Big taiko weekend coming up! There's definitely a lot going on, and there has been a lot going on the past couple of weeks, it feels like, and it all culminates in the next few days!!
I have to admit, I was stressing for a while about everything and was losing sight of and my grasp on the joy in everything that's been happening. Instead of enjoying and learning I was just stressing. That can get paralyzingly frustrating. But I've actually been able to gain some perspective and especially for taiko have found a new energy and excitement for all of it. As a newbie this time around, this'll be my first (but really second) Rhythmic Relations concert, and I'll actually get some playing parts, which is more than I was able to say years ago when I did my very first. I'm really excited to feel like a real team with everyone onstage and hopefully it'll show, you know? I've been working hard and thinking hard and feeling hard the past month or so, and I think at this point I am ready to just enjoy myself because I deserve it.
Not to mention some fun trips will be coming up after this weekend, so it'll definitely be exciting even after coming down from all of that. Time sure is flying by, and there will be a lot more to have to do, but if I can enjoy it, improve in TP and be a good teammate and taiko player, get all of my shit down with apps, continue to be diligent and productive at work, and be a good friend and partner, then life is beautiful.
Here's to having fun and dropping all negativity and drama for the next few weeks...and hopefully for the next whole month at least!!!! Wheeeee!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
How does Jon Stewart do it?
This post has been a while in the making, mostly due to a lack of time and an abundance of laziness. So there was that amazing video of Jon Stewart's latest appearance on Bill O'Reilly, discussing Common's most recent visit (by invitation) to the White House. Despite O'Reilly's emotional and clearly racist language about what kind of a statement the President made by inviting Common to the White House, Jon Stewart kept his calm, even cracked a few cool jokes here and there, and made his point wonderfully, beautifully, and so concisely. We should all aspire to be this way, because by the end of the video, it's apparent O'Reilly and Stewart share this great bond of mutual respect - Stewart towards O'Reilly because he believes in being able to communicate with folks who disagree, and O'Reilly because, hell, it's apparent he got owned. It was kind of beautiful to see, and it made me happy, to think that this was possible.
But then, I started to think of other things. Like how that conversation-slash-debate would have gone if Jon Stewart were a woman. Or black. Or Asian American. Or a black woman. Given the same skillsets and ability to speak clearly and articulately deliver well-laid out, logical arguments, along with the knack for humor, would O'Reilly have received his guest the same way?
My answer to that is no. I don't think that O'Reilly would have given Stewart the same kind of reception, respect, and acknowledgment if Stewart were a different race, gender, or sexual orientation. The fact of the matter is, Jon Stewart is a heterosexual, white male, and in O'Reilly's mind as I see it, that puts Stewart on the same level in nearly every respect. There probably would not have even been a second appearance by Stewart in the first place, if all of these things were different.
But maybe that's not giving O'Reilly enough credit? We can't really know it, and maybe he would have treated Stewart the same regardless of those categorizations, and really just respected Stewart for his personality, charisma, and legit abilities.
My thoughts then turned to Jon Stewart himself. He is able to deliver his arguments so rationally, calmly -- without a hint of superfluous emotion that might be seen in others in the same situation; namely, anger, defensiveness, showing signs of becoming indignant, offended, flustered, and so on. And yes, he is a white male. Is there a possibility that THAT gives him the ability to be so rational and perhaps, logical but emotionally disconnected, from these arguments? As a liberal himself, sure, he understands and agrees with all these political and social issues at hand, but I would venture to say because there is a lack of personal connection, he is able to keep seeing things clearly without letting emotion get in the way.
I know that at this point now I'm just giving Stewart's race and gender too much credit. But to me, it's a possibility. The reason a lot of people of color, myself included, become so emotional when having these kinds of political and ideological debates, are that we simply cannot believe there are people out there who would think of US this way. A lot of these racist, sexist, classist, and heteronormative attitudes are about US. It is personal.
Not to say that duplicating a Jon Stewart of color and different sexual orientation, class, and sex is impossible. But maybe, JUST MAYBE, historical and ancestral connections just incline us to become personally offended in debates and situations like ones O'Reilly would (and does) put us in.
Then I also read this ColorLines article today, on one blogger's response to a person's ignorant thoughts about the DBSK sexual assault case. To sum up, this person simply stated disagreement and walked away, but did document the "I wish I had..." answer. Sometimes there are too many conversations we aren't ready to have, and as a result we don't convey the message we should have. The emotional reaction to the offending conversation just makes us shut down and stop functioning and speaking rationally. It's such a hard thing to control and curb.
