Bamboo Offshoot Fall 2011

8/3/2019 Bamboo Offshoot Fall 2011

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REDEFINING

ALL-(ASIAN)AMERICAN

bamboooffshoot

VOLUME XIX

ISSUE 01

FALL 2011

CRAM SCHOOL CRAZE 05 | THE (ASIAN PACIFIC) AMERICAN

DREAM 06 | ANGRY ASIAN MAN 08 | FILIPINO VETS FIND

THEIR PLACE 10 | BAMBOO CEILING 12 | ASIAN AMERICAN

YOUTUBERS 14 | ATHLETES 16 | STARRY KITCHEN 20

INSIDE BAMBOO OFFSHOOT


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My parentsimmigrated to the UnitedStates in the late 1970s.Running from the growing Communistregime in Vietnam, they sought what everyimmigrant hopes for in America: personal freedom,a better livelihood and opportunities for success. Thesefeatures defined the quintessential American dream formillions of Asian immigrants.

Achieving the dream, however, often came at the cost of conformitywith the American way of life.

But as I have watched my parents forge a home in a country still foreign to them attimes, I realize that you cannot truly call America home until you make its culture and lifestyleyour own.

In this issue, we wanted to highlight how our generation is doing just that: repurposing and

reinterpreting all-American ideals in various academic, political and cultural arenas.In academia, USC senior Yuan Tao founds student organization AASHA to bring together APAin the humanities (p. 4). Artist Andrew Dang tackles how the American dream develops and diffeAPA community (p. 7). In politics, USC alum Philip Yu becomes the Angry Asian Man as he airmisgivings about Asian American representation in mainstream media (p. 8). Staff writer HarshVathsangam explores the bamboo ceiling in corporate America (p. 12). In entertainment, YouTbecomes a crucial platform for APAs as they pursue alternative career paths (p. 16). In culture, Aconcepts of beauty make their way into the American cosmetics industry (p. 21).

While this issue is only a snapshot of how APAs at USC and throughout the nation are redefinmeans to be all-American, it gives great hope and inspiration to the rest of the Asian American co

Today, more and more APAs are embracing identities that transcend any American or Asian sThey are constructing something completely new, something we here at Bamboo Offshoot like toall-(Asian)American.

editorsnote

We serve as both a sounding board and a resource for USCsgrowing Asian Pacific American population. Bamboo Offshoot isdedicated to educating its readers about issues impacting the APA

community both on campus and in the surrounding LA area, andfeatures stories covering topics as diverse as politics, entertainmentand health

about usBamboo Offshoot c/oAsian Pacific American Student ServicesUniversity of Southern California

Student Union 410

Los Angeles, CA

[email protected]

www.bamboooffshoot.com

Bamboo Offshoot is published with the support from CampusProgress/Center for American Progress (online at CampusProgress.org)

contact

{APA} Asian Pacific American{API} Asian Pacific Islander{APASS} Asian Pacific American Student Services, the official USCstudent services department

{APASA} Asian Pacific American Student Assembly, a student runumbrella group that oversees APA organizations

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BAMBOO OFFSHOOT

VOLUME XIX | ISSUE 01FALL 2011

EDITORIAL BOARD

MICHELLE BANHEditor-in-Chief

EDIE CAONews Editor

JEFFREY LEDESMAOpinion Editor

PHILANA HOArts & Entertainment Editor

FRANCES CHEN

Art & Design Editor

LIVIA SOONGManaging Editor

ANNE SUBusiness Manager

BETSY KWONG

Public Relations Manager

STAFF CONTRIBUTORSIvana BanhTiffany BanhLorna ChiuSara ClaytonAndrew DangByron LeeKaren PhamMargaret ToHarsh VathsangamYimu XueJennie Zhang

fall 2011TABLE OF CONTENTS

03

0405

0607

081012

141617

18202122

Editors Note

Asians in Humanities

Cram School Craze

A Journey From Rags to RichesConnecting the Dots

Angry Asian Man cover art by LORNA CHIU

ACADEMIA

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Filipino Veterans Find Their Place

Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling

Faith & Digital Media

Asian American YouTubers

Asian American Athletes

YouTube Sidebar

Starry Kitchen

Redefining American Beauty

Discovering America in Chinatown

POLITICS

A&E

CULTURE

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p.17

p.12

Heres to yourAmerica,


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any Asian Pacic American (APA) parents are reluctantto let their children pursue majors in the humanities.

They claim that the liberal arts are not a worthwhile way tospend four years of time and tuition.

However, an increasing amount of APA college studentsare becoming humanities majors, and many face the samestruggles: is breaking out of the Asian mold and defyingtheir parents wishes worth pursuing their passions? Are theirparents correct when they say that humanities majors havea severe disadvantage in the job market? USC student YuanTao hopes to bring these issues to light with her new clubAASHA, which targets APAs in the humanities.

The traditional and often stereotyped road to success f orAsians is paved by the pursuit of the sciences, mathematics,engineering, accounting and other quantitative majors thatAsian parents either studied themselves or associate withnancial stability.

Many APA students admit defeat early on. If their parentsare willing to shell out $50,000 a year for college in order tosecure a lifetime of happiness for their children, a rough orboring four years is the least they could do to satisfy theirparents wishes while ensuring a stable future.

Yuan Tao, founder and president of Asian-Americans inthe Humanities and Arts (AASHA), disagrees.Tao, a senior majoring in English, entered USC through theprestigious Baccalaureate/M.D. Program. As part of thisprogram, Tao was guaranteed acceptance to USCs KeckSchool of Medicine after college.

She reluctantly matched the pre-medicine track she was onwith a major in the biological sciences.

From her rst semester, Tao found that she was much lessengaged in her science classes than she was in her ThematicOption (TO) honors course, where she was taught by anesteemed English professor and surrounded by peers withsimilar literary interests.

Tao attributes her longing to study English to not only theclass itself, but also to the void she felt when her class ended.I had no place to do what I was passionate about, said Tao.

Her TO classes were rare opportunities, exclusive to herexperience at USC, where Tao felt she could connect with

other humanities-inclined students.At rst, not many of Taos friends or family understood

her desires.She said, I feel like growing up in an Asian American

community makes it hard to meet someone who lovesliterature because most of us are focused on science, business,and other practical career paths.

