9 | SOUTHEAST ASIAN ADMIT WEEKEND Kollaboration pg. 13 By Layhannara Tep

STATE BUDGET CRISIS By Susan Li

A&E

13 | EMPOWERMENT THROUGH KOLLABORATION A look at the artists of Kollaboration. Empowerment through entertainment! By Ray Luo

JANE LUI This issue’s cover is by Maria Iu, a fourth-year PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW KIM Spotlight on the Kollaboration performer. Communication Studies major. By Ray Luo Check out her work at mariaiu.com. 14 | SLUMDOG MILLIONARIE REVIEW The cover is a metaphor for the theme of our issue photochallenge By Shirley Mak “Dialogue.” At Pacific Ties, we believe that creating dialogue amongst our peers, in our communities, winners pg. 20 and across diverse worlds is the way to bridge CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA REVIEW today’s societal and geographic divides. By Evelina Giang

3 | EDITOR’S LETTER 15 | GRAN TORINO - A RETROSPECT How one movie inspires conversation about the status of Hmong people in America. NEWSPRINT By Shirley Chau & Derrick Oliver

4 | NEWSBRIEFS LIFE

5 | OBAMA & CO. 16 | YEAR OF THE OX KICKS OFF WITH Profiles of seven extraordinary individuals A WIDE RANGE OF TRADITIONS who hold top positions in Obama’s How do different cultures celebrate the administration. Lunar New Year? By Elizabeth Park By Huong Pham

PUTTING THORNS IN SEXUAL EXPLOITATION BALANCING CULTURE AND CONVICTION GABNet battles human trafficking and The joys and pitfalls of being PHOTO COURTESY OF EPHRAIM HUI domestic violence of women and children. an AAPI vegetarian. By Derrick Oliver By Debbie Chong

6 | Mighty Mic Benefits Burma 17 | A TALK WITH EMI MEYER 3rd annual Mighty Mic concert focuses on The L.A. based singer/songwriter shares her bringing aid to a troubled Burma. thoughts about balancing touring and life. By Linda Reyes By Stepfanie Aguilar

7 | Karma Headlines 11th Thai Culture Night MEET TUY SOBIL A.K.A. K.K. This year’s CN shows the universality of An former Crips member and deportee Thai culture in today’s society. teaches kids to dance in Cambodia. By Shirley Mak PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY KIM By Malina Tran “Being vegetarian pushes you to be really creative with your food. Substituting meat with other sources 19 | AGENDA CULTURE NIGHT IN REVIEW PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY KIM of protein is easy, because there are so many Highlights from the 2009 shows and what’s Kim’s contribution to her family’s Thanks- recipes and food options out there!”said Jenny Kim, a giving meal. Front to back, left to right: third-year environmental science student BACKPAGE to come on the culture night calendar. maple-roasted butternut squash, garlic By Malina Tran and herb tomatoes, cranberry-tangerine UCLA vegetarians find balance sauce, green beans with red onions. between food and family, pg. 16 WINTER 2009 PACTIES PHOTO MONOLOGUE/DIALOGUE CHALLENGE WINNERS FEATURE 8 | IS INDONESIA READY FOR DEMOCRACY? 10 | BLOGOSPHERE: THE NEW FRONTPAGE? ONLINE PACIFICTIES.ORG By Athalia Nakula AAPI individuals frontier the wild, wild web arena. CHINA CHALLENGE PERCEPTIONS 6 sites that are creating dialogue through blogging.

By Marla Goodman By Evelina Giang

2 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | CONTENTS Letter from the Editor

One of my favorite classes at UCLA is Professor William Kelly’s “Promoting Dialogue Across Diverse Words” otherwise known as Commu- VOL. 31 ISSUE 2 nication Studies 122. We read the works great philosophers and theorists like Kwame Appiah, Samuel P. Huntington, and Jürgen Habermas. We studied the conflicts of Rwanda, Iraq, the Middle East, Sudan...and after all the reading that we did, we got the sense that the world was EDITOR-IN-CHIEF falling apart and coming together at the same time. It was Phikhu Parekh, a political theorist from India who made a case for dialogue, which, Maria Iu in his words, would help us “arrive at a more just and balanced view of both the contentious issues and the world in general.”

MANAGING EDITOR Malina Tran Broadcast television, the radio, the telephone, newspapers, books, the postal system, computers, the internet, and even a two tin cans con- nected by a piece of string had the ability to bring neighbors and strangers closer together. But the fundamental thing behind these technolog- BUSINESS MANAGER ical phenomena is the concept of dialogue. Not that we didn’t talk before we were able to call someone - it’s just that we didn’t talk as much. Shirley Chau These days, we have a million ways to express our ideas, to converse about our lives, about current events, our feelings. Through dialogue, people initiate a conversation, forge a connection, and build mutual understanding and awareness. A&E EDITOR Ray Luo Which is why this is the dialogue issue. Pacific Ties is not just a collection of words and images. It’s a converstaion between friends. Us and COPY EDITORS the reader. It’s a space where the AAPI community can feel free to submit their writing, to give a voice to their opinions. It’s where staff mem- Emily Ho bers can demonstrate their passions, highlight issues that demand attention, tell their side of the story, and contribute to the ongoing global ThienVinh Nguyen dialogue of news, art, race, politics and culture. And on our blog, which you can access at pacificties.com, we encourage people to comment on our posts, to be opinionated without fear and without censorship. DESIGN EDITOR Maria Iu In this issue, you’ll find our feature article about AAPIs blogging (pg. 10), voices from different parts of the campus in the Monologue/Dia- PHOTOGRAPHER logue section (pg. 8) on page , the winners of our photochallenge (pg. 20), where we encourage readers to participate by sharing their stories Claudia Li through photographs, and so much more. So let’s keep this conversation going and read on! And when you’re done, come to our website to

ILLUSTRATOR share your own thoughts on what’s wrong (or right) in the world. Debbie Chong Maria Iu WRITERS Editor-in-Chief Stepfanie Aguilar Shirley Chau Debbie Chong Evelina Giang Shirley Mak Athalia Nakula PACIFIC TIES IS ONLINE! YOUR VERY OWN GLOSSARY Hyun Cheol Oh While we have our loyalties to the printing press, we are kicking up dust in the blogo- Elizabeth Park sphere. Be sure to check us out our online blog (pacificties.wordpress.com) and our We cover so many topics and issues Huong Pham website: here at PacTies that language often Linda Reyes gets technical. Here’s a handy little Malina Tran glossary to help you out while reading CONTRIBUTORS www.pacificties.org through the issue. Marla Goodman Derrick Oliver Here you’ll find everything you see in this newsmagazine and more. Find exclusive calen- dar listings, updates on local, national and international news about the API community You should know that whenever we CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER and opinionated blogs by our staff. You can comment on an article, enter a photograph talk about APAs, APIs, AAPIs, etc., we Christopher Wu to our quarterly PHOTO CHALLENGE or drop by to see photos of happenings around are often referring to - Asian Ameri- the campus and in Los Angeles submitted by readers like you ... and so much more. You ONLINE won’t regret it. ans and Pacific Islander Americans ONLINE EDITORS who are living in the U.S., unless Debbie Chong Also join our FACEBOOK GROUP and FAN PAGE. otherwise noted. Evelina Giang Make Pacific Ties a part of your life. AA: Asian American ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Emily Ho APA: Asian Pacific American API: Asian Pacific Islander MARKETING JOIN PACIFIC TIES APIA: Asian Pacific Islander American Marty Tommy Chen AAPI: Asian American Pacific Islander Stepfanie Aguilar We’ve been around since 1977, and we want talented people like you to join our staff. If you would like to express your opinions, voice community issues or hone your writing skills and ADVERTISING gain experience, then join Pacific Ties! No experience necessary! AHS: Association of Hmong Students Shirley Chau, Marty Tommy Chen, APC: Asian Pacific Coalition Emily Ho, Shirley Mak, Positions available in writing, editing, photography, design and illustration. ThienVinh Nguyen, Huong Pham, CAPSA: Critical Asian & Pacific Linda Reyes, Malina Tran Apply the beginning of Spring Quarter 2009 at Students for Action CN: Culture Night STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR LAO: Laotian American Organization Arvli Ward http://apply.studentmedia.ucla.edu NSU: Nikkei Student Union STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Questions? Comments? SEA: Southeast Asian Amy Emmert Contact: pacifi[email protected] SEA CLEAR: Southeast Asian Campus Learning Education and Retention TS: Thai Smakom Pacific Ties is a member of the UKS: United Khmer Students Campus Progress FINE PRINT Publications Network. VSU: Vietnamese Student Union Unsigned editorials represent a majority opinion of the Pacific Ties Editorial Board. All other columns, cartoons www.campusprogress.org and letters represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board.

The UCLA Communications Board has a media grievance procedure for resolving grievances against any of These speech bubbles We are located at: its publications. For a copy of the complete procedure, contact Student Media UCLA at 118 KerckhoffHall, mean that we want you to 118 Kerckhoff Hall 310.825.2787, or [email protected]. join in the converstaion 308 Westwood Plaza - whether online or by Los Angeles, CA 90024 The UCLA Communications Board fully supports the University of California’s policy on non-discrimination. finding more information The student media reserves the right to reject or modify advertising portraying disability, age, sex or sexual about the topic! EMAIL [email protected] orientation. It is the expectation of the Communications Board that the student media will exercise the right PHONE 310.825.1004 fairly and with sensitivity.

Any person believing that any advertising in the student media violates the Board’s policy on non-discrimina- tion should communicate his or her complaints in writing to the Business Manager,118 Kerckhoff Hall, 308 © 2008 UCLA Communications Board Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 3 FEEDING YOUR APPETITE WITH SHORT NEWS ITEMS THAT YOU CAN REALLY SINK YOUR TEETH INTO + IN-DEPTH ANALY- SIS OF CAMPUS AND LOCAL NEWS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR MORE

Hard Times For Ethnic Press English-Only Proposal Rejected in Nashville, Tenn. Technology Used to Select Male Children BY ELIZABETH PARK BY STEPFANIE AGUILAR BY DERRICK OLIVER As the economy toughens, ethnic media With the increase of the immigrant population in Nashville, Tenn., there was a pro- The use of technology to predetermine a child’s gen- are feeling the need to significantly downsize posal that would have made English the only language used for government business, der has been observed in Southeast Asian immigrant because of increasing losses of revenue and thus prohibiting translations. families in the U.S. The San Jose Mercury News recently readers. Several prominent ethnic news- This proposal was defeated with 41,752 residents against and 32,144 released information from a Columbia University study centered papers have already been forced residents in favor. The policy needed at least 50 percent to pass, but many showing that Chinese, Indian and Korean families are to shut down their print media and move protested against it. If it was accepted, Nashville would have been one of using U.S. technology to increase their chances of hav- to online editions. ENGLISH the largest cities to adopt an English-only policy. ing a male child. Well-known papers making this tran- The policy was proposed by Councilman Eric Crafton, who believed Bias towards the male sex is culturally rooted and sition include the San Francisco Bay View, that this policy would motivate non-English speakers to learn the lan- has led to high numbers of boys as opposed to girls an African American political biweekly; Hoy guage. It was introduced to ensure health and safety issues in the metropoli- in countries like India and China. University of Texas New York, a Spanish-language daily; and tan area. Raul Gonzalez, legislative director for the National Council of La Raza, economist Jason Abrevaya found that during the 1990s, AsianWeek, an Asian American news weekly. argues that the proposal contains discrimination. Indian families in Santa Clara County had, after having The drop in local advertisements from real U.S. Census data from the year 2000 records that 45 percent of the population in two girls, a 58 percent chance of having a boy instead of estate and small businesses have taken a toll Nashville are immigrants. the natural 51 percent. on such papers as the Viet Tribune and Filipi- Both studies done did not find any similar gender ra- nas Magazine, where local ads serve as prima- Some Indians Not Fans of “Slumdog Millionaire” tio bias in white, African American and Japanese Ameri- ry source of revenue. Smaller staffs, slimming BY THIENVINH NGUYEN can families having girls initially. salaries, and the move to the internet are the Despite 10 Oscar nominations and box office success worldwide, including in Abortion of the undesired gender most visible effects for these newsmagazines. India, “Slumdog Millionaire,” which depicts the poverty in Mumbai, has faced criti- is one method that affects gender On the upside, the move to the Internet may cism from Indians. proportions. mean greater outreach, especially in terms of For them, the film represents the West’s stereotypical view of destitution in India, Preimplantation genetic diagno- access by the younger population. Yet the which natives found offensive. Moreover, the rags-to-riches story is anything but new sis, originally used to check for ge- loss of print media signifies the further loss of to Bollywood (the country’s equivalent to our Hollywood), which has been producing netic diseases, is also being used. coverage on ethnic communities, specifically such films decades earlier, but without worldwide acclaim. In this process, an embryo’s gen- towards communities on the margins of main- In addition, some feel such a story provides a false sense of hope for those living der is determined after a few cel- stream media. in the very slums depicted in the film. To appease those who are unhappy about the lular divisions and then implant- For these publications, service to the com- film’s portrayal of Mumbai, producers have promised to donate a portion of the film’s ed. Another alternative method munity has always been a key point. Print me- earnings to improving the city’s slums. is choosing specific sperm that dia has been viewed as an important medium Regardless of the ambivalent attitudes people have about the film, Slumdog Mil- have higher chances of produc- to reflect the changing needs and concerns of lionaire has proved that it has staying power; whether that is good or bad is entirely ing the desired gender. These technologies these often-overlooked communities. up to how you look at it. have spurred social and ethical controversy.

