JULY 18, 2022

Hello, everyone!

In this op-ed, Dr. David Shih, a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, details how Vincent Chin’s murder informed his racial identity in the larger geographical and cultural sense in 1993.

Conversations today surrounding race largely encompass how environment and location inform the individual about their identity. Shih was an international student planning on studying abroad in the U.S. in 1993 for his graduate degree when his Korean American friend told him about Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was brutally murdered in Detroit ten years prior.

Shih talks about scapegoating during Chin’s time but also during the 21st century through the pandemic and how otherness is emphasized by positioning Asian Americans as a monolithic threat against white, Western (mostly American) hegemonic success.

Shih ends by reminding us that Asian Americans and our identities, although they are largely informed by those who created and perpetuate racial constructs, are not dependent on proving our worth, transcending racism and thriving in a capitalist system.

Race in America 🌎
 

• In Denver, Colorado, a neighborhood called Five Points has a new exhibit dedicated to post-WWII Japanese Americans reintegrating back into daily life. From pictures to documents, this exhibit showcases the history of life after internment camps. 

• Constance Wu revealed that she attempted suicide after severe backlash to her negative tweets at the “Fresh Off the Boat” final season renewal announcement. Originally the actor wanted to expand her creative pursuits, but because of her contract she had to turn down several passion projects, which frustrated her. Twitter, which presented a multitude of reactions, posed a good question: why is it always women of color in the spotlight that are more often scrutinized than their counterparts who are guilty of the same thing? If you, or a loved one, need assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988.

In Other Asian News 🗞
 

• At the Seoul LGBT Festival, 15,000 protesters showed up to rally against their celebration. On the opposite side of the festival, which was meant to raise awareness for legal recognition and rights, religious and conservative groups decided to take up space to protest, exclaiming that they need to protect their children and prioritize sexual ethics.

• The top general of the ruling military junta in Myanmar is continuing to foster friendly relations with Russia. While the Southeast Asian bloc is calling on Moscow to end military weaponry and geopolitical alliance talks with Myanmar, Russia continues to supply support, although they haven’t officially recognized the military government. 
  
   

Entertainment 📺
 

• John Cho’s new movie about a father and daughter’s relationship strained by a debilitating health condition is out! But before (or after) you see the movie, come read about his career playing iconic roles and producing amazing projects for Asian American youth, as well as how he handles racial stereotypes and uses them to his advantage.

• Priyanka Chopra hopes to change South Asian cultural impact in the U.S. through cultural and food projects including her newest collaboration with her friend Chef Hari Nayak. To showcase the diversity of the subcontinent’s food traditions, the team hopes their homeware launch, as well as other new and exciting projects, will bring cultural joy and knowledge to the larger American community.

What else is on our minds? 🧠
 

• Following up on the passing of Thailand’s same-sex union bill in the lower house, activists and LGBTQ+ citizens are excited about what this could mean as potentially the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex unions and gain legal spousal rights. 

• Orange chicken, a personal favorite of mine at Panda Express, is one of the perfect combinations that represent Chinese American innovation. Combining different Chinese flavors and preparations, orange chicken is a uniquely American dish that was created for a new audience and food market 35 years ago. (Everyone say Happy Birthday!)

• In the Java Sea, scientists found a bioluminescent sea, which is really made up of millions of tiny glowing bacteria. In fact, it glows so brightly that satellites can see it.

• President Xi Jingping visited Xinjiang for the first time since the pandemic began and reiterated China’s priority of assimilation, harmony and stability, which has been Beijing’s platform since information about imprisoned Uyghur citizens was released. 

• The Mayor of Mulanay in the Philippines is requiring government workers to smile while on the job. Announcing that “frowning is not allowed in the municipality,” the city also cites the importance of boosting morale and business engagement through a positive glow.