Rosa - AsianAmEng2Class

Literary Analysis: The Oracles and American Born Chinese

2007-05-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Rosa Bui

Professor Talusan

English 2: Asian American Experience

17 May 2007

Literary Analysis

While completely different in style and technique, the Oracles and American Born Chinese present strikingly similar protagonists and their character developments. Both characters face an identity crisis, traveling on a journey of similar internal conflicts. Essentially, both works convey the same theme of self-acceptance. However, the authors, Pati Poblete and Gene Yang, employ many different literary techniques to achieve this. Ultimately, Yang succeeds in creating a greater effect on readers. The reader is surprised and struck by the realization of the futility in morphing and transfiguring oneself, whether internally or externally, into someone one is not. Yang’s twisted comic, humor, subtle details, and overall creativity better emphasize this point and impact his audience.

In the Oracles, Pati struggles with the Oracles’ expectations and influences. She finds her life in America complicated and disrupted upon the arrival of her peculiar grandparents. Not only does Grandma Fausta expect her to behave and take on responsibilities like her cousins back in the Philippines, she, along with the other Oracles, attempt to preserve their distant culture, values, and traditions by imposing them on Pati. Manually washing clothes and marching in the traditional Filipino beauty parade constitutes only two of the many agonizing experiences of her childhood, living with four emigrant grandparents. Not only does she feel trapped in a life where her wants and needs were not fulfilled, she also feels like “the last crab in the barrel…pickled in a jar of anchovy broth. [Her] grandparents had preserved [her] in their own little cocoon of folklore and old tradition. They had kept [her] a little girl…while everyone else had grown up…[She] felt the need to catch up- and fast” (Poblete 82). Her justification is that she “continued to wear their clothes and eat their food so that the last bit of the country they left behind would not be taken away from them” not acknowledging that she must also preserve this tradition and culture for herself. Pati just wants to live her “American” life, finding everything that other “normal” kids did not do, a painful experience. Pati accounts for this aversion towards her culture saying, “‘I was being raised in white suburbia, at a time when ethnic pride wasn’t exactly hip. What’s worse, my parents were trying just as hard as I was to fit in…also dealing with their own issues of self-identification and assimilation…My dad was a young executive at Blue Cross and my mom was an account executive at a bank. They wanted to blend in with their all-American co-workers and neighbors, not stand out as the Asian immigrant family. I can’t fault them for that because I was in the same boat. My grandparents...didn’t have to adjust to a new culture, I did… The problem was that I was the only minority in my school at the time. It didn’t matter if I talked like them or dressed like them, I was the weird one at school. The freak. The “other”. My grandparents made that fact even clearer to me when they arrived. I was different, and there was nothing I could do about it. Yes, I was bitter and I was filled with self-hate. I resented them even more for serving as reminders of this difference between me and everyone else’” (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog).

In American Born Chinese, the protagonist Jin Wang harbors so much shame in being Chinese, that he repels Wei-Chen, his cousin Chin-kee, and even revels in his transformation into “Danny”. He resents Wei-Chen and Chin-kee because they represent the very things he hates about himself. They not only embody stereotypical Asian physical features but also Asian attitudes and behaviors. When Wei-Chen first arrived, the first thing Jin thought was “‘Something made me want to beat him up’” (Yang 36). Moreover, when Melanie, his crush, asserts that she just wants to remain as friends he immediately claims “‘I’m not like [Chin-kee]….I’m nothing like him! I don’t even know how we’re related!’” (Yang 101). Even when Melanie explains that it is simply a matter of not jeopardizing their friendship, Jin is convinced that his Asian cousin is the reason. When Wei-Chen reaches out to Jin saying “‘We’re brothers, Jin. We’re blood’” (Yang 190). Jin responds “‘You have got to be kidding. You and I are not alike. We’re nothing alike…Maybe I think she can do better than a F.O.B. like you’” (Yang 191). The thought of being a “F.O.B.” scares Jin because it implies that someone does not belong in the greater community. The inability, to fully assimilate and be seen and treated as more than just an outsider who came from a little boat, terrifies him. To Chin-kee, he says “‘I’m sick of you ruining my life, Chin-kee! I want you to pack up and go back to where you came from!” (Yang 205). Living in a predominantly Caucasian surrounding, Jin can not come to accept his identity as an Asian. His confusion prevents him from approaching his crush; it also drives him to change his straight Asian hair into a more Caucasian style, making him look much like a “‘broccoli’” (Yang 99). Later on, he agrees to discontinue seeing Amelia simply because Greg told him to. The inability to embrace his ethnicity is the source of many of his insecurities.

Therefore, both protagonists travel similar journeys. Their tragic flaws are their reluctance to grasp and cherish their cultural identity. They both begin as insecure characters, questioning their ethnicity and repeatedly attempting in every way to escape the culture which haunts them. Pati experiments with many things such as drugs and sex against her family’s disproval. Jin shuns people he sees himself in and hides under the façade of Danny. But ultimately, both become round characters because of their final epiphanies. In the end, Pati realizes how the Oracles have become guides, “passing [their] ‘life skills’ onto [her]” (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog) and helping her appreciate her own culture and identity. She learned much from them which led to “the richness of [her] childhood…and the discover[ing] of [her] roots” (Poblete 122). On the other hand, Jin learns that being oneself is how one will find genuine happiness.

Pati Poblete, narrator, author, and protagonist, relates her internal conflicts through memoir writing. She writes in first person, revealing all her personal thoughts and feelings, whether it is frustration, relief, excitement, or sadness. Although the point of view is third person limited, her internal struggles, experiences, and journey are especially highlighted through her voice and retelling of her own story. She perfectly captures the significant times throughout her life. Reading the memoir truly felt as if Pati herself is present and retelling her story as in a conversation. Compared to an autobiography, this memoir easily stimulates attention and sympathy.