AAPI Employees Affected by “Bamboo Ceiling” BY HUONG PHAM There has long been the controversy of discrimination against Asian and Pacific Islanders in the workforce. According to a Jan. 9 report by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, this community in particular faces a glass-ceiling type of phenomenon that is referred to as a “bamboo ceiling.” The discrimination is suspected to have initially stemmed from various stereotypes of the AAPI community. Though a number of the stereotypes hold a positive connotation, some hold negative ones (such as AAPIs being passive or antisocial). “They have become the framework of barriers establishing glass or bamboo ceilings, which prevent AAPIs from moving into the upper tiers of an Study Says Racism Still Ingrained, Albeit Unconscious organization,” says the report. BY LINDA REYES The report states that the common knowledge of these misconceptions may make managers In a study published in the Jan. 9 issue of the journal Science, researchers at Yale University oblivious to the workers’ leadership potential, therefore creating a “sticky floor.” In 2006, only two and York University found that even people who consider themselves tolerant have unconscious out of 24 agencies with the largest amount of Asians had higher proportions of Asian executives racist attitudes. or senior managers than rank-and-file Asian employees. Titled “Mispredicting Affective and Behavioral Responses to Racism,” the study involved a With a combination of the concepts of “sticky floor” and “bamboo ceiling,” it is easy to see scenario where a black man bumped the white man upon leaving a room. There were three varia- why any prospective of AAPI workers moving up to senior leadership ranks is obstructed. tions in the scenario: the white man said, “I hate when black people do that,” “Clumsy n-----,” Another condition of discrimination that surfaced concern is that of the actual amount of or nothing. One hundred twenty non-black participants were asked who they would choose as a discrimination against AAPIs. The EEOC reports that 3.26 percent of the complaints were filed; partner for an assignment, whereas over 75 percent of people who watched a video or read about however, 31 percent of respondents to a 2005 Gallup report said that they faced some sort of the incident chose the black man, 71 percent of eyewitnesses chose the white man. discrimination in the federal workplace. Authors of the study found that, although people predict they would respond in an offended The report also says that agency diversity programs did not offer resources for the AAPI way to such an incident, when they see it firsthand, they rationalize and downplay the racist be- groups, and issues faced by the members of this community were not addressed. Hence, it is havior. more likely for employees to think that sending in complaints would not help the status quo of Kery Kawami, lead author and associate professor of psychology at York University, said these their discrimination. findings reflect people’s negative associations with blacks. Experts say this association may be The report makes a point that “AAPIs have been called the ‘model minority,’ but this commu- the result of the media’s negative portrayal of blacks or parents’ racial attitudes. nity seems to be the ‘forgotten minority.’”

Asian American Role in U.S. Politics Expanding BY HYUN CHEOL OH read more Asian American political profile in the United States has been rising in recent years, a state that may have been influ- enced by the election of Barack Obama as president and his consideration of Asian Americans in high profile positions. A source from the Associated Press indicates that this is mainly due to many immigrants earning citizenship, along with NEWSPRINT developments of community organizations and ethnic media endorsing Asian American candidates. Asian Americans currently in the political field include California state Sen. Leland Yee, U.S. Rep. Joseph Cao, Lousi- online at ana Gov. Bobby Jindal and John Liu, who is currently running for New York City’s next public advocate. Don Nakanishi, director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center said in a recent interview with the Associated pacificties.org Press, “After Obama, it’s not unthinkable that a guy like Jindal could become president some day. There is still a lot pio- neering going on, but Asian Americans are really becoming an even more viable and visible actor in American politics.”

4 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | NEWSPRINT Sanjay Chris Eugene Steven Eric Gupta Maya Soetoro-Ng Chu Shinseki Lu Kang & Konrad Ng Obama & Co. by Elizabeth Park // Staff Writer // [email protected]

President Obama’s new administration promises to be one of the most diverse in U.S. history. Below are some of the highest-ranked Asian Americans in the new Obama administration. Some aren’t quite what you expect as traditional holders of government posts—among them, a distinguished scientist, veteran, doctor and T.V. personality. Unconventional, maybe, but these people have well-respected credentials and experience that further highlight President Obama’s determination to recruit some of the best in their respective fields for his team.

STEVEN CHU, 60 ERIC SHINSEKI, 66 DR. SANJAY GUPTA, 39 CHRIS LU, 42 EUGENE KANG, 24 MAYAY SOETORO-NG, 38, Secretary of Energy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Surgeon General (designate) White House Cabinet Special Assistant & KONRAD NG, 42 Secretary to the President The First Family Steven Chu was a professor Eric Shinseki is the first four- Dr. Sanjay Gupta practices of physics and molecular and star Asian American general neurosurgery at Emory Uni- Chris Lu is a Harvard Law As a 21-year-old student at Maya Soetoro-Ng is Presi- cell biology at the Univer- in the U.S. military. He served versity Hospital and Atlanta’s School grad who worked in the University of Michigan, dent Obama’s maternal half- sity of California, Berkeley. in Vietnam in two combat Grady Memorial Hospital, Obama’s Senate staff, as leg- Ann Arbor, Eugene Kang sister. She teaches high school He was also the leader of the tours and was wounded, los- and he is a faculty mem- islative director and acting ran for city council but lost history in Hawaii. Her hus- Lawrence Berkeley National ing part of his foot. ber at Emory University. In chief of staff. He also served by a small margin. During band is Konrad Ng, an as- Laboratory and the winner 2001, Gupta joined CNN as as the executive director of the Obama campaign, Kang sistant professor at the Uni- of the 1997 Nobel Prize for THE FACTS He served as army the network’s chief medical the Obama-Biden Transition worked on outreach pro- versity of Hawaii’s Academy physics. chief of staff during the Bush correspondent. He earned a Project. For a short time, grams aimed at Asian Ameri- of Creative Media.They have administration and resigned 2006 Emmy award for “Out- Lu worked on Senator John cans and Pacific Islanders. one three-year-old daughter, THE FACTS Unlike previous shortly after in 2003 after his standig Feature Story.” Kerry’s 2004 presidential Suhaila Ng. holders of the position who stand against Donald Rums- campaign. THE FACTS Kang was seen were politicians, Chu is a feld’s estimate of needed sol- THE FACTS Gupta’s celebrity playing golf in Hawaii with THE FACTS Maya Soetoro-Ng scientist. In accordance with diers in Iraq, asserting that status could help the Obama THE FACTS Lu went to Har- then president-elect on his spoke at the 2008 Demo- the Obama-Biden New En- the numbers needed to be administration’s aim to stress vard Law School where he vacation, less than a month cratic National Convention, ergy for America plan, Chu much higher. Nevertheless, preventive care. The surgeon and Obama were classmates away from the inauguration. bringing an Asian American is stressing the importance Shinseki’s estimate proved to general’s role is to educate and acquaintances. Lu is also Kang’s nickname is reported presence to the stage. She was of allocating more govern- be correct when troop num- the public on health issues, known to be a marathon run- to be “Reggie Jr.” after the named honorary co-chair at mental funds for alternative bers turned out to be insuf- something that Gupta has ner. He has participated in 18 president’s personal aide, the 2009 presidential inau- energy. ficient. plenty of experience doing. marathons in six years. Reggie Love. guration.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIA IU

losing arguments were beginning in a for divorce. However, before she could receive women in the Philippines are trafficked each Seattle courtroom for a Mar. 5, 1995 formal separation, her husband took her life. year. divorce trial between 25-year-old Su- The death of Mrs. Blackwell and other The Visayan Forum Foundation, a non- Putting Csana Remerata Blackwell and her hus- occurrences of violence against Filipina mail- governmental organization, reports that band Timothy C. Blackwell when Mr. Black- order brides brought the issue to the Ameri- people between the ages of 12 and 22, mostly well opened fire on Mrs. can public’s attention, females, are promised domestic work but Blackwell and two of including that of the eventually become involved in sex work. a Thorn her female friends. Mr. U.S.-Philippine-based “[Many] women are forced into the sex Blackwell was charged women’s solidarity or- trade and forced to be put on the Internet,” with first-degree murder ganization called Gen- says Jollene Levid, Secretary General of GAB- for each of the women eral Assembly Binding Net. “We consider mail-order brides a part of in Sexual and manslaughter for Women for Reform, the sex trade because women who are poor use Mrs. Blackwell’s unborn Integrity, Equality, this [option] as an alternative; [they] think it’s child, with whom she Leadership and Action, their only way out.” was eight months preg- which is commonly The Purple Rose Campaign has dealt with Abuse nant. known as GABNet or a variety of cases in its 10-year span. This marriage that GABNet started the Purple Rose Campaign in Feb. Gabriella Network. “A lot of people who come over [from DERRICK OLIVER ended in tragedy began 1999 in response to a number of violent incidences GABNet began the the Philippines] do domestic work and find involving mail-order brides in the U.S. CONTRIBUTOR not only as an exchange Purple Rose Campaign themselves in isolating situations [such as] [email protected] of vows between hus- on Feb. 14, 1999, join- working in the home, which is a vulnerable band and wife, but also as an exchange of ing the global effort to stop violence against place to be working,” says Rebecca Dean, the money between American Mr. Blackwell and women and children. The purple rose was campaign’s Los Angeles chapter co-coordina- a now nonexistent mail-order bride company chosen as a symbol because it was artificially tor and a UCLA doctoral student. “[In these called Asian Encounters. made to look alluring and glamorous to grat- situations], any number of abuses are pos- If you are a woman of Filipino descent involved in Mrs. Blackwell was an educated young lady ify desire. sible.” the sex trade or mail-order bride services or know from the Philippines who longed for marriage From reports gathered from the Interna- Many women leave their homes in hopes someone involved in these industries, please call and America. The marriage quickly turned tional Regional Information Networks, a part (212) 592-3507 or send an email to secgen@gabnet. bitter when Mr. Blackwell demonstrated abu- of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of org. For more information, visit gabnet.org sive behavior. Mrs. Blackwell eventually filed Humanitarian Affairs, 300,000 to 400,000 GABNet | Page 6

NEWSPRINT | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 5 Mighty Mic Benefits Burma LINDA REYES // STAFF WRITER // [email protected]

hrough a series of educational programs leading up to a highly antici- pated “Free Burma” concert this spring, Mighty Mic aims to give a voice back to the Burmese people. T In its third year at UCLA, Mighty Mic, an organization that raises awareness about human rights issues occurring around the world, continues its cause with the Benefit Concert for Burma. “We take a human rights issue that doesn’t get a lot of press and try to educate people,” said Flavia de la Fuente, co-director and third-year politi- cal science and Latin American studies student. ILLUSTRATED BY DEBBIE CHONG After a successful fundraising concert last Burma is an intensely religious country where Burma, which is Mighty Mic’s main concern. who’s headlining the show is still unknown. year, the organization decided to take on the monks are highly revered, they joined forces Groups can travel to Burma to provide aid di- The concert is to be held during spring quar- conflict in Burma, a Southeast Asian country with the common people in a revolution. She rectly, but Fahimuddin says that the money ter. Admission is free, but Mighty Mic en- bordering Thailand and China, as its project noted that normally, the monks receive food spent to travel there goes to the government’s courages donations that will go to aid organi- for 2009. Its citizens are victims of oppres- in bowls, but during the protests, they held treasury. Because they do not want to sup- zations to help Burma. sion by the military regime, which has created their bowls up in the air to show that they did port the government, the aid organizations “Between acts there will be educational problems ranging from poverty to religious not support the government. Despite the high for which Mighty Mic raises funds must find videos and representatives from various non- persecution. status monks have in Burma, monks make up other means to get money into Burma. profit organizations to get students involved “It’s a country where there are countless a large part of the political prisoner popula- “There are aid workers who go to Thai- with Burma and non-profits in general,” said humanitarian issues, but it gets no press,” said tion. land and travel illegally into Burma,” said Fahimuddin. “Our whole goal is to get stu- de la Fuente. “Nothing gets in, nothing gets The government has a tight grasp on its Fahimuddin. “Some backpack into the jungle dents involved in something bigger.” out.” citizens by limiting their freedom of speech and help whoever they see along the way.” The first concert, held in the spring of Censorship laws in Burma control the and on its people’s communication with Mighty Mic puts on programs in order to 2007, was a fundraiser for the Revolutionary spread of information about domestic issues. their families in other countries. Its censor- educate students and faculty about the prob- Association of the Women of Afghanistan, a Laws also consider any activity that opposes ship transcends geographical boundaries in lems in Burma. Last quarter, they hosted a group that supports Afghan women’s rights the government a criminal offense. The ruling an attempt to keep the country’s deteriorat- film screening of the movie Burma: Land of and freedom. Last year’s concert, headlined military junta that imposes such laws has op- ing conditions away from the press. For this Fear at Kerckhoff Art Gallery. They will also by the band OK Go, focused on issues of pressed the Burmese people since 1962. reason, Mighty Mic has not been able to work host a monologue show on Feb. 18 in North- genocide around the world: the Americas, “In mid-century, post-World War II, Bur- with the Burmese community. De la Fuente west Campus Auditorium. The show will fea- the Holocaust, the Great Lakes (Darfur and ma had a war of independence. Hero Su-Chi, explained that they cannot collaborate with ture students performing stories written by Rwanda), as well as Indian and Cambodian a top general, became president but was as- the Burmese Student Association, as it would Burmese refugees. There will also be a Bur- genocides. Mighty Mic raised $25,000 last sassinated, starting a civil war. The military put their families in danger if the government mese prisoner display to give students an idea year to go to Doctors Without Borders and declared a coup, which was the start of the were to find out. of how many people are imprisoned every U.S. Doctors for Africa. junta,” explained de la Fuente. “We have to work for them without work- day. During the week of the concert, an art Problems in Burma have since worsened, ing with them,” said Laila Fahimuddin, a gallery of painter and refugee Maung Maung For more information about most recently with the crash of the economy third-year international development Studies Tinn’s work will be on display in Kerckhoff. Mighty Mic and how to get involved, in 2007 followed by the Saffron Revolution, a student and co-director of Mighty Mic’s Edu- His watercolor paintings illustrate the day-to- series of anti-government protests. These pro- cational Events Committee. day struggles of his people. visit mightymic.org. tests were led by Burmese monks, who rose up This barrier between the Burmese and Currently, Mighty Mic members are still To learn about the issues in Burma, in opposition to the government. De la Fuente those who would like to help presents an- working on getting speakers and artists to visit voicesforburma.org. said this was interesting because although other problem: how to transfer the money to come out and perform at the concert, and

