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magazine KDSpring 2007 Vol. 1 Issue #2

men’s envy Behold the beard! inks, guns & tats A personal narrative bled with ink

desert workers Global adoption ninkasi brewery mental illness

KDmagazine Spring 2007 Vol. 1 Issue #2 features

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16 working in the 22 inks, guns & tats 28 the envy of men kingdom We are obsessed with ink. Be it a cry From faint stubble to a boister- Take a closer look at the culture, of rebellion or an emotional tribute, ous beard, facial hair is a common traditions and complications that tattoos have rooted themselves in characteristic among males, span- stem from working for the largest oil our culture. Explore the history and ning countries and cultures. Here, corporation in the world. fascination behind the needle. discover the history and absurdity of this timeless trend. Story by Jason Dronkowski Story and photos by Conner Jay Photos by Conner Jay and Story and photos by Kyle Carnes Kai-Huei Yau

4 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 The Outdoor Program has trips for everyone!

Whether it’s a relaxing hike at the beach, a fun raft trip down the McKenzie River, or even mountain biking in Tibet, the Outdoor Program welcomes outdoor enthusi- asts of all skill levels to participate in exciting cooperative adventure outings! To find out what trips are heading out KDmagazine each week sign up for EMAIL ALERTS on our webpage: Spring 2007 Vol. 1 Issue #2 outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu A Great Equipment Rental Program departments Sleeping bags, tents, canoes, kayaks, rafts, backpacks, fleece clothing, rain gear and more! The OP rental program offers an extensive line of outdoor gear and clothing at very low prices. UO Students are already Selection of Asian Food members of the OP Co-op and non-students can join for just $15/year! 8 The First Letter from the editor. 38 moving pictures DisOrient focuses a See a list of rental gear at: outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu cultural lens to indie film. 10 passport Peer into the soul of India through Anyone can join the OP! UO Students are already members of the OP Co-op, UO staff/alumni new eyes. Jamie Floyd’s at 40 spices & spirits can join for $12/year, and general public pays just $15/year! homebrewed Ninkasi becomes a local favorite. 12 dialogue Foreign adoption trends are on the Contact Us: rise, but how much culture is lost in the process? 42 soundwaves Explore the trends and Outdoor Program Office 346-4365 Rental Program 346-4371 culture of reconstructing old sounds into new beats. Sunrise web: outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu 14 the forum Examine how our country’s obsession with race has led to false labels. 44 colors & shapes The Jordan Schnitzer Museum brings fine Korean ceramics to Eugene. 36 people in motion Parkour offers a fluid way to overcome life’s obstacles. 46 the last Can society help the mentally ill?

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Sat 9am-7pm Sunrise magazine Sun 10am-6pm [email protected] 70 W. 29th Ave. Eugene, OR (541)343-3295 714 • 418 • 8570 www.sunriseasianfood.com 6 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 the first cd game KDmagazine elf-expression is irreplaceable in our society, varying from person to person and Sculture to culture. In this issue, we look at many different forms, hoping to give voice to those who feel misunderstood and offer insight to readers looking to understand the exchange Co-Directors diverse world around them. Sojin Kim, Yoon Suh Featured on this issue’s cover, Louie Cruz expresses himself through tattoos; they represent the mix of tattoo tradition around the world. “My face isn’t just one culture,” he Senior Editor says. A mixture of Maori, Marquesan and Inuit are inked onto his face. “I didn’t want to Tristen Knight Associate Editor tread on any one culture.” Logan Juve But the process is anything but pretty. Needles, guns and blood come hand-in-hand Copy editor with this ancient art form; permanence comes at a price. “I feel you have to earn this kind Karyn Campbell Writers (541) 302-3045 of stuff and not cheat it,” says Cruz. Inka Bajandas, Weronika Budak, Jason Dronkowski, Staff writer Jason Dronkowski reveals the history and tradition behind the art, discuss- Tess McBride, Amber Mees, Sierra Miller, Grace Neal, ing his own terrorizing, yet satisfying ride. “You better have some emotional endurance Jessica Polley, Marcus Purkapile, Katherine Vetrano once the bloody tears of a 30 E 11th Eugene, OR trillion skin pricks start flowing. Art Director Krystal Hilliker All in all, it’s a nasty process Designers any way you do it, but the Shawna Huang, Jiyea Park, Tomoi Miyauchi, Melissa healed result can be as person- Reader, Shiori Takeuchi, Kelly Walker Buy Sell Trade ally gratifying as it is artistically Photo Editor beautiful.” Conner Jay Movies Games Music Pain and permanent ink Photographers aren’t the only physical forms Kyle Carnes, Nick Gates, Benjamin Mangin, Zane Ritt, of self-expression. In years past, Kai-Huei Yau junior photographers the way a man wore his facial Blake Hamilton, William Lead, Jordan Strong hair was a form of identity; it could show where he lived, Ad Sales Director what religion he worshipped, Louis Kim Ad Sales Representatives or his personal style. Today, the Eugene Ahn, Sung Won Bae, Carly Hong, culture behind facial hair is So Young Kim often overlooked. Staff photog- rapher and writer Kyle Carnes examines the history and absurdity behind the scruff, and Coordinator Ji Yeun Han in the process, uncovers the story behind his own appearance. Some instead choose to express themselves through movement. Parkour, the art that Accounting Manager forges an unconventional path in ones environment, is a way to test the boundaries soci- Reiko Jinno ety creates. Participants climb, jump and flip on and over anything in their way; parkour is Accountants Suyoung Kim, Yao Yan an act of “flowing” through the buildings and boundaries that industrialization creates. Others turn to their heritage to find personal definition, but it isn’t easy for everyone. PR Director For adoptees, separation at birth can create a disconnect and loss of identity. We talk to Shui Ching Mo Kristen McColloch, a young woman adopted from South Korea at birth and placed into a PR Representatives Angela Chun, TaeJin Kim, Anna Lee, Bryan Saxton white American family. She discusses her struggle to understand her Korean culture grow- ing up in the United States. contact These examples are only a few forms of self-expression. We feel it doesn’t matter Mail: PO Box 30023 Eugene, OR 97401 how you express yourself, but that you share your story and expand others’ knowledge Phone: 714-403-8570 Email: [email protected] is what’s most important. In this and every issue, KD Magazine gives this mix of voices a common platform to be heard.

KD Magazine is published quarterly by Korean Ducks, a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon. The views and opinions expressed by KD members are strictly those of the authors. All contents of KD Magazine are Tristen Knight legal property of Korean Ducks, except where noted. Permission is required to copy, reprint, or use any text, Senior Editor photographs or artworks presented in KD Magazine.

8 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 passport dialogue The Forum

RT, BOMBAY RPO AI R A H A B INDIA 7 200 5 APRIL Made in India Before making serious life decisions, Mary Evans consults the unwritten laws of her Indian heritage. Before piercing her nose, Evans made sure to follow the unsaid cultural lens guidelines of Indian nose-piercing standards. According to Indian superstition, get- ting your nose pierced on the left side will bring luck with love. A piercing on the right side of the nose will seal a terrible fate for future relationships. Chai means tea in Hindi. Therefore the Mary Evans was adopted at three months old from India. That is as close to India expression “chai tea” is redundant. as she has ever been. Eager to discover pieces of her culture, she uncovers what she can in Eugene. The University of Oregon offers Hindu as a language, and Evans can be found on the roster. Evans has other distinctive markings on her body as a tribute to her Indian heri- India has 14 official languages. Naturally, tage. On the lower left side of her hip is a proudly stamped tattoo that reads, “Made English is India’s primary language. In India.” Unlike Evan’s goals to learn her Indian heritage, Vinnie Reddy, a biology The world’s first university was established in major at the University Takshashila, India in 700 B.C. and offered of Oregon, is trying to warfare as part of its curriculum. find his place in Ameri- ca. Reddy was born and raised on the East coast of India in Hyderabad. India invented math. You can thank His motivation for them for calculus. moving to America is similar to that of most immigrants: the land of opportunity. Like any You can thank them for pi too. culture, he says there are superstitions and traditions unique to his homeland. Nose piercing is a tradition not The Soul of Religion practiced by all families in India. Some Indian families still follow the tradition of ar- ranged marriages, while many others date someone and eventually marry. The main difference Reddy identifies between America and India is family structure. He says It’s been 10,000 years since India invaded n Hinduism, the world’s third largest has an effect, and every decision we Equally important, Dharma guides India is more family oriented and America is focused on the individual. another country. Ireligion commonly practiced in India, make will connect back to us, either in its believers to make the right decisions While Mary Evans searches for her link to India, Vinnie Reddy works on adjusting the ultimate goal is to discover the truth this lifetime or the next. Howard refers and contributes to positive Karma. As to American culture. Someday, their paths may cross in their journey to cultural within us. Self-realization, once reached, to Karma as “layers on our soul” that re- the cosmic theory of balance and truth, understanding. -Amber Mees will open a person’s eyes to the truths main present throughout reincarnation, Dharma is the sacred obligation to make About half of the residents in India are beyond mind, thought and feeling, lead- also known as Samsara. the right choices. Everyone’s Dharma is less than 25 years old. ing to the true self: the soul. Reincarnation, meaning “to be made different, reflecting individual situa- With a billion followers, Hindu- flesh again,” is directly related to Karma. tions, but once a person discovers and Rules of Play ism is believed to have originated in The concept promotes the belief of follows his or her Dharma, it will create ancient India, but has no harmony among all. It doesn’t cover front pages of any United States newspapers, Bollywood is the largest film industry known founder. While the Dharma creates social and universal order. In addition to finding but in India, the sport’s importance compares to Americans’ love in the world; Brett Ratner may be religion’s philosophy and personal balance, Dharma of football. At first, the game resembles soccer. Then you see bats directing there soon. spiritual insights have been recorded in treating all creatures, small and large, creates social and universal order. Rules and balls in each player’s hands. Baseball? No, the field is oval. many sacred texts, such as in the Shruti with the kindness and respect you want prevent us from doing wrong, and What we have here is cricket, the sport that warrants more and Smriti, the theology focuses on the to be bestowed on yourself. Howard de- while some are enforced by the law, viewers than any other Indian game. You’ve probably never The founder of Hotmail, significance of the soul, known as atman scribed the mindset of reincarnation as others are mandated though society heard of Rahul David, whom the natives named the pride Sabeer Bhatia, is Indian. or atma. similar to dreaming. When dreaming, we and conscience. Howard pointed out of the country, or Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “Indian “We identify ourselves with our body are not conscious of our existence, and that in almost every culture there are David Beckham.” Though the names of cricket players or our mind, but when your body dies once awake the memories of our dreams taboos, such as lying, cheating and may not echo through the American media as often as your soul doesn’t,” said Veena Howard, a vanish but still affect our thoughts and killing. By living by our Dharma and Joe Montana’s or Terrel Owens’, for Indians, this unique Indians consider the Taj Mahal a University religious studies professor. actions. As our bodies and lives shift separating right from wrong, we create and classy sport means something more than just gift of love to the world; postage Karma, one of the main principles of with every rebirth, our Karma-layered unity among all cultures, countries and competition: It connects people and expresses their can be a bit steep. Hinduism, is the belief that every action soul, or true self, remains the same. religions. -Tess McBride A mber mees; william L ead. C onner jay; C lockwise from left: lens sources visit koreanducks.org F or cultural spirit to the whole nation. -Weronika Budak

