Schema Magazine

Work For All | Week 3: Médecins sans Résidence (Doctors Without Residency)

Work For All launched the third film of their 10-week Campaign last Wednesday with Médecins sans Résidence or, Doctors Without Residency. In contrast to the cheekiness of Cal Garingan's mockumentary Jaded and the intimate insights of Shane Belcourt's short, but poignant, film Boxed In, Doctors Without Residency takes more of a serious tone, but nevertheless makes a strong statement about how the effects of racism in the workplace inevitably develop into a concern for the community at large.

Watch this film and spread the word.

Doctors Without Residency is less than 10 minutes long and it's something that all Canadians should watch, because many of us know about the health care problem in the U.S., but are unaware of the crisis here in our own country. And the solution isn't only to pump more money into health care (much to my surprise); it starts at the very fundamental level of human rights and equality—an idea I thought our country and government had learned to respect and follow.

Note: After watching the film, it was hard to stay quiet and indifferent to the situation. For this reason, this film review serves also as an opinionated piece. Please also note that the shortage of doctors is a fairly sticky issue and the points made below only scratch the surface of this rather complex and deep topic. I encourage anyone who is interested to dig further for details and comment if inclined to do so!

Description of the Film

The film opens to a busy scene in a medical clinic. Families with young children stand in line to put their names on the queue, anticipating a lengthy wait time before they can see the doctor. The appointment may only last for a few minutes tops, but with a hundred or so patients coming in each day and a handful of physicians present, one would be lucky to get any time at all. The health care crisis in Canada doesn't get any more real than this.

Meanwhile, you hear the voices of foreign trained doctors and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are ready, qualified and more than willing to serve the public. However, the red tape that stands between the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), the Canadian government and the applicants creates more headache than relief.

A (Steep) Uphill Climb

Some medical schools do not meet Canadian standards and IMGs who come from these schools are seen as greater liabilities than those who are trained on Canadian soil, in approved Canadian institutions. Individuals from unrecognized schools have little to no chance at obtaining a residency. For the rest, in order to even be considered a viable candidate, all applicants must pass the MCCEE (Medical Counsel of Canada Evaluating Examination), which is a four-hour computer-based exam offered in both English and French. Theoretically, passing the MCCEE indicates that one is ready and qualified to practice, but obtaining a residency ultimately boils down to the interview. Sadly, few make it past this round.

The Bias

In the film, health care employers explain that when interviewing applicants, those who a) come from a different country whose first language is not French or English and b) are trained in an international university or college (that is not recognized by the CMA) are at a considerable disadvantage. The only exceptions to the latter restriction are candidates from the U.S. who, perhaps for political reasons, are examined with less scrutiny. After years of rejecting so many foreign doctors and IMGs, however, a general bias against international candidates has developed and it is now imperative for the CMA and the Canadian government to review interview and application processes.

Numbers - Unequal Opportunity

Every year, one hundred residency positions remain unfilled in Quebec. In British Columbia, only 18 spots are open for IMGs applying from all over the world. Last year in BC, 94 positions were unfilled and 60% of the declined applicants were foreign trained doctors. What's worse is that the system by which the CMA hires is not transparent and as a result, most international applicants have no idea why they were declined or rejected. The numbers do not lie. If the majority of declined candidates are from abroad, it doesn't take a statistician to see the correlation.

Solutions to Explore

O Canada, open your doors! In truth, opening doors for IMGs and foreign doctors can help solve the shortage of doctors and is a cost effective choice, given that the candidates meet all the requirements and are fully qualified. Moreover, their education was free, in comparison to doctors trained in Canada whose tuition was heavily subsidized by the government. Thus, we could be getting more doctors in the hospitals and clinics at no extra cost to the country or its tax payers.

I see you! Declined candidates should be given full disclosure as to the details of their rejection or, at the very least, be given some indicator by which to measure future attempts at obtaining a residency. If not, then it should be clear to all potential applicants why one might not be chosen for the position.