In any case, the Stewart-O'Reilly video is a MUST SEE. Despite considerations about experiences by lens (race, class, etc), we should still aspire to do what Jon Stewart did. At least, to some extent, and in some situations. It's a pick and choose your battles type of thing, but there is an unquestionable achievement to having some sort of mutual understanding, and an attitude of mutual respect with someone you politically diverge with.
But then, I started to think of other things. Like how that conversation-slash-debate would have gone if Jon Stewart were a woman. Or black. Or Asian American. Or a black woman. Given the same skillsets and ability to speak clearly and articulately deliver well-laid out, logical arguments, along with the knack for humor, would O'Reilly have received his guest the same way?
My answer to that is no. I don't think that O'Reilly would have given Stewart the same kind of reception, respect, and acknowledgment if Stewart were a different race, gender, or sexual orientation. The fact of the matter is, Jon Stewart is a heterosexual, white male, and in O'Reilly's mind as I see it, that puts Stewart on the same level in nearly every respect. There probably would not have even been a second appearance by Stewart in the first place, if all of these things were different.
But maybe that's not giving O'Reilly enough credit? We can't really know it, and maybe he would have treated Stewart the same regardless of those categorizations, and really just respected Stewart for his personality, charisma, and legit abilities.
My thoughts then turned to Jon Stewart himself. He is able to deliver his arguments so rationally, calmly -- without a hint of superfluous emotion that might be seen in others in the same situation; namely, anger, defensiveness, showing signs of becoming indignant, offended, flustered, and so on. And yes, he is a white male. Is there a possibility that THAT gives him the ability to be so rational and perhaps, logical but emotionally disconnected, from these arguments? As a liberal himself, sure, he understands and agrees with all these political and social issues at hand, but I would venture to say because there is a lack of personal connection, he is able to keep seeing things clearly without letting emotion get in the way.
I know that at this point now I'm just giving Stewart's race and gender too much credit. But to me, it's a possibility. The reason a lot of people of color, myself included, become so emotional when having these kinds of political and ideological debates, are that we simply cannot believe there are people out there who would think of US this way. A lot of these racist, sexist, classist, and heteronormative attitudes are about US. It is personal.
Not to say that duplicating a Jon Stewart of color and different sexual orientation, class, and sex is impossible. But maybe, JUST MAYBE, historical and ancestral connections just incline us to become personally offended in debates and situations like ones O'Reilly would (and does) put us in.
Then I also read this ColorLines article today, on one blogger's response to a person's ignorant thoughts about the DBSK sexual assault case. To sum up, this person simply stated disagreement and walked away, but did document the "I wish I had..." answer. Sometimes there are too many conversations we aren't ready to have, and as a result we don't convey the message we should have. The emotional reaction to the offending conversation just makes us shut down and stop functioning and speaking rationally. It's such a hard thing to control and curb.
In any case, the Stewart-O'Reilly video is a MUST SEE. Despite considerations about experiences by lens (race, class, etc), we should still aspire to do what Jon Stewart did. At least, to some extent, and in some situations. It's a pick and choose your battles type of thing, but there is an unquestionable achievement to having some sort of mutual understanding, and an attitude of mutual respect with someone you politically diverge with.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Frustration and Carrying On
Been feeling frustrated with a lot of things lately, and although it's been hard to reconcile, I'm trying my best to keep it going.
When do you know when to quit? Is there something that tells you? Is it just when you've had enough?
Frustration has kind of been the word of the day lately, from family drama, to work, to daily struggles. I just don't know how much more I can take. Quitting is always easier, but nobody wants to be a quitter.
If I could just drop things easily, I would...but who knows. Maybe my penchant for obligation (amongst other things) will pay off! But then again, it just as well may not. In that case it becomes one of those, "if this were your last day on Earth" kinds of things. I think if I got rid of some of those loads I'd be much happier, but I guess there's a pleasure in getting through the hard stuff and hoping if you do it long enough, it'll get easier.
On the flipside, there are every day things that have been getting easier. Like work (it's both good and bad), taiko (I enjoy it a lot more now and it feels good again), new pet (yay).
Maybe it's just time to phase out the negative and keep the good, at least for now. Only time will tell if it's time to throw in the towel. For now, I throw up my hands and call it a day.