10 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 11 passport dialogue The Forum

it obviously does. I think that adoption prove that it was a good choice on their People’s perceptions… it’s not is one way to show how humanity boils part to adopt you. I think that in every something that they would expect down to basic emotions. It’s the com- adoption case, there’s a lot of behavioral necessarily. mon thread that ties everyone together. problems, just because there is a sense In terms of what it has done to the vis- of disconnect: “I know you’re my par- Do you know any other Korean adoptees that ible American culture, it has shown how ents; I know all of my family, but there feel the same way you do? the homogeneity is not as straightfor- isn’t that biological tie.” So it brings in Adopted Culture ward as has been in the past. On a social questions like, “What does DNA mean?” We had some family friends in Boise, Exploring the disconnect adoption creates level adoption is a good thing; I don’t or, “What does the nurture versus nature and we kind of fell apart when my fam- see how it couldn’t be. factor into the adoption equation?” ily moved to England. But my parents keep in touch with their parents, and What does adoption mean in your family? Do you think your adopted brother has I guess that’s when their daughter, who experienced adoption differently than you? is a year older than me, went to col- I was always brought up with the lege- she experienced a crisis of identity. knowledge that I was adopted, and I He probably felt some sort of question- I think it got diagnosed as attachment always understood the idea in terms of ing. I know that it is easier for him, if he disorder. She had a younger brother who wanted to, he could find his birth mom. had behavioral problems growing up so My parents are about as That’s kind of a sense of comfort I think she buffered that by being a really good in the back of his mind, and I know student and so she ignored her own ignorant as I am about that I could never do that with mine. issues because of that. I can definitely But I think that, in terms of my brother relate. When she got to college, she kind Korean culture. contrasted to me, it’s the same idea of of just fell apart, and she went through a contrasting cultures in general. phase where she really needed her the transaction. But in terms of cultural parents there. So she spent her time issues, it was never really stressed that With not having the comfort of being able to getting reacquainted with them and much. My parents are about as ignorant find your birth mother or birth father, how redefining their relationship, probably as I am about Korean culture. If I was does that play into being adopted? Is there in the terms of the fact that she was to learn about Korean culture, I would a division between those who can find their adopted. I don’t really know how much have to get my parents excited about she thought of it before. parents and the ones who cannot? the idea to get them to learn about it. I don’t know. In general with adoption Have you talked with your parents about if Have you always assimilated yourself in the there is a sense of this strange discon- being adopted causes them to see you identity of your family rather than your own nect. I feel like most people that grow differently? because you are adopted? up with their biological parents don’t ever question that relationship; it just Oh, no. I don’t think so. It’s cool because I was talking to my brother about it; kind of is. I know for me I have ques- my mom and I have similar personality. we were just talking about the fact that tioned that relationship before, and have My dad is organized, and I feel I’m we’re recognizing that there are differ- ent cultures and that there are different habits, or little idiosyncrasies that define “I feel like most people that grow up with cultures as different from each other. their biological parents don’t ever question that Within my own family, I’ve definitely been assimilated into whatever culture relationship; it just kind of is.” it is that we are. So there really wasn’t that much of a stress on Korean culture questioned, “What is this actual thing that way sometimes. So I know that eparation at birth is more respectively as the top four countries What were the circumstances of your in my own family. I think it was hard; [adoption]?” the environment I grew up in definitely I was also the minority in a group. It’s common than most people of origin. adoption? formed a lot of who I am, but at the hard to show your own culture when same time, I have interests that com- may realize. Thousands of Across generations, international Have you ever felt out of place? you’re surrounded by a dominant one, pletely are outside of anything in their children are adopted into the adoptees experience a separation My birth mom was raped, and she was S from a pretty small village so she gave kind of like it encompasses it. We never I went to Ohio for my grandpa’s funeral family history. U.S. every year from various countries from their biological parents. They are me up for adoption. I was born in my really dealt with that too much. last winter. We were all walking around I have an older brother who wasn’t around the world. International adop- inserted into a culture that is not their aunt’s apartment in the middle of Seoul. eating cookies at the memorial service, adopted, and since my mom was an tions have increased dramatically own. Of the thousands adopted out of Then I was adopted when I was four Do you think that adoption affects people in and I felt really disconnected. Nobody artist and my dad was a mechanical over the last decade. According to the South Korea, Kristen McColloch has ex- months old and brought over here. different ways, or is there a common effect? knew that I was the granddaughter engineer, my brother is an architect. It U.S. State Department, in 1992, 6,472 perienced this trend. She was adopted because they wouldn’t have thought I seems like the perfect blend, and it just children were adopted from abroad. by a white American family, complete What do you think adoption has done to your I don’t have anything to contrast it was: My grandpa was white. It was kind makes a lot of sense why he became Korean culture, or rather, your culture in against, but I think that adoption, as of weird because I’m pretty sure that what he is. In terms of having blood In 1999, the number increased to with two white brothers, one of whom general? a general term, has its own separate there was one other Asian family, and from both parents, that is what created 16,396 and in 2005, there were 22,728 is adopted. She stands alone in her psychology attached to it. There is that I’m pretty sure that everyone thought I his passion for architecture. My other international adoptions, with China, family, being the only daughter and the I think it’s funny when people say that sense of obligation to feel grateful to was with them as opposed to knowing brother is a drummer, and I don’t know Russia, Guatemala and South Korea, only member with foreign blood. racism doesn’t exist anymore because P hoto by kyle carnes your parents; there is an obligation to that I was part of my grandpa’s family. what I am going to do yet. -Nick Gates

12 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 13 passport dialogue The Forum

It is also an imposed label as Univer- English predominately or speak no their presence in the U.S. and the com- sity of Oregon Assistant English Profes- Spanish at all. Others speak a mixture mon Spanish language, can as he puts it, sor David Vázquez points out. “I find of English and Spanish with each other “form the basis for political organization (Hispanic) to be an ethnic label that is where they use the two languages inter- in terms of the formation of alternative imposed by the state, so I tend to refuse changeably. political parties or the running of politi- that identification for oliticalp reasons.” And just as each Latin American cal candidates.” He explains Hispanic can be used to country has a slightly different way of If Latinos choose to be labeled A Conflict of Labels discriminate against Latinos in terms of speaking Spanish, they also have many together they gain power in numbers. available resources such as housing. different customs and foods that vary With 3.5 million people describing Our country’s preoccupation with race has lead to false stereotyping Latino, like Hispanic, emerged in from country to country. Traditional themselves as Hispanic on the 2000 the 1970s and puts a diverse group of Mexican food varies from traditional census, Latinos make up a large and people together under one category, but Cuban food where they serve dishes growing voting block in the United there’s one key difference says Hernan- including tropical ingredients like fried States. Politicians can no longer ignore dez. “‘Latino’ was brought up by the plantains. Not all Latinos eat burritos the Latino vote. Latinos themselves Latino community.” This means it was and tacos. have also become more active in an elected label as opposed to politics. Recently, Latino Bill one imposed by those in power Richardson, the governor of making it the label of choice for “Some of my teachers in high New Mexico, joined the race many Latinos. school thought I was just Spanish- for the Democratic presidential Chicano usually refers to ticket in 2008. “There’s power those living in the United speaking and they would talk to in numbers, but there’s also the States of Mexican or Mexican- power to influence certain types American descent. It attempts me really slow.” of policy decisions––the power to to define a new identity formed influence the way in which our by those living between Mexican and Vázquez believes Latinos can tran- cultures are represented,” says Vázquez. American cultures who have created scend their many differences. “I think “But perhaps that greatest potential is in their own subculture. Chicano is a more we need to broaden our understanding terms of remaking mainstream Ameri- complex label than Hispanic or Latino. of what it means to be Latino or Latina,” can identity from the standpoint of “Anyone can be can be Chicano; it’s a he explains. “The key is that there is no Latino identity.” political identity,” says Diego. essential Latino characteristic.” In a way, the terms Hispanic, Latino Despite being grouped together, The problem with being grouped and Chicano can help define the way many Hispanics or Latinos don’t have together as one is that some Latinos generations of Americans whose parents, a whole lot in common. They can vary find they are treated differently because grandparents or ancestors were origi- racially, culturally and linguistically. of negative Latino stereotypes, some nally from Latin America must learn While Latinos are sometimes referred of which assume that they don’t speak to live between two cultures: Ameri- to as brown, their appearance can range any English, are here illegally and steal can culture and the culture of a Latin from light-skinned with blond hair and away jobs from hard-working Ameri- American country. In Chicana author blue eyes to much darker complexions. cans. English-dominant Latinos, or ones Gloria Anzaldúa’s book, “Borderlands: Some Latinos have primarily European who have been U.S. citizens for years, La Frontera The New Mestiza,” she ancestry, while others are indigenous or are often affected by these stereotypes. discusses living with a hybrid identity descend from slaves, but many are a mix Both Vázquez and Diego have encoun- comprising multiple cultures and races. of several of these backgrounds. tered these stereotypes, particularly in She talks about the confusion that Contrary to stereotype, not all Lati- relation to their command of English. mixed people or people living between nos are illegal immigrants––some have “Some of my teachers in high school two cultures such as herself experi- been American citizens for generations thought I was just Spanish-speaking and ence. “The ambivalence from the clash or became American citizens when they would talk to me really slow,” says of voices results in mental and emo- the United States acquired most of Diego. “When finding out that you’re tional states of perplexity. Internal strife the Southwestern United States from Puerto Rican some people say, ‘Oh you results in insecurity and indecisiveness. Mexico; Puerto Ricans don’t require speak really good English,’ as if we’re all The mestiza’s (a person who is both ABOVE: Juan Diego Hernandez hopes to educate people who misidentify him as Hispanic. a visa to immigrate to the United States somehow expected to be immigrants to of Indigenous and European ancestry) because they are U.S. citizens; and Cu- the United States,” said Vázquez who dual or multiple personality is plagued ust like any other racial identity Black or African American. Terms such nandez, a University of Oregon student. bans for years received political asylum was born in the United States. by psychic restlessness,” she writes. structure formed within the as Hispanic have no meaning outside “Some people don’t know the difference and immediate American citizenship Latinos make up a dynamic and This feeling of confusion and internal United States, the ethnic labels the U.S. You would never hear a resident between Hispanic and Latino.” This upon immigrating to the U.S. diverse group of people, and while strife caused by living between cultures Jused for people from Spanish- of El Salvador call himself or herself ignorance is especially true with the Some also assume that Latinos only there are drawbacks to being grouped is prevalent among Latinos because speaking countries are highly contested Latino or Latina. inclusion of people from Spain in the speak Spanish or speak mediocre Eng- together, many Latinos have found many struggle with balancing American among their recipients. The terms The term Hispanic is a relatively new label. “It’s like counting British (people) lish. While many Latinos share Spanish that there is also a certain social and culture with their parents’ or families’ Hispanic, Chicano or Chicana, Latino term that first appeared 1970 the cen- as American,” says Diego. “The word as a common language, they speak many political utility to Latinos being unified Latin American culture. Many Latinos or Latina, and Spanish are rejected by sus. Some Latinos reject this term be- Hispanic is negative for our community; different dialects, with each country into one group. “There’s a potential for must form a bridge between these two some while others are favored, similar cause it attempts to homogenize them. it erases everyone’s history. Hispanic is having its own unique phrases, words us to unite among common lines,” says cultures, living in both at the same to the way African-Americans rejected “Since I was small I never liked being an American way to make sure that the and pronunciations. There is an increas- Vázquez who cites the commonalities time, not entirely part of one culture or the terms Negro and Colored in favor of called Hispanic,” says Juan Diego Her- melting pot is working.” P hoto by nick gates ing amount of Latinos who speak that Latinos share, such as the history of another. -Inka Bajandas

14 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 15 working in the

KingdomStory & Photos Conner Jay

16 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 17 earn similar wages to what they could back in Egypt, because the government determines pay based on what one would earn in their native country. Though Saudi Arabian oil companies dictate the labor market, traditional work still thrives in such a diverse city.