Mo' Money, No Problems The Canadian government needs to recognize that the shortage of health care professionals is a serious problem and therefore, must allocate funds appropriately. Proper health care is a right that all Canadians should have (since we pay for it) and should not be seen as a luxury.

CONTINUE READING »

Illegal Immigrants Are People Too

By Linda Chan

Immigrants are such a huge issue in North America. They are often blamed for ruining Western culture and language (Check out Gayatri's post on the Tea Party movement), for mooching off the government, and just plain seen as deviants. Perhaps this stereotype is slowly shifting, and illegal immigrants are actually being viewed as valuable individuals. Here is an evident baby step towards a universal respect for humanity.

According to a Los Angeles Times/USC poll many Californians support illegal immigrants. They believe illegal immigrants should have access to social services such as education and emergency medical treatment.

31% strongly support the implementation of a stronger enforcement at the border and the prohibition of those here illegally from benefiting from any taxpayer-funded social services, including emergency room treatment and public education for children here illegally. Whereas, 32% are strongly opposed to this.

Californians believe that illegal immigrants will be the force that helps to stimulate their ailing economy. If this is true, then perhaps the attitudes towards illegal immigrants may turn for the better. Rather than being perceived as "freeloading money suckers," they could be seen as recession shields. Hey, stereotypes are not good to have in the first place, but positive ones, we can work with and grow from there. I see no reason for our society to regress and it's within everyone's best interest to stay open-minded. Looks like for most Californians, they're headed in the right direction. Now, if only we could say the same about the rest of our nation...

Posted by Linda Chan | April 14, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Activism, Politics

Lin Yu Chun | Taiwanese Breakthrough Talent

By Angela Jung

Behold! I present the new Taiwanese Talent: Lin Yu Chun. His rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You is amazing (and I must admit -- unexpected).

He's a reality show contestant on Taiwan TV's Super Star Avenue.

Don't be fooled by his devilish charms: his mushroom hair cut, red bow tie and sharp suit are only part of the package. He's dedicated to his art. You can totally tell by the way he closes his eyes while belting out those moving lyrics.

And puh-lease, stop calling him the new Susan Boyle. No need to clump people into categories. Let him sing to the beat of his own music!

Check him out:

Posted by Angela Jung | April 7, 2010 | Comments (1)

Tags: Asian, Taiwan, Television

The Dawn of Dusk: Indian Vogue

By Gayatri Bajpai

When I first saw the cover of Vogue's 'Dawn of Dusk' issue, I thought: this is a bit of a ham-handed way to celebrate 'women of color', a concept that doesn't even have meaning in India. But then I realized this is Indian Vogue, and it is making a bold statement in a country where fair skin is considered more beautiful by many. For this, the mag deserves kudos. I grew up on the subcontinent watching women dye their skin several shades lighter with 'Fair and Lovely', a product many celebrities have had no problem campaigning for in cheesy ads.

A celebration of one kind of beauty is not the denunciation of other kinds, just a recognition of the uniqueness of that beauty. That said, I think the magazine could acknowledge the fact that Indians come in various colours that range from much duskier than the cover-gracing dusky, to very light, and our features come in all shapes and sizes, our hair in all sorts of textures. Not many people know how diverse India can look. I have Northeast Indian friends who constantly struggle with discrimination from fellow citizens who refuse to acknowledge that they are just as Indian, because they 'look Chinese'.

Vogue's got its heart in the right place, but the next step should be to capture the subcontinent's visible diversity, not just celebrate one kind of Indian look.

Read more about it at vogue.co.uk.

Posted by Gayatri Bajpai | April 20, 2010 | Comments (3)

Tags: Diversity, Magazines, Race

The Tea Party: A Cause for People Who Don't Spell Good

By Gayatri Bajpai

Pargon on Flickr

Ok, so they got my attention. At first I revelled in their stupidity because I'd only seen a couple signs taken out of context in some internet 'hood. But then I caught wind of the fact that just about every sign written by the Tea Party protestors (or 'Teabaggers' as they've been nicknamed by the internet family) has been purposely misspelled.