Additionally, Poblete is able to use setting, imagery, plot development, conflict, characterization, foreshadowing, flashback, and irony to her advantage. The imagery, her description of settings, and plot development are personal yet vivid as if the events had just occurred yesterday. Many instances exist where Poblete foreshadows events or leaves a cliff hanger. One is that of her Grandma Patricia’s practice of voodoo on Pati’s mother. Her use of monologues as an introduction to each of her characters and through her own voice, Pati develops her own character as well as each of her family members. Moreover, the inclusion of her present thoughts and feelings as well as those in retrospect, simultaneously add more definition to her character development and therefore her theme of self-acceptance as a strength and source of growth (Poblete AsianAmExperience Blog).

Gene Yang chooses a completely different method of conveying his theme. American Born Chinese is a comic, full of graphics, boxes, and bold words. By creating this comic, Yang is able to employ a variety of techniques, both literary and non-literary. The graphics, including the boxes and texts, convey many ideas, actions, emotions, and events. They also symbolize, mirror, parallel, and emphasize certain main points and occurrences. Additionally, the colorful pictures capture and hold readers’ attention, entertaining them with humor and art. Therefore, American Born Chinese stands more vivid than Poblete’s descriptive words. Even a reviewer claims “True to its origin as a Web comic, this story’s clear, concise lines and expert coloring are deceptively simple yet expressive. Even when Yang slips in an occasional Chinese ideogram or myth, the sentiments he’s depicting need no translation. Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you’ll already have reached out to others” (Publisher’s Weekly). Another reviewer says, “Yang’s crisp line drawings, linear panel arrangement, and muted colors provide a strong visual complement to the textual narrative” (Library Journal).

“Graphic novels that focus on nonwhite characters are exceedingly rare in American comics” (Library Journal). Most importantly, his comic is fiction while the Oracles is nonfiction. This allows Yang many opportunities to strengthen his theme to his own liking. He uses allusions to a well-known Chinese myth, personification, anthropomorphism, direct dialogue, and dramatic irony. He is able to exaggerate and create things to better deliver his theme whereas Poblete is confined to telling the truth as it is. For example, Yang can easily create and name characters such as Chin-kee to reinforce his emphasis on stereotypes. His fake Chinese accent, “ ‘Rong time no see! Chin-kee happy as ginger root pranted in nutritious manure of well-bred ox!’” (Yang 49) also contributes to the stereotypes that Jin desperately wants to dissociate from himself. His manipulation of time frame also works effectively in that it indirectly symbolizes the persistence of the problem of ethnic identity crisis and self-acceptance. Fiction allows Yang to defy time and connect an ancient and modern story. By combining both stories, Yang reinforces his point in both the major and minor character. He is able to employ juxtaposition because both the Monkey King and Jin are foils, struggling to accept their true forms or selves and suffering as a result. In the end, both revert to their original selves, proving the foolishness in trying to alter one’s true identity. Yang’s ability to create his own plot and fantastic events such as Jin transforming into Danny strongly contribute to his message of self-identity. It is also easier for Yang than for Poblete to utilize symbolism. One symbol in the comic, for instance, is the transformer toy, which represents Jin’s desire to completely morph himself into something “greater”. It reappears as Wei-Chen’s parting gift from his father which “ ‘transforms from monkey to humanoid form. Let it remind you of who you are’” (Yang 217). Also, although both works have a light humorous tone, Yang is able to have a lighter tone and therefore more powerfully highlights the serious underlying issue.

Although some may say Poblete’s the Oracles, leaves a greater effect on the readers because it retells a true and realistic experience, this resulting effect is outshined by the effect resulting from the creativity and twist of Yang’s American Born Chinese. Because everything seems disconnected, American Born Chinese’s ending is more powerful when all the themes, characters, and conflicts merge. The theme becomes an epiphany to the reader as all the comic’s elements converge. “Their stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics” (Library Journal). In the Oracles, the build-up of the effect, especially towards the end, is not as effective as Yang’s strategic climatic ending. The fantasy elements of Yang’s story not only allow him to exaggerate his theme but also to entertain readers throughout the comic. Each piece of literature should change by its ending and while both works do this, the transformation of American Born Chinese is more shocking, and thus has a greater effect. The plot and the character development surprise the unsuspecting readers and therefore prompt their reflection. Pati develops her character through retelling a story. Meanwhile, Yang develops his character through unexpected, action-packed, and warped events. As a Booklist reviewer asserts, “Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or oppose the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects — shame, racism, and friendship — receive thoughtful, powerful examination” (Booklist). In this way, the effect on the readers is more unique.

Perhaps the natures of the two genres also affect the impact on the reader. While the memoir primarily serves as a therapeutic and reflective means for Pati, the comic focuses on proving a point to readers. Where Pati Poblete has already made an explicit conclusion in her memoir at the very end, Yang leaves the reader more freedom to think, interpret, and explore the events of his comic as they unite and end in one single picture. In both cases, the two works stand as important pieces in Asian American literature that prove extremely pertinent in the complex world of today.

Works Cited

“American Born Chinese Reviews.” American Born Chinese Reviews. 2006. First Second. 15

May 2007 .

“March 13 Read the Oracles”. AsianAmExperience Blog. 2007. 15 May 2007

experience.blogspot.com>.

Poblete, Pati Navalta. The Oracles. USA: Hepay Books, 2006.

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. USA: First Second Books, 2006.

My Turn Essay

2007-05-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Rosa Bui

Professor Talusan

English 2: Asian American Experience

17 May 2007

My Turn Essay

Ricky Martin is Latino. Shakira is Columbian. Beyonce Knowles is African American and Creole. Christina Aguilera is Irish and Ecuadorian. Nelly Furtado is Canadian and Portuguese. Evidently, Whites, Blacks, Europeans, South Americans, and many other ethnicities exist in the American music industry. Millions of Asians live in the United States, so where is the Asian singer?