The Tunisian butcher flicks his prayer beads once more and reopens his shop. As evening prayer ends, the bustle of the city begins again. Incandescent lights flicker on in shops; fruits, vegetables, fish and meat roll back out to be sold. A Pakistani Tman speaks in Arabic to a Saudi Arabian customer, and a butcher from the Sudan is ordered to make a three-kilo cut of lamb. The flurry of diverse laborers return to work, with desert culture as part of the job. Across the city, the local Dhahran hospital employs a staff of nurses and physicians from more than 18 countries. “That still doesn’t account for the scope of diversity here,” says Dr. Ron Price. “We have nurses here from India that have to speak to each other in English because there are so many dialects of Urdu in their country.” Price, who was supposed to stay in the Kingdom for only two years, has lived here for 22. Originally from the U.S., he has since raised his family in Saudi Arabia and has become comfort- able in the desert. He jokes that many mistake him for being Desert culture is part of the job.

Arabian, not only because of his coffee-colored skin and dark facial hair, but also because he has adapted to the culture so well. His Chicago accent and fast words accompany the sincere smile he gives to his coworkers and patients. Yet the cultural differences he faces each day are challenging. “The hardest thing is just getting a patient’s history,” Price says, flipping through the charts of a 24-year-old woman suffering from pain and recent fainting spells. above: A crew of Bangladeshi road workers repairs a street inside the Saudi Aramco Residential Camp in Dhahran. All of the workers share a living space in the camp, while their As it turns out, the woman is diabetic and has not been families still reside back in their home country. previous page: Inside the city of Al-Khobar at dusk, a construction crew of Afghan immigrants works atop a four-story apartment complex. Although these men are living and working in Saudi Arabia, their wages are based on what they would make back in their home country. properly regulating her insulin. However, this diagnosis takes 26 minutes and two translators. The young woman speaks English well, but because it is not proper for young women to speak to Foreign workers prospect the desert in search of men outside their families, the girl’s mother speaks to Price for her. As the mother explains in Arabic, a Jordanian nurse trans- better wages but often find disparity lates in English, and Price finally pieces together a history. All the while, the young woman lies quietly hoping for a diagnosis. She has been missing her regular diabetic clinic appointments “Allahu Akbar… Ash-hadu all ilaha illallah…” A long cry in Saudi Aramco is the largest oil corporation in the world, because her husband does not have time to drive her to the Allah’s name drifts across the urban landscape. Loudspeakers drawing workers from all over the globe toward crude oil hospital. Women are not allowed to drive. Even taking a taxi is posted high above city mosques blare voices in unison. Adobe money. Most come to work and earn better wages than they often taboo because a woman alone in a car with a man other “ buildings turn crimson through the thick, red haze of the could in their home countries, sending their earnings to support than her husband is often looked down upon. “These kind of Aevening sun. Al-Khobar, a bustling city located in the Kingdom their families continents away. Foreign employment spans from cultural problems are something you run into all the time,” of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, grows silent for evening physicians and engineers to barbers and maids; the world’s says Price, as he tries to set up a time with her clinic to better prayer. Shopkeepers close blinds and lock doors, while vendors largest oil fields require an entire society to function efficiently. regulate her insulin. “You would never hear of anything like a cover their stands of fruit and vegetables. Of the estimated population of 27 million people, seven million woman not being able to drive to her clinic appointments back Outside storefronts, men smoking cigarettes speak strongly are migrants. in the States, but again here it’s just the reality.” accented Arabic tinged with hints of Asian, African and Middle But this diversity also harbors great disparity. The prospect A patient’s history is often the most important tool for an Eastern dialects. Pakistani men sit beside their fish market, while of working abroad attracts outside workers, all looking to earn emergency room physician, Price says, as most medical prob- across the street a butcher from Tunisia flips a chain of prayer a better life than they could back home. Saudi Arabian oil lems stem from a previous diagnosis. But as an American doctor beads as he waits for prayer to end. Filipino men carrying plastic companies create jobs meant for foreign workers but lack predominantly treating Saudi Arabian patients, learning an bags of take-out food crowd a bus stop. They wait to return to Western liberties, such as religious freedom. Cultural discrimina- individual’s history also requires understanding the cultural the Saudi Aramco Residential Camp in Dhahran, the major tion determines what one can gain economically from a typical nuances that separate Price from his patients. “Talk to a patient top: Inside the Fresh Gulf Fish shop, one of Mani’s Bangladeshi employees holds up a administrative center of the Saudi oil industry. Nearly one profession. A doctor from the United States will earn slightly long enough, though, and you’ll find the problem,” he explains. King Fish caught earlier that day in the Arabian Gulf. Above: Mani from the Philippines hundred thousand people live in Dhahran, many of them immi- more in the Kingdom than what they could back home, whereas “It helps that most of my patients look at me and think we works with two other men from Bangladesh. His family still lives back in the Philip- grants from around the world cultivating this mass of diversity. an Egyptian doctor––even with an American education––will could be related, as well.” pines as he supports them from abroad.

18 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 19 An old Saudi Arabian man rolls into the ER in a wheelchair. developing world migrate to the Kingdom, and little protection His stern face grimaces; a catheter bag hangs at his side. Dr. is in place for their employment benefits. The U.S. Department Price stands up and gives a long, formal Islamic greeting to of State says some migrants reported that they weren’t allowed the old man. “As-salamu alaykum…” he says as he respectfully to leave Saudi Arabia after their contracted work period ended. touches his hand softly to his heart. The old man’s face stretches It wasn’t until 2002 that the Saudi Arabian government passed into a toothless smile, and he leans over to take the doctor’s a law prohibiting employers from holding employees’ passports hand, mumbling back to Price in Arabic as if her were a family without their consent––a law that remains widely unrecognized. member. As they walk towards a bed, Dr. Price looks back and Saudi Arabia is one of only two major nations in the world with- says, “You see, he thinks I’m an old cousin!” out a legislature, leaving little or no representation for foreign workers in the government. Bangladeshi migrant Adel Zia (whose name has been Diversity in the Kingdom is a double-edged sword, because its changed upon request) has worked on a maintenance crew for opportunities can be short-sighted and limited. Workers wages seven years, but he still has no representation or voice in how are adjusted to scale, usually increasing little more than what his wages are allotted. He repairs and cleans the roads around workers would earn back home. No legal minimum wage exists the Saudi Aramco Residential Camp in Dhahran, sending Dto solve this problem. income back to his wife and three daughters living in Dhaka, “Even with an American education, my payroll is based upon Bangladesh. Adel, who could not find enough work back home my passport,” says Dr. Amir Al-Shakh, an Egyptian physician at the hospital. “It is based upon your country, your profession “Even with an American education, my and your worth from back where you’re from.” Dr. Al-Shakh explains that the wage system often exploits foreign workers payroll is based upon my passport.” despite the opportunities it provides. According to Human Rights Watch, guest workers can be subject to abuses and labor to support his family, can only afford to visit once a year. “I have exploitation, including physical and sexual mistreatment, forced to work in the desert now,” he says with a smile. “But I would confinement, withholding of wages, denial of food and health work anything, as long as there is work.” Now he makes slightly care, and excessive working hours with no rest days. more than what he would in Bangladesh and his work in the Although Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Kingdom provides his family some stability. He boasts with a have repeatedly expressed concerns about human rights abuses white-toothed grin that his daughters all attend a private school in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom denies that any abuse has actu- and plan on going to a university. “I am very grateful. I can feed ally taken place. Hundreds of thousands of laborers from the my family and send my daughters to school. That’s fine.” KD

below: Omar Hussain bags a cut of lamb for a regular Saudi customer. Although he is originally from Pakistan, he now owns his own business in Saudi Arabia. OPPOSITE: Adel Zia is on a street maintenance crew in the Aramco Camp, working in the Kingdom for the past seven years. Zia was unable to find work back in his home country of Bangladesh and came to Saudi Arabia for an opportunity of a stable job.

