Welcome to the blog of NYU’s premier Asian American interest magazine. We blog about a range of issues, ranging from world and politics to local, campus and entertainment. Learn more about us and check out our past publications.
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Starting in May, NYU’s Fales Library will exhibit the recently-donated collection of comics containing Asian images. The collection comes from William F. Wu, a science fiction author, who “has samples of nearly every comic containing Asian images published between the years of 1947 and 1986.”
On the comic books, Wu said, “I was concerned, outraged, and amused because popular culture reaches virtually everyone. The role models–good and bad–can have real world effects on people’s perception of themselves and those around them.”
Jeff Yang of Original Spin and SFGate’s AsianPop column will be curating the exhibit. Check out some images of the collection on his website.
Hey there, activists! Here’s an opportunity for you to speak up about the racial and social justice causes that you care about. Campus Progress and Colorlines are hosting a National Keynote Contest for the Campus Progress National Conference in Washington, DC on July 6, 2011. Just submit a 1-3 minute video by May 13th that answers the following question:
In your own life, how are you changing the rules of our race conversation, and creating real solutions for racial and social justice?
You must be within the ages of 18 and 30 to enter. Check out the Campus Progress website for more information. We wish you the best of luck and, hey, if you join our e-board you can also include writing and blogging on racial and social justice issues in your video!
Doors open 6:30 PM Food served 7:00 PM Tickets $6 with NYU ID and $8 for non-NYU guests
A multi-cultural celebration of Eid Ul Adha, attendees are encouraged to dress in their respective cultural outfits and eat delicious ethnic food, while enjoying breathtaking performances!
Co-sponsored by the Arab Students’ Union, Afghan Students’ Association, and Bengali Students’ Association. All proceeds will go to charity via UNICEF to help improve the lives of children in drought and conflict ridden areas of Somalia (www.unicef.org/somalia)
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Monday, November 28 8:00-9:00 AM & Wednesday, November 30 5:00-6:00 PM Kimmel 8th Floor
Asian American Christian Fellowship hosts Conversations with God
Want to play a part in God’s movement of love and renewal at NYU? Or just want to see what prayer is all about? Then join AACF for a time of listening and talking to God together. The topic of the week is “the life of a servant.”
AACF hosts Stern Believers Meeting. Are you a Christian in Stern, wondering how you can be a light to your fellow Stern classmates? Or are you a non-Stern student who has a burden for reaching out to the Stern community? AACF will be joining Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s “Faith and Work Financial Services Ministry” meeting, a great chance to learn what God is already doing in the business world and how you can be a part of it. Click here to RSVP.
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Wednesday, November 30 6:00-8:00 PM Kimmel 808
AACF hosts Large Group! Come be refreshed by worship and a message while enjoying fellowship with one another. This week’s topic is “The Cost of Compassion.” Christians are called to be loving and compassionate. What are the costs of loving others with passion, and how do we deal with them? AACF will be exploring those questions on Wednesday with their speaker.
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Due Wednesday, November 30 by 11:59 PM
Join the ITASA East Coast Conference Bidding Team!
Passionate about Taiwanese culture, big event planning, and e-board fun?
Every year, ITASA (the umbrella organization of all Taiwanese American student organizations in the U.S.) hosts a large conference on the coasts attended by more than 350 students across the nation. NYU TASS is hoping to host the East Coast Conference in Winter 2013, but they need help! Here is another opportunity to get involved in student activities and gain tangible experience in large-scale event planning and promotion. 9 positions are available and all applicants are welcome. Contact bid directors Angela (angelachen@nyu.edu) or Kevin (Kevin.Wu@stern.nyu.edu) for questions about the event, board or application. Click here for the application.
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Thursday, December 1
7:00 PM Kimmel E&L (4th Floor)
NYU Chinese Student Society and Lambda Phi Epsilon present Holiday Hoopla! Click here for the flyer for information! Take on their “Minute to Win It” games to win prizes like DVDs, T-shirts, and gift cards! There’s a chance to win a prize each round of the games. They’ll also have Chinese food and yummy desserts, as well as bubble tea for the first 50 guests!
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Thursday, December 1
6:00-8:00 PM Kimmel 904
Join NYU’s Vietnamese Student’s Association in celebrating the end of the semester, with banh mi and bubble tea!