USC cultivates a predominantly pre-professionalundergraduate community, with approximately one thirdof the undergraduate population in the business school.Consequently, the decision to major solely in the humanities

often raises some eyebrows, especially amongst those fromAPA backgrounds.

Despite the disparity in the number of APAs in professionalcurriculums versus the number of APAs pursuing degrees inthe liberal arts, many APAs are starting to see that college isthe time to explore their interests.

More students are having experiences similar to Taos:leaving sheltered homes with their eyes on a solid pre-professional education and stable career, but discovering theirtrue passions after experiencing engaging college classes andmeeting compelling professors.

Many APAs ignore this discovery aspect of the typicalAmerican college experience because their cultural normsfocus on success rather than enjoyment, even when enjoymentof the humanities can lead to success.

Soon, Tao met a few classmates with similar culturalbackgrounds and academic situations. She realized that manyAPAs were potentially interested in pursuing careers in thehumanities, but most were either nervous or felt restricted bytheir parents.

Tao said, AASHA creates a safe space for people who a regoing through challenges in pursuing their passion in the artsand humanities.

She emphasized that AASHA does not pressure students tostudy humanities but gives support and information to anyonewho needs help in making the decisi on.

AASHA highlights the skills that liberal arts majors developin critical and analytical thinking.

To actually develop your analytical intellect, you haveto pursue what ts how your mind analyzes things. That isscience for some people, and thats great for them, but for

those who dont t in that way, they improve much betterfrom staying true to who they are, said Tao.

Despite her difcult struggle and the critics in hercommunity, Tao convinced her parents and close friends ofwhy she was so adamant about pursuing her love for li terature.They ultimately supported her difcult decision to leave theBaccalaureate/M.D. program and to become an Englishmajor.

While this experience was both hard and rewarding, Taohopes AASHA can help other APA students reach a simila rhappy ending.

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M

of the Mold

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story by JENNIE ZHANG

and reading enrichment program, are given the samover and over again until they have committed everpure muscle memory. Seven times eight equals ftylonger a mathematical equation its a reex.

Hoards of students ock to test prep centers anschools year-round to prepare for a variety of testspreparatory courses are offered along with courses

various subjects.--

Cram schools demonstrate a large ethnic divide.Stuveyesant High School, one of New York Citys bpublic schools that accepts only the top 3.7% of stuwho take the Specialized High Schools Admissionsa student body made up of 72% of that 3.7%.

It can be argued that Asia n students are better atcoached to take tests. This is a false statement evgets what their parents pay for.

When I joined the 2100 club a t Elite Institution tprepare for my SAT in November 2007, my base sca 2090 after I took the SAT for the rst time, I rea 2150. Most people would be very pleased, but I fedisappointed that I just spent $1500 of my motherearned wages to improve a mere 60 points, and onlpoints above the score they had guaranteed me. Wistudying techniques and extreme discipline, I vowedwaste any more money on something that guaranteindividualized experience when in fact I was thrownbundle of teenagers desperate for an Ivy League acletter.

I ended up with a 2320 (750 Critical Reading, 78Mathematics, and 790 Writing). I scored a perfect sthe Math Level 2 Subject Test, and well above 700 iother subjects. It seems that I have been well trainetesting techniques.

However, all these standardized tests seem to indwho paid the most to prepare themselves the best. Astudents have demonstrated their capabilities in ovepreparation however, we must think about what ehas on the future of our community. With standardand college admissions expecting the top scores cofrom Asian students, what will happen to those whnot follow the traditional route and take standa rdizwithout the preparation that cram schools provide?

t was a brisk January morning as I shufed into lineat Irvine Valley College, my local community college.There were a few glum faces I recognized from my high

school, deeply wrinkled with worry and cheeks rosy fromthe cold. Step by step, we all entered a large auditorium-likeclassroom as volunteers ushered us into seats in a patternand provided us with pencils and Scantrons.

This was it. This was the time for which we had spent thelast two and a half months preparing. Countless Saturdayafternoons had been lost to practice slaying the monster thatlay in front of me.

A jarring voice over the PA system jolted some weary

students alert: Open your test booklets, and begin. Youhave 25 minutes for this rst section.--

Cram schools have become increasingly popular in theUnited States in the Asian Pacic American community.These after-school and supplemental educational programsstructured on the concept that practice makes perfect havebecome standard amongst students whose parents insistthat they attend. Asian students attend cram schools almostas if it is second nature, especially during high school withimportant tests like the SAT and ACT.

Like America, in Asia it is common practice to sendchildren after-school to an extra-curricular activity. Childrentake art lessons, practice music, play soccer. However, ontop of that, children are expected to attend supplementaleducational programs that instill good study habits andensure their progress in school is up to par and even beyondaverage standards. It is no wonder that young Asian childrenare stereotypically depicted as bookish, studious, and quiet they rarely have time to socialize when they are beinginundated with quizzes on English vocabulary.

Many a Tiger Mother have insisted on their childrenbeing over-prepared to not only maintain their competitiveacademic edge in their school but also to compete with thetop students in the nation. Some invest thousands upon

thousands of dollars every year to ensure that their childrenare getting the best education outside of what is offered inpublic schools.

In a public school setting, our childrens individual needsarent being met, one Asian mother notes. Its up to us, asparents, to ensure they have the best education for the bestfuture possible.

Study habits are drilled into children as early as pre-school as they repeatedly are tested on their times tablesand English vocabulary words. Students studying at Kumon(the Kumon Method), the worlds largest after-school math

CRASCHOOL CRAZ

Why Asians Are Obsessed with Test PreparAsian students have consistently bee

scorers on standardized tFind out their se

story by YIMU

Pursuing the Humanitiesas an Asian Pacific American

Breaking Out

photo courtesy of the Commons

photos by DAVID HONG

I

ACADEMIA


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THE (ASIAN PACIFIC) AMERICAN DREAM:

For most people, the American Dream is summed up in three words: freedom, opportunity andprosperity. The premise remains constant for APAs, but their American dream focuses more on theourney towards success. With little family history in the United States, APAs tend towards ambitiousgoals as they try to accomplish more in the time that they are given. Their goals range from providingthemselves with better futures to moving up the socioeconomic ladder as they make names forthemselves in America. In the end, APAs create their own American dream as a measure of success.