20 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 21 nks, I guns &tats The history, culture and fascination behind the needle STORY JASON Dronkowski PHOTOS CONNER JAY & Kai-Huei Yau

ou ready to get to it?” asks a tattoo artist between and over again before carefully choosing the artist. When I first trembling pulls of a cigarette. walked into Oddball Studios, located in Northeast Portland on “I guess as ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply with a bit of Burnside, I knew the shop had the attitude needed to imple- Y hesitation, still subconsciously questioning this man’s ment my desire. But right now, Mike has me scared shitless. As ability to hold a needle. he cleans his tattoo gun, the slow whines begin to infiltrate my “That’s good,” he remarks with a sly grin. “Because when I skull, and suddenly I feel the urge to clean out my stomach. move, I slice like a motherfuckin’ hammer!” “I’ve only had two other jobs this week,” Mike explains with- Mike Freeman leads willing victims into his office, filling their out being asked. “They both passed out on me. So, even though I bodies with the same terror as Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s over- may be a little out of practice, just try to stay conscious.” powering Leatherface. In fact, Mike and the masked murderer’s In a fit of uncanny inhibition, I decide to take a few moments lairs are dreadfully similar. The air reeks of iodine and rubbing alone. I mull over my deposited dedication to this artist in the alcohol while sounds of screams and screeches resonate from the amount of sixty dollars. I begin to wonder if my life, or my speakers playing fanatic death metal overhead. However, instead health, is worth this down payment. Prior to my appointment, I of Leatherface’s broke-down family farm, Mike stations himself sought refuge in the form of hydrocodone support. Now, I sigh in nothing more than a quad studio shared between several and try to slow my breathing before going back into the studio Oddball artists, all just as talented and just as insane. looking like a lemming. “Everyone brings something to the table,” explains Mike, I reenter the studio with a drugged smile and a lack of fear. surrounded by four walls strewn with single tattoo sketches, fin- Mike looks straight into my eyes; he knows his wise cracks won’t ished product photos and rude written remarks. “Everyone has scare me anymore. I may be messed up, but at least I won’t feel something to offer and everyone has some bullshit too.” his infliction of fear. I stretch my shoulder and arm for the last The permanent painting about to be placed upon my arm is time before I nestle into the arm harness and float away on the no consequence of a drunken whim. It’s the Gonzo dagger, the emotional rush of my natural endorphins. In my half-contem- symbol of a journalistic style and my tribute to the good doctor. plative and constrained state, the high-pitch buzz of the needle I considered the image for many years, reworking its details over motor is pure Zen. Pigment dyes have evolved from black and earth tones to in- the dream of self-employment and respected recognition is clude a multi-colored spectrum of ink, including blacklight-reac- more than common among young tattoo artists. However, these tive ones. Once only done in tribal rituals or traditional ceremo- goals are often stalled by start-up capitol and licensing issues. nies, tattooing has grown to a popular and interesting service “The licensing issue is extra hard because to teach someone spawning large and independent businesses, TV shows and one to tattoo you have to be a state licensed tattoo school,” Mike hell of a following. explains, referring to Oregon license standards requiring Rumor has it, tattooing began as a Eurasian practice some- apprenticeships. “Most of the people doing it just want to make time during the Neolithic era. But there is also evidence dating money and aren’t very good at tattooing. Finally, I was able to the art of tattoo to the Paleolithic era where it was pioneered apprentice for two and a half years, learning about everything by the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu, for body decora- from blood diseases to tattoo history.” tion and elevation of social status. In Samoa, tribal tatau tradi- For this reason, precise pieces reveal symbolism as personal tions still hold strong after almost 2,000 years. This particular as DNA with artistic skill as scientific as sculptural realism. place revealed the art to Western culture through Pacific island exploration during Precise pieces reveal symbolism as personal as DNA the seventeenth century, specifically during James Cook’s travels to Hawaii and Tahiti. with artistic skill as scientific as sculptural realism. For centuries, tattoos remained intoler- able to Christians and socially unacceptable in Europe. Initially, Michelangelo went beyond the canvas to paint on all four walls the Western experience with tattoos was restricted to punish- of the Sistine Chapel. Tattoo artists draft on paper and material- ment markings on criminals and prisoners. But tattoos soon ize on the human body, a medium where they cannot erase or became coveted souvenir marks from distant travels. Wealthy start over. A tattoo artist knows they have one chance to prove travelers and troubadours returned to Europe with crosses, drag- themselves and make your painful experience worthwhile. ons and legion markings inked on their bodies. “Respect comes from quality work, diligence, honesty and Prior to his pricking, Mike quickly traces the tattoo onto care,” explains Mike. “If you do really good work, keep your ego contact paper via enlarging machine and designated graphics. under wraps and have some personality, people will notice you.” He centers the paper on my arm, making the blade perfectly perpendicular to the width of my bicep. He stands back and examines the art, moving my arm in different positions. My questioning gaze is returned with a displeased smile. “The dagger just looks too small for your arm,” says Mike, a prelude to the tattoo artist’s constant commitment to bigger and bolder. “I think it’ll look better if we blow it up some more.” Obviously, the decision rises to either go big or go home. PREVIOUS: “Tattooing my face just set me apart from the rest of American tattoo culture,” says Louie Cruz an apprentice training to be a piercer at High Priestess Body Piercing and Ink. ABOVE: A tribal design on Cruz’s shoulder was his first ink, later expanding his pieces to include branding work on his face and neck. OPPOSITE: HPP Ink artist Splat Ter explains The tattoo will represent my way of life and my eternal, ethical how his humor mimics some of his tattoos, “I just happen to be the type of guy that even with someone choking, I would perform the Heimlich and finish my joke.” influence. Why not embellish this design to the world with large lettering and bold illustration? At my approval, Mike creates a Although aesthetically enlightening, the tattoo experience is of my closest friends ignorantly try to ink themselves using Bic larger trace design and diligently slaps the new contact paper never an entirely pretty one. But with a good artist and an enter- ballpoint pens and sewing needles. I lucked out that day, reject- onto my arm. taining atmosphere, a patient should hardly ever notice. While ing the opportunity of matching skull tattoos in exchange for I reveal the trace to the rest of the studio. Receiving smiles of Mike appears to serve our world as a sadist savage and petty the job of bleaching the blood-stained throw sheets. The bleach confirmation and favoring nods, I check myself out in a nearby prankster, there is also a connection between us as he pushes worked on the sheets, but my mind was scarred. I began having mirror. I dig it. And I declare its hardcore legitimacy. “Looks and pokes my skin in the most meticulous manner. It’s more nightmares involving a steroid-strung Henry Rollins chasing me good. Let’s rock.” intimate than a hug, but less sensual than a physical. down an endless hallway with a mechanized needle the size of a Soviet AK-47. His cackles still curdle my I began having nightmares involving a steroid-strung blood when I think about it. Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands once became It took almost ten years for my mind to a Mecca for abstract and unorthodox artists. Some European Henry Rollins chasing me down an endless hallway. finally settle and find an inspirational design artists reformed by the Renaissance threw away their canvas to to pursue. Truthfully, the whole revelation is start art anew on the human body, the most beautiful medium However, he turns hard as fast as he turned soft: “Your skin’s blurred into one big ass-kicking and bountiful binge. By then, of all. Once Westerners mastered the unusual art, their limits tough and thick, so I’m goin’ to really have to grind hard.” the matching skull tattoos that were childishly cut into my became unbound and rebellion became their safe haven. Sol- Pain is literally the name of the game. You’re getting perma- friends’ calves morphed into oblong jack-o-lanterns. They wear diers cemented their oaths with permanent brands, while royal nent paint—ink deep within your skin. It will last forever, but pants nine months out of the year, but they’re always excited for families rested their heritage on a tattooed family crest. first it’s going to sting a little bit. Nothing horrific, just the slight Halloween. It’s all relevant history you’ll never learn in your average discomfort of a burn and the appearance of a road rash wound. “Safety and consistency are always challenges,” says Mike. art class. Personal symbolism, souvenir signatures, permanent Anyone who’s fallen off a bicycle can take the pain of a small “But the biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is self-doubt and be- promises; they’re now all honest reasons to get inked. But reason tattoo, but for a large project, you better have some emotional ing overly critical.” shouldn’t be relevant when a marking the size of a nickel can endurance once the bloody tears of a trillion skin pricks start illustrate a sentimental piece that’s priceless. Occasionally, the flowing. All in all, it’s a nasty process any way you do it, but artistic quality is inferior to the eternal memory it represents. the healed result can be as personally gratifying as it is artisti- Tattoo culture has outlasted punk music, metal The boys back home have never shown remorse for their oddly cally beautiful. fashion and folk philosophy; it’s been a part of several fads, but strewn skulls. In fact, they’re proud of their paint. To tell the truth, my tattoo experience never began on the it’s never faded. The tattoo craft has progressed from bamboo Fortunately, this sentimental symbolism spawns business right foot. Sometime during my adolescent years, I watched six and wooden pricks to precisely gauged, sterilized needles. opportunities for abstract and unique artists. Born from hobby,

24 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 25 LEFT: Grayce Bentley got stars on her back when she was 18 and spent two years deciding what else to add. “My uncle always said I was the eagle of the family,” says Bentley. She is also a fan of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. “His repetition of the use of the crown in a lot of his pieces is really important to me,” she says. “It’s a symbol of power and strength.” ABOVE: Splat Ter shows a picture of his 3 1/2-year-old son tattooed on this thigh done by Stevie Soto. “It’s about taking what you have on the inside and putting it on the outside.”

Sometimes these ink-inflictors refuse to limit their art to gins his spiel about post-job care, suggesting non-scented lotion the human body. Many artists prove to be excellent watercolor as the best treatment for my damaged arm. As he speaks, my painters, a style similar to tattoo art and its inks. In fact, many natural endorphins combine with my ingested drugs to almost tattoo artists learn detailed drawing skills before tackling the send me spiraling out of consciousness. I realize it’s time to step cumbersome pursuits of tattooing practice. away from the needles and guns and find a private resting spot “I draw a lot,” comments Mike. “When I was about nine, where I can bask in this partly organic inebriation. I started drawing barbed wire all over myself and my friends.” When you obtain a tattoo combining beautiful art and senti- In hysterical reminisce, Mike recalls the irony of the situation. mental value, you have found something more precious than a “My mom eventually told me that if I kept drawing on my skin I portrait. Tattoos can be both personally meaningful and visually would get ink poisoning.” ridiculous simultaneously. I once met a state attorney with the Finally, we approach the second hour of the job. The tattoo- High Life girl pleasantly perched on his right forearm; Winston ing is as continuous as my euphoric state, save a short break for cigarettes, of course. The needle The tattooing is as continuous as my euphoric pressure begins to weigh more. I glance at the horror to double-check that Mike isn’t hammer- state, save a short break for cigarettes, of course. ing nails into my skin. Increasing nausea almost overpowers me as I witness the Churchill’s mom had a snake tattoo on her wrist, supposedly ac- oozing blood mix with the injected ink. The product is a black companied by a pair of pierced nipples. In my humble opinion, solution stinking of iron and sweat, hard work and blood. Mike a tattoo is for you, so screw everyone else. wipes away the coagulating concoction and inspects the finish- Some people buy expensive senior pictures, some families ing outcome. At this instant, I realize the artistic simplicity hire painters for reunions and some couples hire montage of the tattoo: several lines meeting together to create a black videographers for weddings. For a sado-masochistic cult, overly dagger reading “Gonzo” at the handle. The technique used is interpreted as weird and unethical, we get tattoos to brand nothing special and the art is nothing abstract, but Mike and I our memories. And when you, the inexperienced, finally do, know the memory will last a lifetime. you’ll throw out your fifty-cent street portraits and penny My artist covers my war wound with gauze and skin tape, souvenirs for that throbbing piece of flesh that will heal into a carefully sealing every exposed corner of the art. Mike then be- true heritage. KD

www.koreanducks.org 27 the ENVYof

MENThe rooted absurdity of facial hair STORY & PHOTOS KYLE CARNES

won’t lie. I have a glorious beard. I call it, The unforeseen blow to my ego. Thus, I embarked on a quest to Envy of Men. It’s motor oil-black, thick as an Irish reinvigorate my machismo by discovering the meanings behind accent, and rough like sandpaper. When I wake in the scruff. the morning, I don’t have bed head––I have bed While Internet searching, I stumbled on Beard Team USA’s face. Obviously, I’m a real man’s man: five foot Web site, featuring this country’s gnarliest group of beard- ten, 140 pounds, Scrabble enthusiast, and slightly wielding mofos. BTUSA competes in the biennial World Beard Ieffeminate. If you slapped a football jersey or a flannel shirt on and Mustache Championships, which to BTUSA’s dismay, my back, I couldn’t be manlier. the Germans dominate. While When I strolled into the Thai I spoke with self-proclaimed restaurant I work at, The Envy of He could sense The Envy’s power team captain Paul Olsen, he Men blooming, my perplexed Thai tried to recruit me for this year’s coworker said, “Are you trying to through the phone. competition in England to help look . . . ?” She couldn’t find the knock “the Germans off their high right word, so she clawed the air horse.” (Entry is only 20 dollars.) and gnashed her teeth like a ferocious tiger. “Are you trying He could sense The Envy’s power through the phone. But I to look fierce?” (I certainly wasn’t.) She and my other Thai declined the offer. I’ve nothing to prove. coworkers didn’t think The Envy was too hot and told me Olsen, a 58-year-old semi-retired lawyer with a black bushy Jamin Rol grows facial to promptly shave. Perplexed, I wondered if more than just beard, says beards are men’s birthright; they shave because hair because he says he is committed to excellence and poor taste influenced their opinion. In Thailand, a beard could women who are jealous of male facial hair make them. (What- “it’s a departure from fashion mean something other than the pinnacle of manhood––an ever. Chicks dig The Envy.) Olsen has been growing his beard publication masculinity.”