“Sheroes” was a March 24, 2007 event honoring women from around the world as well as in the out of their situation. those holes.” local communities for making significant contributions to promote women’s liberation. “[The procedure] would depend on what Although GABNet and the Purple Rose she wants,” says Levid. “Does she want to Campaign have accomplished much, there is prosecute [or] go back home? We can link still more to be done. The L.A. chapter hopes GABNet, from Page 5 women up to social service programs. We to raise funds to provide housing for women of finding work to support their families, but protect their identity and make sure they have in the U.S. and Philippines where there are they become part of the sex trade either in the resources.” none. desperation for money or fall prey to the lies GABNet and the Purple Rose Campaign Theyalso plan a widespread advertisement of sex predators and/or false contracts. have tried to fight trafficking on a global scale campaign of their services that involves pass- Dean explained that rape and debt bond- by being a leading advocate for the Interna- ing out information pamphlets in different ar- age, in which employers charge a fee for the tional Marriage Brokers Regulation Act of eas of L.A. to make sure women know where woman to pay off, is common. Many of the 2005 (IMBRA), which requires background to get help. In the past, they have offered an traffickers promise legal papers and freedom checks for all marriage visa sponsors and helps internship program and will continue the pro- once the fee is paid. However, employers of- prevent past criminals from bringing foreign gram this year. GABNet and their campaign ten add unknown fees for unknown reasons women into the U.S. through marriage bro- have also begun college committees where or demand outrageously high fees that can kers, such as online mail-order bride services. groups of three or more people are trained never be paid off. “Right now we believe IMBRA still needs and provided materials to present the issue to “This is a form of slavery,” says Dean. “They to be strengthened because [it] is very limited the student body. cannot leave because of [their alleged] debts; in terms of how they can protect women,” However, many believe the fight against [this system] is used as a tool of control.” says Olivia Quinto, GABNet’s National Edu- human sex trafficking is an ongoing struggle. The Purple Rose Campaign provides a ho- cation Director. “GABNet wants to analyze “As long as [sex trafficking] is in our cul- tline where women can call in for help, op- how IMBRA is being implemented and find ture, women can never [really be] liberated,” Macy Cheung, GabNet Los Angeles. tions, and necessary resources to help them out where the holes are and make sure we fill says Quinto.

6 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | NEWSPRINT UPCOMING CULTURE NIGHT SHOWS Karma Hanoolim Cultural Awareness Group CN | APRIL 15 United Khmer Students CN | APRIL 18 Headlines Samahang Pilipino Culture Night | MAY 9

11th Thai CREATIVITY & CONSCIOUSNESS Culture CULTURE NIGHT in review Night MALINA TRAN // MANAGING EDITOR // [email protected] our knowledge of acronyms may correspond with your in-the-know at UCLA. For instance, “CN” stands for SHIRLEY MAK “Culture Night,” a long-standing tradition and the big- STAFF WRITER gest event in terms of people-power and cost for cul- smakmedia.ucla.edu Y tural student organizations at UCLA. In the past, Pacific Ties have highlighted CNs throughout the year. We are bringing back the dialogue on CNs. To rec- ognize the sweat and blood that goes into this, to congratu- PHOTO COURTESY OF MISHA TSUKERMAN late AAPI students’ creativity and devotion to the produc- From left to right: Angel Kongsomboonvech, Thai Culture Night co-director, Andrew Chomchuensawat, President of Thai Smakom, and Peter Asapahuhe, tion, here is to you all. Thai Culture Night co-direct stand on the Freud Playhouse stage during the 11th Annual Thai Culture Night.

hough widely regarded as a universal concept, According to Kongsomboonvech, they wanted a Vietnamese Student Union the thought of karma holds negative implications theme that was more approachable and applicable “Chân Tròi Mói : A New Tomorrow” for many. The warning that an individual’s im- to students’ everyday lives. This also meant eliminat- Jan. 19, 2009 | Royce Hall Tmoral actions will follow him throughout the rest ing much of the language of his life, much like an ill-gotten curse, is often what barrier that is sometimes This year’s 29th annual production was a comes to mind when discussing a notion that is both present in culture nights. modern, progressive spin on the state of the simple yet fear-inducing. Throughout the drama Vietnamese community. The story of a working- But karma is not as elusive, nor as antagonistic, there were hardly any Thai class Vietnamese-American family struggling as is perhaps portrayed in the dark recesses of one’s phrases to be heard, ex- in the labor force are plagued by hot-button overactive imagination. At least not this year. cept for several Thai prov- issues of immigration and deportation. Mean- For the audience sitting in Freud Playhouse for erbs uttered at the very while, interracial dating, gang activity and po- this year’s 11th Annual Thai Culture Night on Jan. 25, end. litical mobilization among the youth population karma is the story of love and destiny that spans two “Although I wanted are prominent cross-community themes. different periods and is intertwined with one man’s some things to be said in PHOTO COURTESY OF MISHA TSUKERMAN The seriousness of such topics was bal- gradual realization that past and present actions will Thai, I also feel like having anced by the harmonious, lighthearted sounds always result in accompanying consequences, both too much of the language excludes people who don’t of Nhip Am and the comic relief of the “MadTV guy.” Along good and bad. understand it. By just doing most of it in English, it’s with a novel breakdancing troupe, martial arts combat and This Buddhist theory of karma is expressed in the more inclusive and we’re able to include more of Thai the traditional and modern dance groups, VCN resonated popular Thai proverb that headlined the show: “Tham culture,” Chomchuensawat explained. strongly among its audience. Dee, Dai Dee, Tham Chua, Dai Chua.” Translated liter- This year also featured a great deal more perfor- The production was a tearjerker at the montage and re- ally, it means: good actions bring good results; bad mances, some of which appeared in culture night for mains suspenseful at the end. We are forced to ask: do the actions bring bad results. From this perspective, kar- the first time. Along with a lip sync performance from surrounding issues in the play persist today? The production ma seems more straightforward than daunting. Look Thoong, a form of Thai country music, other as- forced its viewers to reevaluate community issues and the “When some people hear the word ‘karma,’ they pects such as the fashion show were also new to the relevancy of artistic depictions in a sociopolitical context. get scared,” said one of two culture night directors, scene. Over the years, performances have evolved to Angel Kongsomboonvech, a fourth-year biochemistry incorporate various changes that blend the distinction Nikkei Student Union student. “The way we presented it made it not seem between the drama aspect of the show and the per- “Always Welcome, Never for Sale” so stressful.” forming aspect. Feb. 16, 2009 | Royce Hall Like in past years, this year’s show, aptly titled “We started hip hop “Destined,” centered on a drama representative of five years ago, which NSU explored the real-life issues of redevelop- Thai culture, mixed with different performing aspects was something new to ment and gentrification in its 23rd annual produc- such as traditional dance, hip hop, a fashion show Thai Culture Night but tion by evaluating ethnic enclaves. How do com- and Muay Thai, a form of martial arts that originated has become a strong munities of color cope with the tides of change as in Thailand and utilizes the head, fists, elbows, knees point of the show,” says developers displace AAPIs and their heritage? and feet to allow a wide range of moves. Peter Asapahu, the oth- Developers are currently infringing on Little To- Much like the twofold quality of karma, in which er culture night director, kyo of Los Angeles and NSU called attention to good and bad actions each have their role, culture a second-year graduate injustice throughout drama. The play dealt with re- nights at UCLA have consistently served a dual pur- student in aerospace development and the economic benefits it reaps pose as well: to showcase a culture’s unique traditions engineering. “We’ve al- for power-hungry agencies. Nevertheless, we see through the performing arts, and to bring awareness to ways done Muay Thai, PHOTO COURTESY OF MISHA TSUKERMAN a community that refuses to let their Japantowns current community issues within that cultural sphere. but the first years I’ve be disintegrated. The juxtaposition of gritty, soci- This year, however, Thai Smakom at UCLA wanted been involved, it was more of an exhibition and has etal changes and cultural preservation (through Kyodo Taiko to keep the focus primarily on the universality inher- evolved into being incorporated into the show as fight and Odori) served as the thought provking elements of this ent in Thai culture, such as the strong role that karma scenes. This was the first year we’ve shown a tradi- year’s production. plays in the lives of people living in Thailand, as op- tional version of Muay Thai.” With their eye-catching moves and quick gestures, NSU posed to dwelling on political happenings that may First time or not, it made for an engaging show the Modern stepped it up by showcasing their tropical jungle have been more exclusive towards non-Thai audience 11th time around. Maybe it’s karma. and playboy themes. The loud rhythmic thumps of Kyodo members. Taiko reverberated through Royce Hall (see photo on the “It’s not as politically charged this year,” said club left). Full of booming shouts and vibrant energy, Taiko re- president Andrew Chomchuensawat, a third-year mains a distinctive quality of Japanese culture passed onto physical sciences student. “My first year, we talked What were some of your favorite culture night the Yonseis, Niseis, Isseis and the Nikkeis. The diversity of about Thai American identity. My second year, we moments? Tell us at pacificties.wordpress.com. student efforts of both Japanese and non-Japanese heri- talked about human trafficking. Both had political un- tages are a reflection of the production’s greatest asset: its dertones to it.” repertoire-like variety.