You can't make fun of those who make fun of themselves. It looks like they're owning a stereotype to turn the tables on liberal intellectuals who'd dismiss them as ignorant. If you're upset about these working-class Americans butchering the English language, why not turn the same ire on immigrants who can't spell? But you, the snooty liberal intellectual, would favour people like that because you either have double standards, or are not worried about America's Working People and their jobs. Not like The Teabaggers Tea Party.

See what they did there?

The Tea Party is fiercely fiscally conservative. It protests Obama's 'socialism', compares him to Hitler, calls for the 'repeel'ing of Congress, and knights itself guardian of the Queen's English English in any form. Misspelled, it's still lovable, not like yer foreign tongues.

So yeah, if you get their agenda, there's little point in ridiculing the signs. And if you don't get that they're 'spelling bad' on purpose, you're the butt of your own elitist disdain and you further the irony of their cause.

OK, but what about a real argument, 'baggers?

Rather than give up their position for enlightened discourse, they're going to trade in enlightenment, and stay stoopid. Whatever it takes. For the real, hard-working sons of America. All the power to them, I guess.

Posted by Gayatri Bajpai | April 9, 2010 | Comments (1)

Tags: Politics

Forever 21 | Chang Sisters Join The Family Business

By Jocelyn Gan. Originally found on Angry Asian Man

Insanely popular fashion chain store Forever 21 is proving to the world that the family business model is a strong contender in the fashion world. Linda and Esther Chang, daughters of Forever 21's Korean American founders Don and Jin Sook Chang, have joined the $2 billion-brand, making their impact in the marketing and visual design departments.

The Los Angeles Times has profiled the sisters, noting their staying power.

Low prices? Trendy merchandise that cycles in and out of stores on a daily basis? Super-size stores modeled after the 86,000-square-foot location that recently opened in Cerritos?

Forever 21 has all that, but the real secret weapon may be a couple of women who look as if they're barely out of high school. Linda Chang, 28, and her sister Esther, 23, the Ivy League-educated daughters of Forever 21's Korean American founders Don and Jin Sook Chang, seem to have the stylish eye and marketing savvy to take the $2-billion brand into the future and make it a competitor on a global level with European fast-fashion giants H&M, Mango and Zara. (from The Los Angeles Times)

Angry Asian Man has also given notice to the Chang sisters, associating their names with the "future of the empire, which isn't going away any time soon."

If you haven't heard of the Chang sisters before, you're probably not the only one. This is my first time coming across their name. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "it's because the company has shied away from courting the media. A reporter visiting Forever 21's downtown L.A. headquarters is admitted only to the lobby and a conference room. The building doesn't even have a sign outside!"

You can be sure that the names Linda and Esther Chang will soon be heard everywhere in the fashion industry. And I'm sure you can expect big things from Forever 21 in the future.

Posted by Jocelyn Gan | April 6, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian American, Fashion

Bruce Lee | 70th Birthday Celebration in Collaboration with 2010 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

By Tiffany Zhao. Originally found on Angry Asian Man

You may not have heard of Jackie Chan, but you definitely should have heard of Bruce Lee. That's right, when it comes to martial arts, it's all about Bruce Lee! Born in the mid-twentieth century, this Hong Kong star was and still is one of the most influential actors in China's movie industry.

If you were one of those people who were into action movies (kong-fu moves!), Bruce Lee's movies is a must watch, and if you haven't heard about it, YES...Bruce Lee's 70th birthday celebration is on its way!! Ahh! Being a huge fan of Bruce Lee personally, I can't describe my excitement in words.

Anyways, so just last week, Bruce Lee's wife and daughter unveiled an special exhibition of his personal items, photos and movie posters in Hong Kong. here for more details on the exhibition, .

As it happens, this year, his birthday will be celebrated in collaboration with the 2010 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival taking place in LA later this April.

BRUCE LEE, CULTURAL ICON: 70th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
The Film Festival is pleased to collaborate with Bruce Lee Enterprises to observe the 70th birthday of martial arts legend and Asian American cultural icon Bruce Lee.

