Talking About The Last Airbender by Racebending.com
The Racebending crew created a new video series on how to talk about The Last Airbender. Having trouble explaining to people why you feel so passionately about the casting of The Last Airbender film? (In other words, why there's a problem with whitewashing an Asian character.) Previously, they did a video explaining the casting in 60 seconds.
Introduction to a short series on The Last Airbender film. How do you talk to people about this when passions are running so high?
Were the original characters white? How can you tell that they weren't?
How was The Last Airbender movie cast?
Is there no such thing as a talented, profitable Asian American actor? Is the smart business decision to whitewash? Are Americans just not ready for films with people of color? Or is it time for something different than "the way things are"?
The Last Airbender Casting explained in 60 seconds
Also check out their trailer for the documentary "Yellow Face". It's a film about Racebending.com from Actress Han Tang. The filmmaker is the first Chinese National to be accepted into the Juilliard School's Drama Division. Since her graduation in 2008 she has followed the protest against 'Yellow Face' in Hollywood. She raises these questions: Is Whitewashing Racist? Why does 'Yellow Face' still exist in 2009? And this idea of what's 'Asian' in America today, is it racist? And what is the societal impact on future generations?"
While at BANANA over the weekend, someone from the audience asked the question about handling racism. Here's a classic case of racism happening. Dizaster made a video in response to the Jin vs Dizaster and Illmaculate battle that didn't happen. His video calling out Jin is just racist! In the almost 10 minute rant, he spews all kinds of ching-chong crap and wears a lampshade on his head as he cries out for the attention of Jin. It's the kinda of stuff most Asian American kids had to deal with at one point or another in school. We all have different ways of dealing with racism. Some ignore it, while others confront it. If you were in Jin's shoes, how would you deal with this?
Dizaster calls out Jin again with racist video - NSFW (BTW - Feel free to flag this video on YouTube. We did.)
Jin posted a video response to Dizaster. He takes the high road in the video. Jin was in Los Angeles on the dates he stated. GrindTime didn't have their act together to make the battles happen while he was out there. However, he may be battling Dizaster and Illmaculate at Battle of LA 3. Stay tuned. Love the "Learn English" bit directed toward Dizaster.
We deal with this racist video by showing Dizaster choking and losing. After watching some Dizaster battles, his weakness seems to occur when he gets called out on his presentation style. Watch him choke in this battle with Locksmith at the 9:02 mark.
Also watch PH (formerly Pumpkinhead) taking apart Dizaster here. PH at the 6:34 mark is the best.
On 60 Minutes, they profiled a story about Tadamasa Goto aka the "John Gotti of Japan." He cut a deal with the FBI to enter the US in exchange for information about Yakuza criminal activity in the US. Once he entered the US, he jumped to the top of a long waiting list for a liver transplant at UCLA Medical Center. He got a liver in just six weeks and was number 80 on the waiting list. Not only did Tadamasa Goto get a transplant, but also three of his Yakuza associates. UCLA says each of their transplants cost about $400,000 dollars and the Yakuza all paid cash. In addition to paying the bills, the Yakuza each made $100,000 donations to the transplant center. Goto donated $1 million.
Yakuza liver transplant on 60 Minutes
Supposedly, Tadamasa Goto left the Yakuza and entered priesthood
Asian American character The Weapon played by David Henrie?
Just like us, you probably have never heard of The Weapon. We dug around the Internet and found out what The Weapon was. Here's the premise:
Martial arts enthusiast Tommy Zhou has invented a means to create solid objects from light -- and invented a superhero persona to promote it, The Weapon! He even concocted an origin story for himself based on ancient Chinese legends his grandfather told him. What Tommy never suspected, though, were that his grandfather's legends were real -- and now an all-too real millenia-old ninja cult is after him, convinced he's unlocked ancient mystical secrets!
Now that you know the basics about The Weapon. You'd think it would be cool to have Hollywood make this into a live action movie.
However, something is deeply wrong in Hollywood. Following in the footsteps of The Last Airbender, 21, and Dragonball Evolution, the role of Tommy Zhou was given to David Henrie from Disney's The Wizards of Waverly Place. He's white!! The character's last name is Zhou and Asian. Why is an Asian American comic book character not played by an Asian American actor in the live action movie? What is wrong with the studios in Hollywood? This just makes no sense. No one let Hollywood near Secret Identities!!!
If you want to enjoy The Weapon in his original glory, you can read the comic book online here.
Here's some Secret Identities to counteract what Hollywood is doing to The Weapon
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MAANA) protested in front of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on Friday. (See their statements here and here.) The protest was centered around a scene in "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" where Ken Jeong's character is a victim of a hate crime. The scene was promoted in the trailers for The Goods. Paramount has apologized and are pulling scene from the trailer. However, the scene remains in the film. Paramount is also offering to discuss the scene with Asian American leaders.