I think the American Dream is an

expectation that you strive to make a

reality when you immigrate to America.

The expectation is that you have a plethora

o opportunities to make a better lie and

living or your amily and yoursel.

JESSICA LIOU, SOPHOMORE

I think the American Dream is havingthe reedom and ability to achieve

anything you want to achieve.

CHRISTOPHER LIU, JUNIOR

The American Dream is the idea that all

Americans, given a great deal o initiative

and eort, can achieve and experience all

the opportunities that America (the world)

has to oer. However, in reality, the American

Dream proves to be a myth o meritocracy,

as the ideal never quite meets the realities o

Americas social systems.

JOHNNy JUNg, SOPHOMORE

[The American Dream is the idea] that anyone

can achieve any measure o success regardless

o how little they start with as long as they seek

opportunities, work hard, and dont give up. The

skys the limit because America is the land o

equality and opportunity. [The dream was]

designed originally or people with little

opportunities and resources.

ANDREW JU, SOPHOMORE

[The American Dream] is the notion that

anybody can change the conditions o their

lie and bring themselves up the socioeconomicladder based purely o o hard work. My amily came

pursuing the notion o the American Dream, and they have

been successul in doing so. I think that it has aected me in my

upbringing, but I believe its a notion thats a little bit nave to take in.

Social actors and issues, as well as political greed, play into the act that

its merely an unreachable dream or many individuals.

JONATHAN SO, SOPHOMORE


Most people picture the American Dream as a house surrounded by a white picket fence.For APAs, however, the American Dream is something quite different.

reported by TIFFANY BANHDREAM


5/13


t has been 10 years since Angry Asian Man rstemerged on the blog ging scene. Today, thousandsof people ock to the website daily to updatethemselves on the Asian American representation in

the media.Philip Yu, the Korean-American mastermind behind

the website, covers anything ranging from YouTubesChinese-American comedian KevJumba to a shootingat San Jose State University that killed a Japanese-American student.

Yus masters degree in critica l studies coupled withhis passion for pop culture has created an online hubthat is both intellectual and entertaining.

Yu said he began AngryAsianMan.com in his earlycollege years with the intention of establishing apersonal space to voice his thoughts. Little did he know,his insight on the medias lack of Asian presence wouldbecome an Internet sensation.

Readers appreciate the coverage Yu provideson a population that is usually neglected. His wittyperspective on Asians in politics, sports, entertainment,and news has gradually built up an extensive fan base.

Yus observations have chronicled the evolution ofthe portrayal of Asians in the media within the pastdecade. When the blogger rst began, Asians werealmost invisible in lm and television. A decade later,Yu said he is grateful to see the presence of Asians inthe media increase in number.

However, despite the increase in exposure, the waythat Asians are depicted on the big and small screens

have changed very little. Stereotypical roles such as thesocially inept nerd or the kung-fu karate kid are still

prevalent in the current entertainment industry.It is rare to see actors such as Harry Shum, Jr. star as afootball player on Glee and Nikitas Maggie Q as a roguesecret government agent.

While Yu said he is not strongly aga inst stereotypicalroles as long as they are well-drawn he does not foreseethe formulaic characters disappearing anytime soon.

In addition, the fashion in which Asian-Americanchildren are brought up plays a major role in the media.Immigrant parents often prefer their children to take thesafe route in becoming doctors and lawyers.

Acting, or any other artistic careers for that matter,is not a profession that has been deeply rooted intraditional Asian culture. Yu acknowledges that the lackof parental support in any creative eld is denitely anadditional hurdle that Asian Americans face.

Yu said he is glad to have raised awareness for theAsian-American community through AngryAsianMan.com.

His dedication to the website has earned him a coveron KoreAm magazine and a job as the Asian Popjournalist at the San Francisco Chronicle.

However, Yu does not consider the fame or any titlehis biggest reward. The biggest compliment that Ireceive is when someone comes to me and sai d I didntreally know about this issue before and now I want to dosomething about it, he said.

What initially began a s a channel for Yu to express hispersonal thoughts has blossomed into a highly inuentialonline hub.

With AngryAsianMan.coms concoction of politicalcoverage, comedic YouTube clips, and Yus personalopinion pieces, Yu said the websites ultimate goal is toinform, entertain, and activate.

It is safe to say Yu has accomplished his goal as hisreadership continues to multiply.

I

WATCH LISIn the past 50 years, Asian characters in television and lm

have made small strides towards an honest interpretatioof real APAs, but the clichs are not behind us

GOLD: Dr. Christina Yang (Sandra Oh), Greys AnatomyHands down and scalpels up, I had to give the gold medal to the

surgeon on ABCs hit television series. Yang is a bad-to-the-bonwho isnt afraid to speak her mind. She goes against the grain an

the subservient Asian female stereotype.

SILVER: Michael Mike Chang, Jr. (Harry Shum, Jr.), GleeMike moonwalks onto the number two spot because hes a footbawho can dance like nobodys business. While it isnt hard to nd

on the football team or busting a move on the dance oor, its rareone doing both on television.

BRONZE: Kumar (Kal Penn), Harold and Kumar Go to White CAlthough Penns character is extreme, the portrayal is extremeand not what is expected of East Indian roles. Unlike the BiTheorys Dr. Rajesh Ramayan Raj Koothrappali, (Kunal NKumar can talk to girls without drowning himself in alcohol (aalcohol isnt prohibited) and that is worth a medal in my book.

ANgRy ASIANMAN gETS APACOMMUNITyACTIVEPhilip Yu, the creator o AngryAsianMan.com,conesses hes not really angry. But the mediasoveruse o racist Asian stereotypes does get theKorean-American blogger and his ollowers fred up.

story by IVANA BANH

GOLD: Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), The HangoverMr. Chow highlights the stereotypical emasculation of Asian men.When the three Caucasian protagonists nd Chows shoe in their

car, they comment on how unusual that it is a mens size six.This is later followed by Chow jumping out of the trunk, naked and

yelling in a cookie-cutter Asian accent, You gonna f*** on me?Overall, its a distasteful portrait of Asians.