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Due December 2 by 8:00 PM
Apply to help the Chinese Mei Society with its annual spring YUAN show! In accordance with Asian Heritage Month at NYU, CMS hosts a large-scale cultural production celebrating Chinese culture through musical, visual, and performing arts. CMS is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
-Tech Director -Logistics Director -Finance Director -Catering Director -Marketing Director -Public Relations Director -Performance Director -Fashion Director
Visit here to learn more about each position and to apply! Email cms.nyu@gmail.com for any questions, and click here for their Facebook page to check out more information about CMS and photos from last year’s production.
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Happening Throughout
Thai-SA
Support Thailand’s flood victims by purchasing a T-Shirt and wristband! All proceeds will be donated to the “One Heart” Campaign in December. Organized by the Royal Thai Air Force and The Mall, the goal of the campaign is to provide humanitarian relief by distributing supplies to those devastated by the flood. Donations can be made directly by clicking here. Click to watch a video here.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
Sushi with JI Friday, November 5, 7-8:30pm
An exclusive event just for our members to learn how to make sushi the Japanese way. All supplies will be included :) Along with *~FREE~*snacks and drinks ♥ PLEASE *****RSVP***** TO ATTEND The first *40* students to respond via email will be reserved a spot.Please email: shs343@stern.nyu.edu
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
This upcoming Wednesday night, is ACU’s annual Teahouse event, which brings members together for a night of cultural performance and cuisine. That night, we will have a variety of student musical, spoken word, and dance performances! During the show, we will be serving light refreshments and bubble tea!
Dai Pai Dong Thursday, November 11 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Are you missing the food from HK street stalls? Have you never tried it before? If you answered yes, then come to our Dai Pai Dong event this Thursday, November 11!! We will have food stalls set up with your favorites: curry fish balls, roast pork, fried rice, eggs, and much more!! You will be seated and our servers will take your order!
This Friday CSS, ACU, IFA, and KSA to present the 2010 BENEFIT CONCERT: EAST RHYTHM! The event includes music, raffles, prizes, and free food. Performers include Jay Legaspi, Ava Luna, Alfa, Part Time Models, Misnomer(s), and Heather Park. Tickets are available at Ticket Central for only $3 for NYU students and $5 for guests. All proceeds will go to CAI charity which empowers underprivileged children of migrant families in both rural and urban China.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
Karaoke with HKSA Thursday, October 28, 9pm-1am @ K-One KTV Come down after HKSA’s hair-raising event earlier in the evening. (curious about what that is? Stay posted for updates). For just $20, sing your hearts out with K-ONE’s huge selection of songs.
AI’s Annual Halloween Event Saturday, October 30, 1pm-4pm @ Kimmel 905 It’s almost time for our annual Halloween event for the kids of PS 124! We invite you to join us and provide the kids with a spooky fun party!
AATA’s Spooktacular Bake Sale Wednesday, October 27, 12pm-5pm @ Kimmel’s front lobby Please come out and join us for this great Halloween-themed fundraising event! If anyone out there feels like playing mad scientists and adding some ghoulish goodies feel free! Please email us if you are interested in contributing: asianamerican.theatre.club@nyu.edu
CMS Game Night Thursday, October 28, 6pm, @ Kimmel TBA A night of fun and games! There will be mahjong, blackjack, poker, Big 2, Apples to Apples, Wii Sports, Rabbids, Super Smash Brothers, prizes, and snacks!
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
ACU Gingerbread House Competition Wednesday, December 1 7pm-10pm @ Kimmel 802 Come celebrate the holiday season at ACU’s Gingerbread House Event this Wednesday! Compete with others to build the best gingerbread house! Judges will determine the best house and winners will receive small prizes! We will begin the competition between the families with a game of holiday-themed charades, where the winners will be rewarded with prizes. We will provide the gingerbread house building kit and candy. You are all welcome to bring your own for additional decoration.
