Stereotypes are irresistible and so convenient. We've all used, laughed, or stayed silent, at one time or another, including me. But stereotypes cheapen the individuality of all of us, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and class, and undeniably some affiliate groups historically more than others, with many stereotypes influencing or directly ... Continue Reading
Award for least diversity
Reflections on MLK Day this year... have we truly achieved the "Dream?" Recent headlines-- Anti Immigrant Amendments Pass HEBDO Muslim Protests Turn Violent Not since 1998 have the Academy Award nominees been so white. Hard to believe, all you can do is cha...grin. Punchlines: Award for least diversity http://usat.ly/1IQWxr6 ... Continue Reading
MLK Holiday: Sat Jan 17 Dialogue on Race, Ethnicity, Community
In the spirit of MLK Holiday and current events, an open, free, community discussion has been organized for Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Location: ALAN AVERY ART COMPANY, 315 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, 404-237-0370. Details below. EVENT FLYER Natalie Keng will be one of the panelists. Hope you can come! Saturday, January 17, 2015 1 p.m. Alan ... Continue Reading
Adopted Chinese Girls, Asian American Experience
I've long been interested in the intersection and interplay of ethnicity, gender, class & culture especially as it relates to adopted Asian children and the diversity of the Asian American experience across generations. Growing up, my sisters and I were referred to as "banana kids" (yellow on the outside, white on the outside) because we were born in America. Black friends ... Continue Reading
True to Mandela
I was privileged to see him twice in Boston. Keep the legacy, vision and spirit alive! Nelson Mandela: Man of many handshakes http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/05/world/africa/nelson-mandela-handshakes/index.html ... Continue Reading
Sex, Race and Marriage: More Interracial Couples
Interesting cultural findings in USA Today article on growing number of interracial couples and marriages: Tolerance: 43% agree that "more people of different races marrying each other has been a change for the better in our society." 44% say it made no difference; 11% say it's been a change for the worse. Regional differences: 35% of all newlyweds who married outside their ... Continue Reading
Jeremy Lin: Good for Asians, Good for All Americans
Jeremy Lin's meteoric stardom and positive attitude towards the game and his team not only are great for basketball, a major stereotype-buster (e.g. academic nerd, foreigner, can't speak English), and an inspiration to many Asian Americans, but also a wonderful role model for ALL of us, regardless of race/ethnicity. However long the Cinderella story lasts on the courts is less ... Continue Reading