NEWSPRINT: CAMPUS | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 7 ith Indonesia’s presidential election for miliarizing themselves with the various competing MONOLOGUE DIALOGUE the 2009-2014 period fast approach- parties. The dormant stances adopted by both ing, many people are questioning the the parties and the voters may result in real and Wcountry’s readiness to make such a big grave consequences. decision. “I don’t know who are the candidates for the In the face of a global economic crisis that upcoming election,” said Silvie Suriany, a third- severely hits Indonesia’s export-based economy, year neuroscience student. “I only know the cur- Indonesian citizens have to be especially critical rent president Yudhoyono is running for presiden- in choosing the right president to lead the coun- cy again, so I think I’m going to vote for him.” Is Indonesia try out of its economic black hole. However, the Devine Hamdani, a third-year chemistry major, haphazard election process might result in the agreed. Hamdani said, “I don’t really follow Indo- government, the competing parties and the vot- nesian politics. There are too many candidates Ready for ers making a grave mistake during the elections anyway, so it’s hard to follow. And it takes a lot of on July 2009. time to get the information. One concerned politician, former Indonesian “I’m just going to vote for someone I know: President Abdurrahman Wahid, recently released [the former President] Megawati or [the incum- Democracy? a controversial statement saying that he believes bent President] Yudhoyono,” Hamdani said. the election should be postponed to 2010. Wahid The National Survey Committee of Indonesia thinks the election-planning is still premature and recently released their 2009 presidential elec- defective. He pointed out that in East Java, the tion survey findings involving 2,500 people. The voting registration invitation has been made ac- survey indicates that 42.18 percent will vote for cessible to only 15 million out of 42 million eligible the incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yud- voters. He stresses that since the government is hoyono, despite their views that Yudhoyono has “I used to try following politics in Indo- not effectively doing its job, they should consider failed in improving the country’s welfare. On vi- nesia. But then I got bored. They all say the his suggestion. tal issues such as the nation’s safety, economic Besides the disorganized governmental plan- development and social integration, Yudhoyono same thing, promise the same thing. Their ning progress, another urgent issue that has not received poor satisfaction levels of 2.05, 3.25 and advertisements on television look alike. I been sufficiently addressed is the under-prepara- 2.37 percent, respectively. tion of campaign strategies from various compet- While the skeptics’ concern regarding the can’t even differentiate them.” ing parties. country’s preparation for the coming election may Reform Institute’s Executive Director Yudi be justified, the government, the political parties -Harrisson Hassanudin, fouth-year, Psychobiology Latif asserts that the competing parties are not and the public should not be discouraged and creative in their attempts to gain voters’ support. start working hand-in-hand to devise and imple- Latif observed that by imitating each other’s strat- ment effective solutions. The government should egies and failing to educate the public on their adopt a more efficient way to incorporate public ATHALIA NAKULA respective parties’ uniqueness, they are unable to opinion, such as holding periodic public sugges- STAFF WRITER fully gain the public’s interest. tion sessions with government representatives. [email protected] Harrison Hassanudin, a fourth-year psychobi- Additionally, the competing parties should be ology student, said, “I used to try following poli- more proactive in presenting their causes and tics in Indonesia, but then I got bored. They all differentiating themselves from each other. The say the same thing, promise the same thing. Their voters should also give constant feedback on advertisements on television look alike. I can’t the government’s planning progress, in addition even differentiate them.” to independently seeking out information on vari- The parties’ strategic failures are disturbing. ous competing parties. These measures may help However, what is particularly alarming in the com- people choose a president who will guide the OPINION columns, cartoons and letters represent ing election is the voters’ lack of interest in fa- country to economic and social prosperity. the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. rilliant brocade tapestries hung next to speak with her. I was surprised that the simple act scrolls written on with the distinct swirls of of speaking in Mandarin could create such a con- Tibetan script in a small, incense-perfumed nection between two people from two countries Bshop. Just a few windows down stood a that were so different. Spartan stationary store touting a line of clean, When I used to think about China, I imagined a China white notebooks. It seemed like a clash of two collective group of people with a common history opposing ideas, a war between traditional and and culture spanning thousands of years. How- modern China. How could these two shops stand ever, after visiting China and seeing the people Challenges adjacent to each other? who lived there, my perception of what a “Chi- Last summer I spent six weeks studying Man- nese” person was completely altered. Was it my darin at Peking University in Beijing, colloquially Han language partner at Bei Da who studied sci- known as Bei Da. My ence and loved kung Preconceptions preconceptions about “It seemed like a clash of two fu? The girl from Xi- Chinese culture were an who wanted to tested, torn apart, and opposing ideas, a war between explore Christianity? reassembled with a traditional and modern China.” Or the Hui woman I new consciousness. met who was a non- I had never been to a -Marla Goodman, fouth-year, History observant Muslim? country with such a When I walked down stark contrast between different peoples and re- the streets of Beijing with my blue umbrella shad- ligions. Buddhist temples were situated next to ing me from the sun, I forgot that I was a waig- large Christian churches and tiny halal (food that uoren (foreigner). I spoke Chinese, I ate Chinese is permissible to eat under muslim law) restau- food, and I soaked in the rich, vibrant, multi-fac- rants. I was in awe of the rich cultural background eted culture of China and became a zhongguo- that Chinese people held. I wondered how such a ren (Chinese person). Only when someone spoke society could thrive after suffering under Mao Ze to me in English did I remember who I was and Dong before the gaigekaifang (reform and open- where I came from. ing up of China) that marked the end of the Cul- When people ask me if it was difficult to get tural Revolution. acclimated to living in China, I always think back I remember visiting the stationary store one to the day at the stationery store. If you speak to PHOTO COURTESY OF MARLA GOODMAN time and browsing through the books on shelves. someone courteously and show that you respect “Is she Russian?” I heard one saleslady ask the their culture and language, they will in turn respect MARLA GOODMAN other in Chinese. “No, I’m from the U.S.” I replied you. Even if your own background is radically dif- CONTRIBUTOR back in Chinese. She looked slightly surprised, ferent from the other person’s, it isn’t that hard to [email protected] but impressed that a bairen (white person) could get along.

8 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | MONOLOGUE/DIALOGUE READER SUBMISSION to connect my college experience back to my com- DIPLOMA STATUS + POVERTY NUMBERS munity. I am finding relevancy in my education, FOR SOUTHEAST ASIANS LIVING IN THE U.S. SOUTHEAST ASIAN and I look forward to returning to my community. Nowhere in the UCLA brochure would I have ADMIT WEEKEND understood just how much UCLA had to offer me CAMBODIANS HMONG LAOTIANS VIETNAMESE THAI as a Southeast Asian student. I did not understand the significance of my presence nor what it meant to 67.2% 74.1% 67.9% 38.8% 22.2% be underrepresented; I did have the student body’s When I first got accepted to UCLA, I had never DO NOT HAVE DO NOT HAVE DO NOT HAVE DO NOT HAVE DO NOT HAVE sense of social responsibility and community prog- set foot on a UC campus before. I actually hesitated A HS DIPLOMA A HS DIPLOMA A HS DIPLOMA A HS DIPLOMA A HS DIPLOMA ress screaming at me through through brochure. I to send in my Statement of Intent to Register to also did not fully grasp the idea that students like 43.8% LIVE IN 55.1% LIVE IN 49.9% LIVE IN 30% LIVE IN 9.4% LIVE IN UCLA because I had the preconceived notion that me were inspired to tackle the problem of under- POVERTY POVERTY POVERTY POVERTY POVERTY UCLA was overrated. Next to all the glitz and glam- representation headfirst by creating support projects our of Westwood, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, like SEA CLEAR to retain Southeast Asian students UCLA seemed gilded, almost unreal. And to UCLA, during their undergraduate career through services I was no one special. I wasn’t a star athlete awaiting like peer counseling, mentorship, and internship. perks. I wasn’t a genius with a full ride. Sure, I got I did not know that there were Southeast Asian in, but I felt like just another face in the sea of in- organizations, like VSU, UKS, the Association of coming freshmen. Hmong Students (AHS), Thai Smakom, and the In the moments before deciding which school Laotian American Organization. Nor was I aware of to attend, I thought a lot about my life and how their purpose to preserve and promote the progress I grew up. As a Cambodian American female from of their communities on campus; I was not aware Long Beach, I was a first generation attendant of a that there was such a strong student movement on four-year university. At the time, I didn’t understand campus. If I had known these things, my choice how this mattered at all. My story was personal to would have been an easy one. me, and college felt like a separate matter altogeth- This year, various Southeast Asian organizations er—an opportunity to escape, to do something, to are coming together to address this missing link. be somebody. Why was who I was or where I came The Southeast Asian (SEA) Admit Weekend wel- from important? Nothing about my acceptance let- comes newly admitted students of Southeast Asian ter even encouraged me to think about how those background to UCLA, and presents the university things related to my choice. beyond its gilded exterior. The first of its kind, the Due to proximity, I begrudgingly chose UCLA SEA Admit Weekend recognizes the university’s over other universities. I soon found out that I low level of outreach to Southeast Asian communi- was among one of the few Cambodian American ties and aims to provide a space where admits can students attending UCLA. In fact, there were few debunk the myths about college and learn what people who even knew where Cambodia was lo- UCLA has to offer. SEA Admit Weekend reaches cated. The scarcity of Cambodians and Southeast our to admitted students early, spreading the mes- Asians actually led me to search for my community sage that college is not about escaping home but at UCLA. And since then, I have been pleasantly about finding a home away from home. surprised. What I found at UCLA was something organic and real. I found a group of students who related to my struggles and who reminded me that -Layhannara Tep, third-year there was no escaping home. Through my involve- English, Asian American Studies ments with groups like the Southeast Asian Campus Learning Education and Retention Project (SEA SEA Admit Weekend will be taking place April 16 to CLEAR), the Vietnamese Student Union (VSU), 19. If you’re interested in helping out, please contact and United Khmer Students (UKS), I have grown Chair Bich Pham at [email protected].

Source: 2000 U.S. Census and SEARAC (Southeast Asian Resource Action Center). Illustration by Maria Iu. = NO HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA = POVERTY LINE

READER SUBMISSION • One in four full-time students work sociation, which is a student-run, student-led mento (Feb. 28 to March 2). There we will more than 20 hours. organization. UCSA is a system-wide coali- be further educating students about ongoings STATE BUDGET • Undocumented students continue to tion of undergraduate and graduate UC stu- with the state budget and meeting face-to-face face great financial burden. Although they pay dent governments, and the official voice for with state legislators to voice our opinions. All into the return-to-aid financial program, they the UC students to the State Legislature, UC the UCs will be bringing other delegations as CRISIS are not eligible to receive any of its benefits. Regents, and University of California Office well, so it should be really exciting! This year, the governor proposed the fol- of the President. lowing: To combat the budget crisis, the EVP of- How is this personally relevant to Susan Li, a third year history major and • 9.3% tuition increase (bringing the to- fice has been doing the following: you? What is your role as a stu- the State and University Affairs Director at tal cost of a UC undergraduate education to • College Affordability Act, which will- dent activist, and how necessary the USAC (Undergraduate Students Associa- $26,104). freeze fees for 5 years for resident UC and is politicizing and mobilizing other tion Countil) External Vice President’s (EVP) • $209.9 million cut to the UCs. CSU students, prevents any future fee increas- students to you? office, answers our questions about the effects • Elimination of funding for enrollment es from surpassing inflation index, and raise of the state budget crisis on UCLA. growth revenue by a 1% tax on millionaire’s income. As a student solely here on financial aid, • $87.5 million cuts to CalGrants. • Educational Week of Action, a week to the effects of this budget crisis have hit home. How will the current financial cri- • Elimination of competitive CalGrant raise awareness of the CAA 2009, the EVP of- There are students far off worse than me, in- sis affect students in the 2008- program awards. fice ran an educational week of action along cluding my own little brother who has en- 2009 school year? What are the • Decoupling of CalGrants: although with the other UCs last week. We held edu- tered his first year of college. I find it incred- some of the threats in terms of fee increases are normally covered under the cational teach-ins/forums, the postcard cam- ibly hard to stand by and not take action as student services, rise in tuition program, CalGrants are proposed to not ex- paign, and a speak-out on Thursday. While the upcoming year approaches. In order to be costs, and increased enrollment pand to the same degree as the proposed fee the educational week of action is over, the united statewide, we are going to need to have in international students? increase. EVP office is hoping to not just stop there a mobilized student body that is educated and and continue having teach-ins to get students aware. The current state of the UCs in 2009: What is the EVP office doing more aware about not only what is going on If we continue to let these budget cuts • Many of the current cuts come from the about this? What are the UCs’ with the state budget but how that is going to affect fee increases, cuts to enrollment and ‘08-’09 budget (the state cut $48 million to response? What are the goals of affect them. diversity, cuts to academic preparation and the UCs and proposed an additional $65 mil- campaigning and lobbying? • Student Lobby Conference, where the financial aid--what does that mean for access lion mid-year cut). UCLA EVP office will be bringing a delega- and affordability in this public institution? • The average student is graduating with The EVP office is working in conjunction tion of 57 UCLA students to UCSA’s annual Really, what does it mean for higher educa- $20,000 in debt. with the University of California Student As- Student Lobby Conference held in Sacra- tion?

MONOLOGUE/DIALOGUE | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 9 he journalism industry is hurting these days. Th e gers realized that in order to talk about Disgrasians, Los Angeles Times announced last month that they also needed to talk about “Amazians,” or amaz- it will be cutting 300 jobs, and many newspa- ing Asians. Among these weekly “Amazians” posts are Tpers and magazines are following suit. With the “Rock on Asians” for noteworthy Asian music artists recent cessation of print publication for AsianWeek, and “Babewatch” for good-looking Asians in pop cul- the longest-running English-language newspaper for ture. And so, a “Disgrasian Dictionary” was compiled, Asian Americans, and with “America’s newspapers with their blog reports satirizing almost every person narrowing their reach and their ambitions” (according and event from pop culture to politics to sports. to the Project for Excellence in Journalism), extensive “We wanted to take the air out of [disgrace] a little mainstream media coverage of Asian Americans and bit so that we can talk about it in a sort of like light- Pacifi c Islanders is dwindling hearted pop way. Most Asian and Asian Americans can In a time when relevant news coverage is scarce, agree that Asians can be really harsh and judgmental. AAPIs have turned to another outlet. We expect perfection, and we expect to be the best. Weblogs, more commonly known as blogs, have Say if we’re looking at Bai Ling having a ‘nipple slippo’ opened an avenue for people to create their own voice. as we call it on the red carpet, we’re going to be rough Blogs are more than free online personal journals on her because that’s what we do,” said Wang. where writers or “bloggers” can write about their day SlantEyefortheRoundEye.com, a blog written by BLOGOSPHERE and give the Internet their two cents. Blogs have be- “Slanty,” also highlights AAPI achievements and the come a forum where the voices of AAPIs can be heard, community’s infl uence on pop culture. In his yearly where their talents as singers, artists, fi lm makers and reviews of “Bests,” Slanty devotes a few blog entries the new frontpage? actors can be showcased, and where they can raise that spotlight Asian Americans who should be re- awareness of AAPI issues. With a potential audience membered for their specifi c achievements. Th ere’s of over 1.5 billion Internet users, according to Inter- the band Morning Benders, who was the “Best Indie net World Stats in February, “blogs build awareness of Band with an Asian American Front Man (Who’s Also [AAPI issues] that isn’t just limited by geography,” said Got a Foot Fetish),” and comedian Esther Ku, who Professor David K. Song, who teaches the class New was the “Most Viewed Asian American Comic of the Asian American Media at UCLA. Year Who Everyone Seemed to Hate But I Still Didn’t AAPI individuals frontier the However, blogs are not replacing journalism, Mind.” Blogs highlight artists who don’t receive added Song. Instead, bloggers “eschew traditional me- enough exposure in mainstream media, and whose burgeoning wild, wild web arena dia gatekeepers to fi ll in the gaps that major outlets talents would otherwise be unknown if it wasn’t for overlook, either because these outlets might consider the Internet. _____ something a non-issue or believe that there isn’t a Slanty wanted to get his perspective out there with big enough demographic to warrant coverage,” said his blog, and when asked what keeps him blogging, Song. he said that the “big part of the reason I blog is sim- By Evelina Giang “I ... get excited when I see Asian American and Asian faces breaking new ground, pushing new boundaries or just simply being comfortable in who they are and saying to everyone around them, ‘This is who I am.’”

