantasy Airbender” rejoice. Appa, they encounter different world of Avatar. In Legend of villages and memorable side Korra, the new Avatar is a female characters like the infamous FALL2010 57 REFERENCES Bone marrow donors of Asian/multiracial descent Be The Match. Media Fact Sheet. Be The Match, 2010. Print. Digital Youth and Beauty in Asia Chun, Yoo Jung (2004) ‘Female College Students with an Experience with Cosmetic Surgery Over 50%’, Medipharm News 4 May 2004. Fairclough, Gordon (2005) ‘Korea’s Makeover from Dull to Hip Changes Face of Asia; Popularity of Country’s Stars Spurs Plastic Surgery; Seeking a Prominent Nose’, The Wall Street Journal [New York] 20 Oct. 2005, Eastern ed.: A.1. Haddon, Leslie, and Shin Dong Kim (2007) ‘Mobile Phones and Web-based Social Networking – Emerging Practices in Korea with Cyworld’, The Journal of the Communications Network, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 5-12. Hjorth, Larissa (2008) ‘Gifts of Presence: A Case Study of a South Korean Virtual Community, Cyworld’s Mini-hompy’, Internationalizing Internet Studies: Beyond Anglophone Paradigms, Wellesley College E-Book Library. ---. (2007) ‘Snapshots of Almost Contact: the Rise of Camera Phone Practices and a Case Study in Seoul, Korea’, Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 227-238. Jee, Min-Joo, and Byoung-il Oh (2006) ‘Perpetuation of Female Beauty Stereotypes through Korean Mass Media: Emancipation or Objectification of Women?’, Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, Montreal Convention Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Aug. 10 2006. Ko, Chisu (2002) ‘Peer Pressure Plastics’, TIME Magazine 5 Aug. 2002, vol. 160, no. 4. Lee, Dong-Hoo (2005) ‘Women’s Creation of Camera Phone Culture’, Fibreculture Journal, no. 6. Scanlon, Charles (2005) ‘The Price of Beauty in South Korea’, BBC News 3 Feb. 2005. Woo, Keong Ja (2004) ‘The Beauty Complex and the Cosmetic Surgery Industry’, Korea Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 52-82. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120340646 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a.FojzJYZC.g http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/india/100727/indian-culture-skin-lightening-shahid-kapur Fusion: Best of Both Worlds Wellesley College Office of Admission. (2009). Wellesley 2013 Admission Demographics. Retrieved from http://www.wellesley.edu/admission/admission/statistics.html Wellesley College Office of Admission. (2010). Demographics: Class of 2014. Retrieved from http://web.wellesley.edu/web/Admission/GetToKnowUs/statistics.psml WAAM-SLAM http://www.wellesley.edu/activities/homepage/waa/about/history.html http://jewettgallery.wordpress.com/exhibitions/2010-2011-season/ http://waamslam.wordpress.com/history/timeline/ http://www.apimovement.com/students/wellesley-students-win-demand-asian-and-latino-staff

58 GENERASIANS meanwhile by Wendy Chen ‘14

You are not from where you think you’re from, she says it’s funny that you’re homesick for Massachusetts and not China – your origin. she does not mean this meanly because it’s true my mother and father were born in nanjing and fuzhou my eyelashes and hair and iris and nose and eyebrows and ears and skin (that wraps around my body) look like they belong in china. they were made for china and by some manufacturing error ended up being assembled in new hampshire. but you see my body does not remember this. my body’s memory is short and brief, has only internalized 18 years of memory and not a history of any country. my body remembers: long winters in vermont my snow-numbed fingers breaking apart stale bread to feed black ducks on an icy lake the windy beaches of cape cod fingers caught in crab claws fishermen pulling up cages dripping with seaweed and the thrashing sea we were lying on a bed of pine needles russet and rustling and sweet we turned around and around sky mixing with ground and meanwhile above us blue-sky geese were flying, in-between homes.

FALL2010 59 INTERESTED IN GENERASIANS? CONTACT CSUN2 OR TCHAN FOR MORE INFO

Prepared by MagCloud for GenerAsians Magazine. Get more at femmefatale.magcloud.com.