SILVER: Ms. Swan (Alex Borstein), MADtvWhile Ms. Swan makes me laugh every time, she gets the laughs

and the silver medal by pulling from a bunch of stereotypes: slowspeech, hard to understand, distrusting, and cheap. My momwould get mad if people saw her this way so this is for her.

BRONZE: Tricia Takanawa (voiced by Alex Borstein), Family GuyTakanawa speaks in a nasal monotone cadence that Borstein

has described as all presentation and no substance. She wasrevealed to be Japanese in Stewie Grifn: The Untold Story, but

will always be known as Asian reporter Tricia Takanawa.

WORST

reported by JEFFREY LEDESMA

BEST

photo courtesy of ABC

photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

photo courtesy of Philip Yu

POLITICS


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ar has the power to change soldiers souls.The unthinkable acts they see, the horrible

sounds they hear, and the pungent smells theyinhale all burn permanent marks in their minds.

For the Filipino veterans who served alongsideAmerican soldiers in the Second World War, thebattle for equality continued for decades after thewar ended.

After ghting for a country they believed wastheir own, they were the only ethnic group ofsoldiers stripped of their benets because of theirimmigration status. Consequently, they becamethe forgotten heroes erased from the rosters.

On the Assembly oor, Fiona Ma (D-SanFrancisco), author of the WWII Filipino Veteransin Curriculum bill, explained the urgency toacknowledge the forgotten Filipino soldiers and

their contributions to the war.Many of the Filipino veterans of WWII areaging and dying, Ma said. It is important toensure that their stories are not lost. T hey deserveour recognition and respect in our history.

Although the Assembly passed AB 199 in Aprilwith a 72-0 vote, Gov. Jerry Brown didnt sign thebill into law until early this month. While manyadvocates for Filipino veteran rights were thrilled,some people didnt make it.

Peping Baclig was a Filipino veteran who passed

away earlier this year. Baclig was one of the last18,000 remaining Filipino WWII veterans out of200,000 who served under President Franklin D.Roosevelt.

Baclig survived the Bataan Death Marchwhen the Imperial Japanese army forced 75,000American and Filipino prisoners of war to marchfor miles after the three-month Battle of Bataanin the Philippines during WWII.

Thousands of prisoners died during thetransfer.

Congressional records shed light on the marchthat is still remembered today. They were beaten,and they were starved as they m arched. Those whofell were bayoneted, the records state. Some ofthose who fell were beheaded by Japanese ofcers who were practicing with their samurai swords

from horseback.In an emotionally-charged public serviceannouncement for the National Alliance forFilipino Veterans Equality, Baclig urges theviewers to ght for liberty, equality and justice forthe Filipino American WWII veterans.

To be on equal footing with anybody whoserved with me, thats what I want. I foughtfor democracy, Baclig emotionally says as hewiped tears from his face with an American aghandkerchief. Will you do the same?

Filipino Veterans

Finally Find Place in HistoryA combat veteran reects on WWII Filipino soldiers long-foughtbattle for equality thatcontinued long after the Germans surrendered in 1945. It wasnt until just recently that theCalifornia government decided to recognized these forgotten Filipino veterans.

According to the Asian Journal, Brown signedAB 199 on October 8 to recognize Filipinos inWWII in the states Social Studies curriculum. Itencourages schools to include instruction on World War II and the role of Filipinos whofought courageously in the U.S. Army.

Despite being a progressive landmark in civilrights, its upsetting to know that many likeBaclig werent able to see this dream of equalitybecome reality. They werent saluted for their

honorable service. They werent acknowledgedfor their sacrices. But at least now, they wont beforgotten.

As a Filipino, an American, and a combatveteran, I cannot help but feel strongly tied to theFilipino soldiers who came before me.

They fought an uphill battle for democracy.They fought so we could ght. So, please ght.Fight for liberty, ght for equality, ght for justice wherever and whenever it is denied.

TO BE ON EQUAL

FOOTING WITH ANYBO

WHO SERVED WITH

ME, THATS WHAT IWANT. I FOUGHT FOR

DEMOCRACY.PEPING BAC

FILIPINO VETE

LEFT PAGE:01 The West Point mens A marathon team move thrmisters during their Military Heavy Division third place with a time of 5:13:30, March 27, in White Sands, NM.than 6,300 runners took on the grueling course to suppsurvivors and fallen service members of the Bataan DeMarch.

RIGHT PAGE (left to right)01 Taken around Sacramento City Hall. A contingent o

WWII veterans had attended a hearing to keep the stagovernment from cutting another chunk from the veteralready short list of privileges.

02 The March of Death. Along the March [on which] thprisoners were photographed, they have their hands tibehind their backs. The March of Death was about Mafrom Bataan to Cabanatuan, the prison camp.

story by JEFFREY LEDESMA

W

01

02

photo by Tommy Gilligan/USMAPOLITICS


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tereotypically Asian Pacic Americansare known to enter careers as meticulous

engineers, life-saving doctors, and madscientists. But how many Asians becomeCEOs?

Although Asians make up only 5 percent ofthe U.S. population, according to a study bythe Center for Work-Life Policy,theyre highly represented at someof the most prestigious universities,making up between 15 and 25percent of Ivy League enrollment.

Yet the impressive credentialsand achievements that havecaused them to be dubbed themodel minority arent reected insenior leadership positions.

Leadership Education for Asian Pacics, Inc.,recently released a report that stated AsianAmericans constitute only 2 percent of boardmembers in Fortune 500 companies, and withinthese companies there are only nine AsianAmerican CEOs.

The numbers point to a phenomenon knownas the bamboo ceiling, a term that refers to thefact that while Asian Americans nd no problemin acquiring prestigious academic degrees, they

nd it difcult to take the next step up and intosenior managerial roles at top companies.