THE CHINESE CONNECTION
(FREE Outdoor Screening)
THE work that introduced Bruce Lee to young urban and Asian American audiences (contains action violence and brief nudity; parental guidance suggested).
Friday, April 30, sundown, Madang the Courtyard (FREE Parking)
621 S. Western Ave. (one block north of Wilshire Blvd.),
Los Angeles Koreatown

ENTER THE DRAGON
Plus PANEL DISCUSSION w/ Lee Family & Special Guests
A martial artist agrees to spy on a reclusive crime lord using his invitation to a tournament there as cover. Includes a special post-screening panel with Linda Lee, Shannon Lee, Directors Reggie Hudlin and Diana Lee Inosanto
Saturday, May 1, 12:00 p.m., Laemmle's Sunset 5
8000 W. Sunset Blvd. (one block west of the DGA), West Hollywood

The complete program guide for the 2010 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is listed here.

Hope to see everyone there soon!

Posted by Tiffany Zhao | April 7, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian, Culture, Event, Film, Martial Arts

Barack Obama's Nuclear Agenda...and Secret Weapon

By Claudia

Some of you may know that this month is "Washington's nuclear April" as President Obama's agenda will primarily be addressing the issue of nuclear arms control.

He signs a new treaty with Russia in Prague, the Czech capital, on Thursday, releases a major policy statement on U.S. use of nuclear arms, and hosts a summit on arms safeguards April 12 and 13.—Excerpted from LA Times

As you can see Obama is attempting to make big changes globally in ensuring this nuclear arms race doesn't get out of hand. He's making a big statement to the rest of the world - we need to eliminate the race to build the most destructive weapon known to man.

This all sounds great and dandy, but I wonder if anyone knows that Obama's been working on a secret weapon of his own...

The world feels just a little bit safer now.

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 6, 2010 | Comments (2)

Tags: Funny

TOMORROW Chin Injeti's "D'tach" Release Party @ Fortune Sound Club

By Schema Magazine

Join Chin Injeti at the Fortune Sound Club tomorrow night (April 6th) for his Album Release Party and Birthday Bash!

During the Vancouver Olympics, Schema Magazine had a chance to chat with Chin Injeti at the JetSetCrew Victory Party. Chin is a super down-to-earth guy with an artistic vision. He has collaborated with many artists such as Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, and Dr. Dre (just to name a few). As a producer, song-writer and singer, he has somehow found time to complete D'tach, his solo album in a genre he calls "Urban Folk."

Chin tells us his inspiration as a musician and the background of D'tach. Check out our interview here:

Posted by Angela Jung | April 6, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian Canadian, Event, Music

Will There Be Chinese Clans in Canada 10 Years From Now?

By Angela

Last night I attended Cheng Wing Yeong Tong Benevolent Association (basically a gathering of people with the same surname as me) banquet, the same one I have attended every year since I was born. But in the next ten years, what is the likelihood that there will even be one of these banquets for me to attend?

My grandfather is a dedicated member of the Cheng Chinese clan. (By the way, there are a whole bunch of different English surnames: Cheng, Chang, Zheng, Jang and Jung; but we all share the same last name in Chinese.) He goes to the Cheng "clubhouse" everyday on Pender Street in Chinatown to play mahjong. And it seems to me, the role of Chinese benevolent associations are only limited to being a spot where grandparents gather to play mahjong.

I understand the need for the formation and existence of associations back when my great-grandparents and grandparents immigrated to Canada, and the desire to create solidarity with other Chinese clan members. Yet I don't exactly see foresee a future for the benevolent associations today...

This year marks the 82nd Anniversary of Cheng Wing Yeong Tong Benevolent Association. Who will ensure that there will be a 92nd Anniversary? Or a 102nd Anniversary? I learned today that the Chengs were one of the first Chinese clans to arrive in Vancouver in the 1900s, and the Chengs is the largest Chinese clan in Canada. But history and numbers aren't enough to continue the legacy. Maybe it will be just that -- a legacy.

Or will our heritage be able to survive in other forms?

Posted by Angela Jung | April 4, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian Canadian, China, Culture

AAWW & Hyphen Present: 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest

By Claudia

Yep, we're late in blogging about this, but it's not too late for you!