Lisa Ling explores marijuana in California on Nightline
Lisa Ling does another special report for Nightline. (Last week, she did one on Locke High School) This time it's on the controversial topic of marijuana "legalization". In California, it seems so easy to get a prescription for medical marijuana, but at the same time marijuana is illegal.
Lisa Ling explores marijuana in California on Nightline
If watch CNBC, you'll be familiar with anchor Melissa Lee, host of "Fast Money" and "Options Action". She'll be hosting a new CNBC original production "Porn: Business of Pleasure". Nothing is off limits when it comes to the controversial multi-billion dollar industry that aims to please but has been known to offend.
The porn industry has changed technology and can be found in millions of homes, hotel rooms and hard drives across the country. BUT, the business is facing economic challenges. It's under assault and not just from the many critics who see it as socially corroding, degrading to women and a risk to the young.
The documentary preview has already caused one major advertiser, Charles Schwab, to pull sponsorship from "Fast Money" after a preview implied a connection between Schwab and the network's Porn: Business of Pleasure.
We'd rather see more hard hitting reporting on why gas prices shot up to $4 last year or why there was so much leverage on Wall Street than having CNBC delve into the porn industry.
Very interesting commentary by David Choi on race. There was a comment on his latest video Super Mario Land Theme Song, a collabo between David Choi and Paul Dateh. The comment stated:
"David, you only hang out with Asians. As a white kids, this gets kinda awkward, when every video I watch with a guest has an Asian person in it. Expect for the one with Chester. Just one."
David Choi just wants to share music and inspire. Race of the person in his videos shouldn't matter. There are many good points by David Choi in the video. A point that stood out for us is the lack of Asians in entertainment. Even when roles should be Asian, Hollywood changes the ethnicity cast such as 21, Dragonball Evolution, and The Last Airbender. (also see kevjumba's commentary Asians Just Aren't Cool Enough)
Watch the whole video by David Choi and let us know what you think. Keep up the great work David.
Kate Gosselin of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” vowed Thursday to survive the tabloid firestorm that erupted over allegations that her husband cheated on her, a charge he denies.
Rumors of an affair have been lingering since February 2009. These past few weeks things really picked up. Us Weekly claims that Jon & Kate Plus 8 dad Jon Gosselin, 32, has been having an affair with third grade school teacher Deanna Hummel. However, within the same week Deanna Hummel, 23, tells PEOPLE exclusively, "We're just friends. It's absurd that anyone would think otherwise." Jon Gosselin has released his own statement this week too, "Like most people, I have male and female friends and I'm not going to end my friendships just because I'm on TV. However, being out with them late at night showed poor judgment on my part. What makes me sick is that my careless behavior has put my family in this uncomfortable position. My family is the most important thing in my life and it kills me that these allegations have hurt them."
The Last Airbender Movie Boycott (Paramount Pictures vs Asian Americans)
Controversy has arisen over the past few months over racial bias in M. Night Shyamalan’s "Whitewashed" Casting of "The Last Airbender." The controversy is about to kick up another notch. Thousands of people have already signed the petition to "Protest the Unethical Casting of "The Last Airbender". Secret Asian Man got involved with the protest too. Check this comic strip out.
With all the protest, the Asian American blogs and twitters are lit up with a site racebending.com, an information site for the protest against Paramount Pictures' upcoming live-action movie THE LAST AIRBENDER. This website intends to provide information about why we should protest and how you can help. Asian Americans have already faced the white washing of casts in 21 and Dragonball Evolution. Hollywood has got to stop this!!
Recently, the racebending.com store on Zazzle got shut down by Viacom, parent company of Paramount Pictures, for copyright infringement. Read more about the whole eperience on the blog here. Some of the products have been restored, but the protest only gets louder online. A YouTube channel has now been created to faciliate the ongoing protest here. The protest will not be silenced. If you want to get involved, but don't know how, go here and you can help the cause.
The Last Airbender Movie Boycott -- Intro
Update:
18mmw presents the World Premiere of "AVATAR: The RACE BENDER" with ALL NEW material! Check out the show on May 7 and May 10, 2009 in Los Angeles. More details here.
Because of its subject, Dark Matter has had a rough time theatrically and now on DVD. The Virginia Tech shooting happened around the time of the original theatrical release date. Now with the DVD release, the Binghamton, New York shooting occurred just a few weeks ago.
Dark Matter delves into the world of Liu Xing, a Chinese science student pursuing a Ph.D. in the United States in the early 1990s. Driven by ambition, yet unable to navigate academic politics, Liu Xing is inexorably pushed to the margins of American life, until he loses his way. The film also stars Meryl Streep and Aidan Quinn.