28 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 home with facial hair, his mom, who moved to the U.S. from China in the 1960s, said he had to shave for work. He said it was probably a generational difference because he remembers “wise old men from the movies” having “long ass white beards.” Elsewhere in East Asia, it wasn’t uncommon for emperors in seventeenth century Japan to sport mustaches. Warriors grew facial hair to appear tougher. After the seventeenth century, beards delineated status. They weren’t allowed in proper society. Since then, Japan has wavered on whether facial hair is a status symbol or not. In 2004, the Japanese military ordered soldiers in Iraq to grow mustaches so they would fit in with the locals. Beards, however, were prohibited as they interfere with gas masks.

or some religious men, facial hair is not a status symbol but a show of faith. From the day the first peach fuzz sprouts from an Orthodox Jewish boy’s pubescent face, he lets his mug flourish as The Holy FBible: King James Version commands, “Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.” Likewise, Islam forbids shaving. It’s considered Haraam, or sin. Islam instructs Muslim men to grow fist- length beards like the prophet Muhammad. Otherwise, one “Some people grow big beards may be mistaken as a Westerner in Saudi Arabia for cultural and or a hermaphrodite. Sikhs, often religious reasons,” Mustafa Al- mistaken as Muslims, grow beards Abudib says. “I grow it because because they believe it’s God’s I like it.” will for hair to grow naturally. “I would say Asian culture However, Amish men are a bit prefers clean-shaven,” Derrick “[My facial hair] just kind of came up on me, and I try to maintain it as much as possible,” Michael Peta says. “When I cut it off, it’s even more of a hassle to keep a more razor happy. They stay clean- Louie says. “When I went home fully shaved face.” shaven until they’re married or from school for the first time with until they’re forty. Their beards facial hair my mom said I had to shave for work.” for eight years, but it stopped mid-chest. He’s envious of those prevent their enemies from yanking on them during hand-to- are like wedding rings and signify who can grow longer beards. Take for example Jack Passion, hand combat. passage into manhood. who’s pictured clad in a pirate costume on BTUSA’s Web site In 1773, the French writer, Antoine Dulaure touted the Facial hair even extends beyond the spiritual and religious alongside Olsen, dressed as a Civil War soldier. He’s 23 and has beard. He said beards nearly prevented the sack of Rome into fantasy worlds created by authors of comic books and a gargantuan red beard nearly to his belt. “To me that is just and made the Chinese believe that Europeans were the first novels. Along with their long cloaks and pointed hats, wizards an amazing beard,” Olsen chimed. “He could be a model that humans on Earth. He also insinuated that shaving creates are often characterized with magical long, white beards. students at the University of homosexuality and quoted Practically the two most powerful wizards of all time, Middle Oregon strive for.” the philosopher Jean Jacques Earth’s Gandalf The Gray and Hogwart’s Albus Dumbledore, Olsen’s beard makes him Peter the Great taxed men up to a hundred Rousseau saying, “Unless one both have brilliant beards. And everyone’s favorite mutant feel distinguished. He says be five feet six inches high, superhero, Wolverine, sports the meanest looking chops this God, Jesus, and Moses all had rubles a year for going unshaven. have a firm tenor voice, and a side of the Marvel Universe. Without the fuzz, these characters beards. Revolutionaries like beard on his chin, he should wouldn’t be the same beloved kick-ass idols worshipped by Carl Marx and Ché Guevara not pretend to be a man.” nerds abound. did too. Heck, half of Hollywood’s leading stars have beards. By the mid-1800s, British bearded patriarchs, possibly On a less geeky note, sports superstitions surround facial Villains like Osama Bin Laden also have beards, he says. “But channeling Dulaure’s vibe, denounced shaving. They said it hair. On one occasion, USA Today sports columnist, Jon for every bearded villain, there’s a bearded hero. It’s important was emasculating, ungodly and unsanitary. God made man in Saraceno, actually decided that because of their combined not to over-generalize.” His image. Why defy His design? Clearly, His germ-filtering scruff, Ben Roethlisberger and his Pittsburgh Steelers would As Olsen noted, facial hair can be the sign of good and evil, mustache design warded off tuberculosis. Truth-seeking win Superbowl XL. “The guy hasn’t shaved in two months,” divinity, strength, wisdom and manhood. Dartmouth European scientists de-furred animals to prove shaving produced Saraceno wrote. “The Steelers haven’t lost since he reached for history professor Angela Rosenthal says, “Hair, both natural and effeminate males. And in early American history, East Asian his Norelco.” It turns out, the Steelers won. The basis behind artificial, human or otherwise, always serves to communicate.” men like the Chinese were considered inferior and less Saraceno’s prediction, which has spread to the NFL, NBA Eighteenth-century European society discouraged facial hair. cultivated because they weren’t follicularly endowed. and MLB, stems from the NHL’s playoff beard. As soon as Modern men shaved. To modernize his empire, the Russian While East Asian men aren’t the world’s hairiest, they superstitious hockey players enter the Stanley Cup playoffs, tsar, Peter the Great, taxed men up to a hundred rubles a year can sprout impressive whiskers. However, Derrick Louie, a they stops shaving and don’t pull the razor back out until their for going unshaven. Likewise, Alexander the Great required UO student growing a thin black goatee, says Asian culture team wins or is eliminated. They believe that the playoff beard his soldiers to shave their beards before entering battle to typically prefers men clean-shaven. The first time he went is a deciding factor in the Cup’s outcome. “The guys who don’t

30 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 31 have a beard right now wish they did,” Anaheim Mighty Ducks forward Todd Fedrouk said during the 2006 playoffs. “If you don’t look like a Grizzly Adams right now, as a hockey player, you know your year has been a failure.”

he various facial hair histories, religious connota- tions and superstitious mumbo jumbo rendered me confused as to where my manhood lies, if not in the voluptuous, robust Envy of Men. If modern Euro- Tpean men shaved, what’s a postmodern guy like me supposed to do? I decided to visit the Red Rooster barbershop in Eugene whose owner, Pete Peterson, has been a barber for forty years and was recommended as among the most knowledgeable people on hair in the city. Unfortunately, Peterson no longer does clean shaves for his customers. Apparently, blade-steriliza- tion and disease transmission is an issue in the barbering world. “When you’re shaving someone with a straight razor, you’re using the same razor over again,” he said. “No way am I mess- ing with that.” Plus, barbers haven’t been in high demand for bearded folk since Gillette’s invention of the double-headed Trac II razor in 1971. But Peterson still trims the hedges. The three most popular facial hairstyles Peterson sees in Eugene are trimmed full beards (like The Envy), unkempt beards and goatees. He sports a “[Facial hair] is a sign of more commanding silver mustache, the ruggedness,” Ko Tanahashi says. “But it depends on what kind kind that Magnum P.I. (and porn you have. If you use it as another stars) in the 1970s made sexy. But form of manicuring yourself then he doesn’t have the foggiest why it’s different.” he grew it. His son said he looked dorky the last time he shaved. “A lot of people like to be clean-shaven because it’s more However, a stoic walrus would be expected professionally,” says proud to don his current stache. Ben Hartley (left) says, “[Facial hair] is definitely tied to masculinity.” Max Beeken (right) says, “I don’t own a razor. I have 13-year-old facial hair. This is just were it grows.” Brent Holmes. Humans, like walruses and all other mammals, have hair all over their bodies. But why humans grow hair is an enigma. bearded women in carnival freak shows. Mainstream Western or grandfathers, grow them in Korea, The Rebel said. Kien Scientists speculate that hair evolved to keep us cozy. Others culture says women must remove facial hair. Pluck, bleach, guessed that The Rebel was a grandfather, but The Rebel just suggest that hair evolved from scales. While yet another says wax, depilate, laser, you name it; women do it. “Whatever you didn’t care what anyone thought. hair is a form of sexual selection and facial hair evolved to do, don’t shave!” Cosmo Girl says. “Scruff is only cute on boys The Rebel represents an anti-culture. Men in this culture intimidate foes and attract the ladies. However, shaving has (wink!)” would have sticks and crumbs nestled in their beards rather been around since at least 100,000 B.C. when Neanderthals In response to an article in The New York Times describing than shave. I recently spent an afternoon on the UO campus used seashells to pluck and shape their facial hair into the the comeback of male facial hair in Hollywood, one reader, and asked men growing everything from neatly manicured latest styles. Picture the Geico caveman. Emily Alice Katz, responded: “I’m afraid that there will be no soul patches to gargantuan Paul Bunyan beards why they Since then, beards have cross-culturally evoked confidence analogous move away from grow facial hair. I got many and power the way Peterson’s mustache does. Abraham Lin- the plucked and straightened responses: “It’s a departure coln didn’t grow a beard until he became president. And aesthetic that remains de Men would have sticks and crumbs from fashion publication everyone knows that wrestler Hulk Hogan’s handlebars com- rigueur among fashionistas masculinity like Abercrombie pensate for his yellow tights. Even though Egyptians regarded and female celebrities, and nestled in their beards rather than shave. & Fitch.” “I hate shaving.” “I body hair as bestial, their pharaohs wore long braided beards thus for women everywhere. feel more connected to the and their gods were depicted with the same style curled at The reigning look for women wild.” “Because I don’t own the end. After the death of her husband, Egyptian Queen is as punitive and perverse as the Victorian corset, and a razor.” “It’s an accessory.” “I just think it looks better and the Hatshepsut wore a false beard when she became pharaoh to encourages conformity in place of the raucous individuality girlfriend likes it.” “Shaving is a waste of time.” express her power. that marks true style.” But some men disagree. They want their faces to feel like a Like Hatshepsut, women have occasionally embraced However, facial hair culture, style and mores evolve with baby’s bottom. Who doesn’t like silky smooth skin? The Thai facial hair. The beautiful, talented Mexican painter Frieda every generation. University of Illinois doctoral student Grant women I work with do. Thus, I’ve concluded that I can still be Kahlo rocked a petite mustache and unibrow. And there’s Kien experienced a generational change in male facial hair a brazen man with a beard or clean-shaven. So long as when I Vivian Wheeler who holds the world record for the longest while traveling with a beard in South Korea. “It’s rare to see shave The Envy of Men, I do it with a dull, rusted knife, using female beard at eleven inches. The men’s record, set by the anyone with facial hair in Seoul except for the odd, rebellious turpentine as shaving cream, as I imagine Clint Eastwood beastly Norwegian Hans Langseth, is seventeen and a half college students and musicians,” he says. While on a subway would, stogy in mouth. But all machismo aside, The Envy feet. Generally, women are considerably less hirsute than men. car in Seoul, Kien met one of these bearded rebels and asked means little to me. I have sensitive skin, and I grew it because Even still, female facial hair in the media is only found on him why men in Korea don’t grow beards. Only haraboji, shaving gives me razor burn and acne. KD