Why cant Asians break through that bambooceiling? Its certainly not for lack of interest.The CWLP researchers found that 64 percentof Asians compared to 52 percent of theirCaucasian counterparts aspire to hold top seats

at a company.Asian family values have stressed

hard work, avoiding confrontation,and humble respectfulness. Althoughthese characteristics are positive ontheir own, these cultural values dontnecessarily match up with success inthe cutthroat corporate world.

A popular argument is that thesevery same characteristics that put Asians

on the top of college admissions stacks canwork against them when gaining a foothold incorporate America. With these values as thecornerstones of their academic successes,thoughts such as putting ones ideas forwardin meetings, self-promotion, or taking credit forachievements end up being alien concepts.

The result? Often, silence is mistaken forarrogance and unwillingness.

A reason could be lack of mentorship. The

BREAKING THEBAMBOO CEILING

CWLP study also found that only 46 percentof Asians say they have a mentor in theirprofessional life compared to more than 60percent of Caucasians.

Another possible cause is that Asian cultureplaces emphasis on eldercare, an activity thatcould for better or worse take time time awayfrom career advancement.

Taking a look at the issue from another

perspective reveals more. There are now 61Chinese and eight Indian companies in theFortune 500.

With that said, companies with largely Asiantop brass are steadily rising up the rankings andmaking their presence felt. These numbers areonly slated to increase. Conversely, accordingto Fortune magazine, the number of Americancompanies on this list has been declining from197 in 2002 to 133 in 2011.

I nd myself asking how it is, then, companies with Asian CEOs are thrivthere is a key difference. It is importanthe distinction between Asians workincompanies and Asian Americans workU.S. companies.

Thus, I argue that it has more to doclashing of cultures than any innate inperform. Asian Americans need to und

these signicant cultural differences arecognize the corporate atmosphere ithey operate if they hope to break throbamboo ceiling.

Or perhaps we should all book onetickets to corporate Asia?


Oten, silence

is mistaken or

arrogance and

unwillingness

story by HARSH VATHSANGAM | illustration by MARGARET TO

As Asian Americans continue to climb the corporate ladders, theremight be something preventing them from breaking through to the

top. Harsh Vathsangam explains the concept and the possiblecauses of the bamboo ceiling in corporate America.

S

POLITICS


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not just my work, in spreading the gospel. Likebeing a good example. Not like obviously goingto them and saying, Im a Christian, so Im a niceperson. Not doing that, but just showing how Godis really great and [how] he made my life really fullwith light.

Soh has even started a Bible study with one ofher colleagues. They not only discuss their faithbut also pray together for their company and itssuccess.

In addition to Sohs full-time job, she currentlyplays a big role in PPFF. In working with PPFF,Soh shares Gods vision for her, saying, We

have such diverse ethnicities here, so many othertypes of cultures. I think he wants me to be moreglobalized than being stuck in Korea.

When I ask if she is planning to stay in the U.S.,Soh conrms that Hollywood is where she belongs,where she continues to devote herself to Godthrough digital media.


came to know Soh Myoung Lee throughmy friends at the Pan Pacic Film Festival(PPFF), a Christian lm festival dedicated torecognizing Christian-themed lms and to

globally spread the Christian faiththrough media.

Soh, PPFFs Associate Directorand motion graphic designer,is in charge of making trailersand putting together graphics topublicize PPFF. Amidst the busyweek before PPFF, Soh took timeout of her regular job and PPFFwork for an interview.

After arriving in the states tenyears ago from South Korea,Soh went to high school in theSan Fernando Valley and laterattended the Otis College of Artand Design. There she majored indigital media, which broadly includes broadcasting,motion graphics, lmmaking, etc. When shegraduated, she had only one year to look for a job,due to her status as an international student.

For the rm that hired her, it was the rsttime the company had ever hired someone ofinternational status. After Soh worked there for twoyears, the president of the company told her hecould no longer sponsor her.

After those two years was the hardest timeof my lifetime, Soh says. To add to her job lossand the lack of money in her bank account,Soh accidentally broke her ankle. However, shepersevered, even going to an interview at her

second (and current) company on crutches. Shegot the job. However, two years later the rm hadto cut down its employment due to the downturn inthe economy.

When each employee was calledinto the presidents ofce for a roundof interviews to help decide whichemployees to cut, Soh bravelyarticulated the absence of fearbecause of her faith and revealedhow she had been praying to Godconsistently for the companys well-being.

Literally, my boss was crying onme, Soh recounts. And she washugging me.

Soh didnt lose her job amid theongoing wave of job cuts.---

Recalling her childhood, Sohalways had a passion for drawing and painting.

I wanted to always become a cartoonist, or apainter, or some kind of artist, or more specicallyillustrator, she says. But God has led me to digital

media.Sohs faith led her to work at her currentcompany, an entertainment marketing rm,where the majority of her coworkers are Jewish-Americans or Caucasians.

Im really proud of being Korean and Asian. Improud that Im one of only [a] few in our companytoo, Soh says. I believe in God in sending me tomy company as a mission eld, not just to makemoney, but because he wants me to show my life,

FAITH&

DIGITALM

EDIA

Havingarrived

fromSouthK

oreatenyears

ago,SohMyo

ungLeehas

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ISoh Myoung Lee from Korea, the Associate Director and theMotion Graphics Designer at PPFF, has produced trailers for

many famous movies such as Bride Wars.

I believe in God

in sending me to

my company as a

mission field, not

just to make money,

but because he

wants me to show

my life,not just my

work,in spreading

the gospel

A&E


9/13

ou may have heard aboutWong Fu Productions, theindependent production

ompany that started as a little-nown group of friends but withhe help of YouTube has gainedorldwide fame.With their recent music

deo collaboration witheehom Wang, one of the mostrominent musicians in Asia,

Wong Fu showed how YouTubeas given them a visibleatform.The success story of Wong

u Productions has inspiredmany Asian-American artists

nd entertainers to pursue theirreams through YouTube. Theyave forgone traditional careersnd instead turned to the video-haring website to break into thentertainment industry.

Comedian Ryan Higa hasone just that. When Higarst introduced his series ofp-synced videos of popularongs, he rapidly captivated

many viewers with his creativity.e later shifted his focus ontother topics. His most vieweddeos, for example, include hisumorous How to be series,ants, and parodies.