The Dark Matter website also has a great section to help facilitate discussions about Asian cultural assimilation, campus violence, and science education. You can buy the Dark Matter DVD on Amazon.com.
Lots of controversy over the live action movie of the Japanese anime/manga Dragonball Evolution in the Asian American community. The core issue is the casting of the main character Goku is not Asian/Asian American. (Similar controversy to the movie 21 about a year ago.)
Over at yehey.com, they had a Q&A with director James Wong (The One, Final Destination). Here's the question about casting:
Q: There are Asians in the cast, yet Goku, the main character is white American. Is there a specific reason that you cast him?
A: “I think I’m pretty sensitive to racial issues and I don’t have any sort of prejudice against Asian actors. I am Asian myself. I’m Chinese. But when I read the manga, I really didn’t think Goku was Asian. I didn’t think he had to be any particular race or ethnicity. He is drawn with crazy hair and ultimately he’s an alien. He’s not human. When we cast the part, I was looking at every kind of actor. Some of the characters drawn in the manga are definitely Asian like Master Roshi, but with Goku I never thought that by casting Justin I was doing something that was contrary to the manga.”
The guy's got guts to attend a sold out advanced screening of Dragonball Evolution sponsored by DGA Asian American Committee. We're sure he was asked about casting. There are a bunch of supporting character who are Asian tho. See our previous post here. But just like 21, the supporting cast doesn't make up for the fact that the main character is not Asian. From the reviews we have seen, Dragonball Evolution looks to be an epic fail. Even with all the negativity around the film, this hasn't stopped the studios from talking sequel.
Dragonball Evolution Trailer
director James Wong Talking about Dragonball Evolution
International community is concerned with the North Korea rocket launch over the weekend. The threat of potential long range missile strikes or nuclear warhead are real possibilities.
Now, Miley Cyrus is getting sued for $4 billion by Los Angeles woman, Lucie J. Kim. She has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all Asian Americans living in Los Angeles County. That's about 1 million people. Each getting $4,000 each for a civil-rights violation stemming from the photograph. That's $4 billion.
Margaret Cho is pissed at Miley Cyrus' photo too. She was so upset by Miley Cyrus, she wrote a song. Here it is:
Miley Cyrus made some chinky eyes
Standing behind an Asian guy
I don’t know if this should fly
As if there wasn’t enough to despise
I wasn’t necessarily a fan of
Her, her dad, or Hannah Montana
I tend to prefer the songs of Rihanna
Racism against Asians is simply bananas!
Oh Miley!
Chinky eyes make you look wily
prejudice isn’t thought of so highly
it doesn’t make us all smiley
Why is there nothing that Asians can do?
To make fun of other races as easily as you
Why isn’t racism against Asians taboo?
Why are we always so racially screwed!
All you have to do is pull at your face
To make your eyelids resemble our race
This kind of joke has no proper place
Miley Cyrus is a disgrace!
After the Spanish teams made a similar racist "slant eyes" gestures during the Beijing Olympics, clearly Miley and friends did not learn. The Asian American and entertainment blogospheres are lit up with the Miley Cyrus chink eye photo that has surfaced. Here's a few links:
The OCA has already demanded an apology for Miley Cyrus' racist gestures. See the press release below:
The photograph of Miley Cyrus and other individuals slanting their eyes currently circulating the Internet is offensive to the Asian Pacific American community and sets a terrible example for her many young fans. This image falls within a long and unfortunate history of people mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian descent.
"Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans," said George Wu, executive director of OCA. "The inclusion of an Asian Pacific American individual in the photo does not make it acceptable."
"OCA hopes that Miley Cyrus will apologize to her fans and the APA community for this lapse in judgment and takes the opportunity to better understand why the gesture is offensive."
OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
On a side note, we are curious how Jon M. Chu reacted to the photo. If you recall Jon was part of the ACDC crew that competed against Miley Cyrus' M&M Cru in The Biggest Online Dance Battle in YouTube History.
Miley Cyrus Offends the Asian Community
Update:
Miley Cyrus offered a half-hearted apology for her actions. Here's what she wrote in her blog:
I've also been told there are some people upset about some pictures taken of me with friends making goofy faces! Well, I'm sorry if those people looked at those pics and took them wrong and out of context! In NO way was I making fun of any ethnicity! I was simply making a goofy face. When did that become newsworthy? It seems someone is trying to make something out of nothing to me. If that would of been anyone else, it would of been overlooked! I definitely feel like the press is trying to make me out as the new 'BAD GIRL'!
A racist gesture is not "simply making a goofy face".