The absence of such talented and charismatic Asians in the American music market confuses many. After all, these Asian singers can truly sing without the aid of vocal transforming equipment or the art of lip synching, employed by many American artists today. Unsurprisingly, the answer to this perplexing question is the same answer for bamboo ceilings, absence of Asians in the modeling industry, inaccurate portrayals of Asians in film, and many other struggles Asians face. Sadly, discrimination and stereotypes still remain and severely affect Asians today.

Deeply rooted stereotypes prevent the success of Asians in the American music industry. “Asian-American artists and scholars argue that the racial stereotypes that hobble them as a group — the image of the studious geek, the perception that someone who looks Asian must be a foreigner — clash with the coolness and born-in-the-U.S.A. authenticity required for American pop stardom” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Viewed as studious and obedient, Asians are expected to take on roles such as doctors, engineers, and mathematicians. Therefore, occupations as entertainers, singers, actors, and models seem far-fetched and ludicrous. Consequently, Americans and the music industry find it difficult to cast away and look past that stereotypical image when considering an Asian talent. For example, the American Idol audience can not see an Asian as the next American Idol because to them, Asians do not possess the pop star quality. To the public, Asians do not fit the image because they “have” slanted eyes, buck teeth, short stature, and a geeky nature. Asians are passive and study all the time. The male is effeminate and the female is docile and mute. They are either fobs, tourists, store, restaurant, or laundry owners, nerds, or gangsters. Such overpowering labels prevent Asians to be seen as anything else. As a chain result, producers rarely hire or sign on Asian talents, doubting their commercial appeal to the public.

Many Asian singers have tried to break into the music business in America. Clearly possessing more natural talent than many other American singers, these pioneers are still rejected. Moreover, not only do Asians encounter difficulty but also Asian Americans, born and raised in America. Even they still face “fob” labels and the same stereotypes and struggles in the industry, despite having lived in America all their lives. This just proves how superficial, brutal, and shallow entertainment business can be. Rappers such as Jin showed great and equal talent by winning BET freestyle rap battles. Unfortunately, he was never accepted or achieved mainstream success because of his Chinese heritage. In American Idol, the dearth of Asian contestants and their early elimination can be seen in the case of Paul Kim. This year, judges praised Paul Kim for his range and tone but he reveals, “I was told over and over again by countless label execs that if it weren’t for me being Asian, I would’ve been signed yesterday” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Another Asian musician, Harlem Lee “has sung R & B in talent shows, in musicals at Disney World and even on an album he recorded in the 1980s as he pursued a music career after high school. Then in 2003 he won the NBC reality show ‘Fame’, gaining national attention and another record contract. Mr. Lee thought it was his big break, but he is about to turn 40 this year and is still working as a secretary, still waiting to make it as a singer” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100). Like Paul Kim, Harlem Lee is “sure about the one that has hurt him most: looking Chinese. In terms of finding an advocate in the industry, the Asian thing has been the critical factor…You just don’t fit” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100).

True, America has heard of Asian singers. However, these Asian singers are of mixed descent, where their looks are racially unclear. These singers include Cassie of Filipino and African American ethnicity, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. Their part-Asian ethnicity shocks many because they look fully African American or fully Caucasian. Perhaps this “advantage”, obscured Asian features, allowed them to succeed in the music industry.

Ironically, the Asian that did achieve fame was William Hung, who just serves as a comic relief. What made him famous was certainly not his amazing voice or incredible dancing talents, but his off-pitch and off-key performance of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”. The American market’s encouragement, focus, and attention on him demeans Hung and the Asian community. Furthermore, this parody and distorted spotlight sustains the negative ideas about Asians and Asian talent to the public.

One after another become discouraged after countless attempts at a singing career. Yet there are still hopeful candidates such as Korean phenomenon Rain, who is currently trying to enter the American market. With exceptional talent in dancing, singing, acting, and martial arts, he achieved overwhelming fame throughout Asia. In fact, he was named one of the one hundred most influential people by Times Magazine. However, he admits that he must work even harder to succeed in the American market. “He wants nothing less than to break down barriers, build cultural bridges and become the first Asian pop star to succeed in America” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain ). In Rain’s words, “ ‘The United States is the dominant music market. I would really like to see an Asian make it there. I would like that Asian to be me. That's why I'm studying the language, reading up on the culture and practicing every day to correct my weaknesses” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain). He does not want to fail and therefore thinks that “embracing [his] inner delicacy and letting [his] Asian-ness show rather than [impersonating] and being another couple of Asian dudes trying to do black music” (Sontag A Strong Forecast for Korean Pop’s Rain) will help him surpass barriers. The Asian community waits with anticipation and hope as Rain prepares for his future American debut. Undoubtedly, however, he will confront some difficulties like the rest of the Asian singers.

In addition to discrimination and persistent stereotypes, Asians also face other setbacks including making up only about five percent of the American population and the lack of marketing mediums such as BET for African Americans and Telemundo for Spanish Americans. Jon Caramanica, music editor of Vibe magazine agrees that “By and large the music industry hasn’t done a great job cultivating Asian-American talent…Because there’s no significant tradition in the mainstream, it becomes that much harder to become that breakthrough artist” (Navarro Trying to Crack the Hot 100).

Stereotypes that haunt Asians and Asian Americans must be eliminated. Not only does it lead to many injustices, it also limits and discourages Asians’ goals and dreams. Personally, my parents and I have been discouraged in my desire to pursue a music career for the same reasons presented. American industry asserts that Asians do not put themselves out there or showcase themselves enough. However, many Asians have tried and failed because they were simply Asian. Therefore, it is a barrier created by society. America still needs significant improvement in equal representation, and eliminating racism, stereotypes, and discrimination. America needs to embrace, encourage, and nurture Asian and Asian-American talent as a starting point.