32 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 33 diversions people in motion soundwaves spices & spirits moving pictures colors & shapes

36 people in motion A new way to overcome life’s obstacles, both physical and mental, leaps into motion 38 moving pictures In a celebration of film and culture,Dis Orient brings a touch of Asian tradition to the big screen 40 spices & spirits The age-old tradition of homebrewing has found a new home in Eugene 42 soundwaves Explore trends and culture of reconstructing old sounds into new beats. 44 colors & shapes The Jordan Schnitzer Museum brings fine Korean ceramics to Eugene.

www.koreanducks.org 35 people in motion

he says. “I think we’re limited, running, which incorporates and parkour helps us push more aesthetic and non-func- these limits.” tional movements. Part of the philosophy An important aspect of behind parkour, based on parkour, which Belle has the theory of Daoism, is to mastered, is learning the become like water in order body’s physical limits and Urban Movement to flow through different then continuing to push them. environments. The structural Belle, who has never been A Daoist-inspired activity, parkour creates new paths through the city streets obstacles people come across seriously injured, drops off daily, represent larger life chal- buildings’ roofs and has even lenges, and finding alternative jumped from a two-story ship paths symbolizes the search onto a platform as part of his for general solutions to life’s adventurous media stunts. problems. Andrus-Hughes believes “Anything you do you can the sport is based on instinct, attach a philosophical mean- and participants revert back ing to it, but it’s not because to an animalistic nature of of the deeper meaning that movement. “It’s letting your I do it,” says Cody Predum, body do what it’s made for,” a University freshman, who he explains. While parkour is practices parkour around second nature to children, campus because he enjoys the who constantly jump over inventive form of exercise. “I and off things, people of all would like people to say park- ages occasionally do parkour our is a creative, artistic way of without knowing it, Andrus- doing things.” Hughes says. “It’s putting a Parkour, which comes from word for the natural things the French word “parcours,” we do.” meaning path or course, was Andrus-Hughes and Pre- founded by David Belle in dum say they train by running, France in the late 1980s. A practicing jumps and looking similar activity of movement up new techniques on the In- was created in the early twen- ternet. They note that weight tieth century, known as the training is unnecessary because “Natural Method of Physical the body naturally builds ABOVE: Nathan Andrus-Hughes executes a reverse vault, or a move in which an Culture,” which was used as a muscle by practicing the sport. obstacle is ‘overcome’ by vaulting and turning at 360 degrees. military training exercise. Urbanfreeflow.com is one of Belle’s father learned the the sources they use to find added that parkour is a sport Bond film, Casino Royale. skill as a French soldier in new moves and stories from that can generally be prac- Riley Clawson, a Univer- Vietnam before teaching it to traceurs around the world. ticed anywhere from a busy, sity freshman who practices Belle, who incorporated this There are no organized urban city to a quiet, natural parkour, is excited about the into what he learned while competitions for parkour forest. The only equipment a rising popularity of the sport, participating in martial because that would go against traceur needs is a pair of shoes although he hopes popular arts and gymnastics as a child. the philosophy behind the and a willing body. While the culture will embrace the sport, PREVIOUS: Nathan Andrus-Hughes performs a precision jump as he practices parkour, a physical art of French origin. The aim is to move from point A to point B as environment is broad-ranging not destroy it. efficiently and quickly as possible. ABOVE : Parkour is a physical art form meant to help one overcome obstacles, which can be anything in the surrounding environment. The structural obstacles people and the equipment is sparse, “I surely hope that this art it can still be difficult to find a will be taken seriously, but athan Andrus-Hughes, a second, he blindly heaves ing the structural boundaries and other obstacles as oppor- come across daily represent larger place to practice because most I can’t predict the flow of a University of Oregon his body backwards, and his that society has created by tunities to create new paths people are unfamiliar with culture. If a certain group Nfreshman, stands in the feet circle over his head before forging a unique path. by jumping off or climbing life challenges. the sport and are afraid the wants to adopt parkour as open corridor behind Oregon returning him safely to the A participant of parkour, over them. traceurs are damaging their their own, I have no say in Hall. He takes a deep breath, pavement. known as a traceur, focuses on “We live in such an indus- As a teenager, he applied his sport, says Predum, who property. “It’s a challenge be- how it develops, but I sincere- letting his shoulders raise The art of this urban sustaining continuous move- trial urban environment. Par- new founded sport to more added the goal of the sport is cause people don’t know what ly hope they will preserve the and then drop heavily. As he gymnastics, known as parkour, ment while creating the most kour is a way to flow through practical urban settings. smoothness, continuous mo- we’re doing.” beauty of the art,” Clawson breaks into a sprint, passers- often includes blind move- efficient path from point your environment,” says Because Belle lived in a city, mentum and taking a creative Recently though, the says, who refers to parkour by stop to watch him heading ments, allowing your body to A to point B. Such movement Andrus-Hughes, who practices he could practice anywhere approach to ordinary obstacles. sport’s popularity has grown as the French art of running straight toward a four-foot-tall take control of your mind and would normally be difficult parkour around campus for and often did with his child- “You learn that everything outside France, finding its way away. “We have the infamous cement block. His tennis shoes lead you on paths not regu- in a city environment, with the exercise, stress release and hood friend Sébastien Foucan. is your friend. You look at ev- into North American popular ‘fight or flight’ instinct, and are on top of the ledge before larly explored. Participants structures blocking paths as a follower of the philosophy Foucan applied what he and erything differently,” Andrus- culture, such as the Lara Croft: there is training for fight, but you can even see him leave approach everyday obstacles and interrupting runs. Partici- behind the sport. “It’s push- Belle practiced and founded Hughes says. “We’re taking Tomb Raider Legend video parkour seems to be the train- the ground. After pausing for with a creative outlook, avoid- pants utilize rails, walls, ledges ing the limits of humanity,” P hotos by conner jay a similar sport known as free our own path through life.” He game and the latest James ing for flight.” -Tess McBride

36 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 37 Moving Pictures

from script to screening: It’s a who were mistaken for the to help fund their stay during The festival provides personal journey. enemy and stripped of their the event. The festival is also opportunities for people of When Korean-American official duties. For Nishikawa, possible thanks to sponsors differing races and cultures Lee moved out of the Mid- making the movie was about and volunteers. to unite while broadening west where she grew up, she celebrating his family and “The DisOrient Film perspectives on the different realized that she was no longer heritage while also recognizing Festival presents an important experiences people face in the only Asian Grace Lee. Her other troops. opportunity for individuals the United States. For some, A Lens on Indie Film film, which was showcased Other independent artists and organizations to sup- this festival will be an outlet at the 2006 DisOrient Film like Lee and Nishikawa indi- port Asian-American arts. to proudly showcase their DisOrient, Eugene’s own Asian-American Film Festival, brings a twist to celebrating cinema Festival, is documentation vidually created a variety of We look forward to building work. For others, it will be of her journey to disprove 45 films showcased at last partnerships with individuals a chance to learn. Whatever film corporations. However, the stereotype that all Grace year’s DisOrient Film Festival. and organizations invested in one’s reason is for attending, independent filmmakers usu- Lees are quiet, piano-playing Hundreds turned out for the enlivening our community,” Mak hopes that audiences are ally work alone or with a small overachievers. Started by a event, and Director Jason says DisOrient Film Festival not just entertained but also studio and must find a way to personal motivation to answer Mak hopes this year’s event Associate Director Nadia Raza educated. bring their visions alive with- on the festival’s Web site. So go ahead, bring a friend out a large crew or budget. Hundreds of movie watch- and try something new. There Oregon’s DisOrient Asian- “Film festivals are a celebration of ers are expected to attend the might even be porn spoofs like American Film Festival is an film, not just showing movies.” 2007 DisOrient Asian-Ameri- last year. -Jessica Polley event that celebrates indepen- can Film Festival held over a dent filmmakers and their art. the question “what’s behind a will play host to even more three-day period starting April For ticket prices, times and Dedicated to presenting hon- name?” Lee ended up with a than that. 27th at the Wildish Commu- film information please visit est portrayals of Asian-Ameri- comical, artistic account. “Film festivals are a celebra- nity Theater in Springfield. www.disorientfilm.org can experiences, the DisOrient “I wanted people to be tion of film, not just showing film festival is the first of its entertained by the film first movies,” Mak says. Below: The DisOrient Film Festival tries to break stereotypes that Americans associate kind in Oregon to display film of all, and that the audience Along with showing films, with Asian films. Jason Mak sums up the feeling of the festival with their event t-shirts. and videos made by and about would be able to get a new they will hold panel discus- Asian-Americans. perspective that the film of- sions and lectures for further “This festival is one of the fers,” Lee says. learning and exposure to the unique things in Eugene,” says Lee was able to find fund- Asian experience. The films Jason Mak, the festival direc- ing for her film through the touch on a variety of issues, tor. “I did my graduate work at Center for Asian-American including Asian immigration UCLA in California and they Media, a non-profit organi- into the United States. have so many film festivals zation that helps fund and The political controversy down there. I thought, why distribute independent films surrounding the deportation can’t Oregon have a great about Asian-Americans. Since of Mexican immigrants in the one too?” 1984, CAAM has given over United States sparked the idea The DisOrient Film $3 million with funding from for a panel discussion with Festival was founded in part the Corporation of Public the Latino community. It is an to help people of other races Broadcasting. idea that Mak hopes can help and cultural backgrounds to Other independent film- connect the Latino-American understand what Asian-Ameri- makers are similarly inspired. experience with the Asian- cans go through. The festival’s Like photography, painting, American experience. title, DisOrient, symbolizes theater and dance, movies are “It is my hope that we can how many Americans feel born from a single idea. From have multiple panels on a va- about Asian-American culture: there, many bloom into award- riety of issues,” explains Mak. lost, confused or mislead. winning films. We are also hoping to create Clearing up misconceptions “Only the Brave,” which workshops to show people by exposing those unfamiliar debuted last year and is writ- the process of making films. with a certain culture through ten and directed by accredited Maybe they too can become the use of film is a strong playwright Lane Nishikawa, is inspired.” method of communication. As a story based on actual experi- With the recent burst of ABOVE: Jason Mak is the visionary behind the DisOrient Asian-American Film Festival, which attempts show the world through the Asian-American’s point of view. an art form and a reflection ences of his three uncles who popularity found on YouTube of culture, visual elements in served in the first all-Japanese- and other Internet outlets, films use compelling images American Nisei military unit. even amateur filmmakers can rtistry in film can be script and guide the actors a cohesive film. Making films to create powerful universal Driven by the desire to ex- produce no-cost or low-cost tes broken down into and technical crew to fulfill takes more than money. You understanding. plore into the life of his uncles, video footage to share with A several basic elements: an overall vision; the editor need perseverance, belief and For many filmmakers such this film takes its audience into large audiences. The writer who struggles to who connects sequences of a lot of heart. as Grace Lee, who directed the hearts and minds of the The filmmakers are encour- transform single words into scenes to form the finalized Many people worldwide and produced “The Grace forgotten heroes of World War aged to attend the festival to a moving script; the direc- movie. They must feed off are familiar with Hollywood Lee Project,” a movie is more II, like the volunteer, Japanese- support and promote their tor who must visualize the each other’s creations to shape movies associated with major than just the routine process P hotos by NICK GA American Combat Team work. Part of ticket prices goes

