Schema | December 2009 Archives : more than ethnic

December 2009 Archives

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Colour line bites again

By Angela Jung

The Twilight Saga: New Moon has flooded pop culture in the past month—like it, love it, hate it, it's hard to avoid.

If you are familiar with Twilight, my question to you is: Are you on Team Edward or Team Jacob? Above all, did race play a role in Bella's beau decision?

Wendi Muse critiqued in New Moon: Old Story?, on Racialicious.com, that anyone who is familiar with American (and I would argue Canadian, as well) films and pop culture would know that someone of colour hardly ever gets the white girl/guy in the end.

Although it was never explicitly mentioned in the book/film, did Bella have a hard time choosing Jacob because of his indigenous heritage? Did Edward, the white vampire, bite away at Jacob's chances of love?

Have you ever heard something along the lines of "dating someone who is [insert ethnic/racial group] ok, but you'd better not marry one!" or "Native Americans are so in touch with nature!"? Have you ever seen a film or tv show that relegated the person of color as the trusty sidekick, loyal friend, or temporary romantic plaything, only then to have the white hero enter in medias res and get all the praise and attention?....If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you have already seen New Moon. (From Racialious.com)

Mind you, however, that Jacob isn't even the male protagonist of The Twilight Saga, so of course he does not land the female protagonist in the end! But if he was a white werewolf, would things be different?

Notably, the casting did not hire a Native American for this role. Yes, both of Taylor Lautner's parents are of European ancestry (according to several websites).

Think about on your childhood: how many Disney princesses of colour are there? (Mulan isn't a real princess since she's not from royalty.) And culturally diverse princes? Just a couple. Despite the obvious pluralism in today's society, this trend hasn't changed at all.

Racialicious.com is on to something. Vampires, werewolves, a mortal love interest may be a new combination; but it is the same old story.

Posted by Angela Jung | December 30, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Aboriginal, Books, Culture, Film, Race

It's not too late to give a goat!

By Alden E. Habacon

Now that you've gotten everything you asked for this Christmas (you spoiled brat), start the New Year with some good karma. If you didn't add any good to the universe this holiday season, it's not too late to change a life by giving a family a GOAT! There are three organisations that can help you to give this wonderful gift: Oxfam ($58), World Vision ($100 Donation) and Free the Children (for only $50!).

Oxfam Unwrapped allows you to donate items (including useful animals) to help people living in poverty to become self-sufficient and build their communities. Plus, look how cute it is! (From stimulantonline.ca)

More:
About Oxfam Unwrapped | About Free the Children | World Vision Gift Catalogue

Posted by Alden | December 28, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Good Karma, International

Enter the Dragon | Nike Zoom Kobe V | Spring 2010

By Jordana Mah

When it comes to sneakers, men's shoes are infinitely cooler and flashier than women's. I suppose though, that kicks are to men what Christian Louboutins are to women. Case in point: the new Nike Zoom Kobe V. These sleek new shoes are inspired by legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee, and feature the same classic yellow and black color combo as the infamous yellow bodysuit worn by Lee in The Game of Death (or, if you're the type who doesn't watch movies older than 10 years, the suit worn by Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, which incidentally also was an tribute to Lee). The shoes even feature four red scratch marks symbolizing the four scratches Lee suffers in the final fight scenes of Enter the Dragon.

You can get your eager hands on these unique and stylish shoes when they are released worldwide this spring. In the meantime, I highly recommend indulging in a Bruce Lee marathon to better appreciate the symbolic homage to the kung fu master.

More: via Angry Asian Man | Freshness Mag

Posted by Jordana Mah | December 15, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Design, Fashion, Martial Arts

Obama's "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special"

By Alden E. Habacon

When asked by Oprah to share some of the best "firsts" in their inaugural year as the Presidential family, First Lady Michelle Obama noted that Christmas in the White House as one of her favorites, that she had never visited the White House at Christmas. Oprah also asked President Barrack Obama some great questions about his sagging popularity in the polls, which resulted in some strong statements about staying on course and being accountable for his decisions. Most insightful were the questions about their marriage, how they managed the power dynamic (when they're not playing the role of President and First Lady), and their own challenges finding a rhythm as "overwhelming" personalities.

I thought to myself, thank God, something other than the infidelity of Tiger Woods on TV!

Posted by Alden | December 14, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Commentary, Diversity, Media, TV

2010 Haiku Invitational!

By Sara Chang

While the soft cherry blossoms bloom and beautify our cities into gorgeous shades of pink from March through May, this will be the perfect time to compose your haiku for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival's 2010 Haiku Invitational! The poems will be judged during the Summer and winners will be announced in the Fall of 2010. Winning poems will then be featured during the 2011 festival. So start planning now to submit your cherry blossom haiku this coming Spring!