For all aspiring writers of Asian descent living in the United States AND in Canada, submit your (unpublished) short story to the 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest presented by AAWW (Asian American Writer's Workshop) and Hyphen Magazine.

From Hyphen's website:

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 12TH!

Are you an unpublished writer, waiting to be discovered? Think you have what it takes to win a national, pan-Asian American writing competition--the ONLY one of its kind? Here's your shot at showing off your roots and writing.

Now in its third year, the 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest will name 10 finalists and one grand prize-winner who will win a cash prize of $1000 and have the winning story published in an upcoming issue of Hyphen.

* The submission process has two easy steps, both of which must be completed by April 12, 2010 and accompanied by a $20 entry fee (April 12th postmark deadline).

* First, register here and pay the $20 entry fee by buying one ticket. You will receive a registration email with a Transaction ID, so please double check that you are typing your email correctly.

* Next, mail us TWO COPIES of your short story with the title, page numbers, and Transaction ID on the top right of every page. The story should not feature any other identifying information, such as your name, phone number, or email address. Submissions should be double-spaced and mailed to:

Asian American Short Story Contest
Hyphen
17 Walter U. Lum Place
San Francisco, CA 94108.

For information on qualifications, guidelines, and instructions on how to enter the contest, please visit:

http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/shortstory

If you're contemplating on whether or not you should submit a story, honestly, just go for it. You never know what could come out of just trying because who knows! It's a great way to get your name out there and you might discover a hidden talent too.

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 5, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags:

Master of Business Card Throwing: The Asian Gambit

By Claudia

Ok, so it's not exactly Chow Yun Fat (from God of Gamblers) but you get the point. This guy can throw cards like it's nobody's business (no pun intended).

Discovered this through a tweet from youtube sensation @kevjumba and I might be considered a geek for actually finding this entertaining and cool, but whatever, maybe there's someone else out there who'd appreciate it too.

I wonder how or why this guy got so good at throwing business cards. Did he somehow know that quitting his day job to flick cards would land him a gig with Samsung Digital?? Damn, it pays to take on random hobbies these days, eh?

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 6, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags:

Wong Fu Weekends: Episode 9 - Bieber Fever

By Claudia

Wong Fu Productions has a cool youtube segment called "Wong Fu Weekends" and I've been following it for the past few weeks. Other than the theme of it being the Wong Fu's weekends, there is no real theme to the videos, but still, every single episode has been highly entertaining. It's like the perfect bedtime show on a Friday night. Considering it's the long weekend (by the way, Happy Easter, everyone!) thought I'd share this delightful new video of the boys going to Disneyland to see Justin Bieber! Oh em gee!!

Ok, seriously now. I was definitely more excited about the short 30-second clip of Phil Wang interviewing Kev Nish of Far East Movement (FM). They talk about FM's upcoming tour in Japan opening for Lady GaGa and more. Woot! Congrats to FM for making it and thanks to Wong Fu for bringing it to our attention! Check out the vid and follow Wongfu's youtube channel too!

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 3, 2010 | Comments (2)

Tags: FM, Wong Fu Productions

iWriteAboutMe Workshop | Thank You Everyone

By Schema Mag

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to Jen and Diana and to all of you who came out Thursday night to our iWriteAboutMe.com workshop with Disgrasian at MOV (Museum of Vancouver)!

Despite the horrible cold and rainy Vancouver weather, you guys still came out and we can't say enough about your dedication to Disgrasian and your support for our magazine's workshop!

We had a blast listening to the girls talk and we kinda love them even more now, is that even possible? We hope that all of you had a good time too and hopefully we'll see you again at our next event. We'll let you all know as soon as we know who we have lined up, so stay in touch via twitter, rss or facebook!

Also, for those of you who couldn't be with us, don't worry, we'll put up a post next week with our "favourite Disgrasian quotes" from the workshop. Example:

"In a blog-off battle against Angry Asian Man, he would win, hands down. He would be like pulling from his arsenal of weapons....we, however, would have cooler uniforms."