When do you know when to quit? Is there something that tells you? Is it just when you've had enough?
Frustration has kind of been the word of the day lately, from family drama, to work, to daily struggles. I just don't know how much more I can take. Quitting is always easier, but nobody wants to be a quitter.
If I could just drop things easily, I would...but who knows. Maybe my penchant for obligation (amongst other things) will pay off! But then again, it just as well may not. In that case it becomes one of those, "if this were your last day on Earth" kinds of things. I think if I got rid of some of those loads I'd be much happier, but I guess there's a pleasure in getting through the hard stuff and hoping if you do it long enough, it'll get easier.
On the flipside, there are every day things that have been getting easier. Like work (it's both good and bad), taiko (I enjoy it a lot more now and it feels good again), new pet (yay).
Maybe it's just time to phase out the negative and keep the good, at least for now. Only time will tell if it's time to throw in the towel. For now, I throw up my hands and call it a day.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Japan Relief
Check it out, because it's important: the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund.
Also, a network for more information on other organizations with similar or other relief efforts going on currently.
Another important website for relief (a larger network): InterAction.org
No shortage of opportunities to help out. The constant inflow of news about Fukushima's nuclear situation is frightening. Hoping for the best possible outcome for everyone.
Picture from http://flyergoodness.blogs
Also, a network for more information on other organizations with similar or other relief efforts going on currently.
Another important website for relief (a larger network): InterAction.org
No shortage of opportunities to help out. The constant inflow of news about Fukushima's nuclear situation is frightening. Hoping for the best possible outcome for everyone.
Friday, March 4, 2011
History in the Making
Yesterday had a long but productive work day. The Japan Business Association of Southern California celebrated its 50th year at a largely successful Symposium and Gala Dinner last night. It was a celebration and gathering of folks from the Japanese American and Japanese business, government, nonprofit, and education sectors, and something I actually found myself feeling lucky to be a part of. It was for work, yes, that I had to attend and even help out as a runner, and perhaps at times the day of US-Japan alliance themes seemed a bit propaganda-ish, but all in all, I think it is pertinent to the overall thought that this is a time of great change and at the same time serious turmoil.
The Symposium panel of the day explored the theme of Japan and whether it will ever reemerge. The sentiment in mainstream U.S. media is that Japan is a declining, aging country with a passion-less, complacent youth generation that will soon take over and is currently burdened by a failing national group of leaders. The country is too insular, they write, and its economy is in the worst shape it's been in since the late 80s/early 90s. All of this, written in favor of China, the rising, ever-growing Asian country presumably with the most potential. But the panel opened my eyes, further, to the profound and significant effect of the media on an entire country's perspectives on not just local or national, but global, issues. Japan isn't so terribly off, it's just going through a rough time and needs to go through some deep cultural, social and political changes before it can reclaim it's previous place on the global stage. After all, it STILL is the 3rd largest economy in the world even if it did move there because of China. It is still largely functional and holds some significant trump cards in areas like clean energy technology, car making, some areas of business, and cultural influences. But most people here in the U.S. don't know any of that. It made me realize that, perhaps, there are so many ways that organizations like the one I work for, the U.S.-Japan Council, can take a prominent role, and change and better those views by gaining a stronger and more visible voice on issues like these.
Not to oversimplify too much -- the people and political motivations behind initiatives like these are definitely worth taking a look at -- but it is also important to note and maintain a keen sense of awareness of situations like these, so as to hold the right people accountable for what should really be happening here.
Okay. So zoom in to the United States, to California, to Los Angeles (or in this case, Orange County).
The media is feeding us crazy things these days, and there seems to be so much hate, ignorance, and bigotry running rampant. It's almost as if we've gone back into time, back to the 40s, 50s, and 60s, only with different targets of discrimination.
Let's take a look at some of these headlines and news-makers, shall we?
The black anti-abortion movement grows
Anti-Muslim protesters in Orange County
UCSD battles another racist incident
Texas group offers scholarships exclusively for white males
Fox rails against Seattle cops for "socialist social justice" policies
Who's behind the anti-Sharia law crusade? A white supremacist
And that, my friends, is everything I found just today, off of only 2 sources: Angry Asian Man and Colorlines.
Seriously, it makes you wonder what the hell is happening right now. Sure, our political pendulum swings left and right every so often, but this is just getting out of hand. It's like the entire clock broke and the pendulum got stuck on the entirely wrong side of the the spectrum.