-SLANTY, SLANTYEYEFORTHEROUNDEYE.COM

Unfortunately, mainstream media does not have ply because I love seeing all the great people from our the room to give due credit to the wide range of community who do their thing—no matter what it is. achievements in the AAPI community, but blogs are I just can’t help not talking about the people in [the compensating for that. Asian American community] because I do get excited Take Phil Yu’s blog AngryAsianMan.com. Yu jokes when I see Asian American and Asian faces breaking that editors wouldn’t know what to do with him if he new ground, pushing new boundaries or just simply wanted to publish AngryAsianMan posts in a main- being comfortable in who they are and saying to ev- stream print newspaper, but his blog has actually be- eryone around them, ‘Th is is who I am.’” come the go-to for Asian American-related news and events. Attracting thousands of readers, his blog picks KEEPING AAPI LENS ON up on where mainstream media falls short. Yu draws attention to racism, documents anti-Asian incidents EVERYDAY SUBJECTS and remarks in the media, and promotes Asian Ameri- Some AAPI bloggers have also used blogs as jour- can musicians, movies, actors and comic book artists. nals, except they’re online and accessible to millions of “I’m writing for the sake of my own expression. readers. Harvard University student Lena Chen’s blog, I’m writing for people coming from the similar same SexandtheIvy.com, chronicles her sexual and romantic place as I am— young Asian Americans who are inter- experiences at the Ivy League during her sophomore to ested in what’s going on in the world and who try to junior year (2006-2007). Chen’s blog has become very engage in that,” said Yu, whose blog comes up when- popular among AAPI female college students, from ever “Asian” or “Asian man” is Googled. whom she receives the most reader responses, though she doesn’t know if it’s because she’s Asian or from an LAUNCHING AAPIs IN THE SPOTLIGHT Ivy League. Th e reader responses are mostly positive, but Chen says whenever she does receives criticism, And blogs aren’t just talking about the issues. Th ere it’s usually racist. are numerous artists trying to hit the radio airwaves “Th e criticism directed toward me is defi nitely or make it in Hollywood; just check out YouTube. more racist. If I were white, they’ll probably call me a com. But, how many AAPI pop stars, musicians and ‘slut’ half the time, but instead they call me a ‘chink’ actors have you seen break into mainstream media? half the time and a ‘slut’ the other half. It’s defi nitely Come into the online community of blogs, known unexpected that I’m Asian,” said Chen, who now reg- as the blogosphere, and see talents get their deserved ularly blogs at Chicktionary.com. exposure. Th en there’s 8Asians.com, which asks the question, Take Disgrasian.com, for example, a pop culture “If you put 8 Asians in a room, how much diversity blog started by friends Jennifer Wang and Diana would you get?” Breaking the often homogenous ste- QUICK KICK action fi gure greets Nguyen. A marriage between the words ‘disgrace’ and visitors when they visit Phil Yu’s reotype AAPIs receive in mainstream media, 8Asians’s blog, angryasianman.com. ‘Asian,’ Disgrasian started as “hit list of disgraceful be- havior,” said Wang, who co-founded the blog with her friend Nguyen in 2007. Th e blog grew and the blog- CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 10 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | FEATURE SEXANDTHEIVY.COM POSTED BY Lena Chen

This Harvard girl will tell it all (and we do mean all!) in a blunt and bold fashion. Lena Chen is a reputed blogger and writer who will detail the woes of undergraduate life dictated by depression, dating, sex, (insert more post-teenage angst, social- SLANTEYEFORTHEROUNDEYE.COM based issues). POSTED BY Slanty

Both daring and sarcastic, “Slanty” blogs about news in the entertainment industry--fi lling his page with music videos, interviews, and movie trailers. But no fear; the Serious Slanty exists in the Blogo- sphere. He also addresses current events, recounts personal anecdotes and brings attention to relevant events. 8ASIANS.COM POSTED BY John, Tim, Ernie, Efren, Ben, Jeff, JozJozJoz, and Xxxtine

Self-explanatory, almost. 8 Asians dwelling in L.A., the Bay Area, and everywhere in-between means 8 lives reporting on the ANGRYASIANMAN.COM enormous scope of the world: Social and medical research, entertainment, technol- POSTED BY Phil Yu ogy, discrimination, and politics in America and beyond. Chinatowns. JabbawockeeZ. Legislation. Korean BBQ tacos. Jollibee. Angry Asian Man writes about everything and anything under the sun, declaring his cause a yellow struggle against The Man. Very informative and real, he bids readers to “keep it real with the rice fi elds.” DISGRASIAN.BLOGSPOT.COM POSTED BY Jennifer Wang and Diana Nguyen

Two witty, uncensored females with a load to say about the nation’s current affairs-- saying it via Blogspot. From political fi gures and legislation to overt dislike for Miley Cyrus, Jen and Diana are in-the-know with celebrities, injustice, fashion, and perhaps, a combination of all the above. They are stereotype-breaking and laughter-invoking. Plus, they can have a knack of Asianizing bloggers range from liberal to conservative, activists to words; to describe them, we can use pop culture junkies, gay rights activists to conservative “Amazians” (Amazing Asians). Christians. Don’t expect the same response when you ask the bloggers the same question. “Hopefully [when readers come to 8Asians.com, they get] something to the point of, ‘why was that re- ally angry political post sandwiched between a blog When Bruins Blog... post about Tila Tequila and a discussion about boo- bies?’” said Ernie Hsiung, founder of 8Asians.com.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST BLOGGERS Whether the focus is on community issues, pop culture or everyday life, all bloggers agree that it is es- sential that AAPIs blog. According to a Pew Internet and American Life study of Asian Americans and the Internet, 75 percent of English-speaking Asian Ameri- CAPSA4CHANGE.BLOGSPOT.COM APCLA.ORG can adults use the Internet, which makes AAPIs the blog.susiechhuor.com POSTED BY CAPSA - UCLA POSTED BY APC - UCLA “new generation of Internet savvy users,” says Hsiung. POSTED BY Susie Th is presence means that the AAPI voice can be heard Critical Asian & Pacifi c Islander Students As a coalition of 22 API student orga- Student by day professional hair and in masses. Blogs can be used to create a dialogue that for Action (CAPSA) is rockin’ the digital nizations, Asian Pacifi c Coalition’s blog make-up artist by night. UCLA student and disseminates the stereotypes in the mainstream me- world with a different blog post on the serves to publicize the masses on events entrepreneur Susie Chhuor expands her dia and promote AAPI presence in entertainment and daily! CAPSA blog is really an extension and programs across the board, on and business clientele through the internet. Her pop culture. of our mission and activism as a student off-campus. Continue to check out what’s work has been featured on MTV, Gwen Ste- “I’m not really an angry guy,” says Yu, “[but] what organization to expand consciousness and happening in the API community--blogo- fani’s Harajuku girls, models from agencies critical thought among young leaders. We sphere status--whether it be Jeff Chang’s bothers me the most is the apathy and silence from like Tyra Bank’s Elite Model Management, believe in the power of the blog to gener- speech transcript or community tour and up and coming designer lines such as the Asian American community. It’s extremely im- ate dialogue, promote critical thinking announcements. Be active, be social, be Ruche (www.shopruche.com). Follow her portant Asian Americans blog just because we have and serve as a platform for progressive, political. Their mission? Solidarity through wherever she goes and whatever she does such little mainstream infl uence. We don’t have our political voice. Blog on! consciousness and identity. Est. 1975 (the by visiting her blog. voices there. Blogs are defi nitely a way for us to get -Sahra Nguyen, fouth-year, coaliton, not the blog!). Asian American Studies, WAC our voices out.” FEATURE | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 11 EAST WEST PLAYERS TIM DANG, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE S. MARK TAPER FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FOR EAST WEST PLAYERS

PRESENTS

IXNAY

BY PAUL KIKUCHI DIRECTED BY JEFF LIU

Raymond Kobayashi is in the prime of his sansei life when he is pulled up to the Reincarnation Station. But when he finds out he’s being sent back as a Japanese American he refuses, which rudely pre- vents anyone else from returning to earth as scheduled. A comedy about a unsually polite Asian causing major havoc when he ixnays his next life.

WORLD PREMIERE FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 15, 2009

• Preview Performances Feb 12-15 $20 all seats, $12 w/ valid student I.D. • Opening Night Feb 18, $60 all seats, included pre-show hosted bar & post-show reception with cast and crew • Performance Run Feb 19-Mar 15, Wed-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $35 Orchestra, $30 Balcony • Pay-What-You-Can-Performance Thur, Feb 19 at 8pm • Next Generation Community Night Wed, Feb 25 at 7pm. Free Pizza, Soda & Live Music. $1 Opportunity Drawing Tickets. Prizes include autographed memorabilia form the actors. • American Sign Language-interpreted Performance Sun, Mar 8 at 2pm. $20 tickets for deaf & hard of hearing patrons

12 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | ADVERTISEMENT Empowerment through Kollaboration RAY LUO // A&E EDITOR // [email protected]

David Choi and Kina Grannis perform a press conference for Kollaboration 9. Both will com- pete for cash prizes at the Shrine Auditorium on February 21.

CHRISTOPHER WU // CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER eing Asian has nothing to do with be- right avenue yet. ing talented. That’s the message that Yet for her, the lack of popular success is Kollaboration 9, a talent show that “I just want to be as good a musician as I can possi- not a problem. Bcelebrates Asian American empower- bly be, whether it’s an Asian American person watching “I think I’ll always teach,” said Evardome, ment through the arts, wants to leave us. who performs mostly independent gigs on the “I just want to be as good a musician I me or any other person watching.” weekends. can possibly be, whether it’s an Asian Ameri- -Paul Dateh One independent folk artist who is getting can person watching me or any other person a lot of publicity around the Internet is Jane watching,” said Paul Dateh, a hip-hop vio- Lui, who will also be performing in Kollabo- linist who will compete at the Kollaboration musical identity, Asian or otherwise. tending La Sierra University, she sang Mo- ration 9. stage along with other musicians for some of Dateh has also been writing and sing- zart’s “Exultate Jubilate” with the Los Angeles “I have never seeked [sic] out an Asian fol- the $10,000 in prize money. ing songs that cross the boundaries between Philharmonic. She came to Kollaboration lowing,” said Lui, who, like other competitors Dateh was trained classically in the violin musical styles like R&B and jazz, which re- after being discovered by producer Roy Choi such as singer-songwriter David Choi and for 15 years before enrolling in a jazz impro- flects how Dateh’s own life has been a fusion when she sang at a friend’s wedding. singer Kinna Grannis, thinks Kollaboration visation class at USC. Soon, he began play- of Japanese and Caucasian heritage. “Singing for me is a side thing,” said is a platform for advancing their budding ca- ing with a band in clubs, blending his unique “I don’t know what to call anything [I Evardome, who teaches music to K-12 kids reers. style of virtuosic violin-playing with hip-hop. do],” noted Dateh on his current mix of mu- and has a three-year-old of her own. “It’s not like I have this huge Asian pride He soon worked with a disc jockey named sical styles. Dateh refuses to label his music as Evardome brings a patience to her music in me,” said Lui, who sees herself as just “a girl Inka One on a YouTube video that has been one particular genre, but instead relies on his that comes with years of dealing with “kids who’s trying to do music.” viewed by more than 2.7 million people. current experience and musical influences to with hormones”—a patience that is reflected All this may sound contradictory to the “I have no idea” was Dateh’s response direct him where to go. in her sonorous, full singing style. basic premise of Kollaboration 9: to empower when asked how his video’s popularity has “I’m still searching for where I am musi- Evardome, who is of Filipino heritage, Asian Americans by introducing AAPI talent surprisingly taken off so quickly. His recent cally,” said Dateh. “This album [“Be More”], was inspired by Lea Salonga’s pioneering role to a broader audience. But if we look closer, success has allayed fears that he might not is the way I am, but in the next album, I may in “Miss Saigon,” which opened the door for this kind of attitude is the only way to debunk make it in such a tough industry. be completely different.” Asian American singers in theater. But she racial stereotypes in the media. Although his parents were initially con- This mixture of musical influences can also doesn’t think of herself as an Asian artist. To empower and entertain, it doesn’t mat- cerned that he switched majors from classical be seen in the work of another competitor in “America looks at who is marketed the ter if you’re Asian. Your identity may be per- music to jazz, Dateh’s current success and the Kollaboration, Lilybeth Evardome. most,” said Evardome, who attributes the lack sonal, but your work is universal. launching of his first album, “Be More,” has Evardome has been singing in churches of Asian American vocal stars to the percep- persuaded them to accept his way of pursuing and choirs since the age of four. While at- tion that Asian Americans haven’t found the Visit pacificties.org for more info about Kollaboration 9.