Works Cited

Navarro, Mireya. “Trying to Crack the Hot 100”. The New York Times. 2007. 10 May 2007. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/04/fashion/04asians.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=f670a0a731d45f3c&ex=1330664400&partner=digg&exprod=digg>.

Sontag, Deborah. “A Strong Forecast for Korean pop’s Rain”. The New York Times. 2006. 10

May 2007. < http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/27/news/rain.php?rss> .

College Reflection

2007-04-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Reflecting back, I feel like this year has gone by so fast, even faster than my freshmen year in high school. I still can’t believe that I’m almost a sophomore in college when it still feels like I began high school yesterday.

One thing I thought about was spending almost a whole school year without my twin. We went to preschool, middle school, elementary school, and high school together. We would do most things together and would look out and depend on each other. I miss the little things like, dividing up who would carry home what books so that we would each only have to carry half as many books compared to others. Sometimes, she would drive to school if I was tired from staying up all night to finish my school work or if I came home late from a volleyball game. Likewise, I would drive to and from school if she was feeling tired. But now, we don’t even see each other anymore because we are both so busy. In fact, I don’t think we have even talked longer than 2 minutes for the past couple of months. I feel like college has caused us to drift apart. But one good thing is that we have both become more independent. Now, I have to remember my own assignments and what is due for what class and I have to drive myself home even when I’m about to fall asleep.

I also thought about how I should have been more daring to travel much further for college. All the schools I applied to were in New England. Now I wish that I had applied to somewhere across the country. I realize that college is a new beginning and I wanted to start in a totally new and unfamiliar setting. I want to be away from my family and become completely independent. I think I need this to really mature and learn how to take care of myself and not always depend on my parents. I keep wondering what it would be like to live in a different state all by myself, away from a home and city that I have known for 18 years.

Even though going to Tufts didn’t really feel like a totally new beginning to me, I definitely think I learned a few lessons about myself and others. I really hope that next year, I can do better in all aspects of college (especially my grades). I hope I become more motivated and continue to learn valuable lessons.

Extra Credit Assignment

2007-04-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

For the race related event, I attended the Vietnamese Student Club Culture Show. I enjoyed it a lot. Moreover, I thought it was more organized and thought out compared to the Korean Student Association Culture Show.

The atmosphere was very lively. Also, the decorations greatly contributed to the atmosphere. There were collapsible paper screens, paper lanterns, colorful flowers, etc.

I also liked the show because it included traditional elements. For example, there was traditional singing, lion dancing, and fashion show. These were essential because it fulfills the main goals of a culture show – to showcase what’s special about a specific culture. I’m sure many people were unfamiliar with the 2 traditional songs one of the females performed. I actually recognized one of the songs, because my dad, who is also Vietnamese used to sing that song on his karaoke.

I also thought the fashion show was very similar to what you would see on a real Vietnamese “ao dai” fashion show. Girls came out one by one, holding roses, escorted by males also dressed in traditional clothing. The dresses were beautiful and varied in style and color. I also thought this was also good in showcasing the different styles the traditional Vietnamese clothing can come in. Another side of Vietnamese clothing was revealed in the “farmer’s skit”. (People who work in the rice fields wear very thin baggy clothing and a straw hat.) I thought it would be even better if the clothing of older times could have been shown.

There was also food, which included spring rolls, egg rolls, fish sauce, Vietnamese drinks, etc. However, I thought it would have been better to add Vietnamese food that people don’t often know about. Because many people can go to restaurants to get egg rolls and spring rolls, I thought something different could have been more exciting. Also, people can learn more about Vietnamese cuisine.

So although there are many aspects to a culture, I thought the VSC culture did a good job in touching many areas – clothing, food, music, and language.

While achieving all the above, the show was also very entertaining and humorous. There were funny skits and a great video, which seemed like a real movie [with all its special effects and sound effects]. It was actually broken up into 2 parts which made the plot more suspenseful. Therefore, not only did a lot of work and planning go into the show, I also think they employed many strategies to engage the audience and make the show a success. A break-dancing performance was also included. It seemed like a lot of time and effort went into the whole event. I would definitely recommend people to go next year.

Some things I would have liked to seen were traditional instruments played and maybe a look into what Vietnam looks like today [since many will surprised at Vietnam’s views and growth considering its reputation as a very poor country]. I also would have liked to hear modern Vietnamese music.

Literary Analysis Paragraph

2007-04-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Paragraph from literary analysis paper

While completely different in style and technique, the Oracles and American Born Chinese present strikingly similar protagonists and their character developments. Both characters face an identity crisis, traveling on a journey of similar internal conflicts. Essentially, both works convey the same theme and message. However, the authors, Poblete and Yang, employ many different literary techniques to achieve this. Ultimately, Yang succeeds to create a greater effect on readers.