On the heels of Yo-Yo Ma’s current success with his best-selling album, " Songs of Joy & Peace," the superstar cellist performed at the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. Yo-Yo Ma along with Itzhak Perlman on violin, Gabriela Montero on piano and Anthony McGill on clarinet performed the new work composed by John Williams, "Air and Simple Gifts." Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. then administered the oath of office to Mr. Obama, who then delivered his inaugural address.
Later is was reported that millions of viewers heard a recording played by a celebrated quartet of musicians at Barack Obama's inauguration rather than the notes the group actually played for the new president. If you recall, China ran into issues with lipsynching the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Yo-Yo Ma to Performance at Obama Inauguration (If you watch the video, Yo-Yo Ma got the most cheers when Diane Feinstein announced the musicians.)
The Japanese American Citizens League, a national Asian-American civil rights organization, is considering action against O.C. Welch after the Bluffton-area car dealer used the phrase "rice-ready" to describe vehicles made by Japanese companies.
OC Welch, the owner of Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in Bluffton, Hardeeville and Savannah, ran controversial radio advertisements that recently aired on a dozen stations. Listen to his spot entitled, "Wake Up America"
At the 34 second spot of the ad, you will hear this:
"All you people who buy Toyota and send your money to Japan. When you don't have a job and can't make your Toyota payment, don't come crying to me. One thing I wanna ask you, with those Japanese cars. Even when they are brand new, how come they don't smell like a new car? They are rice ready, not road ready.
When will you Wal-mart shoppers, you import buyers, when are you gonna wake up and do something for the United States of America."
"I don't think it's going too far. It's reality and I think we need a reality check," Welch told TV station WTOC. Welch has no apologies for his latest radio ads. "Right now, it's running a 96 percent approval rate," he said. He says December sales have finally improved. His radio ads will continue to run. Welch even welcomes negative responses to them. "That's fine with me. I'll help them write it. Mail it in. Whatever," he said. As long as he gets his message across.
What is wrong with this guy, we understand that car dealerships are struggling, but this is not how you go about promoting cars. He welcomes the negative responses. If you want to tell OC Welch how you feel about his ad, here's the contact information for his dealership:
OC Welch
4920 Independence Blvd
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Tel : 843-288-0100
Fax: 843-288-0105
Email: o-welch@dealeremail.com
Racist "rice ready" car ads
TV station WTOC report on racist "rice ready" car ads
For the people of California, Proposition 8 is on your ballot this November
What is Prop 8? The entire text of Proposition 8 is as follows: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." By voting yes, you are supporting traditional marriage between a man and a woman. By voting no, you are supporting gay marriage.
Needless to say, this proposition is a tight race and a controversial ballot measure, we decided to hop over to two sites ProtectMarriage.com (for Prop 8) and noonprop8.com (against Prop 8) to see if there were any Asian American representation. To our surprise, we only saw Asian American representation on ProtectMarriage.com.
Shockingly, the noonprop8.com campaign did not use either Helen Zia and George Takei. Both of them married their partners earlier this year.
According to a recent poll, likely California voters overall now favor passage of Proposition 8 by a five-point margin, 47 percent to 42 percent. The recent surge for Prop 8 has come from young voters. Those in the Inland Empire and the Central Valley continue to back Proposition 8, while those in the Bay Area remain opposed. Those in the greater Los Angeles area also remained largely split. Support for a gay marriage ban was strongest among those who considered themselves conservatives and identified themselves as regular churchgoers. Opposition is strongest amongst liberals and those who are less religious.
Eight years ago, 61 percent of California voters approved the 2000 marriage ban, while only 52 percent of voters told pollsters they favored the proposition. While Californians may respond with politically correct answers to pollsters, their true beliefs are shown at the ballot box.
With the ballot measure so tight expect more TV ads for Prop 8 as well as against. Whatever your position, get out and vote this November.
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is a pretty funny show and one of the most viewed TV shows on Hulu.com. However, the Season 4 episode 1 of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" entitled "Mac and Dennis: Manhunters" has what we deemed a racist scene. The scene involves the characters Dee and Charlie looking for exotic meat and end up in Chinatown. And they try to order monkey in Chinatown. Aren't we done with the "Asians eating monkey" jokes? WTF?
As of September 25, 2008, the FDA testing of milk based products imported into the United States from China has not found melamine contamination. The classic candy favorite of Chinatowns around the world are seeing White Rabbit Candy banned. It is also affecting the US.
The FDA is working with regulatory agencies in other countries. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority reports that its testing of White Rabbit Creamy Candies has shown melamine contamination at high levels. In light of the widespread contamination of milk and milk-based products in China and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s finding, the FDA recommends that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy and that retailers and foodservice operations remove the product from sale or service.
To date, the FDA is not aware of any illnesses in the United States stemming from consumption of either White Rabbit Creamy Candy.