Dumpling Delight: Fall Finale Thursday, December 2 7:30-10:30pm @ Kimmel 900 series Come and hang out with HKSA one last time before finals! We’re hosting our popular Dumpling Eating Contest for our FALL FINALE this Thursday. Prizes include limited-edition tshirts. Come win yourself a shirt before we roll out a new line of shirts next semester! We will also be playing an exclusive preview of Sensations, HKSA’s annual culture show. Every April we gather some of the most talented actors, dancers and singers to bring you a night of laughter and culture. All proceeds to go charity. Please check our Sensations and Miss HKSA FB groups for the most up-to-date info!There will also be bubble tea provided by Kung-Fu Tea! First come, first served.
Holiday Hoopla Thursday, December 2 7:30-9:30pm @ Kimmel 804 GAMES! TREATS! GIFTS! Think you got what it takes to be on the Food Network show "ACE OF CAKES", where they compete to decorate monstrous cakes?
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
JI Presents: Dinner and a Movie Thursday, October 21, 6pm-8pm @ Kimmel 912 We are going to watch Ju-on aka the Original version of the Grudge. Come and join us we’ll be serving free food.
HKSA: Sweet Revenge Thursday, October 21, 7pm @ Kimmel 900 series Compete with each other to trick the other team to eat some desserts that are not so sweet… Try to bluff your way and get the opposing team to eat what they think is a regular dessert. If you get tricked, don’t worry, you will have the chance to get your revenge!
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on around campus this week! To get your event added in the future, please email nyu.generasian@gmail.com. Titles of each event are linked to the Facebook event page.
CU in collaboration with IFA and TASS would like to present to you NYU’s annual Asian American Idol singing competition! The event will feature some amazing vocal student performances along with bonus performances by ACU’s freshman reps and NYU Vocollision! So come join us this Wednesday for a night of singing, prizes, performance, and free food!
As midterms come to end and Thanksgiving break approaches, the Taiwanese American Student Society (TASS) hopes to provide a fun-filled night: “Eat, Play and Sing.” TASS hopes to bring together its member through a variety of interactive games and just in time for Thanksgiving. Also, TASS will share the rich and diverse Taiwanese culture through a night filled with music from popular Taiwanese pop artists. Finally, the night will be culminated with the harmony of old and new members singing and a feast of dumplings.
AATA Sunday Cafe" is a creative talent showcase for presenting and giving exposure to the wide range of creative and artistic abilities of students at NYU in an effort to support the dynamic and multifaceted presence of the Asian American community in the performing arts and entertainment.
NYU Expo Student Design Competition Happening now This year, our theme is “A Turn in the Air” and we’re challenging you to design an original, dance-inspired garment using recycled clothing and materials. Enter NYU EXPO’s 2011 Student Design Competition for a chance to win:
A $200 Cash prize and other gifts from our sponsors
Your designed featured in our runway presentation on April 29, 2011 among other established designers
The opportunity to be seen by a panel of industry professionals
Extensive press coverage of your work*
Entering the contest is really simple! Just email fashion.exponyu@gmail.com with a preliminary sketch of your design idea by MARCH 20TH, 2011. Final pieces are due MONDAY, APRIL 11th.
Vigil for Japan Tuesday, March 22 · 7:00pm - 7:30pm Gould Plaza (Rain Location: Kimmel Center Staircase, 60 Washington Sq. South) NYU Students and Community, please join us for a vigil to reflect on the recent tragedies in Japan. With support from The Center for Student Activities, Leadership and Service, The Islamic Center, The Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life, The Protestant Campus Ministry, The Catholic Center, The Center for Spiritual Life, Hillel at NYU, Koach at NYU, Shalhevet at NYU, Kesher at NYU, Liberal Studies Student Council of NYU, IJC, Japan International at NYU, International Business Association, Tisch Entertainment Business Association, Astronomy Club, Bella Quisqueya, Ani V'Ata, United Muslims Association, Shuruq, Muslim Graduate Students Group, The Jewish Disaster Response Corps, and Chabad at NYU. **For those who would like to be a part of the planning committee for the Vigil, there will be a planning meeting at 4 PM in Kimmel, Room 806 (the lounge area).**
Japan International: Fundraiser Help Japan Wednesday, March 23 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm Kimmel 7th Floor Japan International is planning a series of fundraiser events to aid the disaster relief efforts in Japan currently. We will be conducting a thousand crane folding event, video and news feed showings, host speakers who have been impacted by the situation in Japan, and exhibit a public interactive collage display where anyone can write a message or post a picture in support of the Japanese people who are suffering overseas right now.
