Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Yikes!
I just had a chocolate binge. It lasted all of 10 seconds, but oh my gosh, all that chocolate is gone now.
Ok, ok. Maybe it was just a mini-binge. But still! Oh, life.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Hump day
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming"...at least I'm keeping my head above the water.
In the midst of working, I'm glad that I'm motivated enough to push through the icky stuff. Well, except for that minor breakdown on Monday and almost decided to give up. But what's life without its road bumps?
Bridging the gap
GT makes some very insightful points on what I like to refer as the Asian American condition. He specifically refers to apathy in his vlog and I think it rings all too true. Yes, there may be demonstrations protesting outrage at how Asians are misrepresented in Hollywood films or under-exposed in the music industry. But can we honestly say that there is indeed a market for Asian American artists and entertainers? Who is really to blame for their lack of success?
Generally speaking, Asian Americans have not actively supported the work of Asian American artists, entertainers and filmmakers. This may have to do with the duality of living as an Asian American, which can be a life full of compromises and feeling stuck between two worlds. In my personal experience, I kept both worlds separate. I did not appreciate how Hollywood films portrayed Asians so I decided that if I wanted to see Asians on screen, I would watch a Korean movie instead. There, problem solved, or so I thought. I quickly accepted that Asians and Asian Americans won't find mainstream success or earn respect in the entertainment industry. In other words, I went around the issue instead of helping to resolve it.
I believe that many Asian Americans feel or have felt this way. But it's important to realize that the power to enable change also depends on our actions, not just our words. Although Asian American artists seem scarce, they are out there and need recognition and support. The ability to venture out and connect online is tremendous, and I think we should use it to our advantage to seek them out. Otherwise, everything will remain the same and we will continue to be stuck living in two separate worlds. We need to bridge the gap and allow new voices breathe some fresh air into American society.
Generally speaking, Asian Americans have not actively supported the work of Asian American artists, entertainers and filmmakers. This may have to do with the duality of living as an Asian American, which can be a life full of compromises and feeling stuck between two worlds. In my personal experience, I kept both worlds separate. I did not appreciate how Hollywood films portrayed Asians so I decided that if I wanted to see Asians on screen, I would watch a Korean movie instead. There, problem solved, or so I thought. I quickly accepted that Asians and Asian Americans won't find mainstream success or earn respect in the entertainment industry. In other words, I went around the issue instead of helping to resolve it.
I believe that many Asian Americans feel or have felt this way. But it's important to realize that the power to enable change also depends on our actions, not just our words. Although Asian American artists seem scarce, they are out there and need recognition and support. The ability to venture out and connect online is tremendous, and I think we should use it to our advantage to seek them out. Otherwise, everything will remain the same and we will continue to be stuck living in two separate worlds. We need to bridge the gap and allow new voices breathe some fresh air into American society.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
And now for something different...
"Zettai Kareshi" kind of sucked my soul the past 72 hours. Didn't read the manga so my disappointments were few.
And the tears would NOT stop falling. Geebus.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A few words about Kpop
My involvement in the Kpop world has become a love-hate relationship. And these days, Kpop has been a whee bit frustrating.
Why the love? Because for me, and for many others I can imagine, it can be a great escape from real life. Plus, some of my favorite songs are by Korean artists/idols. I admit that one of my guilty pleasures is watching idols/artists on variety shows because some of it is just too priceless. Oh, and let's not forget sexy spreads of TOP. Why? Because he is HOT.
Why the hate? Well, I'm grinding my teeth at the ever-increasing style of music (auto-tune, repetitive lyrics and beats, fluff, fluff and more fluff) being produced and released en masse. Many songs being performed by our beloved idols are catered to follow the latest trends and increase sales instead of reflecting any dedication to the craft of making good music. And when I say "good music", I'm not trying to sound elitist. It's not about disliking a particular style, it's about hearing the true intentions and feelings behind a given song. Lately, some of Kpop's most popular songs seem a bit empty to me. I'll give any song a listen with an open mind, but I can't imagine listening to today's music 3-5 years from now.
I'm also very wary of the internet culture that comes with Kpop. Many fans and anti-fans take Kpop way too seriously. I am so, so tired of reading self-righteous and hateful comments. I have a growing dislike of petitions for the sake or downfall of an artist or group. It also baffles me how fans spend an obscene amount of money to share their love for idols, and I'm not talking about ordering every single calendar and picture book. I'm talking about buying freakishly expensive birthday and anniversary gifts, and frankly, it makes my stomach churn. I do, however, love how fans pool their money together to donate to a charity on behalf of their favorite idols.
As you can see, there are many factors in the industry I wish would change. I miss fan-girling over the music, not just magazine spreads and variety programs.
As you can see, there are many factors in the industry I wish would change. I miss fan-girling over the music, not just magazine spreads and variety programs.
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