White Rabbit Candy and Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products recalled
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.
The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.
At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,400 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.
The FDA also advises consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from Internet sites or from other sources.
The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.
Chinese dairy products banned amid fears over a widening tainted milk scandal
a/k/a Tommy Chong is a dynamic portrait of comedy legend Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong set against the unfolding political horror story of post 9/11 America. Filmmaker Josh Gilbert follows the tragic and absurd tale of Chong as he travels down the rabbit hole of America's war on drugs and the federal prison system after becoming the primary target in a government sting, code named "Operation Pipe Dreams." In February of 2003, at a time of unparalleled assaults to our freedom by international terrorists, John Ashcroft and U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan spent 12 million dollars to take down Tommy Chong for selling art glass water pipes, a/k/a bongs, over the internet. What emerges is an intimate portrait of a cosmic character, caught in the crosshairs of a surreal Cheech and Chong fantasy come to life. (Tommy Chong is HAPA. His father is Chinese, while his mother is Scottish and Irish.). Here's more about the film:
a/k/a Tommy Chong chronicles the entrapment and incarceration of comedy icon Tommy Chong of the legendary comedy duo, Cheech and Chong. Josh Gilbert takes on the event in his documentary, and offers a sometimes frightening, often hilarious account of Operation Pipe Dreams, a nationwide drug paraphernalia sting spearheaded by a federal prosecutor named Mary Beth Buchanan, appointed by George Bush three short days after the attacks of 9/11.
After fully armed SWAT teams raided the comedian's home and his business, Chong Glass, Chong was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for "conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drug paraphernalia through his family business, specializing in handmade glass water pipes, or "bongs". Of the 55 defendants prosecuted, Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong was the only one with no prior convictions to receive jail time. Justifying the sentence, George Bush's appointee, Mary Beth Buchanan cited the classic Cheech and Chong comedy Up In Smoke as evidence that Tommy Chong had become wealthy "trivializing law enforcement efforts to combat marijuana trafficking and use." As Roger Ebert said after viewing the film, "You do not have to approve of drugs to be offended."
The film provides a charming portrait of a counter culture icon set against the backdrop of a War on Drugs gone horribly awry.
LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens released the following statement on the LPGA's policy on effective English communication. (Previous post on LPGA English speaking Requirements are racist.)
The LPGA has received valuable feedback from a variety of constituents regarding the recently announced penalties attached to our effective communications policy. We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions.
After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every Tour player. In that spirit, we will continue communicating with our diverse Tour players to develop a better alternative. The LPGA will announce a revised approach, absent playing penalties, by the end of 2008.
During that time we will continue to provide support under the three-year-old Kolon-LPGA Cross Cultural Program. This popular program provides all LPGA members with the best cross-cultural training in the form of tutors, translators, Rosetta Stone®, the official language-learning system of the LPGA, as well as assistance from LPGA staff and consultants.
LPGA was definitely feeling more heat from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, California State Senator Leland Yee, California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, Californai State Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Filipinos for Affirmative Action, California Immigrant Policy Center, Korean American Coalition, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), and many more. The announcement to rescind the English policy came hours before a coalition of multienthic groups holding a press conference. The groups would send a signed letter protesting the LPGA Tour's policy that would require all tour members to speak English.
Here's the controversy on the LPGA's English Policy
Since Golfweek broke the story August 25 about the LPGA requiring English proficiency from its players, reaction has been swift. This was clearly targeting the South Korean players, since there was a mandatory South Korean player meeting August 20 to inform the players that beginning in 2009, all players who have been on tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills. Failure would result in a suspended membership. How can you determine who is considered "proficient"?
The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) urges the LPGA sponsors to withdraw support of the Tour until the English proficiency policy is retracted. There are currently 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, 45 players from South Korea. Eight of the top money makers on the LPGA tour are from South Korea.
"This policy is tantamount to national origin discrimination, which is prohibited under Civil Rights Act," said Vincent A. Eng, deputy director of AAJC. “The policy is an affront to our American principles of diversity and equality. It is even more unconscionable that the LPGA is devolving to past divisive and exclusionary practices of their sport following the successful closing of the unifying Olympic Games."
"There is already a strong endorsement incentive for the players to learn English to increase their global marketability," said Tuyet G. Duong, senior staff attorney at AAJC. "The new LPGA policy along with their actions to have a special meeting with the South Korean players, smacks of clear discriminatory targeting of those players."
“The game of golf has a long history of exclusion of minorities and women and they have fought for years to be included in sport,” added Duong. “That is why it is shocking that the LPGA would issue this policy, which is completely contrary to the spirit of inclusion that drives LPGA pioneer women to continue breaking new ground in their sport. This will ultimately result in depriving the audience and fans of seeing the best golfers in the world."