t is as if she refuses to do anything but sing out the ideas in her head. Jane Lui, a San Diego based indepen- dent singer and songwriter, plays music that she claims “doesn’t belong on the radio.” One is often wary that such music would not be worth listening to, but Lui’s suave, whispery, yet strong and sultry voice at Ionce disarms the guards that protect one’s listening taste. Her quirky personality and creative ideas about music then ransacks the castle, capturing one’s undivided attention. In one YouTube video, Lui refuses to talk, and instead puts up a placard that reads, “I’m not too much of a talker, so I thought I’d write,” before wishing everyone a “happy hibernation” in a work simply titled “30 jane lui second Animal Migration song.” Tapping her chest for rhythm, Lui chants a blues-like melody, giving advice with the phrase “run, Shiny run run rhythm, no one’s keeping your soul.” The song is Lui’s way of telling a friend of hers how to “keep warm” in spite of an unfortunate event in his life. Lui moved from Hong Kong to the Bay Area before studying music at San Diego State. She is classically trained 0n the piano, and began writing songs five years ago. Lui plays some twenty different instruments, including the glockenspiel, marimba, harmonium, and Indian drum, many of which appear in her first album “Teargirl.” “I had a sound in my head that I wanted,” says Lui about her first project. “My [first] songs were attention- getters, not songs that I would write right now because I’m not at that place anymore... but they are still a part of my journey as a songwriter.” Lui wrote those emotional songs based on her own troubles during that difficult year. She says she needed RAY LUO songs desperately to sing, almost like crying out loud. A&E EDITOR Lui | Page 18 [email protected] A&E | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 13 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: A predictable affair SHIRLEY MAK // STAFF WRITER // [email protected] What does it take to make a good movie? Is it: ty on the screen contributed to, rather than distracted A) Money from, the wholesome love story that unfolds between B) Luck the two of them. C) Smarts But I’d like to argue that the appeal of “Slumdog D) Destiny Millionaire” comes from a fifth factor, which in turn could be seen as one of its biggest flaws as well as This is just one of the many million-dollar ques- one of its biggest strengths, and that would be: tions associated with this year’s main attraction, E) clichés. “Slumdog Millionaire.” Though there may be no defini- Let’s be honest. Even though Boyle’s film is tive answer, one has to wonder how a movie chroni- beautifully shot and coupled with a uniquely mixed cling an underdog achieving success in Mumbai has soundtrack (A. R. Rahman’s original song “Jal Ho” is managed to impress both critics and audiences alike, a catchy upbeat melody well suited for depicting a in spite of Indian critics who denounce the stereotypi- frenzied life in the slums), the plot has its shortcom- cal portrayal of a browbeaten India. The film swept ings. After all, the story is riddled with clichés taken four Golden Globes and is nominated for 10 Academy from nearly every love story in existence. Awards. You have the beautiful damsel in distress and Aside from Anil Kapoor, a prominent Indian ac- the lovelorn boy who will stop at nothing to get her tor and producer who plays the game show host, the back. Then there are the bloodthirsty villains (who, other major actors are relatively unknown. And though aside from Jamal’s brother, all appear rather one-di- directed by a well-known British director, both “Slum- mensional) who want to tear them apart; a plot de- dog’s” setting and subject matter are both predomi- velopment that’s essentially topped off by notions of nately foreign. So what pushed it to the forefront when betrayal and redemption; and perhaps most cliché of movies like “City of God” (an Academy Award-nomi- all, a journey that culminates in the type of fairy-tale nated 2002 Brazilian film that also takes place in the ending that everyone knows and loves. Complete with slums of a remote country) are recognizable at best? a kiss, a smile, and a dance, it’s every moviegoer’s One might argue that both luck and smarts have dream come true, right? played a role in Slumdog’s almost unnatural success. Though I’m probably one of the few people out Danny Boyle, director of “Trainspotting” and “28 Days there who found “Slumdog’s” ending to be thoroughly Later,” was fortunate enough to cast Dev Patel as re- unsettling in its predictability, I also can’t deny that I silient protagonist Jamal Malik, whose naïve face and was moved by it. It wasn’t as provoking a film as I gangly grace have captured the hearts of audiences wanted, definitely paling in comparison to the nitty worldwide. Boyle’s decision to cast Patel was made gritty technique that “City of God” employs, but it was after his daughter told him she liked his performance enjoyable to watch. Like waiting for Christmas – you

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX on a British television show called “Skins.” A smart know what to expect but you end up being excited Dev Patel and Freida Pinto star in “Slumdog Millionare,” a movie decision? I’d say. Likewise, Freida Pinto, the actress anyway. And in return for the wait, you get a pretty about a kid from the slums of Mumbai who ends up on an Indian who plays Jamal’s true love, Latika, is an Indian model package delivered most promisingly. version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” with no prior acting experience. Fortunately, her beau- Who can ask for more?

CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA: A taste of the Bollywood leftovers EVELINA GIANG // ONLINE EDITOR // [email protected]

Hoping to cash in on the aftertaste left over from ute movie more bearable. The kung fu action scenes are “Slumdog Millionaire,” Bollywood decided to cook with excellent and the best part of the movie. Apart, the two bold flavors with “Chandni Chowk to China,” the largest genres, Bollywood and kung fu action, are wonderful, but theatrical release of a Bollywood film in America. fused together, it tasted like director Nikhil Advani’s first America has yet to be enticed. dish--unperfected and even amateurish. “Chandni Chowk to China” is Bollywood’s first-ever Advani may have had too many flavors mixed into his fusion dish, serving up the traditional Bollywood musical dish. There’s a plethora of plots and subplots in “Chand- numbers with a kung fu kicker. ni,” from the mission to kill Hojo, to Ms. TSM trying to The movie is about the unsatisfied Sidhu, played by learn about her family history, to Sidhu’s quest to become one of India’s biggest stars, Akshay Kumar, whom two a kung fu master; the list goes on. Chinese villagers claim to be the reincarnation of a war Mixed in with the spectacular musical sequences hero. and intense kung fu scenes, these flavors can only be With his Chinese translator in tow, the devious Chop- slightly tasted under the infinite details from the plots and stick (Ranvir Shorey), Sidhu goes from Chandni Chowk to subplots. You may have come for Bollywood and kung fu China to fight the terrorizing Hojo, played by martial arts action, but when you’re done with the dish, none of these master Gordon Liu. On the way to China, they are met by flavors resonate. Deepika Padulone’s character, Ms. TSM, who sweeps the While Bollywood’s biggest release in the American screen with her beauty. box office is noteworthy, America is still waiting to be im-

“Chandni Chowk to China” is a fun movie filled with pressed, with critics giving it only lukewarm reviews and PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES dazzling, though sometimes misplaced, musical numbers low box office numbers. Next time, let’s serve up some- Akshay Kumar’s character, SidhulLiu Sheuyn is a master and dance sequences that make the two hour and 35 min- thing spicier, Bollywood. vegetable slicer in “Chandni Chowk to China.”

Street Fighter: Movies to watch in 2009 Tokyo Sonata Dragonball Evolution Taking Woodstock Ninja Assasin The Legend of Chun-Li (March 13) (April 8) (Aug. 14) (2009) This year, we watched everything (Feb. 27) from“Gran Torino” to Wanye Wang’s free YouTube Screening Room flick, “Princess Chun-Li kicks ass on her An ordinary family in modern Son Goku sets out on a quest Ang Lee directs in this sum- The Wachowski brothers of Nebraska,” the choices are endless. quest for justice. Japan falls apart after the in search of the seven magical mer film about the infamous are back in this action flick Starring Kristin Kreuk and father loses his job. orbs that will grant any wish. Woodstock concert of 1986. about a young ninja, played by Here are some films to see in 2009: Charles Klein Starring Teruyuki Kagawa Starring Yun-Fat Chow Korean star, Rain.

14 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | REVIEWS GRAN TORINO: A look into Eastwood’s film + reactions from students HISTORY OF SHIRLEY CHAU // BUSINESS MANAGER // [email protected] Korean War veteran and members of the Hmong com- cial point that should not be overlooked. Although Khang HMONG munity are forced to come to terms with their established liked “Gran Torino” overall, he did not think the movie ac- stereotypes and hate in director Clint Eastwood’s new curately portrayed Hmong culture. Amovie “Gran Torino.” The racist Walt Kowalski (East- “The scene where everyone is in the house, and the IMMIGRATION wood) inadvertently becomes a mentor to a Hmong teenager shaman is performing the ritual and chanting in front of a ta- Thao “Tom” Lor (Bee Vang) when Thao works for Kowalski ble. That ritual is called, hu plig, meaning, ‘calling the spirit.’ in reparation for attempting to steal the man’s prized 1972 In this scene, this ritual was performed for the baby’s sake. It TO THE U.S. Gran Torino. is believed that when there is a newborn baby in the house, Initially, Kowalski demonstrates his resistance toward the family must ask a shaman to call the baby’s spirit to come Thao and the changing demographics, most notably the home and join the family for it to live a healthy life,” Khang growing presence of the Hmong, through various racial slurs described. 1975 and culturally insensitive remarks. However, he eventually “This is all true, but for this specific ritual, the shaman END OF THE SECRET WAR warms up to with both Thao and his sister Sue (Ahney Her). is supposed to perform the ritual by the door because he is The United States withdraws from Vietnam While Thao and Sue both gain a father-figure, Kowal- supposed to be calling the baby’s spirit and welcoming it to and the Kingdom of Laos is overthrown by communists. Hmong people in Laos are ski, who is distant from any significant relationship, ironically come home.” targets of persecution. Mass exodus of discovers affection amongst an unfamiliar culture. When vio- Xiong had similar reactions. He thought some of the Hmongs from Laos to Thailand, United lence threatens both Thao’s family and the neighborhood, scenes were more exaggerated. “The scene where families Nation refugee camps and to the U.S. Kowalski, must face his own ethnic, racial, religious and gen- were dropping off gifts at the doorstep of their neighbors; I’ve erational prejudices to protect his new unlikely friends. never seen that happen before,” he said. Xiong also com- “Gran Torino” is one of the first to portray the Hmong mented on educational conditions of his community in re- 1976 American community, and has drawn reactions from the sponse to the scene where Sue addresses education. 11,000 HMONGS ENTER UCLA community. Xiong said, “Something interesting that I felt a connec- THE UNITED STATES “Because I am Hmong, [the movie] drew interest in me,” tion with between being a college student at UCLA and the By 1978, 30,000 Hmongs have entered said Pao Xiong, a fourth-year physics student. “I wanted to film [is] how they portrayed the Hmong women and men in the U.S. These are mostly men from General Vang Pao’s Secret Army. see the different cultural aspects they show.” the film. Hmong men are the gangster type, and women go Chou Khang, a first-year Hmong American microbiol- into higher education.” 1980 ogy, immunology and molecular genetics student, felt some- The film’s attempt to portray Hmong Americans through REFUGEE ACT OF 1980 thing similar. mainstream media is commendable. However, in order for us Second wave of Hmong immigration. “I was excited when I heard there was going to be an to begin understanding Hmong culture firsthand, we should Families of previous immigrants are American movie starring an all-Hmong cast,” said Khang. educate ourselves, and we can start by meeting our Hmong allowed to enter the U.S. An accurate portrayal of the Hmong in this film is a cru- peers at UCLA.

1997 U.S. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SECRET WAR With the help of donations from Hmong veterans, the U.S. government dedicates the Laos Memorial in the Arlington National Cemetery in honor of the Hmong and other combat veterans from the Secret War.