ASIAN AMERICANSMAKING THEIR

MARK ON YOUTUBE

ASIAN AMERICANS DEFYTRADITIONAL NOTIONS OF SUCCESS

AS YOUTUBE ENTERTAINERS


Although Higas videos mayseem trivial in comparison tobig-name stars, his unique styleand range of content have madehim the second most subscribedcomedian on YouTube with morethan 4.5 million subscribers.

David Choi is anotheryoung artist who is breakinginto the mainstream, havinggained popularity shortly afterYouTube placed his videos onthe websites main page. Choi,a Korean-American musician,initially posted video responsesand song covers before sharingvideos of his original songs. He

describes YouTube as a creativecommunity of sharing music,having fun, and trying newthings.

This insight is furtherillustrated by rising star JosephVincent. Through YouTube, theFilipino musician has becomevery well-known and popularamong the Asian PacicAmerican community in Los

Angeles. Vincent has evenwon the support of actress andtelevision host Ellen DeGeneres,who awarded him $10,000as part of her talk showsWonderful Web of Wondermentcompetition. Such is theexposure that YouTube hasafforded him.

The underlying concept ofYouTube is to encourage thesharing of ideas and creativitywithin the viral world andultimately to spread the wordabout the coolest videos andmost talented entertainers to awider audience.

Were seeing how AsianAmericans have run with theYouTube phenomenon to pursuenon-traditional careers in thearts.

The success of entertainerssuch as Vincent shows thataspiring Asian American artistscan utilize YouTube to not onlygenerate buzz but to redenesuccess while doing so. This

YouTube it is the platorm or all to communicate

creative ideas to a public audience. For an increasing

number o Asian Americans, it has been the platorm

to break down stereotypes and step toward ame.

JOSEPH VINCENT

Jenn and Sarah are two girlswith a love for fashion and aneye for style that is both chic

and thrifty. Their YouTubechannel, Clothes Encounters,

focuses on showcasing trends byassembling outts with clothing

and accessories from brands likeLA Made to eclectic pieces foundat local thrift stores. Most of their

videos feature nds from shopping

hauls at local Goodwill stores orea markets. Some videos are Do-

It-Yourself tutorials, ranging fromhow to make your own crop top to

how to make your own feather

CLOTHES ENCOUNTERS

revolutionary platform hasgiven countless AsianAmerican entertainers thechance to inspire youngAsians like themselves. This isthe time for Asian Americansto dissociate themselves fromstereotypes, step onto the pathof fame, and turn their dreamsinto realities.

JASON CHENA rising star among AsianAmerican artists on YouTube,

Jason Chen has made over 100videos featuring covers of songsby Top 40 artists and Taiwanesepop stars. His YouTube channel

has garnered over 5,360,000views and continues to climb in

popularity with the improvementof his videography and singing.

He recently released four originalsingles, which showcase his

talent in the genre of Pop/R&B.In addition to his videos, he has

started a clothing line

JUST KIDDING FILMSPutting a twist on long-standing

stereotypes, Joe Jo and BartKwan can elicit laughter while

delivering a heartwarmingmessage. Their YouTube

Channel Just Kidding Filmsfeatures videos that use comedyas a tool for teaching morals as

well as inspiring viewers to followtheir dreams. As screenwriters,directors, and comedians, theirultimate mission is to unite the

Asian youth to create a voice

earrings. Other videosStyle Proles on peowhose style we admireincluding other YouTubfashion channel hosts Daniella Christina.

based on the slogan Munever sleeps to remind umusics perpetual inuenin our lives and to promomusic as a universal modcommunication that is bocolor-blind and language

that can be heard in theentertainment industry. Iaddition to making videosthe duo also does live skecomedy and improvisatioperformances.

reported by KAREN PHAM

RYAN HIGA

story by BETSY KWONGphotos courtesy of respective artists

Y

DAVID CHOI

WONG FU PRODUCTIONS

A&E


10/13

ow many big-name Asian-Pacic American(APA) athletes can you name?

Tiger Woods, Michelle Kwan and MichaelChang are some of the names that come to mind.Considering these athletes sporting events (golf,gure skating and tennis, respectively), it is nosurprise that most APA athletes have careers insports outside of what Americans consider the holytrinity: football, baseball and basketball.

To the casual sports observer, its rare toever spot an APA logging game time in these

three all-American athletic events. For decades,Americans considered the Asian physique fartoo diminutive and feeble to match the likes ofCaucasian and African-American counterparts onthe eld or on the court. However, the corporateattitude has moderately improved in recent yearsas more APA athletes are being drafted to theprofessional leagues: the National Football League,Major League Baseball and National BasketballAssociation.

According to the 2010 Racial and Gender Report

Card, the NFL boasted 39 APA players, makingup two percent of the league. MLB followed closebehind with 23 APA players1.2 percent of theleaguewhile the NBA came in with just threeplayers, totaling one percent. In the 2011 RGRC,MLB surpassed the NFL with 2.1 percent of itsbaseball players citing APA heritage.

While these statistics are encouraging, they arestill low compared to those of other racial groups.

There is promise, but not yet prominence, forpeople of Asian descent in American sport, said

Richard Lapchick, chairman of the DeVos SportsBusiness Management Graduate Program at theUniversity of Central Florida.

According to the 2011 RGRC, Caucasianshave dominated MLB and African Americans haveoverwhelmingly monopolized the NFL and NBAsince 1990.

So what are aspiring APA athletes to do when theracial standards of these all-American sports seemstacked against their favor? How can APAs hope toattain the glory and recognition the American dream


has come to associate with making it big in the NFL,NBA and MLB?

For many APA athletes, the answer lies inredening and expanding what people consider anall-American sport.

Essentially American sports, like football, tend t opit one athlete against another in a battle of bruteforce. In these sporting events, physical strengthand stature translate into success more readilythan would cerebral qualities like mental focus andnesse. APA athletes, however, strike a ne balancebetween the two as they excel in more individualizedsports like golf, gure skating and tennis.

Tiger Woods, of Thai heritage, could not havemade it to the top of the golng arena had henot capitalized on the value of his intense mentalstrength and focus.