American Son, A "Coming of Age" story

2007-04-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

A Bildungsroman highlights a protagonist’s development and journey to maturity. American Son by Brian Ascalon Roley is clearly an example of such a novel.
One component is that “some form of loss or discontent must jar him or her at an early stage away from the home or family setting”. In the novel, Gabe is beaten by his brother, Tomas, which spurs him to steal Tomas’ car and dog. He then runs away to Northern California to escape his family and his brother's negative influence. However, he eventually falls into Tomas’ way of life - gangs and violence, a life he previously tried to avoid.
Throughout the novel, his “process of maturing is long, arduous, and gradual, consisting of repeated clashes between the protagonist's needs and desires and the views and judgments enforced by an unbending social order”. Surrounded by a predominantly white society, the "unbending social order", Gabe struggles with his identity and his mother’s expectations of him. Being half Caucasian and half Filipino, Gabe therefore faces many expectations from different sources - American society and his Filipino mother, Ika. Initially a shy, good , and obedient son, he resorts to violence.
The major conflict is an internal conflict of “self vs. society or individuality vs. conformity”. He proves how hard the American immigrant experience is. Gabe is young, troubled, and vulnerable, suffering from alienation and confusion, in a harsh society he can’t understand. He is disconnected with his roots and unable to fit into the American society in which he lives.
The theme of exile and escape (another component of a Bildungsroman novel) is also present in American Son in various ways. His physical escape which propels him on his journey to “coming of age”. Also his attempt to internally escape his true identity and ethnicity displays the theme of escape. He also tries to escape his brother’s way of life but fails.
In a Bildungsroman novel, "eventually, the spirit and values of the social order become manifest in the protagonist". In American Son, the drive to pursue the American dream of prosperity and success becomes manifest in Gabe through his gang membership and violence.
Therefore, because American Son contains many features of a "coming of age" novel, it can be classified as a Bildungsroman novel.

4/3/07 Literary Analysis Topics

2007-04-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

1. Comparing how the Oracles and American Born Chinese use literary techniques to convey the theme.

2. Comparing the protagonist(s) of the Oracles and American Born Chinese and their character development.

3. Symbolism in the Oracles and Woman Warrior

4. Advantages/Disadvantages of a comic and a memoir, American Born Chinese and the Oracles.

5. Effectiveness of the Oracles as a memoir and what techniques are used.

Thurs March 29 Assignment: American Born Chinese

2007-03-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

The first twenty pages of Gene Yang’s American Born Chinese allude to a well-known myth among many Asians, especially the Chinese people. (I think it’s called “A Journey to the West”). It starts out similar to the Chinese legend with elements of humor here and there.
The author chooses a unique way to subtly raise his point. He also engages the reader through conversational diction, humor, many allusions, and of course the graphics.
Readers start the comic book reading about a fanciful mythical legend. But by the end, the audience is left with a cliff hanger and something more profound. This is effective because it raises many thoughts on the readers part. It is also good technique because the excerpt begins like any other writing but most importantly, it transforms into a piece that affects readers. On the surface it is a humorous and entertaining comic which makes his message more effective once the reader realizes the more serious underlying theme.
By the end, readers think about his allusion and its relation to American Born Chinese. The whole story may represent what Chinese people may experience. For instance, the monkey was just as competent as the rest of the people at the dinner party. But he was discriminated against. Also, being exposed to a world/society besides his own, he returns to notice things he never did before. He stayed up trying to think of ways to get rid of the smell of monkey fur. Being outside of his own society, he is now aware of what makes him different. Consequently, he wants to change it. He wants to be something other than what he is. The monkey's experiences parallel what an American Born Chinese might experience and feel as well.

Paragraph from My Turn Essay

2007-03-08T19:11:00.001-08:00

From rough draft

Sadly, American entertainment and media has successfully characterized and illustrated the essence of being Asian to not only America, but to many other countries. Because they have not walked in an Asian’s shoes, looked through an Asian’s eyes, lived an Asian life haunted by Asian traditions, cultures, and history, the producers and people in the entertainment industry do not truly understand the images of Asians they create. American entertainment and media disregard the implications and effects of their discrimination, stereotypes, and their narrow and inaccurate depiction of Asians.

BEAT Bias Prevention Program

2007-03-08T16:55:00.001-08:00

I went to the BEAT Bias Program in Tilton. I learned a couple of things there. First off, I found that one of the last slides of the powerpoint was very true. Most of racism/prejudice is UNINTENTIONAL. But we should make an effort to be INTENTIONAL in understanding racism. We should be intentional in thinking about what we are about to say or do. We should also be intentional about helping Tufts spread the word and help people gain a deeper understanding of racism through education programs. We should make an intentional effort to learn about racism and work to end it. If i remember correctly, i think that's what it said. I also learned that even though it is within my comfort zone to hang around with people my own race, I should expand and make an effort to know other groups of people. That way, I can understand them better and really understand what lies behind racism. The more you get to know the people of different backgrounds, the greater understanding you are going to gain, and the less you will stereotype or judge someone.

"My Turn" Essay Topic

2007-03-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

-Racism within racism
-how even though people who face racism or racial stereotypes sustain racial stereotypes
themselves
-Asians in the media
-Asians dating nonAsians, interracial dating/marriage

Response after "Concept of Beauty"

2007-03-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

One topic raised at the "concept of beauty" event was conformity. People talked about how they felt that they should look a certain way depending on the majority in their surroundings. If that person was surrounded by whites, he/she would want to look caucasian. If that person was surrounded by all Asians, then he/she would feel more comfortable just being and looking like themselves (asians). It is interesting because are people getting surgery to conform or is it because they truly think bigger eyes, bigger assets, etc equate to being beautiful. I wonder if Caucasians were the minority, would they think smaller eyes and a smaller body type means being beautiful?

"No Name" Memoir [Tues Feb 20 Assnmnt]

2007-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Both my grandmothers had many children. With so many aunts and uncles, I never really thought that there could be more. That was why I was especially surprised when I found out that I had another aunt, an aunt who was long dead. I thought it was strange of my mom to never mention her sister once. After all, sisters back then, especially in Vietnam were close. My mom, the oldest of all her siblings, took care of them like a mom would, while my grandmother was at work. She cooked, cleaned, and washed them.

Maybe my aunt had commited some crime or sin my family was too ashamed of her to even mention her. Or maybe my family was too ashamed of themselves to tell the story. My aunt's name was Mo, which roughly translates to "dream" in English. She was only about 1-2 years old when she died.