The deadline for the next round of haiku submissions will be May 31, 2010.

For more information, please visit www.vcbf.ca.

Photo: Stefan Loose, 2009 BC Blossom Watch Winning Photo

Posted by Sara C. | December 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Culture, Events, Literature, Vancouver

VPL First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence | Amanda Nahanee

By Sara Chang

Last Wednesday the Vancouver Public Library presented a performance of local Coast Salish legends and history, featuring the VPL's First Nations storyteller-in-residence Amanda Nahanee and members of the Native Youth Artists Collective.

Amanda Nahanee, whose ancestral name is Shamantsut, is the VPL's inaugural First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence. The First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence program was created to enhance and establish new relationships with the Aboriginal and First Nations communities in Vancouver and to make the Library a more inclusive and welcoming place for people of Aboriginal and First Nations heritage. Ms. Nahanee is a Cultural Ambassador of the Squamish Nation and a descendant of the Squamish and Nisga'a Nations.

Please visit www.vpl.ca for more information!

Posted by Sara C. | December 14, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Aboriginal, Literature

Asian Canadian Self-Identity | 25@25 Entry

By Matthew Tsang

When I first heard about the 25@25 film contest, the first thing that came to my mind was "self-identity." I remember being at the 25@25 workshop where these questions of identity kept whirling around my head, and I had no real answer for them. This video has helped me answer some of those questions.

My identity has helped shape who I am today, and this video encompasses everything I feel about my situation as a 2nd generation Asian Canadian. If you enjoy it, please vote for us!

Posted by Matthew Tsang | December 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Diversity, Film

Vancouver's Hip Hop Dance Talent | 604 Delight | December 6 2009

By Alden E. Habacon

Alright, all you ABDC fans, this is the real deal: Vancouver hip hop dance crews show off some homegrown talent in 604 DELITE. Get off your couches and experience some of Vancouver's most-talented dancers pop-and-lock up close.

Internationally renowned dancer Jojo Zolina, in association with Paperblanks, present 604 DELITE, a day-long urban dance showcase featuring Vancouver's best hip hop dance crews: Over the Influence, Now or Never, Groovy G's, and Stonefoxx. The day begins with dance workshops at Harbour Dance Centre, and a performance at the Vogue Theatre.

604 DELIGHT | Sunday December 6, 2009
Presented by Jojo Zolina in association with Paperblanks. Featuring Over the Influence, Now or Never, Groovy G's, and Stonefoxx
Dance workshops at Harbour Dance Centre | 3rd Floor of 927 Granville Street | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Performance at the Vogue Theatre | 918 Granville Street Vancouver | 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20 in advance through Harbour Dance Centre and clubzone.com. $25 at the door.

Jojo's resume includes performances with Nelly Furtado, K-OS, Jordan Knight, Dogg Pound and The Roots. An internationally renown performer and choreographer, Jojo's dancing incorporates many styles: Filipino folk dancing (that he was trained in as a child), acrobatics, voguing, locking, bhangra and more. Jojo organized 604 DELIGHT to celebrate Vancouver's growing urban dance community.

Vancouverites don't seem to realize that we have phenomenal dance crews in this city. These crews have proudly represented Canada in many international events, and have starred in countless films and music videos. The members of these dance crews are also some of the most well-respected dance instructors in Vancouver and around the world ... This is the first time that these four crews are teaming up to deliver an amazing hip hop dance show.

Jojo's crew, Over the Influence, is headlining the all-day event.

Posted by Alden | December 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Dance, Ethnic Cool, Events, Hip Hop

Glee's "Other Asian" - Oh no they didn't! | Harry Shum Jr

By Tamiko Ogura

Okay, I didn't come up with "Other Asian" on my own...that would be donkeyass. It's actually a quote from the show Glee during the "Ballad" episode where the character Tina Chang-Horowitz (Jenna Ushkowitz) picks the name of her ballad-partner out of a hat...and she rolls her eyes and says, "Other Asian" -- while the camera pans to shy football player/Glee member, Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr).

Surely the Gleeks out there have noticed that "Other Asian"...I mean, Mike Chang...has never spoken. Never! I guess the "shy" personality covers ~~the~~ ~~asses of the corporate majority powers that be~~ that part of not speaking. What, is he a selective mute? That would make more sense since he does sing - he is in the glee club.

This is not fabulous, fantastic, fierce at all. Hmnph. In the meantime he's kinda in the background, let's get real, right? We're more enthralled with the Kurt-Finn-Rachel-Quinn-Puck love ~~triangle~~ polygon.

