Kip Fulbeck by Frank Y Pak Agostinelli
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Kip a few weeks back. He was in the city that never sleeps to speak on a panel at the Museum Of Chinese In The Americas. He was also there to takes photos for his next project Permanence: Tattoo Portraits by Kip Fulbeck set for release in Spring 08. So what do two Hapas talk about upon meeting for the first time? A little bit of everything from the UFC reality show to Mixed Asians getting on the same page and working together. Kip took some photos of yours truly as well as a few others. I had an opportunity to see some of the work that Kip has already completed. I won't be divulging any details about who is in the book and who is going to be in the book so I'll put it this way, if you enjoyed Part Asian 100% Hapa, you will definitely enjoy Permanence! Let me tell you, Kip is one of the most genuine and nicest people I have ever met. If you have had the pleasure of meeting him, I am sure you share the same sentiments. If you haven't met him, make sure you do. You will not be disappointed! You couldn't find a better individual to represent the Hapa community and that's exactly what he's doing!
|
|
Best Of Both Worlds Is Not Applicable
by Frank Y Pak Agostinelli
The Asian/Caucasian mix seems to dominate the world of Mixed Asians. The phrase the best of both worlds is thrown about like confetti at a wedding: the matrimony of the Occident and the Orient. The West, especially the United States does include Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics. Until Hines Ward pulled down the Super Bowl MVP trophy earlier this year, people in America seemed to forget there are Mixed Asians who are not of the part-Caucasian Persuasion. There are some problems with the best of both worlds gloss that will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
Blacks are categorized as a minority. Hispanics are categorized as a minority. Asians are categorized as a model minority. Help me find the best of these worlds. The word model does not lessen the impact of the word minority. I compare it to saying Joe's a good person, but. Heather's a good person, but. They are good people, but. The word "but" negates the positive and has the critical thinker exclaim, what poppycock is this?! Professor Frank H. Wu stated in his book Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black And White, "The very phrase 'model minority' suggests the problems with the concept. The term begs the questions 'Model of what' and 'Model for whom?' 'Model minority' could have either one of two meanings, both of them condescending toward racial minorities." If some Eurasians complain of acceptance (this depends on demographics), who are they to look upon Blasians and Spasians with a pssst please? I believe it is safe to assume Asians although a minority are held in higher regard than Blacks and Hispanics. Hence the gloss 'model,' I have already spoke of. Saying 'best of both worlds' is a slap in the face to other Mixed Asians who do not have Caucasian blood. A point not to be forgotten, how are we obtaining a 'best' from a minority designation?
Blasians are not treated with the same enthusiasm as Eurasians. Keeping it close to home, we all know what Blacks have gone through and what they still endure. It is a major disappointment they are still treated in such a shameful manner even as a hybrid. Is it fair for some Eurasians to treat Blasians with the same prejudices they cry about? Let me answer this for you, no! It is quite moronic for a mixed race individual to display xenophobia towards another individual of mixed race. If one dislikes another because the personalities are simply petting a shark in the opposite direction, it's between the two individuals, not their racial backgrounds. A Mixed Asian does not have one culture. A Mixed Asian has many whether based on nationality, ethnicity, or both. From what I have just presented, to say the best of both worlds is incorrect. It alienates Blasians, Spasians, as well as Asians mixed Asian. Spin it anyway you choose, Asians are still considered a minority and the word minority will always have a negative connotation attached to it. I haven't heard people state Hines Ward has the best of both worlds. I haven't heard people state he has the best of one world either. Many of us, ethnically speaking, are not equal halves to begin with. We have halves combined with fourths, eighths, sixteenths, etc. Regardless of the myriad combinations of racial disparity within our being, the best of both worlds should be replaced for 1.) it's incorrect usage and 2.) with something showing no prejudices to others within the Hapa community who do not have Caucasian blood. To say "Two or more ethnicities merging into one greater totality" is much better because no Hapa mix will be left out to ask, "are we included too?"
Another issue which to many is not so obvious if we are swimming (maybe drowning?) in this ocean of overzealous adoration, is an issue I have observed for many years, viz. the best of both worlds and other lyrical condiments are self-esteem boosters. Maybe because of our fusions we may feel we have something over a pure breed and we enjoy the praise? More likely this is born out of the fact we have experienced some kind of rejection from our relatives, the not fitting in with our peers, the constant barrage of questions and the over-inquisitive staring from just about everyone under the sun, we feel we are entitled to such terms of endearment. In my opinion it's a term of enablement and quite frankly you and I are not bigger than the game. In addition, having articles biologically glorify our alleged genetic superiority feeds this mystique. These felicities will not give you special treatment every day of your life! Being a Mixed Asian is not a physical disability. Being a Mixed Asian does not require you to adhere to stereotypes, real or imagined. Most importantly, being a Mixed Asian does not keep you from being the best individual you can be. How many years will it be before someone truly objective in view authors a book discrediting the Mixed Asian Mystique on our behalf? Or even better, when are we as a Hapa community going to take the reins and say, "thanks for the compliments but this is the way it is." You may be compelled to lavish me with compliments or simply say I have the best of both worlds, but I’ll set you straight and state, "I am many ethnicities merging into one totality."
|