It was pitch black outside. There was not a single noise except the racing heartbeats of my grandmother, mother, and my other uncles and aunts. They were escaping the oppressive country they had called home. Because Mo was the youngest, my grandmother carried her in her arms while the rest of the children tiptoed quietly and swiftly towards the boats. They came to a stream in which they had to wade across. But just as they were half way across it, men's voices and equipment could be heard. Somehow, my grandmother let go of Mo. But with danger approaching and the rest of her children to protect, my grandmother could not turn back and save Mo. Neither did any of her siblings look back.

To save the rest of the family, they sacraficed Mo. She died from drowning that night. And because my grandmother, mother, uncles, and aunts did almost nothing to save her, they never mentioned her. Like her name, she was a dream to them, a little sister they never had.

Memoir Tues FEB 13 ASSIGNMENT

2007-02-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

It was hard to come up with one good incident that compared to the unfortunate ones in Tram Nguyen's book. But there are small ones I can recall that hopefully connect to the situations in the book.
The story of Muhammad Rafiq Butt reminded me of my uncle. When Butt was taken away, his congenital heart condition caused him pain, which was ignored by the county jail/facilities. Their failure to give him medical attention contributed to his death in the detention facility. When I was little, I remembered a time when my uncle complained of heart pains. He was suffering a stroke or something like that. And when he got to the hospital, no one really attended to him. With his limited English, he said that he was in pain and needed immediate medical attention. But people at the hospital just told him to wait. Now, he still suffers from occasional heart pains. But we make sure that he isn't pushed aside like he was back then just because he was an immigrant, who they thought couldn't afford medical costs.
Tram Nguyen also raises the topic of hate crimes. For example, an Osama Bin Laden look alike was severely beaten. Although not to the same degree and situation, this incident reminded me of my grandmother who was harassed. When my sister and I were little, she used to take us to a local playground. One day, 2 males came up to her as she was watching my sister and I swinging. They spoke in English, a language she could not understand at all. My grandmother kept shaking her head and motioning her hands to signal that she did not want to deal with them and she didn't have anything they wanted. They then made signals with their hands and fingers suggesting that they need some money and she should give it to them. My grandmother's refusal to talk and comply prompted them to throw rocks/pebbles at her. This shows the hardships of immigrants especially those who can't speak the language and defend themselves.
I also found a connection to Abdullah's story. He fled from his country to escape oppressive conditions and to make more money to support his family and eventually bring his family to the U.S. This is exactly what my dad and mom did. My dad was some sort of a lieutenant in the Vietnam War and wanted to escape the country after the South had lost. With my mom and a couple other relatives, they escaped and were finally sponsored to America. From that time on, they both worked and saved money to sponsor the rest of the family to America. They put money aside and sent it back to the remaining family members, which Abdullah tried to do despite his gambling habits. I'm sure that initially, my parents also faced immigration hardships and discrimination in their everday life (job discrimination, harassment....).

Reader's Guide Suggestions [Tues Feb 6 Assgnmnt]

2007-02-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

I think the following criteria should be included in the reader's guide:
- Definition of clandestine transnational actors
term for undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, drug and human sumugglers, potential terrorists...

- Scope of the book
which is not a study of immigration and national security but rather of the
"racial impact of post 9/11 policies on immigrants and communities of color" (Nguyen XVI).

- What the book consists of
personal stories community profiles, Nguyen's thoughts

- Policies that affected and threatened immigrant community
Post 9/11 Roundup
FBI visits
USA Patriot Act
Special Registration
Absconder Apprehension Initiative/National Fugitive Operations Program
Operation Liberty Shield
Refugee Restrictions

- Summaries/Synopsis of the stories or cases of immigrant's lives after 9/11
Ex: Abdullah's or Butt's

- General facts/statistics
Ex: in 2001 69000 refugees approved
in 2002 27000 approved in which only 5% were African while 60% were European
Ex: after 9/11, hate crimes against Middle Eastern descendants rose from 12 to 188.

- Contributions to targeting immigrants after 9/11
political expediency
marginalization
negative imagery

We are All Suspects Now [Tues Feb 6 Assgnmnt]

2007-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

I thought the foreword of the book was really effective because it really drew in my attention. It did make me realize that everyone lives with a risk of being targetted or suspected post 9/11. But as Tram Nguyen said, "However, as immigrants, we live with the double threat of being both possible victims and suspects, often with deadly consequences" (Nguyen Foreword XI). I was shocked at the extent of discrimination and cruelty which the immigrants faced both before and after September 11. I can't believe refugees/immigrants were refused the basic necessities of life - food, medical attention, comfortable sleeping conditions, adequate clothing, etc. Some people even died because of this. Moreover, some were taken all over the country to different jails for as long as 1 yr and 8 months. A man who couldn't even speak English was allowed to be attacked by a pit bull because he didn't sign the voluntary deportation form. Immigrants even feared contact with government, fire departments, hospitals, and other public services because they feared deportation. Those very places should be ones that everyone, including immigrants, should be able to seek help and refuge in. Their lives are so deprived because of how the U.S. used "racial and ethinic scapegoating in response to a crisis..." (Nguyen XXIII).

After reading about some of the people's lives throughout and up to Chapter 2 (oppressive government, poor living conditions...), I think it is especially unfortunate that they can't even look to America for a safe refuge and home. Morever, they face all kinds of discrimination in housing, jobs, real estate and car rental agencies, and many unjust policies that are all for "promoting" national security. Part of it was human suspicion and emotional discomfort as a result of 9/11. But I was angered to hear that it wasn't just because people were afraid of terrorism. People were using it as an excuse, an advantage to their own benefit. For example, employers fired Latinos not because they really suspected them of dangerous/terrorist activities but because they suspected them of union organization activities.