[Woods] mental game is every bit as good as hisphysical game. If hes seven shots out, he still thinkshe can win, said professional golfer Bob May.

At the 1998 national championships, Chinese

American Michelle Kwan stepped onto the rink inspite of a foot injury that could have derailed herwhirlwind gure skating career.

[Kwan] just went out there with suchdetermination and focus that nothing phasedher, professional gure skater Peggy Flemingrecalls, and she went out and skated a brilliantperformance.

Many of Kwans fans consider this performancethe program that dened her lifetime.

During the 1989 French Open, 17-year-oldChinese American Michael Chang embarked uponan over four-hour long match against Ivan Lendl,number one ranked tennis player in the world,knowing that the odds were against him. Eventhough Chang demonstrated speed and athleticism,he had to rely on strategy and mental strength to gethim through the excruciating remainder of the matchwhen severe muscle cramps set in early on.

Michael showed that with patience and mentaltoughness you could get close to players who weresupposed to beat you, and even beat them, saidformer Grand Slam champion Tony Trabert.

With their blend of physical and mental prowess,these historic APA athletes evoke in Americans a

rallying spirit that is truly transcends race and isultimately at the heart of every all-American sport.As consumers of sports media, we must contribute

to the effort of such APA athletes by using our buyingpower to advocate sports that operate blindly withrespect to the race of its players.

By choosing to support other sports like golf andgure skating where APAs have a fair chance atsuccess, you communicate to corporate big shots atthe NFL, MLB and NBA, that racial proling needs toend in their recruitment techniques.

WHERE ARE ALLTHE ASIAN PEOPLE?Sports media consumers must rst redene what constitutes the all-American sport before

seeking equal racial representation amongst athletes in the NFL, MLB and NBA.

l-American sports like football, baseball and basketball often lack diversity in their professional leagues. Mostof these sports t eams predominantly consist of African American and Caucasian athletes.

UP-AND-COMINGAPA ATHLET

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE

From top left: Pro golfer MICHELLE Wgure skater MIRAI NAGASU, and mmartial artist BEN SMOOTH HEND

photo by Danny Bollinger

story by MICHELLE BANH

photo by Keith Allison

photo courtesy of Ben Henderson

photocourtesyofWikipediaCommons

photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

H

A&E


11/13

n the past few years, there has been a substantial upsurgbeauty products targeted toward Asians and other minoin the American market. Mainstream Western brands ha

expanded their American product range that originally onlcatered to the Eastern market. This product expansion inda growing demand for and popularity of a more Eastern bperspective.

Products like BB cream, skin care serums, and skinbrightening masks have been around in East Asia for yearBB cream, also known as blemish balm cream, is a populaalternative to regular foundations or tinted moisturizers. Iskin-regenerating functions, like anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, anbrightening properties, and natural-looking skin coverage,reects typical East Asian beauty ideal s. Korean and Japanbrands like Dr. Jart, Lioele, Boscia, Etude, Missha and SKhave been producing BB creams for at least a decade. Nowseveral of those brands have arrived in America. AdditionAmerican beauty giant Este Lauder Companies, Inc., whiincludes brands such as Clinique, Este Lauder, La Mer, MCosmetics, and Origins, has been a pioneer in replicating sproducts.

Este Lauder has also made groundbreaking changeto American beauty advertisement campaigns. Liu Wen, asuccessful Chinese model, became the face of Este Laud2010 and is the rst model of East Asian descent to appeprominent beauty ad campaign -- the Este Lauder Idealiscare line. In a fashion industry where the majority of modCaucasian, being ranked sixth on the Top 50 Models WomList by Models.com is big news. More and more Asian moare succeeding in the industry alongside Wen. Du Juan, ShFei Fei Sun, and Ming Xi, who have all been featured in a season of Givenchys haute couture line.

The question that we face now due to these changes inthe beauty industry is how it affects and changes Americastandards of beauty. Asian beauty aesthetics are becoming

increasingly mainstream in American culture. However ththe issue of beauty ideals of different Asian Pacic Amersubgroups. This rise in Asian beauty is very specicallymainstream East Asian beauty porcelain white skin, willphysique, and demure allure. This is not representative ofbranches of APA beauty ideals and it can misconstrue culan almost exoticizing and Orientalizing manner.

Although the current representations of Asians in fashare not necessarily the most diverse or accurate, it is a starstart in diversifying a homogeneous ideal is a good one ancan only hope to see it grow more inclusive in the future.

ucked away amidst glitteringbuildings in California Plazas

Water Court is a small and humbleeatery that seems to slink awayom the ashier and fancier restaurants ine surrounding area. But dont be fooledcause this simple establishment means

usiness.Starry Kitchen did not start up likeost restaurants in the Los Angeles area.ack in May 2009, Nguyen and Thi Tran,e owners of Starry Kitchen, ran theirstaurant out of the back of their Northollywood apartment. They could notgally charge people for the food theyrved, so they got by on $5 donationsom their patrons. But authorities caught with them and threatened to shut their

peration down, so when the opportunitymove from their apartment to a spacedowntown Los Angeles opened up, theans ran with it.Now, two years later, Starry Kitchen is

busy and successful restaurant with evenore supporters.Upon entering, the lack of design

novation is striking, but after a fewinutes of absorbing the ambiance, itimpossible not to nd the quirkinessStarry Kitchen charming. The walls

e bright orange and yellow. A Pac-Manural made of tofu containers stretchesut across the back wall. A poster of thestaurants logo a jolly-looking fork,ife, and spoon in a giant orange star on the wall near the kitchen. But thenterpiece that commands the attention oftrons is the menu: three large blackboards

T with pick your protein, pick yourvessel, and pick your side respectivelyscribbled in colorful chalk. The menuoffers everything from salted plumchicken wings cont to savory Malaysianchicken curry.

As much as I was interested in thefood, I wanted to know more about ThiTran. I asked his employees about him,and they told me that he is awesomeand super energetic but tends to beloud. What they all agree on is his lovefor food.