WPIX report on the English requirement rule on the LPGA
The Spanish men's and women's Olympic basketball team and 2008 Federation Cup Tennis women's team posed for pictures making the ever offensive slate eye gesture. Among the people participating in the vulgar act includes LA Lakers superstar Pau Gasol and Toronto Raptors point guard Jose Manuel Calderon.
The photo of the Spanish men's and women's Olympic basketball team was part of a publicity campaign for team sponsor Seur, a Spanish courier company, and is being used only in Spain. A Seur official in Madrid said the company had not intended to offend the Chinese people, but has no immediate plans to withdraw the ad, which is scheduled to run on selected days until the end of the games. The advertisement has been condemned by international media and the IOC. Spain's Olympic basketball team is expected to apologize for making the slit-eye gestures. During the China vs Spain basketball game in the Beijing Olympics, Spain was consistently getting booed.
Also during the week, a photo of the 2008 Federation Cup Tennis women's team making the slant eye gesture was revealed. Among those in the photo are Nuria Llagostera Vives, Anabel Medina Garrigues, and Carla Suarez-Navarro, who are all competing in the Beijing Games. More booed are expected to rain down on these players.
Spain will try to shake off the string of racist photos by its athletes. However, the "slant eyes" gesture could damage Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Listen to NPR's Looking Into The Spanish Team's "Slant Eyes" here.
The Chinese government is being criticized for replacing a Chinese girl at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony with another Chinese girl who was better looking. 9 year old Lin Miaoke lip-synched "Ode to the Motherland" at the opening ceremony over the voice of 7 year old Yang Peiyi. The switcheroo happened as Yang Peiyi was considered visually unsuitable to appear herself because of her teeth, so only her voice was used.
Here's a photo of Yang Peiyi:
A Chinese rep said:
"The main consideration was the national interest. The child on the screen should be flawless in image, in her internal feelings, and in her expression. In the matter of her voice, Yang Peiyi was flawless, in the unanimous opinion of all the members of the team.
We have a responsibility to face the audience of the whole country, and to be open with this explanation. We should all understand it like this, it is a question of the national interest. It is a question of the image of our national music, our national culture.
Especially at the entrance of our national flag, this is an extremely important, an extremely serious matter.
So we made the choice. I think it is fair to both Lin Miaoke and Yang Peiyi, after all, we have a perfect voice, a perfect image and a perfect show, in our team’s view, all together."
The secret of the Olympic karakoe was revealed Sunday by the ceremony's musical director Chen Qigang in an interview with Beijing Radio. He said a senior Politburo member had said after the final dress rehearsal that Miaoke's voice was not good enough and that Peiyi did not look right. The result was combining the perfect voice and the perfect performance. The parents of both girls said separately Wednesday they did not want their daughters to speak to the media, and said each felt privileged just to have taken part.
Yang Peiyi is a first-grader at the Primary School affiliated to Peking University. Lin Miaoke is a third-grader appeared in a television commercials with China's biggest gold medal hope, hurdling champion Liu Xiang.
UPDATE: One of our bloggers didn't get all the facts right on this post. Apologies to SCAT Productions as their flyer did state their cause in small print on their flyer. Also three members of Jabbawockeez (Kevin Brewer, Phil Tayag and Chris Gatdula ) showed up towards the end of the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event to say some words on stage to support the Sichuan Quake event. They ended up staying for a meet & greet, took photos, signed autographs and passed out T-shirts. Jabbawockeez took care of their fans and the cause. Here's some fan footage when Jabbawockeez got announced.
Lots of drama surrounding the booking of Jabbawockeez performances on the East Coast this weekend for July 12th. Apparently, the Jabbawockeez were booked by both SCAT Productions and Rebuilding the Bridge (an event helping the China Quake Victims). For July 12th, SCAT Productions got the Jabbawockeez, while Rebuilding the Bridge lost their top act with days before the event.
On the "Rebuilding the Bridge" site, this message appears:
Due to unforeseen conflicts in scheduling, the Jabbawockeez are no longer part of the lineup for this event. On behalf of all the individuals and organizations involved, we are deeply sorry for this development. We are nonetheless extremely excited by the roster of artists who are performing.
On the Jabbwockeez website, the SCAT Productions event is being promoted. (It's going to be tough for the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event to re-promote without their top draw.) The Ningin.com message boards lit up for awhile on the Jabbawockeez controversy until the thread was taken offline. Ningin.com is a backer of the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event.
Miss Info of Hot 97 in NYC, who is supporting the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event, voiced her concerns on her blog here and here.
...a disturbing tale of what happens when you have the wrong people repping you and claiming to be out to “do good in the hood."...
