I know this is a charged debate, nonetheless, this guy’s story needs to be told.
Ju Hong’s story presents another dimension to the immigration debate, one of the children of illegals. Deporting these hopeful and aspiring ones, in some cases promising individuals with a bright future shows that comprehensive immigration policy can quickly wash over the particulars, lumping all immigrants into a mass of modern-day untouchables. The rhetoric is charged:
“I don’t understand. You willfully overstayed your visa. You violated the law, and committed a crime by you own admission. You are displaying bad manners and making thing worse for other Koreans who wish to “visit” the USA. I have no sympathy or respect for someone like you…”
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Contrary to what some may think, Korean-American society has its greaseballs too – played brilliantly by Jun Kim in West 32nd. The crime drama had an eerie sense of familiarity, so accurately capturing the essence of immigrant society in New York City’s Korea town. Of course there were the familiar sights – W 32nd St. – a place I worked just around the corner for 2 years, and parts of Flushing – Main St. NY – where I pretty much grew up. But it was the criminal element that both disturbed and resonated with me. It was simultaneously familiar and frightening and artistically portrayed; I am glad to see Asian-American directors and actors comign into their own. Oh yes – and there’s John Cho – who is such a hottie right now on Flash Forward. Read more…
[Props: portraits of my parents taken by http://joshdurias.com - simply elegant]
Almost 10 years ago I looked mom and dad in the eye and said, “I’m leaving for good – and far away”. I made good on that statement and packed everything I had into a little Toyota Corolla and trekked 3000 miles cross-country, ocean to ocean. I’ll never forget crossing the GWB (George Washington Bridge) for the very last time as a lifelong New Yorker – but that’s another story. Almost a decade later I have so many mixed feelings about my parents – to the point that I want them near me / to be near them again. I think it has something to do with Read more…
That award-winning smile
It’s been great to have the folks in town for a visit, esp for the kids to get some grandparent time, to re-connect w/ my NY-ness, and to re-connect with my Korean family heritage. Which leads to something funny. OK, they know I’m in seminary, pastoring, with the intention of ordination et al… and in the attempt to grab at some ideal of the pastoral vocation, they (along with all of my relatives) will talk about Joel Osteen. In fact, I even have an aunt who thought we named our son (Austin) after Joel OSTEEN (Korean accent inflected) – a charge I would have vehemently denied but, nah. I just let it go. But are you feelin me out there? Does anyone’s folks love this dude? And why? Read more…
Surprisingly, this story doesn’t get much play in the American media.
Perhaps it’s because of North Korea’s history of brinkmanship – saber-rattling just to get attention and turning confrontation and bluster into negotiations that reward it with food, fuel and other concessions. Maybe we all know they’re gonna be released eventually and this is just the “dear leader” acting up once again. Or maybe we just don’t know at all. Fact of the matter is, two Americans have been sentenced to 12 yrs of hard labor in North Korea – under charges of illegal entry – and Stateside, no one seems to know about it. Here’s the thing: Read more…
I’m gonna be honest here as the past several posts have been on racial issues. While it’s important for me, I should say it’s not the only thing I think about. But I’m sure a little book that’s making BIG waves has something to do with it (see previous post). Rah’s book is influential; and people are talking about it everywhere and it’s lighting up the blogosphere. So naturally there’s a lot more chatter about race issues. But a small detail has gone unnoticed – anyone recognize that’s it’s “Asian / Pacific-American Heritage Month”? Holla. Read more…
I’ve been making my way through Korean-American author Soong-Chan Rah’s recent new work The Next Evangelicalism. Now careful here, reading it is like gargling with salt – it stings on the way down but clears the sinuses of quaint tokenisms and so-called “color-blindnesses” that perpetuate faulty systems. Basic premise: while the de facto representation of American evangelicalism is predominantly a Caucasian playing field, the fact of the matter is, “American evangelicalism” is fast becoming non-white. I think this is no mystery, and just today heard this sentiment expressed, by a Caucasian brother for that matter. What’s the big stink then? Why the ranting against the establishment, when folks recognize the nation over this phenomenon of “the browning of America”? Read more…
Do any of you relate to the experience? The names, taunts, bullying based on race (and recently, sexual orientation)… regardless of where you stand on the (political) issue I can say as an Asian-American, it sucks when you get the egregious slur, slanty-eyes, kowtow bow or whatever. It hurts. It belittles. So the gratification I received when I read this story of the Korean-American student who got suspended for defending himself when called a “f***ing Chinese” by a white classmate, was suspended, and then was pardoned with a community moving towards reconciliation. It’s that last word that gave me so much gratification: reconciliation. This is one way – the best way to respond to schoolyard racism. Get involved parents. Don’t let your kids get stupid, don’t exemplify it. And when there is the inevitable slip-up – as there was in this case – move quickly to correct it. It can do more than right a wrong – it can bring a community together.
There are two major, formative events happening in my life right now. I became a father 16 mos ago (and going for a repeat this upcoming May) and my parents are getting old (dad turns 70 this yr). And so understandably so, family has been forefront in my mind as of late, particularly, what is the so-called Christian vision of family? A few tantalizing thoughts from Read more…
Intrigued that Clint Eastwood has chosen to tackle the subject matter of Asian-American racism; while it’s not his first venture into the Asian genre (Letters From Iwo Jima) I think this one will take a unique twist. I’m looking forward to watching Gran Torino. Above all, don’t visit the wikipedia page, the person who put it up completely spoils the film. At any rate, any body see it yet? What’d u think? And pls, – no spoilers… for those who might be interested, here’s the synopsis (sans spoiler): Read more…
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