38 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 39 Spices & Spirits

Taking advantage of the mas- “I’ve read everything that of winter he plans to open with local restaurants and sive micro-brewing market people going to brewer’s a tasting room on 272 Van bakeries about providing the in Oregon, Floyd is now the school have read,” he said. Buren Street, in the Whittaker tasting room with food. co-owner and master brewer Floyd explained that he area. According to Floyd, the Floyd said that one of the of Ninkasi Brewery, Eugene’s had always wanted to own a tasting room will be small at mission statements of the newest microbrewery. The business. As he gained more first, about 600 square feet Ninkasi brewery and tasting name, Ninkasi, comes from the experience as a brewer, the or enough to seat from 20 to room is education. He ex- Big Ideas, Micro Brews Sumerian goddess of beer. idea of opening his own 30 people. plains that Pacific Northwest “We wanted to go to the brewery seemed more and It will have all the Ninkasi beer is revered nation-wide A taste for beer in college proves just as useful as a degree start of it all,” he said. “And more possible. lagers and ales on tap, includ- and is one of the most fruitful the Sumerians were the first Floyd and Nikos Ridge, ing seasonals. People will be beer producing regions of the brewers.” Ninkasi’s chief financial of- able to come in to buy a pint world. The beer brewing industry ficer, are now full-tilt-boogie. of their favorite Ninkasi beer “What we need to do is to in Oregon is booming. Accord- Ninkasi now produces 240 or a keg. While it will not have get the people of Oregon ing to the Oregon Brewers kegs or 3,720 gallons of beer a full kitchen, Floyd is talking to realize it.” -Marcus Purkapile Guild, Oregon Breweries con- a month, providing beer to tribute around $2.25 billion to around 40 bars in Eugene Oregon’s economy. Portland and Springfield and 15 bars BELOW: Hunter Hicks pours a glass of Ninkasi’s Total Domination IPA at Max’s Tavern. Ninkasi Brewery distributes to 40 bars in Eugene and Springfield and 15 in Portland. alone has around 30 brewer- in Portland. ies, more than any other city Thanks to vigorous net- in the world. In Oregon, there working during his years in are about 60 breweries in to- Eugene’s service industry, tal. In the U.S. it is the second Floyd has been able to get largest producer of hops, a Ninkasi beers on tap at nearly vital ingredient for a beer’s every high-end restaurant aroma and bitterness. Ac- in town: El Vicaro, Marche, cording to Floyd, most of the Red Agave, Café Soriah, Café country’s hop research is done Zenon, Adam’s Place, and The at Oregon State University. Lucky Noodle to name a few. A microbrewery is a The Bier Stein has carried brewery that produces less Ninkasi’s IPA, Helles Lager, than half a million gallons of fresh hop ale, dunkle and win- beer per year, according to ter seasonal ale. microbrewforum.com. To put Chip Hardy, 35, the co- that in perspective, Budweiser owner of the Stein says that can produce up to half a bil- the public reaction to Ninkasi lion gallons of beer per year. has been great. Budweiser’s parent company, “Everybody loves the fact Anheuser-Busch, claims that it’s fresh and local,” Hardy 48.8 percent of the global says. “He hasn’t made a bad beer market. beer yet.” Floyd’s interest in craft Currently, Ninkasi’s best brewing came about in college. received beer has been its

“He hasn’t made a bad beer yet.”

In 1990, he moved from his Total Domination IPA. It’s a hometown of Livermore, Cali- hazy, citrusy ale with a linger- fornia to Eugene to attend the ing grapefruit-like bitterness, University of Oregon. During coming from a generous college, he and friends began amount of northwestern hops. home-brewing beer. He recalls It’s a perfect example of the amie Floyd first experi- comments. “I can’t believe we a Ninkasi shirt, which pro- is greeted by patrons and Bier that his first batch of home- northwest’s favorite style. mented with brewing in drank it, really.” claims “Jesus was a home- Stein employees. During the brewed beer was a stout, However, Floyd said that Jhigh school when he Floyd walks into The brewer” on the back. He interview, a large man with a brewed with partial grain and his winter-seasonal, Believer, and a friend made hard cider, Bier Stein in a leather jacket orders a pint of Ninkasi’s Total massive beard asks him for a malt extract. which Ninkasi has now made using apple juice and baker’s and tight jeans. His shortly Domination IPA. job. Later, a college student While he never received a year-round offering, is catch- yeast. They stored it in a hot cropped brown hair emphasiz- He is a prolific networker. shows up to buy a keg out of any formal brewing education, ing up in sales. attic and left it fermenting at es a distinctive gray patch on Everyone seems to know him. the back of Floyd’s van. Floyd gained experience as a Now that Ninkasi has around 130 degrees Fahr- the right side of his head. He Before he can get a chance to He’s come a long way since brewer at Steelhead brewery established itself locally, Floyd

enheit. “It wasn’t good,” he takes off his jacket, revealing take his beer and sit down, he his first brewing experience. by Zane R itt P hoto and photo illustration and through reading. is ready to expand. By the end

40 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 41 soundwaves

lyricism and b-boy shout outs, the soul of the DJ was seldom apparent or pure. But in 1996, an un- orthodox techno track asked “What does your soul look like?” when production guru Scratchy Compositions Josh Davis, AKA DJ Shadow, stunned audiences worldwide How the art of sampling will reshape the future of hip-hop culture with his debut album, Endtro- ducing…: an underground for “Me, Myself and I.” Lee essential still loved today for “Scratch” Perry has sampled its eccentric minimalism and sounds for his dubs since historic authenticity. Shadow’s the ‘70s. But what is DJ sam- connections with uncompli- pling and what are the sounds mentary samples are eternally of a DJ’s soul? And how has ingenious. Anyone who’s ever this became an art? rocked out to “Organ Donor” Using short cuts, riffs and or drifted off during “Midnight lines from previously recorded in a Perfect World” can tell you material, DJ sampling remixes the exact same. Dark, but en- the old to produce sounds lightening, Shadow set a new stylistically similar or entirely standard for techno music and unique. It is the advent of reformed the hip-hop scene innovative orchestration, com- that, according to Shadow, was bining a cluster-fuck of movie “sucking it up in ‘96.” dialogue cuts and rhythm Endtroducing… diverged breaks organized by beat pro- from the hip-hop norm with hop, techno, downbeat, etcet- ing almost all instrumentals, tonal texture available to you duction and precise turntable Shadow’s extended instrumen- era), all of which are contested RJD2 saved a few tracks for through use of pitch, speed, tactics. Epitomized by few and tals and complex layers. The in style. Although partly born collaboration with the soul- and slicing skill makes a world envied by many, DJ sampling album’s soft-spoken and slow out of rap and hip-hop, instru- ful and playful Ohio emcee, of sound not possible before.” is the life force behind raves, samples refused association mentalists of sampling remain Blueprint. Soul Position, as the Imagine if ex-Rolling dance parties and trip-hop with the rave-clouted techno apart from the overplayed pop duo became called, unleashes Stones guitarist Brian Jones enthusiasts everywhere. genre, a stereotypical scene for fads. But recently, the revived an unorthodox but relieving could skip his life-threaten- But sampling has had a DJ sampling. rationale of sampling has faction to the arena of modern ing LSD sabbatical in India controversial history. The Shadow opened the flood leaked into hip-hop, spurring hip-hop. As trippy as Deltron needed to obtain the sitar skill Beastie Boys, DJ Dangermouse gates; DJs worldwide fed up a renaissance in beat-breaking 3030 and as catchy as Mother- for “Paint It, Black.” Abstract of Gnarls Barkley and many with a sexploited and racist skill and artistic merit. One of ship Connection, their debut artists like Kid Koala and Dan more have been accused of The Automator can now mas- copyright infringement due to DJs worldwide fed up with a sexploited and ter multicultural music in less their use of samples. than a minute with the push “I believe that sampling racist pop-rap scene began to chime in. of a button. has a place in certain set- Gnarls Barkley bombarded tings,” confirms local Eugene pop-rap scene began to chime the shockwaves behind this album, 8,000,000 Stories, is the Top 40 all last year with artist, Hiawatha. “Although it in. Their music became witty reconstruction is no other than an abstract necessity for any DJ Dangermouse’s frenzied tends to trigger memories and with enough compassion to Eugene-born, Ohio-based, popular hip-hop collection. beat technique layered under feelings that you had for the lull the roughest redneck and Ramble John Krohn, also By breaking down language Cee-Lo’s soulful lyrics. The original song, musicians who enough attitude to make Tippa known as RJD2. barriers and relieving musical abstract musical reforma- use such technology have the Gore curse. Consequently, the RJD2 set brush fires to the seclusion, sampling is among tion brought only the highest power and responsibility to lumped genre of sampling is Midwestern United States the greatest universal music respect to sampling, earning create new and different music now more than a soundtrack with the release of Deadringer media. The incorporation of two Grammy awards for the from the ground up.” to the E-tard-infested techno in 2002. Deadringer was hailed pre-recorded material allows artists. Sampling is a new ABOVE: DJ Ohmega Watts, Milton Campbell, spins together two tracks during “Breaking Down the EMU.” OPPOSITE: Watts employs Pioneered in the late ‘80s, club. Funky samplers now as a funkier, more danceable artists to produce cultural bandwagon crossing cultural a tear scratch where the record is moved in a staggered fashion, dividing the forward and backward movement into two or more movements. vinyl-spinning entrepreneurs flourish globally; the jazzy DJ trip-hop record than any- sounds without musical back- fads faster than the Macarena. like Eric B, DJ Premier of Cam moves club foundations thing previously released. The ground or material availability. And meanwhile, back at the ound sampling is noth- ally know a barrage of covers mastered live or in studio, the Gang Starr and Mix Master in France while DJ Vadim album’s initial single, “The Sampling creates international train station of artistic progres- ing new to the music to spark an audience during DJ is worshiped like a historic Mike of the Beastie Boys beats away oppressors in Rus- Horror,” became a smash-hit influence without exclusive sion, the sampling silver bullet Sscene. Artists have a dull moment. But sampling, composer, not quite topping sprouted sound sampling to sia and DJ Krush tears down throughout indie music stores, research or practice. is leaving for a higher plane snipped and copied other in the most honest sense, is the Mozart and Beethoven. We’ve accompany early rap vocals. techno bars in Tokyo. and the album’s most popular “Sampling is one of my of musical originality and musician’s work for years; manipulation of old material all heard Run DMC’s “Walk But sampled instrumenta- The international expan- track to date, “Ghostwriter,” favorite tools in the studio,” every artist, from Aesop Rock cover songs are almost a pop to produce something new This Way” remix or De La tion was still dormant—laced sion of DJ sampling creates a became a repetitive request at explains local sampling artist, to Frank Zappa, is climbing craze; and live performers usu- and innovational. When it’s Soul’s Funkadelic sample and clouded by early hip-hop P hotos by W illiam L ead whole family of genres (trip- metro radio stations. Includ- Hiawatha. “The amount of aboard. -Jason Dronkowski