It's sad that after such a devastating event, more people have to suffer, as if things weren't bad enough. As the books says, there was 9/11, post 9/11 era, and the aftereffects of post 9/11 era. Although I know it takes time, hopefully everyone can heal from the events of 9/11. At the least, hate crimes, prejudice, and discrimination should end.

Question: How is the situation now with immigrants? Since the public is aware of such cruel treatment of immigrants, does it still exist? Did other immigrants [other than of Middle Eastern descent] face any significant effects of 9/11? What were the "broader effects on immigrant communities" you briefly mentioned in the introduction?

PRIMARY SOURCE'S CAROL [Thurs Feb 1 Assignment]

2007-02-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

I never read the Primary Source or even the controversial Christmas Carol even though I had heard about it. But after this assignment, I realized how offensive the carol's lyrics can be to black students at Tufts. It's also unnecessary to use a Christmas song during Christmas as a medium for racial satire. I also thought the satire failed in many ways. Instead of focusing on affirmative action here at Tufts, the publication only caused controversy and disrespect towards Tufts' African American students.

The controversial carol can be defended by students' right to freedom of speech. However, I agree that "Freedom of speech should be used with respect" and that what the Primary Source wrote "treads dangerously close to the line separating free speech from hate speech" (http://insidehighered.com/news/2006/12/12/tufts).

Although the student publishers/editors did cross a line, I don't think their humor and "jokes" truly meant to offend and hurt African American Students. Therefore, I agree with Bruce Reitman that depriving the Primary Source of funds and enacting other forms of censorship is not the best solution. They do have a right to voice their opinions and critique university policies such as affirmative action. But they have to make sure that they do it effectively while respecting everyone.

TUESDAY JAN 30 ASSIGNMENT

2007-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

“It seems to me that obliviousness about white advantage, like obliviousness about male advantage, is kept strongly inculturated in the United States so as to maintain the myth of meritocracy, the myth that democratic choice is equally available to all. (Keeping most people unaware that freedom of confident action is there for just a small number of people props up those in power and serves to keep power in the hands of the same groups that have most of it already).” – Peggy McIntosh
I thought it was very interesting how the Peggy McIntosh focused and highlighted “white privilege” instead of racial disadvantages. I can understand what she was saying about how men don’t admit that they are advantaged but can admit that women are disadvantaged. I think it’s because of their inherent pride and reluctance to acknowledge that they have/had a “headstart” in things. I guess it’s the same with people who don’t like to admit they have “white privilege”. Reading the article made me realize that we tend to focus on why people are oppressed or disadvantaged and not on why others are oppressing or advantaged. Looking at the big picture, I found that things are unfair in so many ways I never noticed. For example, McIntosh talked about bandaids and how they can match her (white) color skin. Even though it may be something trivial, why aren’t there black or other shades of bandaids?
I also thought it was interesting how towards the end, she points out that her “privilege” is more like “dominance” or overempowerment. This is because the word “privilege” connotes something that is earned or passed down (from birth, etc). I think there are so many things wrong with the term and concept of “White privilege”. To me, the term even implies that privilege comes with or is based on color.
The article by Rinku Sen also raised a good point about the importance of racial justice in policies to improve the world. Without true racial equality, problems will never be fully solved.

We Are All Suspects Reader's Guide (my part)

2007-01-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5:

Characters:
Chris Simcox- Boyish looking with floppy brown hair and a goatee, lives in L.A, native
MidWesterner, 42 yrs old, 10 years as an elementary school teacher, alarmed by urban realities and border security issues.

Asa Hutchinson- Former director of Drug Enforcement Administration who was
appointed to oversee border and transportation security when twenty-
two agency Dept. of Homeland Security launched in 2003.

Hanigan family- Family in Cochise County involved in most famous modern-day
vigilante incident. In 1970, they were accused torturing 3 Mexicans on
their property.

Isabel Garcia- A long time immigrant rights activist and lawyer who worked on
Campaigns against the Hanigans.

Glenn Spencer- 65 yr old retired computer programmer who founded American Border
Patrol

Barbara Coe- Part of the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, who wanted
Illegal aliens deported.

“Barnett Boys”- “heroes” who had frequent confrontations with migrants. (detained 484,
And allegedly arrested more than 5,000)

Tom Ridge- former Pennsylvania governor who was sworn in as secretary of the newly created
Department of Homeland Security.

Jovanna Mendoza- with her family, she lived at the front line. They witnessed Border Patrol agents chasing
migrants, bating them, and were even harassed by the agents themselves.

Ron Sanders- the retired head of the Border Patrol’s Tucson sector, joined American Border Patrol

Jim Gilchrist- California-transplant who planned a new mobilization to recruit thousands of volunteers
from around the country to patrol borders. (Minutemen Project)

Themes/Key Points:
Even after 9/11, it is shocking how the southern border of Arizona was left poorly protected and patrolled. Even armed drug dealers could easily sneak across. Moreover, everyone (like the ranchers, Border Patrol, Politicians, and local media outlets) knew about this but weren’t shocked by Simcox’ findings.

As Border Patrol increased armed agents, the number of people crossing the border through dangerous terrain increased.

Arizona border became “fertile ground for new immigrant battle”.

The implications of the growing Border Patrol presence were far-reaching. (ex: Harrassment, dangerous driving of the agents, violence (rifle used because “cup was a weapon”), fear created, disrespect towards civilians, threatening daily life of the people)

How people like Jovanna came to fear the agents more than the illegals, (because the illegals just wanted to find a job and help the families.)

How Border security was seen as no longer an immigration issue but a way to thwart terrorism.

Despite, the increase in border agents and funding for the border security over the previous 2 years, none of the migrants caught at the border were found to have any ties to terrorism.

Key Facts:
1. Since 9/11, political leaders framed border as a critical front in the war on terror.