Don't forget to e-mail or send us a message about what you thought of the workshop. We'd love to hear from you!

info[at]schemamag.ca

Thank you, also, to our partners and sponsors: NA@AP Vancouver, The Tyee, Fresh Media, MOV, Laurier Institute and Bing Thom Architects. Truly, without you, this event wouldn't have been possible. Thank you for your ongoing support in our mission to bring "ethnic cool" things to Vancouver/Canada.

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 4, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags:

Hello Kitty Releases New Liquor Line

By Jocelyn Gan

Whenever I'm walking through the wine section at my local liquor store this thought has often crossed my mind: "If only there was a Hello Kitty wine out there my time at the store would be significantly shorter!" Well it seems as if Hello Kitty has read my mind! This Sanrio brand has integrated themselves into the fashion, furniture, stationary, and electronic market, and now they have added wine makers to their ever-growing list of things to conquer.

Hello "Hello Kitty Wines"! The line of wines comes in four different types, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $29.99. You can choose from Hello Kitty Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hello Kitty Sparkling "Sweet Pink", 2008 Hello Kitty Angel White, and 2006 Hello Kitty Devil Red.You can expect to see Hello Kitty Wines on the liquor shelf in the next several months and the website will start shipping out samples by the end of next month.

So what's next Hello Kitty? Personally I suggest Hello Kitty mouthwash. Next to my Hello Kitty wine fantasy, I have always thought rinsing my mouth in kitty power would be the puuurfect way to start my day. Now, if you'll excuse me Hello Kitty, can you please pass the bubbly?

Posted by Jocelyn Gan | April 2, 2010 | Comments (5)

Tags: Hello Kitty, Wine

DISGRASIAN at iWriteAboutMe Workshop in Vancouver TODAY!

By Schema Magazine

As if you guys aren't already sick of our promo blasting of our upcoming workshop with DISGRASIAN, here's our FINAL blog post about the event. Promise!

RSVP @ NAAAP to get your seat.

We've also got a contest going on: Tell us who your Favourite Amazian is by posting a message on our facebook wall, tweeting us @schema_magazine or commenting at the bottom of this post! Your name will be in the draw to win an awesome prize courtesy of Surface Collective.

Can't wait to see everyone there! Woot!

Links about and/or on the event:

North American Association of Asian Professionals (NAAAP) Vancouver

Facebook Event Page

About IWriteAboutMe.com

Thanks angry asian man aka Unofficial Official "Biggest Fan of Disgrasian" for posting and tweeting about our workshop!

Posted by Claudia Ho | April 1, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags:

April 14 | Black Day & Asian Singleness

By Joy Inae Kim

If you're familiar with Asian relationship culture, I'm sure you heard of White Day.

For those of you who don't know, mark it on your calender as an extra day to get some treats! In Eastern Asian cultures like Japan, South Korean, Taiwan and China, Valentine's Day is just one of the days that celebrate love and romance:

• February 14th - Valentines' Day: WOMEN give me they love or feel attracted to nice, preferably hand-made chocolate. They will also give friends or people they feel obligated to (cheaper) chocolate. Recently, women have also been giving female friends chocolate. How sweet, right?
• March 14th - White Day: MEN reciprocate. Sometimes out of gratefulness, and sometimes... guilt. Men will often give white-colored non-chocolate treats to women they are obligated to, friends, or to women they find attractive. But here's the catch, in Japan the rule is "sanbai gaeshi" or "thrice in return." The gift should be two or three time the cost of the Valentine's gift they received (Which is enough reason to add this onto my calendar).

So yes, most of you may have heard of Valentine's Day, or even White Day. But have you ever heard of Black Day??

Out of consideration for all the single people out there who did not receive anything on Valentine's Day or White Day, South Korea has recently organized Black Day.

On April 13, friends or people you don't mind celebrating with, go out to a Chinese restaurant and eat black bean sauce and noodles (jajangmyun or zha jiang mian) and celebrate...or mourn singledom. This noodle meal consists of wheat noodles and a salty black soybean paste sauce, diced meat and vegetables, and sometimes also seafood.