2000 HMONGS CONTINUE TO RISE IN NUMBERS The 2000 U.S. Census counts 186,310 indi- viduals of Hmong ancestry in the country. However, 68.6 percent of all foreign-born Hmongs are not yet naturalized citizens.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES 2002 Pictured above: Vu (BROOKE CHIA THAO), Thao (BEE VANG), Sue (AHNEY HER) and Walt Kowalski (CLINT EASTWOOD) establish an unlikely friendship HMONG LEADERSHIP in Eastwood’s newest movie, “Gran Torino.” IN THE U.S. United States’ first Hmong politician, a 32- GRAN TORINO: A look at Hmong studies at UCLA year-old female lawyer named Mee Moua, is elected to the Minnesota State Senate. DERRICK OLIVER // CONTRIBUTOR // [email protected]

lint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” has recently served as a catalyst for discussion concerning Hmong cul- “When we start getting Hmong tural and gender stereotypes. While Eastwood’s Cfilm provides hints of the Hmong culture to the doctors, lawyers, civil rights lead- and molecular genetics student. global audience, UCLA students here have the oppor- ers, that’s when we’ll see change.” This is not the first Hmong course offered at UCLA. tunity to study and discuss the Hmong culture more in -Professor Sharon Bays, UCLA Anthropology For the 2006-2007 school year, 2007 graduate Eric Yang depth through a new course: The Hmong in Laos, Thai- facilitated and organized a seminar as an undergradu- land and the United States: Culture, Kin and Making a ate called Emergence from the Secret War: The Hmong- Living. sent in a letter of intent to the Asian American Studies American Experience. The class will be offered Spring 2009 and will be Department,” said Bays. The seminar was offered through the Undergradu- taught by Professor Sharon Bays, who is an expert on Pao Xiong, a fourth-year physics student and sig- ate Student Initiated Education program in which stu- the subject, having done her doctoral research on the natory for the AHS, agreed. dents, with the help of faculty advisors, create and teach Laotian Hmong refugee families and communities in “Ever since [AHS] was established in 1996, one of their own seminars. Bays was Yang’s advisor during the Visalia, Calif. She is also the current advisor for UCLA’s their main goals was to have a course here to get the word development of this course. Association of Hmong Students (AHS). [out about] who the Hmong people are,” says Xiong. Although this course is a huge step in enlightening The class will address the Laotian Hmong’s his- AHS is a support network for Hmong students UCLA students about an often unfamiliar and unseen cul- torical and political background, their secret involvement whom Xiong feels are underrepresented at UCLA. ture, Bays said that more is needed to bring the Hmong with America during the Vietnam War, migration to Thai “It’s intimidating here at UCLA because being a to the forefront of America’s consciousness. refugee camps, and socio-economical adjustment to im- Hmong student, I feel I am put at a disadvantage be- “When we start getting Hmong doctors, lawyers, migration to the U.S. cause not only [are] my people not known to others, but civil rights leaders, that’s when we’ll see change. This is “The students themselves got the course started. I [also] have to adjust to a very competitive atmosphere,” a civil rights country, but we have a long way to go. It’s a [They] created a petition with hundreds of signatures and said Chou Khang, a first-year microbiology, immunology fight and always a struggle,” Bays said.

REVIEWS + MORE | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 15 receive good fortune, not just retain it. and engage in different traditions. Then, spread the In order to do so, the tradition of red envelopes is in knowledge by bringing friends along on this new ad- place. These money-filled envelopes are called hong venture. bao in Mandarin and are usually given to children or Here’s wishing you good fortune and a happy new LIFE unmarried adults without jobs. year! “The highlight of New Year’s Day for me is actually watching the five-hour television special on the Chi- FOOD nese channel with my family,” shared Jennifer Cheng, a Chinese second-year biology and history major. CULTURE BALANCING CULTURE Cheng’s family also visits a local Buddhist pagoda, YEAR OF THE OX KICKS where they ring a bell that is situated in the center. AND CONVICTION The louder one sounds the bell, the more good for- DEBBIE CHONG // ONLINE EDITOR tune one will receive for “ringing” in the new year. [email protected] OFF WITH A WIDE RANGE The Vietnamese New Year, Têt, has traditions much like the Chinese one, such as the red envelopes and OF TRADITIONS the ascent of the Kitchen God. Nonetheless, there are HUONG PHAM // STAFF WRITER don’t know any other Asian American vegetarians,” a few differences that make the Vietnamese customs mused Teresa Reyes (name changed for confiden- [email protected] unique. tiality), a fourth-year English major of Filipino, Chi- Jacqueline Nguyen, a second-year global studies nese and European descent. Most of the vegetar- and art history major, decorates her house with hoa I ians she knows are white. “You’re almost a novelty cross many Asian households, wispy trails of mai, branches from a tree with flower blossoms and when it comes to this thing.” smoke curled from the incense by their front cleans her house to prepare. How lucky the new year Fortunately Reyes is not alone, but Asian American door. If you followed the acute aroma from these will be depends on the mood and stature of the first vegetarians are indeed a double minority, and they altars, you were likely to find an extravagant ar- A visitor to the home. The happier and richer he is, it is face the challenge of balancing culture and convic- rangement of fruits, an offering to the gods. Flowers believed the same will pertain to the year. Everything tion. decorated living rooms and kitchens. Red envelopes, done and prepared for the new year has a symbol of bulky with allowance, were happily stuffed into pock- luck associated with it, and the food is no exception. ets. And in some homes, calendars with cartoon illus- “Bánh chüng, which represents the earth, is one WHY VEGETARIAN? trations of an ox hung on the walls. With such festive of my favorite New Year’s dishes that is required at Kinnery Shah, a first-year international develop- decorations, it was a sure sign that it was Lunar New every family altar,” shared Nguyen. This dish is glu- ment studies major, has been vegetarian since birth. Year again. tinous rice, usually filled with mung beans, pork and Her family’s Hindu beliefs of reincarnation, karma and Lunar New Year is a traditional holiday celebrated peppers, all wrapped in banana leaves. nonviolence are reflected in their vegetarian diet. “We by certain Asians worldwide. The celebratory spirit For the Tibetan version, Losar, one believe that each human individual seen around this time can be likened to that seen dur- of the more distinct customs for the has been every kind of animal in ing the more familiar Christmas season. The holiday new year is the passing out of dough past lives,” said Shah, who is Indi- is based on the lunar calendar and grouped by a 60- balls that have assorted ingredients an American. The karma, or sum of year cycle, with each year under one of the 12 ani- hidden inside. According to Venerable one’s actions, in the present life de- mal designations. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, Salden on phayul.com, “the ingredi- termines the life form one will take on rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat, monkey, ents one finds hidden in one’s dough in the next life. “We continue evolv- rooster, dog and pig. For the Vietnamese, the year of ball are supposed to be a lighthearted ing until we reach heaven or a higher the rabbit is instead the year of the cat. comment on one’s character.” The state of being.” To avoid the violence According to Chinese customs, preparations con- ingredients can be chilies, salt, wool that results in negative karma, Hin- or even coal. If a person finds coal dus abstain from consuming meat. inside, it represents his or her black For other Asian Americans, com- heart. passion for animals and concern for Other Asian countries such as the environment compelled them Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia to go vegetarian. “When I was 14, I celebrate with Chinese customs be- came across the PETA video ‘Meet cause a good portion of the countries Your Meat’ online,” said Korean consists of Chinese ethnic groups. American Jenny Kim, a third-year en- On the 15th day after the new year, PHOTO COURTESY OF GABE VILLANUEVA vironmental science student. “I was the Festival of the Moon takes place Gabe Villanueva spreads his vegetarian be- appalled at the abuse of the animals liefs by cooking and baking for his friends. and is celebrated with lanterns and and the terrible living conditions.” mooncakes. Perhaps the one country that celebrates She decided to forgo meat and became active in ani- the new year in the most distinct way is South Korea. mal rights campaigns in high school. “The new year is usually just spent at home with Like Kim, Eric Vallone, upon learning about the dark family. We don’t have any elaborate decorations,” side of the meat industry, put his knowledge into ac- said Jennifer Soh, a fourth-year physiological science tion. “Our fisheries are crashing; we’re destroying the major, emphasizing the reserved manner in which the rainforest for cattle ranching; and the amount of en- celebration is conducted in her home. Her family eats ergy, water, grain and pesticides used to raise animals ttok kuk, which are thinly sliced white rice cakes in a is wasteful,” said Vallone, a third-year international PHOTO COURTESY OF MARINA LI thick beef broth, topped with green onions and bright development studies major of Chinese, Irish and Ital- garnishes. ian descent. “I realized the fastest way I could make a sist of cleaning the house and buying new clothes, Soh described games that are played, such as significant impact was go vegan.” which denote a fresh start for the new year. Seven yoot, a chance game. Then, much like the red enve- Even though choosing a meatless diet is a personal days before the big day, an important prayer ceremo- lopes tradition, they engage in sebae, a bowing ritual decision, Asian American vegetarians must also con- ny is made for the ascent of the Kitchen God back to to their elders and ancestors. Money, gifts and wishful sider the impact of their choice on family and culture. the heavens. As Grace Young states on leitesculinaria. words of prosperity are exchanged as well. Though com, the Kitchen God’s job is to “present his annual the Koreans’ traditions are distinct from other Asian THROWING CULTURE INTO THE MIX report on the state of each household’s affairs to the cultures, they all have one definite similarity: it is an “With my culture, vegetarianism is a lot easier for supreme spiritual being, known as the Jade Emperor.” opportunity for family and friends to reunite. others to accept,” said Shah. “There are quite a few Sweet offerings such as fruits are left to persuade the The holiday is a time for individuals to come home, Indians who are vegetarian. I don’t get as many ques- god to give a favorable report, which should bring for- put negativity behind them and greet the new year tions as my white vegetarian friends because it’s not tuity. with a fresh attitude. Oftentimes people see Lunar necessarily the norm for them.” Other customs include abstaining from cleaning New Year as a celebration that is limited to one tradi- Reyes was not as lucky. “A lot of Filipino dishes anything, not even one’s hair, on the day of the new tion, when in fact it is a mass festivity celebrated in have meat. When I decided to go vegetarian, my fami- year because doing so would mean ridding oneself of a variety of interesting ways. So this new year, make ly wasn’t happy about it at all. They said, ‘Food is how good fortune. However, the celebrators also want to it a goal to learn about new cultures. Try new foods we show love. If you reject our food, it’s like you’re