2. Therefore, government placed more Border Patrol agents along the Southern border, thereby expanding budget for Border reinforcement.

3. Border enforcement governed by Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (An extra 2 billion dollars was allocated for border security).

4. Southwest Border Strategy was a policy in the 1990s meant to push/force migrants to take dangerous desert routes rather than urban ports such as San Diego and El Paso.

5. Arizona had the Operation Safeguard. San Diego had Operation Gatekeeper. El Paso had Operation Hold the Line. All these deploy 30 feet walls, agents, military equipment to protect/fortify urban crossing points so only the “treacherous” routes (through mountains and deserts) remain.

6. In 1989, first organized group, Civilian Material Assistance, did exercises at the border and held people at gunpoint.

7. In 2002, one of the first new organized groups, American Border Patrol was created.

8. Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) was one of the most prominent anti-immigration lobbies.

9. In 1999, Spencer and Coe helped to organize a gathering of immigrant opponents in AZ, in which the KKK and NOFEAR (National Organization for European American Rights) also attended. Consequently, INS headquarters in Washington warned Border Patrol of “anti-immigration hate groups”.

10. March 2002, U.S allotted over 24 billion dollars to homeland security initiatives, with heavy emphasis on border and immigration enforcement

11. Civil Homeland Defense was an organized group of private citizens who began officially patrolling a stretch of the border in December 2002.

12. In Arizona, growing hostility toward undocumented immigrants came to a head during the 2004 election, when the state passed Proposition 200, which required proof of immigration status to apply for childcare, housing assistance, and other benefits. It also required citizenship proof to register to vote and mandated that state and local government employees report undocumented immigrants.

Statistics:
Result of these Operations: Huge increase in migrant deaths along Arizona border
2001: 79 migrants died along the Arizona border
2002: 134 migrant deaths
2005: more than 3000 people died since start of Operation Gatekeeper
While 200 to 300 people were dying each yr, more than 100000 people were caught, detained, and deported.
In 2000, number of migrants passing through Cochise county (southeast corner of AZ) every month matched its total population of 115,000!
Budget for border enforcement, which had tripled b/w 1995 and 2001, reached 2.5 billion dollars by 2002.
By 2002, Congress had approved 570 new agents to be divided b/w the agents stationed in the Southwest.
The Minutemen Project registered more than five hundred recruits from forty one states to conduct patrols for a month in San Pedro Valley.
A year after Civil Homeland Defense began patrolling the border, in early 2004, the budget for the Department of Homeland Security was increased by 10 percent over the pervious year. 411 million dollars spent on border security activities aimed at stopping undocumented migrants form crossing into the U.S.
Civil Homeland Defense managed to turn in 150 migrants to Border patrol and none were connected to terrorist activities.
More than 90% of migrants detained in southern AZ were from Mexico.

DQ:
Do you think merging immigration service and enforcement agencies under the same office is/was a good idea? How could the 411 million dollars have been spent more wisely in fighting terrorism since those that were caught by Border Security agents weren’t connected to terrorist activities?

So the Civil Homeland Defense was only to report information and assist the federal government in illegal immigration? What have they done to stop vigilante groups allowing armed citizens to patrol the border with impunity?

THURSDAY JAN 25 ASSIGNMENT Talking about Race, Learning About Racism

2007-01-25T19:39:00.001-08:00

I was surprised that students weren’t willing to learn about racism since it still exists today. And in order to get to the root of the problem and ultimately solve it, we must be educated about it. As the article points out, it is almost a “social responsibility” to learn about racism. However, after reading the article, I can definitely understand why students resist such an important topic to learn about. I do think it’s a hard subject to integrate into the curriculum since so many different emotions and feelings can get in the way. This can lead to bias and therefore the students would not be achieving “cognitive understanding and mastery of the material”. The sources of students’ resistance she brings up is credible. Students are afraid to break the taboo themselves and from a young age, have been taught to be careful around subjects like race. They also prefer ignorance of such topics than the painful truth. In the classroom, Black students may be heated by discussion as White students listen with guilt. Despite the complications in a course like this, I agree that all students will benefit. For example, students of color can hopefully move past “victimization” and move to “empowerment”.
I also thought the part about “Working Assumptions” was interesting and good points to facilitate the teaching process. She was very detailed which made me realize how hard it is to teach a course on psychology of racism. Tips such as how students talk in class and what words to use were good rules in the classroom.

TUESDAY JAN 23 ASSIGNMENT

2007-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

Taken from http://news.com.com

This controversial image is an advertisement for Skyy vodka. Because of many criticisms and the anger expressed by the Asian community, the company decided to rethink their ads. As seen in the image, a thin Asian woman is wearing a traditional Chinese dress with chopsticks in her hair. She is kneeling over a Caucasian women wrapped in a towel sprawled on the floor, pouring her a glass of vodka.

I definitely think this image is offending. From the body positions, to the facial expressions, to the message the image communicates. The image is portraying Asian women as submissive beings, inferior to Caucasian women or people. Asian women are seen as weak people who are best at serving others. I think the traditional dress and chopsticks is fairly accurate but the fact that the Asian women is kneeling and pouring with both her hands (a sign of respect in Asian cultures) contributes to this negative message. The Asian woman's face also suggests that she is subservient and obedient. Meanwhile, the Caucasian woman's face has a demanding and condescending look. She is also only holding the cup with one hand while laying on the floor, showing no respect for the Asian woman in an Asian country. (I assume she is a tourist visiting an Asian country?).

The image is controlled by the company Skyy.

I think it's also sad that they have to sustain such stereotypes just to sell alcohol or anything else marketers need to sell. Personally, I think images like these only make it harder for people to change their views about Asian women. I think this image is very inaccurate because from my experience, I know many strong Asian women, who aren't afraid, who work hard, etc.