It could be fun, and who knows, with all the singles gathered together, next year there may be less people for the Black Day celebration!

If you know any places that carry good jajangmyun, share the yummy goodness!

Take a look at this video made by Azn Lifestyles TV. It's a great guide to making sure you've got all the V-day festivities down pact, including Black Day:

Posted by Joy | April 5, 2010 | Comments (1)

Tags: Asian, China, Dating, Food, Japan, Korea, Taiwan

Japan Society Hosts Women's Film Series in NYC | Asiance Magazine

By Michelle Pham

I love watching Asian films that challenge the conventional stereotype of the Asian-geisha-obedient female stereotype. You know, films where the female protagonist are real women, clever, strong and empowered. Historically, the depiction of women in film has had more impact on the lives of women than any other media. Likewise, it's alternate female roles that have the potential to undo much of the stereotypes we hold in our everyday lives.

While browsing through Asiance Magazine, I discovered this fantastic series, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know featuring three women in Japanese film who have pushed the boundaries:

At the opposite end of the stereotype of docile Japanese women—heroic good mothers, chaste daughters and hardworking faithful wives—actresses Ayako Wakao, Mariko Okada and Meiko Kaji embodied the transgression of limits, breaking rules, flouting norms and generally upsetting everyone.

This series explores the idea of unconventional beauty that these spellbinding actresses created through an unparalleled body of films. Both Wakao and Okada were muses and inspiration for two major film directors, Yasuzo Masumura and Kiju (Yoshishige) Yoshida, respectively, while Kaji navigated between filmmakers, a wild card of Japanese cinema at the time. Put together, their films delineate what one could call an aesthetic of convulsive beauty (André Breton). (From Asiance Magazine)

(Above: Lady Snowblood - Blizzard from the Netherworld)

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know runs from March 31 - April 18, 2010
At the Japan Society in NY (333 East 47th Street, New York)
See schedule of 13 films at www.japansociety.org

Posted by Michelle Pham | April 5, 2010 | Comments (4)

Tags: Commentary, Culture, Event, Feminism, Film, International, Japan

Web 2.0rigami | Asian-inspired web design

By Alden E. Habacon

I stumbled across these innovative Web 2.0 badges while looking for instructions to make origami butterflies for my niece.

Love the way Paddy, an "Irish web designer, blogger, interviewer and illustrator currently living in Belgium" added a 3D design sensibility to generally flat and purely pragmatic buttons. They tickle the imagination as you pretend they are real Japanese-inspired origami paper puzzles.

The entire 2008 collection began first as a Twitter bird logo, around the same time that Twitter was exploding on the Web 2.0 scene. Download the collection at blog.iampaddy.com.

Posted by Alden | April 26, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Design

2010 Winter Games | Bobsledder part of Canadian history

By Alden E. Habacon

This is long overdue, but I thought that I'd wait until all the buzz about the 2010 Winter Games had subsided. During these Olympics something historic took place, bobsledder Shelley-Ann Brown became one of the first black Canadian women to win a medal at a Winter Games (possibly the first?).

Other black Olympians include fellow bobsledder Lascelles Brown, who won silver for Canada in Turin when he teamed with Pierre Lueders. Yes, just because it's historic doesn't necessarily mean it's important, but in this case, it definitely matters! Especially when so many Canadians assume that winter sports are white sports. It was just a coincidence that this happened during Black History Month.

Photo: REUTERS/Tony Gentile from boston.com

"I'm so proud to be Canadian, so proud to be black, so proud to be of Jamaican heritage, so proud to be female," Brown said, choking up. "I hope little girls in Canada see this, see what I accomplished and realize it doesn't matter your background.

From canoe.ca. Read the whole article at canoe.ca

(Above) KUDOS to CBC Producer Cedric Monteiro for turning this into the only TV coverage of this story. WATCH the story on cbc.ca/video.

Posted by Alden | April 29, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Black History Month, Canadiana, Sports

This page contains all entries posted to Schema Magazine's Blog, "Daily Dose" in April 2010. They are listed from oldest to newest.

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