FYI: Harry Shum Jr ("Other Asian" Mike Chang) is of Chinese descent, and he was born in Costa Rica...and, swoon, is multilingual - English, Spanish, Chinese. Here's Mike Chang (aka Harry Shum Jr) bustin' some moves (oh, shades of Young MC):

More: Harry Shum Jr Interview @ Asiance Magazine | Interview @ Ningin | Profile @ 8Asians

Posted by Tamiko | December 2, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian American, TV

LIVE from Canada, FIFA World Cup Draw | December 4, 2009

By Alden E. Habacon

LIVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA: Not to be missed, the FIFA World Cup Draw—the next saga on the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup—will broadcast LIVE on CBC News Network from Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. This draw will determine how the teams will be grouped for the much anticipated global tournament.

LIVE FROM CANADA: Accompanying the soccer/football coverage, CBC will be connecting with Canadian super-fans cheering for their favorite teams from around the world: in Halifax, meet members of an all-African Canadain team, fans of various African teams in the World Cup; in Toronto, CBC joins Italian fans at the Football Factory; in Winnipeg with Chilean fans, at an empanada stand at the Forks. And Vancouver, meet local players for a Korean Canadian soccer league who are cheering for ... you guessed it, Asia favourites, South Korea (Korea Republic).

FIFA World Cup Draw
LIVE! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
9:00 AM Pacific (NOON Eastern)
Channel 26 in most cities in Canada,
and live video stream on CBCSports.ca

Photo: (From www.zimbio.com) Manchester United's Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung of South Korea reels off celebrating a goal scored during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers match between Iran and South Korea at Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 17, 2009 in Seoul, South Korea. (June 17, 2009 - Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Posted by Alden | December 4, 2009 | Comments (1)

Tags: Diversity, Ethnic Cool, Events, International, Sports, TV

A Winter's Evening with Poet Sharron Proulx-Tumer!

By Sara Chang

Simon Fraser University's English Department presents a reading and discussion with Métis poet Sharron Proulx-Turner.

Thursday, December 3, 2009
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
AQ 6106, SFU (Burnaby campus)
How to get there.

Sharron Proulx-Turner is a member of the Mé tis Nation of Alberta. Originally from the Ottawa river valley, she's from Mohawk, Algonquin, Wyandot, Ojibwe, Mi'kmaw, French, Scottish and Irish ancestry. She's a two-spirit mom of three adult children, Graham, Barb and Adrian, mother-in-law to Harold, and nokomis to Willow, Jessinia and Mazie. Her previously published memoir, Where the Rivers Join (1995), written under a pseudonym, was a finalist for the Edna Staebler award for creative non-fiction. Her second book, What The Auntys Say (2002), was a finalist for the League of Canadian Poets' Gerald Lampert Prize for best first book of poetry. Sharron's work appears in several anthologies and journals. In the Fall of 2008, she published two books: She Walks For Days/ Inside A Thousand Eyes (A Two-Spirit Story), with Turnstone Press, and She Is Reading Her Blanket With Her Hands with Frontenac Press.

Posted by Sara C. | December 1, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Aboriginal, Books, Literature

I HEART VAN ART | Artists Deadline Extended!

By Mauree Matsusaka

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

I heart VAN ART (aka. I<3VanArt) is a community-building project to support local artists to inspire creativity, spark collaborations and elevate Vancouver's artistic and cultural presence in the world.

I heart VAN ART is filling the streets of Yaletown during the 2010 Olympics. Yaletown is one of the few areas SHOWCASING ONLY LOCAL TALENT during the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver. This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Vancouver's Arts and Culture community is to showcase their talents for Olympic visitors from all around the world.

This is a community-building experience. We need you to participate in shaping this event!

SEEKING: Visual Artists, Singers, Dancers, Dance Groups, Musicians, New Media Artists, Actors, Photographers, Videographers, Art Collectives, Street Performers, Performance Artists, Jugglers, Magicians, Children's Entertainers, Circus Acts, Roving Characters, Theatre Groups, Lighting Designers, Stage Managers, Administrative Staff, Promoters, Volunteers and anyone else who would like to share their artistic talents with the world.

For more info and to SUBMIT YOUR WORK OR SIGN UP AS A VOLUNTEER, please email sharethelove@iheartvanart.com. Deadline has been extended to DEC 15.

Please note: This festival is NOT a VANOC event! It is being produced in partnership by I heart VAN ART and the Yaletown Business Improvement Association.

SHARE YOUR LOVE. PASS THIS ON!

sharethelove@iheartvanart.com
http://www.iheartvanart.com

Posted by Alden | December 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

Tags: Art, Culture

This page contains all entries posted to Schema Magazine's Blog, "Daily Dose" in December 2009. They are listed from oldest to newest.

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