...But while some fans are putting the entertainment over the mission, which I cant respect, much love to all the folks who are support this 100% non-profit event (to one of the largest aid organizations in the world, Mercy Corps….not an unlicensed undocumented charity). I am doing everything I can to make sure you’ll be more than happy...
When you read between the lines on what is going on here, money is clearly a factor. If you take a look at how the marketing was done for the events. SCAT Productions flyers say nothing about the charity they support, only on their website. "Rebuilding the Bridge" flyers clearly state the charity they support. While not all the information is out in the open, the nasty truth will come out sooner or later. Bottom line, it's the charity that matters. Bypass all the drama and contribute directly to the cause you want - donate to Mercy Corps or Children's Chance in Connecticut.
The promo video got taken down for the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event. However, you can still hear the PSA by Amy Chang - Remember the Jabbawockeez will not be at this event.
TMZ posted some unflattering photos of Miss Washington 2007 - Elyse Umemoto. Among the photos posted include the pageant winner flipping off the camera while wearing her crown, drinking and playing what appears to be beer pong, and making obscene sexual gestures. Running on a platform to promote diversity and women's empowerment, Elyse Umemoto was also the second runner-up in this year's Miss America pageant.
While her scandal is not as big as Miss Nevada's, the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization is embarrassed by the pictures. Quick reaction also by Elyse Umemoto. She held a press conference in Tacoma, Washington the same day the scandal broke. In her apology, she says that someone she trusted stole the photos from her, she's not proud of how she was depicted, and that being a public figure and role model is a full-time job. (We think Elyse Umemoto has learned her lesson.)
A month ago, we told you that The Love Guru may be banned in India. Although this film has a lot of stars (Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake), overall reviews have not been good for this film. (Neither getting less than 20% on Rottentomatoes nor being considered for a Razzie is good for a film.)
Here's the synopsis for The Love Guru
In the comedy "The Love Guru," Pitka (Mike Myers in his first original character since Austin Powers) is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. His unorthodox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between Toronto Maple Leafs star hockey player Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco) and his estranged wife. After the split, Roanoke's wife starts dating L.A. Kings star Jacques Grande (Justin Timberlake) out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid - to the horror of the teams' owner Jane Bullard (Jessica Alba) and Coach Cherkov (Verne Troyer). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old "Bullard Curse" and win the Stanley Cup.
The more we look at The Love Guru, the more we think of yellow face like Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan. Mike Myers needs to watch Hollywood Chinese. Asian Americans are making great strides in American entertainment and this film comes a long. Something must be broken in Hollywood for the execs to greenlight this film.
Watch a clip of the The Love Guru and decide for yourself
Omar Khan, 18, hacked into school computer servers of the prestigious Tesoro High School (This is the same school on the show Real Housewives of Orange County and also on Newsweek's list of best high schools in America.) Between Jan. 23 and May 20, Khan changed his "D" and "F" grades to A's. How did he do it? Omar Khan stole a master key, broke into classrooms, hacked teacher computers to steal tests and answers, and change grades. The reason: He wanted to get into UC Berkeley. Instead of graduating this week, Khan had almost 70 charges against him (34 counts of altering a public record, 11 counts of stealing and secreting a public record, 7 counts of computer access and fraud, 6 counts of burglary, four identity theft charges, 3 counts of altering a book of records, 2 counts of receiving stolen property and 1 count each of conspiracy and attempted altering of a public record.). He could face up to 38 years in prison.
This is not the end of the story. His co-conspirator, Tanvir Singh, was also busted, but on lesser crimes. A dozen other students had their grade changed as well. When the final investigation is complete, we will see what the final results will be. College admissions could be rescinded.
Is there too much pressure in Asian/Asian American families to get good grades?
Watch the news report of the grade changing hacker
Last month, the California Supreme Court said denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry each other violated the state constitution. The decision was a close 4-3 vote. The ruling made California one of just two states, along with Massachusetts, that grant the same rights to same-sex couples as opposite-sex couples. Yesterday was the first day for gay marriage in California.
In Northern California, Writer & activist Helen Zia, 55, and her partner, Lia Shigemura, 50, got hitched. The pair sang "The Chapel of Love" as they walked to the city attorney's office to get married. The couple was also on the home page of the NYTimes briefly as well.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, actor and gay rights activist George Takei, 71, and his longtime partner Brad Altman, 54, got their marriage license. They're planning a September 14th wedding in Los Angeles. The whole crew from the original Star Trek is expected to attend except William Shatner. The wedding will take place at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
While all this celebration is happening, all this can be overturned on the November ballot when the people of California will vote on a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Eight years ago, 61 percent of California voters approved the 2000 marriage ban, while only 52 percent of voters told pollsters they favored the proposition. While Californians may respond with politically correct answers, their true beliefs are shown at the ballot box.