ACU Mysteary Event Wednesday, March 23 · 7:00pm - 8:30pm Kimmel 406 As a post-spring break kick-off event, ACU will be hosting its Mysteary Event this Wednesday at 7pm in Kimmel 406! ACE will also be scouting for volunteers and giving a special presentation! Last year, we held a blind food-tasting competition, what will this year’s event be? Come find out!
With the coming week, your Bengali Student Association e-board has been working on a super cool event to help people globally. Take a moment and visit this website: http://www.brac.net/node/864. This event is service orientated, so if your a good person and want to help poor women in Bangladesh, come support us!! We will have tons of yummy yummy food, so bring a hungry tummy!
PLAYLIST: NYC’s Only All Music Comedy Show with Jess, Ben & Jen Thursday, March 24· 9:30pm The Pit Theater - 123 e. 24th St NYC’s only all-music comedy showcase features the city’s top singing and strumming performers. Each month, the powerhouse trio of music comedians Jessica Delfino, Ben Lerman and Jen Kwok (of Date an Asian fame) bring you brand new songs based on a theme, special guests, surprises and an improvised jam session featuring all of the evening’s outstanding guests. This month’s theme is: Fooled.
Free Hugs for Japan at Washington Square Sunday, March 27 · 12:00pm - 8:00pm Washington Square Park Last Friday, Brandon, Veronica, Jeanne, and I started out with an idea of giving out free hugs. For every hug we received we would donate $0.10 and we also laid out a donation box if people wanted to make additional donations. The response and support were overwhelming. So we’re doing it again. Except this time, it’s not just free hugs. Anyone who wants to help can showcase their talent at Washington Square….Musicians, dancers, etc. It’s time to pool our talents together for individuals that are in need. If you don’t wish to perform, you can be a hugger.
So, the 60th Annual Grammy Nominations were announced yesterday morning, and somehow it left me with more mixed emotions than I’ve felt in a long time. On the one hand, we have many reasons to celebrate this year–the 2018 list of nominees is the most diverse group in all of Grammy history, especially when it comes to Black and LGBTQIA inclusion. Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and more were all (deservedly) nominated for record of the year. Kesha and Lady Gaga were both nominated for two Grammys each, and out songwriter Justin Tranter was nominated for his first award as well.
When it comes to inclusion in the entertainment industry, we’ve come a long way, and these nominees are just one example of that. Unfortunately, this progress has not been reflected within the Asian American community, as you can clearly see by the lack of Asian nominees for the 2018 Grammys. I can’t say I’m surprised, considering there aren’t really any huge Asian American names in the music industry. But it’s not because we’re not trying–it’s because those who run the system aren’t listening. This year I got the chance to discover Alice Gao, Niki Zefanya, Yaeji, and several other incredible Asian artists whose music deserves recognition–but none of them are getting the attention they deserve.
While Grammy nomination entries can by submitted by any artists/record companies with commercially released music, all submissions are reviewed by a group of over 350 experts in the fields of jazz, R&B, rock, classical, new age, and more. These experts within the Academy go through several rounds of screening, being advised to vote in up to 15 categories in their areas of expertise as well as the 4 general categories (Record of The Year, Album of the Year, Song of The Year, and Best New Artist). Unfortunately, if you are a lesser known artist in the US (aka most Asian American artists) signed to a label with more well known artists, your label will most likely submit their song/album to be considered for Grammy nomination over yours. At the end of the day, it’s pretty much a self fulfilling prophesy. Since Asian American artists are almost never well known enough to qualify for the final rounds of nomination, their work is not often submitted. As a result, Asian Americans are continuously left out of the mainstream. The whole thing is a cycle that seems to have no end.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe we should celebrate the victories we achieve, but I’m honestly so tired of writing and complaining about Asian American representation. You guys have heard it all before and I’m not here to preach the same message all over again, but my soul is tired y’all. While we should celebrate and cheer on our fellow POC, let’s remember that the entertainment industry is still far, far, from being the all inclusive community that we so desperately need.