And its easy to see why.Though Starry Kitchen seems a little

rundown in more ways than one, itsfood begs to differ. Flavor is key foreverything that comes from the kitchen.A hint of lemon olive oil in the scallions,two thick and soft slices of baguette,and ginger tofu avored with a l ittle soysauce are just some of the ingredientsthat make their lemongrass tofu banhmi exceptional. The Pandan doughtnutholes, delicately sprinkled with powderedsugar, are crunchy and crispy on theoutside but warm, bready, and sweet onthe inside.

As I nished up my feast, I caughtsight of the one of the owners, NguyenTran, who threw his hands up in theair as he walked into the kitchen andannounced, Im here! It took me a

couple of tries to sit down with theever-evasive owner, but after I got ahold of him, he was ready to tell hisstory.

I think the term fusion is hoity-toity. I like to think of my food as Pan-Asian comfort food, Tran began. Afterall, the items on Starry Kitchens menutake aspects of dishes from many Asiancountries. Tran went on to say thathe wanted to bring to the public whatothers only kept in their kitchens.

Pork belly started everything, saidTran. Pork belly is a dish that everyonecooks at home but that no one servesin a restaurant. Who wants commonersfood at a restaurant? Me! Tran raisedhis hand eagerly to emphasize his point.It is this enthusiasm that truly comesout in his food and restaurant.

Starry Kitchen, once an undergroundand illegal restaurant, is now a breathof fresh air abounding with culinarycreativity and imagination. Not afraidto think outside the box, the Transuse Pan-Asian inuences to whip upinnovative, exotic, and delicious food.The couple continues to draw on theirChinese and Vietnamese backgrounds inorder to propel their restaurant forward.Theres no stopping the dynamic duo the sky, or should I say the star, is thelimit.


story by SARA CLAYTON

STARRy KITCHEN BRINgS PAN-ASIANCOMFORT FOOD TO ANgELENOS REDEFINING

AMERICAN BEAUTToday's American standard of what is beautiful is rapidly diversifyingEastern ideals have traveled West into mainstream American culture

Nguyen and Thi Tran bring a varietyof Asian avors together in their

downtown Los Angeles restaurant.Just dont call it fusion.

Wen, walking for Alexander Wang F/W 2010,has been a rising star i n the fashion industry.

The Este Lauder Corp. owns 27 brands, includingthe cosmetic brand of the same namesake.

photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

story by EDIE CAO

I

photo by Long Thai

photos by Sara Clayton

CULTURE


12/13

citizens when Los Angeles was still a small townof about 1,500 Angelenos.

In the 20th century, the once predominantlyFrench community welcomed the Chinese workingin the railroad and agriculture industries. Overtime, the area became known as Chinatown.Sekhon explained that many southern Europeans,

mostly Croatians, Italians, and French, immigratedto Chinatown before it was coined Chinatown.

Although many people probably think aboutgoing to Chinatown for Chinese food, the culinarydiversity is evident in all the sights and smells. Isaw cakes covered in creamy frosting, steamingbowls of Vietnamese noodles, and French dippedsandwiches.

My family and I ended up having Vietnamese

dishes at Via Caf before heading to the pond atChung King Way to watch the turtles sunbatheand Koi sh splash around.

But in the end, we learned a lot about the UnitedStates great diversity from a place we are cuedby the architecture, red lanterns, and dragons, tobelieve is exclusively Chinese.

If America is a land of immigrants, as weve beentold in all our history classes, then Chinatownsdiversity proves to be All-American.

discoveringamerica in

chinatown

Like many others I naively believed thatChinatown was a space for, well, people whowere Chinese.

But as I continued up Hill Street and crossedover toward Broadway with my family in tow, Inoticed we were surrounded by diversity.

Some people were old and others were young;some were on solo adventures and others clearlyon romantic dates; some were local residentsand others clearly visitors; and although somewere Chinese, many were not.

This is a really mixed community with allkinds of people even though we have a lot ofmarkers that say that this is Chinatown, saidSharon Sekhon of the Studio for SouthernCalifornia History. There are Southeast Asians,

Chinese Vietnamese [people who emigratedfrom China to Vietnam] and people fromCentral America.

The diversity of Chinatown also lives in itshistory. While exploring Chinatown I stumbledacross a sculpture of French heroine Joan ofArc on the corner of Hill and College in frontof Pacic Alliance Medical Center (PAMC).

According to history books, the FrenchSociety created PAMC for newly arrived French


With bright lanterns spider webbed above, a writer takes a freshlook at Los Angeles Chinatown and uncovers overlapping and

intertwining histories that make America so, well, American.

storybyJEFFREYLED

ESMA

photographybyBYRON

LEE

TIE: Together in EmpowermenCommunity Internship Program

-Work at progressive APA community

-based org

-Build a skill set in fundraising/developmen

policy/advocacy, or outreach/organizin

Alternative Spring Break: Manzana-Explore Manzanar Naonal Historic Sit

a WW II internment camp for Japanese American

-Learn about civil liberes and jusc

-Includes: ranger-led tour, flm screenin

Interpreve Center visit, on-site service project

reecon & discussio

Alternative Spring Break: Hawai`-In partnership with the Pacifc Islands Instut

-Learn about issues of sovereignt

Nave Hawaiian culture & histor

-Includes: services projects at taro gardens and ancient fsh pond

cultural tours to historic sites, immersion, reecon & discussio

Deadlines fast approaching

Stop by STU 410 or visit www.usc.edu/apass to apply today

APASSGet involved with us this spring semester!

CULTURE


13/13

BUILDING A MOVEMENT, RIGHT NOW.

WWW.CAMPUSPROGRESS.ORG

FIND OUT WHAT ALLTHE FUSS IS ABOUT.

THE NEW FACE OF THECAMPUS LEFT ... CAMPUSPROGRESS HAS PROVIDED

PROGRESSIVE STUDENTSWITHTOOLSTHEY'VE NEVERHAD BEFORE.

- THE NATION

- YOUNG AMERICAS FOUNDATIONA SOCIALIST SMEAR GROUP.

PROGRESSIVE YOUTH ORGANIZING

ACT IV ISM, JOURNALISM, EVENTS

BAM

BOO

OFFSH

OOT

USCSASIA

NPACIFIC

AM

ERICANPUBLICATION

Documents

Bamboo Offshoot Fall 2011