42 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 43 colors & shapes

on catered sushi and sipped Among these creations is wine as Lachman, smartly the ceramic art done by the fitted in an ash jacket, smiled show’s curator and potter proudly and gave his well- herself, Chung Hyun Cho. humored opening remarks Cho is a professor and former to the crowd. Gazing out at Dean in the Department the zealous audience over his of Ceramics, at the Ewha Out of the Fire artsy glasses, he jokes, “This Women’s University’s College is our first all 3-D showcase, of Art in Seoul. Her works A new exhibit blazes into the Jordan Schnitzer Museum showcasing Korean ceramics so you can only imagine have traveled far across the the installation problems!” world, landing everywhere After his remarks, the crowd from the Pacific Asia Museum ventured upstairs to begin the in Pasadena, California all the ceramic experience. Tranquil- way to the Musée Royal de ity overcame the guests, calm Mariemont in Morlanwelz, embracing them in a hushed Belgium. atmosphere of scarlet walls Her choices for this tour and softened lighting. unite a cultural bond between Despite a few gasps, the older Korean ceramic tradition visitors were speechless as and contemporary work. These they lingered about the room, choices have the ability to eyeing each piece with admi- please fans of original ceramic ration. Autumn Mountain is techniques in addition to those a piece by Hyang Lim that who favor modern pieces. Her looks as though a rugged work certainly pleased Lach- chunk of rock was stolen from man. “When I received the a far cliff and kissed with a proposal for this exhibition, I smear of vibrant color to look was very excited because like a work of art and not a it fit so well with what we piece of nature. In a far corner were trying to do, that is on stands an almost melancholy one hand, keeping the Asian clay torso, its bowed head connection to the museum, pointing to a torn open hole in but also to find something its stomach. The hole reveals contemporary that would a set of elegant white wings engage the larger community that capture a true sense of because there is a large inter- purity. Artist Young Sil Han est in this field, especially in gave life to this sculpture, ceramic art.” ABOVE: Many of Young Sil Han’s pieces concentrate on the hidden spirit and its search Place of Heart, and its twin of The tour will be travel- for liberation. a frostier color scheme, Frozen ing to multiple museums on Wings. the West Coast including the complexities of ceramics in happens inside: keeping the In the Tradition Trans- Honolulu Academy and the the museum’s art studio. Cura- temperature even, adjusting formed section of the show, a infamous Asian Art Museum tor Lachman feels that this the amount of oxygen and long outstretched table holds of San Francisco. The Uni- particular form of ceramics everything.” This meticulous ABOVE: Incorporating his Christian beliefs, Moo Keen Lim’s creation “Letter to Paul to Colossians, Chapter 3 Paragraph 2,” symbolizes Jesus and his followers. an array of classic enlarged versity of Oregon, thanks to takes prime concentration. “It craft will be demonstrated will pots. In the line, Soon Hyung on April seventh from one to Kwon’s Pulsation called for “For a lot of people who work in four in the afternoon. icture ceramic art: a purposes, the Neo-Confucian crafted pieces into three sepa- is more of using clay as a form attention with its energetic The art of ceramics brings bowl overstuffed with state of pure mind, and even rate categories: Tradition Trans- of expression,” he says. indigo coloring. But not every ceramic art, there is something forth a mystical quality that Pa warm meal, a petite the proof of a potter’s higher formed, Ceramic Sculpture The opening night for the ceramic in the showcase is as almost magical about what happens sparks an element of mystery cup serving a refreshing liquid education. and Individual Direction. exhibition on Friday, Febru- elaborate in its first impres- for its makers. Each piece or perhaps a vase filled with Thanks to International The Jordan Schnitzer Mu- ary second immediately awed sion. “One of my favorites is in the kiln.” placed in the fiery kiln is an colorful beads waiting to Arts and Artists, University seum of Asian art curator and its fans. The setting felt more just a plain, white porcelain unknown path that might lead be strung across an elegant, of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer University of Oregon Professor like an elegant cozy dinner piece that is made of very multiple grants, is the only really explores the chemical to disappointment, or if its Eastern-styled necklace. But Museum of Art will be Charles Lachman will aide in party than an art exhibit. thin eggshell material. I like it university that will house the side of pottery. For a lot of maker is lucky, to greatness. for 5,000 years, Korean ce- rewarded with an elaborate helping deliver the show to Classical music floated from because it seems so simple, but showcase. people who work in ceramic Lachman feels that the show’s ramic art hasn’t been holding survey of Korean ceramics Eugene. Lachman feels this a grand piano as Marketing the more you look at it, and In addition to several art, there is something almost title, From The Fire, captures just the tangible; they hold glowing with 54 contemporary show will change the way visi- Coordinator Debbie Tyson and because there is no decoration, Wednesday lectures offered, magical about what hap- this idea: “At some level, there years of tradition as well. ceramic artists’ own flair. From tors look at ceramics. “Often other enthusiastic Schnitzer it forces you to focus on their professor and featured artist pens in the kiln. There is so still is that element of surprise. These pieces can carry history, The Fire, which takes place when people think of ceram- employees engaged in friendly subtleties,” Lachman says of Heh Ja You, who specializes much in the development of It is based on taking earth and employing the responsibil- February third through April ics, they think of utilitarian conversation with art lovers. his preferred piece, Sung Min in Celadon ceramics, will be kiln technology that is based heating it and just seeing what ity of Buddhist ceremonial 22nd, divides 108 eloquently kinds of things, but this show Art connoisseurs nibbled P hotos by B enjamin M angin An’s Origins of Life. giving a demonstration of the on trying to control what happens.” -Katherine Vetrano

44 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007 www.koreanducks.org 45 the last A Call for Help What happens when society has no solution for the mentally ill STORY TRISTEN KNIGHT ART KELLY WALKER

n my home, we wait for phone calls. They tell us about my “I don’t want to.” older brother, Larry. I have few good memories of him: We’d “You’re going crazy.” Iplay basketball at the park, he’d buy me ice cream, and then “I know,” he said. we’d walk home to play Super Nintendo. He looked out for me. This was our last normal conversation. Then came his girlfriend, Angie, and with her came the drugs We waited for more phone calls. He was thrown out of his and the pregnancy. He was eighteen years old; I was only eight. apartment. He was in jail again. He was in the hospital. He was My mom, dad and I wouldn’t hear from him for months. He living on the streets. One night, I woke up to a slam. “What the hell is this?” my mom yelled. I crept around the corner and peered into the living room. A pile of papers lay next to her. “He’s almost thirty! I can’t bring a crazy person in my home! I can’t believe this is my son!” I came into the room. My mom stepped in front of the papers. “Larry’s been arrested again.” Better in jail than on the streets, I thought. “He planned on preaching this shit to the president!” She grabbed the papers and raised her voice. “He charged a ticket to D.C. and was scaring people on the plane! The FBI called me! The FBI!” I wanted my mom to bring him home and nurture him back to health like moms are supposed to, but I knew she couldn’t. She wouldn’t bring an unstable person into the home, endanger- ing me. He was old enough to check himself out of hospitals, and the jail wouldn’t even keep him safe; he has to physically would call in the middle of the night, saying nothing. His words hurt himself or someone else for them to keep him. That only were vague, his tone lifeless. left him one option: the streets. “Where are you?” my mom asked. “I want to see,” I said as I reached for the papers. My mom “Around.” hesitated, but handed me papers smeared with dried dirt and “Are you okay?” grass stains. His writing was shaky. The phrase I will always love “Yeah.” God repeated haphazardly down the pages, like a child being “We can get you help, Larry.” punished. He wrote die and hell hard and long, black smudges, “I don’t need help.” scribbles, ink blots everywhere. He seemed possessed. My Larry faded in and out of our lives over the next few years. stomach churned; my brother was gone. But when he did visit, he was different. He would be engaged We waited for more phone calls. He was released from jail. in conversation, and then suddenly stare at the wall. As months He broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, frightening his son. He passed, his condition worsened. He would stand in our living stood on street corners following people—scaring people. room and stare. Stare at the ceiling. Stare at people. Unmoving. It was as if he were lost, He was old enough to check himself out of trapped in his thoughts. He had no emotions, no desires, no drive. He was empty. hospitals, and the jail wouldn’t even keep him safe. Larry disappeared again, and we waited for the next phone call. He lost his job. We gave him money. He My senior year in high school, he started showing up at the landed in jail. They released him. He couldn’t afford his medi- house. We repeatedly found him sitting on our lawn, juggling cation. We paid for it. He wouldn’t take it. It was a continuous baseballs in our front yard. He smoked cigarettes and blew cycle of phone calls with the same information—Larry wasn’t smoke rings into the air. He carried a few pieces of clothing okay. and a pocketknife in an Albertson’s bag. I caught our neighbors “Why won’t you stay on your medication?” I asked Larry peeking out their windows. My mom cried out of embarrass- when he called one night. I was in the sixth grade. ment. I felt ashamed. All we could do was watch. “They make me feel funny.” We recently received a phone call that Larry is in jail again. “You act funny without them.” I paused. “Why don’t you stay All we can do is wait. Wait again for the next phone call and at the doctor’s?” hope Larry is still alive. KD

46 KD MAGAZINE spring 2007