Here's the proposed California Constitutional Amendment
LIMIT ON MARRIAGE. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.)
If you live in California, vote your true beliefs at the ballot box.
Helen Zia and Lia Shigemura getting married
George Takei and Brad Altman first in line to get a marriage license in West Hollywood
Grammy award-winning artist Amy Winehouse was in a disturbing home video shot last year around May 2007, weeks after she and her husband eloped. In the video Amy Winehouse and her friend Sarah sing a racist song to the tune of kid classic "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". However, the words we changed to "Blacks, Pakis, Gooks and Nips, Gooks and Nips!" As the racist song is being sung, you can also see drug paraphernalia all over the place. The person behind the camera is Amy Winehouse's husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who is currently behind bars.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Japanese yakuza received liver transplants at UCLA. The most prominent transplant recipient was Tadamasa Goto, who has been barred from entering the U.S. because of his criminal history. The four surgeries were done between 2000 and 2004 at a time of pronounced organ scarcity. In each of those years, more than 100 patients died awaiting liver transplants in the Greater Los Angeles region.
Watch this news report about the liver transplants.
Well you know it was very interesting because at first, you know, I am not happy about the ways the Chinese were treating the Tibetans because I don’t think anyone should be unkind to anyone else. And so I have been very concerned about how to think and what to do about that because I don’t like that.
And I had been this, you know, concerned about, oh how should we deal with the Olympics because they are not being nice to the Dalai Lama, who is a good friend of mine.
And all these earthquake and stuff happened and I thought: IS THAT KARMA? When you are not nice that bad things happen to you.
And then I got a letter, from the Tibetan Foundations that they want to go and be helpful. And that made me cry. And they ask me if I would write a quote about that and I said I would. And it was a big lesson to me, that some times you have to learn to put your head down and be of service even to people who are not nice to you. And that’s a big lesson for me.
Yesterday, Sharon Stone issued the following statement:
Due to my inappropriate words and acts during the interview, I feel deeply sorry and sad about hurting Chinese people. I am willing to take part in the relief work of China's earthquake, and wholly devote myself to helping affected Chinese people.
But it's a little too late. Sharon Stone films will be banned at UME Cineplex, one of the largest movie chains in China. (What was Sharon Stone's last film anyway?) Also French fashion house Christian Dior dropped Sharon Stone from its Chinese ads.
Lots of protests the past few weekends at CNN locations all over the US. Thousands have protested Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta (CNN headquarters) over statements made by Jack Cafferty that were broadcast on "The Situation Room" back on April 9, 2008. Here's the quote in question:
“We continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food and export, you know, jobs to places where you can pay workers a dollar a month to turn out the stuff that we’re buying from Wal-Mart. So I think our relationship with China has certainly changed. I think they’re basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they’ve been for the last 50 years.”
Listen the the controversial statements by Jack Cafferty:
CNN Protest in Atlanta (CNN headquarters)
CNN Protest in San Francisco
CNN Protest in Los Angeles
CNN Protest in Chicago
Although CNN had offered an apology, the Chinese government rejected it as inadequate. CNN Beijing bureau chief Jaime FlorCruz was summoned to a meeting at the Chinese Foreign Ministry with with Liu Jianchao, director general of the Foreign Ministry information department. The situation looks bad for CNN and Jack Cafferty. Looks like a lot less coverage for the Beijing Olympics for CNN.
Also a Beijing-based primary school teacher Li Lilan and a New York-based beauty therapist Liang Shubing are filing in a law suit for $1.3 billion against CNN for slander. The $1.3 billion equates to $1 per person in China.
Dark Matter, the feature film debut of renowned opera and theater director Chen Shi-Zheng, delves into the world of Liu Xing (Chinese for “Shooting Star”), a Chinese science student pursuing a Ph.D. in the United States in the early 1990s. Driven by ambition, yet unable to navigate academic politics, Liu Xing is inexorably pushed to the margins of American life, until he loses his way. The cast includes Liu Ye, Meryl Streep, and Aidan Quinn.
Dark Matter is loosely based on the 1991 University of Iowa school shootings. With the Virginia Tech shootings a year ago, the film's release was delayed. Controversy has surround the timing of the new release date, which was around the 1 year anniversary of the VA Tech shooting.
Despite the controversy, we need to find better ways to communicate. Both International and American students need to bridge the cultural divide and encourage mutual respect. With the rise in school campus violence in recent years, we need to foster better communication among students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
See the trailer for "Dark Matter" here:
The film won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize when screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007. The award is given each year to a feature film that either focuses on science or technology or depicts a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as the main character.