16 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | LIFE you’re rejecting us and our values.’ When you go to a “They said to me, ‘Whoa! You sing now?’ ” PEOPLE family dinner and can’t eat the food, it’s like you’re not explained Meyer. “Then my dad added, ‘Just make part of the group,” she said. sure you can support yourself.’” She laughed as MEET TUY SOBIL a.k.a. K.K. Gabe Villanueva, a third-year environmental sci- she looked back at the memory. Her parents would MALINA TRAN // MANAGING EDITOR ence student of Filipino, Spanish, Cuban and Irish de- remain supportive as long as she continues to love [email protected] scent, has encountered similar problems. what she does. “Coming from a Filipino and Cuban family, where Meyer mainly manages her own music - both meat is a big part of the diet, it’s hard for them to creatively and financially - but has also received as- understand. I have to cook my own meals when I go sistance from friends, mentors, and other musicians. home. Food is a major component of cultural identity Whether or not she’s looking for a deal with a major and I won’t be able to pass on this cultural aspect to record label, Meyer prefers to be the one in control of my kids because it interferes with my beliefs. My be- her music. lief of respecting all forms of life is more important to Her first song “Sunrise” was originally written as me than my ethnicity because the world can try and a poem for a friend. When it comes to writing lyrics, take away my values to better fit a mold, but at the she said, “I try to let the words flow, not getting too CAMBODIA end of the day I will always be Filipino, and no one can structured about it.” ever take that away from me.” Music was not the only career option that she It may be a difficult choice, but many Asian Ameri- considered. “During high school, I wanted to be in in- can vegetarians feel that the sacrifices are worth it. ternational relations diplomacy or something related Being vegetarian demonstrates their commitment to to culture. I could still see myself involved in working nonviolence, compassion, and environmental protec- with cultural exchange.” hmer* refugee. Former Crips gang member tion. She says there is no set vision of where she will from Long Beach. Deportee. Breakdancing be at in five years, but she sees herself continuing champ. Or b-boy/gang member-deported- MAKING THE LEAP music, traveling around the world and maybe study- and-turned-breakdancing phenomenon? ing music at a graduate school. “It’s more of where K “Hopefully being an atypical vegetarian will encour- No matter how you characterize him, Tuy Sobil my music takes me in five years and not vice versa,” age others to go vegetarian too,” said Kim. “Anyone (also known as K.K.) has overcome obstacles in both said Meyer. can be vegetarian. It’s not limited to a certain demo- Cambodia and America. After the Khmer Rouge Meyer has already toured in Brazil and travels to graphic or ethnicity or religion.” genocide, which took place from 1975 to 1979, Japan to sing. Her upcoming Japanese album will “It’s okay to make exceptions once in a while if K.K.’s family fled to refugee camps in Thailand and be released in the summer, keeping it at a jazzy style you need to, especially during the transition period,” then the United States. K.K. slipped to the streets with a “lyrically-focused, pared-down arrangement said Vallone. “You also don’t have to fit into precon- and became involved with the Crips gang while pur- that has not been really done in the Japanese music ceived categories. If you don’t eat red meat or you suing breakdancing. scene ... I’m trying to keep it as organic as possible,” only choose sustainably harvested fish, it still helps. After clashes with the law, K.K. discovered that he said Meyer. Whatever you do makes a difference.” did not have citizenship status at the age of 18. He Even though she publicly performs on a regular became one of 189 non-citizen Cambodians banned basis, Meyer is still a college student. She spends from the United States in the past six years who her weekends playing the piano, visiting Los Angeles have been deported for felonies. Hundreds are still or going to a show. awaiting deportation. PEOPLE She said, “Sometimes I catch up on schoolwork. I Upon arrival to Cambodia, deportees have a like to hang out with friends and eat some good food multitude of experiences. Some have utilized their A TALK WITH EMI MEYER too.” The young singer has some experience in dirt English fluency to find work, reunited with families or STEPFANIE AGUILAR // STAFF WRITER biking and goes out for a ride whenever she has a resorted to unemployment, drug abuse and depres- [email protected] chance. sion. K.K. became a drug counselor prior to estab- “When I feel inspired, I just go,” said Meyer. She lishing his breakdancing club: Tiny Toones Cambo- also enjoys watching films, watercolor painting dia. t took a few tries to get a hold of her, but the and drawing. She has a spontaneous character by In January 2004, nine children from the slums of 21-year-old music artist was the one who called “always changing” her mind. “I don’t want to go here Bo Ding in Phnom Penh asked K.K. to be their dance me back, agreeing to an interview. With a voice or there. I just want to go with the flow,” explained teacher. And so he taught them for three hours every Ipleasant and cool, Emi Meyer apologized; she Meyer. She describes herself as an open-minded evening in his own home. After learning that his was busy preparing to leave the next day for a tour individual. students lacked positive role models (their siblings in Japan. Her advice to aspiring artists is one simple motto: and parents were school dropouts, drug users, sex Her first album “Curious Creature” was released “Stay positive, and if you really believe in what you’re workers, etc.), K.K. began spreading awareness of in 2007, and two new albums are coming out this doing, be proud of it. Just stick to it.” HIV/AIDS, physical and mental health, drugs and summer—one in English and the other in Japanese. gangs. While Meyer is no stranger to playing the piano, she Over time, Tiny Toones has increased to 50 kids started singing and writing songs in a serious man- and begun gaining momentum through its reputa- ner when she entered college three years ago. She is tion and invitation to events by the community. The currently attending Pomona College as a fourth-year program received a private donation, which allowed ethnomusicology student. This major has stretched K.K.’s troupe to relocate to its current location, a her knowledge of worldwide music. two-story apartment between Wat Sai Poi Pei and “You don’t get trapped in playing one certain type the International School of Phnom Penh. Additionally, of music. I have to play it like this or like that,” said Bridges Across Borders, an international aid group in Meyer. Florida, has financially helped the expansion of the Meyer is of Japanese, Irish and German descent center into a school with English and Khmer lessons and can fluently speak Japanese. “Being able to sing and computers. both in English and Japanese is rewarding,” said Tiny Toones’ focal point is its hip-hop breakdanc- Meyer, “because I get to communicate to audiences ing, which develops self-esteem, discipline and in two different cultures.” Growing up in both worlds passion—all factors for success. At three at-risk helped shape her perspective on life. communities, including Bo Ding, Tiny Toones has When she was six years old, she received her first expanded its outreach services, which provide free piano lesson and expanded to jazz music in middle general language lessons, health education and school. Upon entering college, she earned extra peer support. Ultimately, the program’s services of money by singing and performing at Christmas din- education, training and role models seek to provide ners and high school dances. impoverished students with the experience and skill Music started as a discipline for Meyer but to survive and achieve their dreams. evolved into a creative expression. After returning PHOTO COURTESY OF EMI MEYER home to visit her parents during winter break, they were surprised when she told them she had started For more information about Emi Meyer’s music, *Khmer [kuh-MAI] refers to the people, language, performing in public. visit myspace.com/emimeyer or emimeyer.com culture and traditions of Cambodia. LIFE | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 17 Lui, from Page 13

“The songs were a collection of stories,” says Lui. “Teargirl is the name of the story-book.” BRING THIS COUPON To Lui, the life of the artist matches her craft. And when one changes, so does the other. WHEN YOU VISIT Her own ideas evolve constantly over time. CURRY HOUSE & “We change constantly,” says Lui. “Not so much the foundation of our character, but things around us, who we have around us, our outlook on life, what inspires us, ... and the way we RECEIVE 1 SOFT DRINK interpret the world become different.” That difference can be heard on Lui’s next album, Barkentine, a moodier opus that came Mon-Thu 12-10pm about from a dream that Lui had. In that dream, she recalled being on a ship asking a future- FREE! telling spirit what will happen to her dad. The spirit told her that the coming year will be the Sat & Fri 12-10:30pm hardest year of all, and indeed this is reflected in her own life. Sun 12-9:30pm with an entrée order, West LA location only, “Firefly,” a song from Barkentine, is a mellow, start-and-stop work that best characterizes may not be combined with any other offer Lui’s album. In it, she invokes fireflies to “light the way,” because “it takes time to become the one you never knew.” The song is punctuated by repeatedly moody chords as well as well-timed Phone: (858) 278-2454 phrases like “it’s no more than cold, dear.” Lui sings it with a breathless yet sonorous voice, like it’s the last song she’ll ever sing. West LA Location: 2130 Sawtelle Blvd., #200, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Barkentine contains songs recorded in natural environments like churches, classrooms, and of course, onboard a ship. Lui loves having the mike infront of her in an environment where she can operate naturally. “The problem with doing a studio album is that it sounds like it’s done in a studio,” says Lui. “I love space and hearing space.” Always seeking the antimaintream/road less traveled route, Lui has been turning her ideas towards circus music, the type of music that most people “can’t help but smile” at. Lui notes that modern circus music like that of Cirque du Soleil contains fusion elements. “[The circus] has an amazing way of keeping the globe together,” says Lui. “They have their own language, ... and I want to know why.” For her listeners, we hope she never stops exploring around music, but continue to sing out her ideas. In her “30 second Animal Migration song” video, Lui shows us a placard that says “Didn’t actually think anyone would watch.” We’re watching alright. And listening too.

ADVERTISE WITH PACIFIC TIES. FOR RATES, EMAIL [email protected]

18 PACIFIC TIES winter 2009 | ADVERTISEMENTS AGENDA YOU HAVE AN AGENDA. SO DO WE.

WHEN WHAT DETAILS

FEB 19 - “Ixnay” East West Players present a comedic play by MAR 15 $35 Orchestra, $30 Balcony Paul Kikuchi (directed by Jeff Lui) about a san- Wed. - Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. sei who is reincarnated as a Japanese-American. 120 N. Judge John Aiso St., L.A., 90012 FEB 28 Film Premier: “A Song for Ourselves” Directed by Tad Nakamura, the fi lm is about Aratani/Japan America Th eatre Chris Iijima, Asian American movement trou- 244 South San Pedro St., LA, 90012 badour. Performances by Blue Scholars, Bambu, Kiwi, Nobuko Miyamoto and Charlie Chin.

MAR 14 Asian American Artists in California: A Th is symposium will celebrate the publication Symposium of the landmark “Asian American Art, A His- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. tory, 1850-1970,” as well as refl ect on historical Asian American Pacifi c Islander Hammer Museum and contemporary art. Studies Undergraduate Association

APR 2 - 5 Vietnamese International Film Festival: Th e biennial festival showcases fi lms made by Come and become engaged in your education and have a voice APR 9 - 12 “Into View” Vietnamese and Vietnamese diasporic fi lm- APIUA in your education! This organization is for anyone that is UCI, UCLA and Westminster makers. APIUA (pronounced a-p-i-oo-ah) intended or declared Asian American Studies majors and minors. APR 5 2nd Annual LA Curry Festival Combined with the 6th Annual Th ai New FREE | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Year’s Day Songkran Festival, this joint-festival Hollywood Blvd. (between Western & Ver- event provides the opportunity to enjoy Th ai mont), Th ai Town in East Hollywood curry, curry-related products and much more! ANNUAL NETWORKING NIGHT APR 15 KCN: Beloved Upon a Time Presented by Hanoolim, the Korean Cultural February 18, 6-9 PM, Campbell 1101 7 p.m. Royce Hall Awareness group at UCLA, Korean Culture Tickets Free at Central Ticket Offi ce (CTO) Night is the biggest creative showcase by Korean American students. Come meet and learn from AAPI leaders on and off campus. Applicable to any year! Come to learn about the Asian American Studies Major and APR 19 Fusion Hip Hop Dance Competition Hosted by UCSD’s Multi-Asian Student Minor or about internship and job opportunities after graduation. $22 for non-UCSD students, $23 at Door Association (MASA), the event seeks to raise Tickets available at ticketmaster.com consciousness about Asian-Americans in hip After that join us for our next GENERAL MEETING 6 p.m. Rimac Arena at UCSD hop through dance and cultural exhibitions. February 25, 6-7 PM, Campbell 3233 APR 30 - Los Angeles Asian Pacifi c Film Festival Th e festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary MAR 7 Directors Guild of America and the Aratani/ and continuing its mission of showcasing APA Find us on facebook under: UCLA APIUA! Japan America Th eatre and Asian International cinema. email: [email protected]

Get Involved in the Asian Pacifi c Coalition! APC is a progressive coalition of 22 Asian American and Pacifi c Islander student organizations. Get involved in committees and learn valuable skills and meet amazing new people!

JOIN APC NOW! UPCOMING EVENTS Visit apcla.org for the latest updates and to confi rm dates and times, and email INTERNAL COMMITTEE: [email protected] to join the APC mailing list! Bridge Builders! Help plan APC events and build connections be- tween APC orgs! WINTER QUARTER • March 7, 2009 - Explore LA the APC Way: Little Tokyo! Even Week Wednesdays from 6-8 CONTACT [email protected] if you are interested. Kerckhoff 419. SPRING QUARTER • April 16, 2009 - Breakin’ it Downe, the annual LGBTQIA awareness event. EXTERNAL COMMITTEE: CONTACT Wayne at [email protected] if you are interested in helping out. Advocate and build ties with the • April 25, 2009 - APC Alumni Luncheon. community outside UCLA for CONTACT [email protected] if you are interested in attending. AB540 students! • May 6, 2009 - Asian Pacifi c American Heritage Month Food Fest. CONTACT [email protected] if you are interested in attending or helping out! Every Monday, 8-9 PM in • May 21, 2009 - Asian Pacifi c American Heritage Month Community Festival. Kerckhoff 419. CONTACT [email protected] if you are interested in attending or helping out! • May 30, 2009 - APC Banquet. QUEER MENTORSHIP CONTACT [email protected] if you are interested in attending. PROGRAM • June 14, 2009 - Asian Pacifi c Islander Graduation, APIG Committee If interested, please contact Wayne CONTACT Wayne at [email protected] if you are interested in helping out. at [email protected].

AGENDA + ADVERTISEMENTS | winter 2009 PACIFIC TIES 19 1ST PLACE STORIESRT&A PASSION: PACTIES PHOTO PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN LE, CHALLENGE THIRD-YEAR YOUR VOICE YOUR VIEW BIOCHEMISTRY “My passion for photogra- CLAUDIA LI // PHOTOGRAPHER phy started off with a Can- [email protected] on SLR gift from my father, along with an inspirational MISSION For the Winter Photo Beatles photo that seemed Challenge, PT asked for students to to capture not just an image, dig deep into their hearts to share their but an emotion within a split passions. Busy lives and endless re- second in life. I believed and sponsibilities may hinder us from fully felt that photography was living out our passions but it’s the story a universal language that and effort that counts. By asking stu- could bring about changes dents to share their stories, we hope to in society and the world, tell- inspire everyone around us to stand up ing a story of a million words for their dreams. without a single sentence. Most people think I should Photos not chosen will be part of our stop pursuing my ambition photo gallery at pacificties.org. and passion because they think it is a waste of time, Winners are the photographers unless that I won’t make any difference in the world. To me, it doesn’t matter-as long as there is a story to be told it warrants and otherwise mentioned. image, one that should speak to the hearts and minds of everyone.” FINALISTS: READ THEIR STORIES AT PACIFICTIES.ORG PASSION: FAMILY PASSION: FLIGHT KEVIN UNG, THIRD-YEAR, ENGLISH EPHRAIM HUI, SECOND-YEAR AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

“I majored in Aerospace engineer- ing to get closer to my dream of unrestricted flight.”

Photographed by Natalie Hui

MORE FINALISTS ARE FEATURED ONLINE AT PACIFICTIES.ORG.

“There is something magical, warm, and inde- READ THESE STORIES scribable about being around my family...” VIEW A GALLER OF SUBMISSIONS ONLINE! PASSION: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY ERIC KIM, THIRD-YEAR, SOCIOLOGY PASSION: TRAVELING KOBY POULTON FOUTH-YEAR POLITICAL SCIENCE

“My goal is to pursue a career that allows me to continue traveling to developing coun- tries, while pursu- ing photography as well.”

“Just take a second and look around. You will be surprised by what you see. “

SPRING PHOTO CHALLENGE: “PERSONALITY” – There are certain people that just stand out because of their animated character. Or maybe because of their inspiring nature or because they’re just so cute. For the next challenge, submit a picture which highlights PERSONALITY – it could be you the comedian and your best face, your cute niece that laughs and dance in circles, or a hero in your life that inspires you. Look out for the next Facebook event for more details!