You can add those to the global scale - namely, Libya, Haiti, and China - and you've got yourself some possible steps to a whole new social and political revolution.
If you ask me, I think we can use one right about now. Progressives need to step up their game - and need to learn to play the game. The right way (pun intended).
But then let's stop and think for a second. Why are these people even receiving so much media attention? Granted, Colorlines is a Progressive online publication dedicated to raising awareness about these ongoings, but the fact that the the larger media gives these bigoted, ignorant people so much attention helps spread the hatred. It may not be the biggest problem perpetuating these myths, but it certainly is a large contributor.
How much? is maybe a good question. Or what kind of effect exactly does the spread of these kinds of stories about hate, including through outlets like Fox News, have on larger society's perceptions about these people and political issues? Is this making it worse?
Maybe all of this is moot. Instead, perhaps we should be thinking about holding ourselves accountable for the kinds of reactions we have to these stories. Are Progressives acting on these stories and issues the way they should? As a group, are we being effective in pursuing these people and communicating with the right ones to figure out an effective solution?
If these "crazies" really represent a small group, a minority, of Conservatives, who should we be working with to make sure they stop doing this kind of damage?
There are so many questions, a lot of which I do not have answers to right now. All I know is that we hear these stories every day, and the fact that this is still happening means there is something we're not doing. Plenty of organizations out there are doing great work, but maybe there needs to be redefining of Progressive and Liberal work altogether. The communication between groups that should be working against these Tea Party-type fringe right-wing groups has been broken for too long. There need to be steps taken to fix this. Easier said than done, of course, but it all needs to start somewhere.
Who will do it and where is perhaps the biggest question of all. On so many levels, there is a great potential for profound, long-lasting positive change. For Japan, the US, for Los Angeles, for us.
As a close to this incredibly loaded post, this is a must-read for anyone interested in any of these questions:
Untellable Truths by George Lakoff.
So many great points, so little time.
The Symposium panel of the day explored the theme of Japan and whether it will ever reemerge. The sentiment in mainstream U.S. media is that Japan is a declining, aging country with a passion-less, complacent youth generation that will soon take over and is currently burdened by a failing national group of leaders. The country is too insular, they write, and its economy is in the worst shape it's been in since the late 80s/early 90s. All of this, written in favor of China, the rising, ever-growing Asian country presumably with the most potential. But the panel opened my eyes, further, to the profound and significant effect of the media on an entire country's perspectives on not just local or national, but global, issues. Japan isn't so terribly off, it's just going through a rough time and needs to go through some deep cultural, social and political changes before it can reclaim it's previous place on the global stage. After all, it STILL is the 3rd largest economy in the world even if it did move there because of China. It is still largely functional and holds some significant trump cards in areas like clean energy technology, car making, some areas of business, and cultural influences. But most people here in the U.S. don't know any of that. It made me realize that, perhaps, there are so many ways that organizations like the one I work for, the U.S.-Japan Council, can take a prominent role, and change and better those views by gaining a stronger and more visible voice on issues like these.
Not to oversimplify too much -- the people and political motivations behind initiatives like these are definitely worth taking a look at -- but it is also important to note and maintain a keen sense of awareness of situations like these, so as to hold the right people accountable for what should really be happening here.
Okay. So zoom in to the United States, to California, to Los Angeles (or in this case, Orange County).
The media is feeding us crazy things these days, and there seems to be so much hate, ignorance, and bigotry running rampant. It's almost as if we've gone back into time, back to the 40s, 50s, and 60s, only with different targets of discrimination.
Let's take a look at some of these headlines and news-makers, shall we?
The black anti-abortion movement grows
Anti-Muslim protesters in Orange County
UCSD battles another racist incident
Texas group offers scholarships exclusively for white males
Fox rails against Seattle cops for "socialist social justice" policies
Who's behind the anti-Sharia law crusade? A white supremacist
And that, my friends, is everything I found just today, off of only 2 sources: Angry Asian Man and Colorlines.
Seriously, it makes you wonder what the hell is happening right now. Sure, our political pendulum swings left and right every so often, but this is just getting out of hand. It's like the entire clock broke and the pendulum got stuck on the entirely wrong side of the the spectrum.
You can add those to the global scale - namely, Libya, Haiti, and China - and you've got yourself some possible steps to a whole new social and political revolution.
If you ask me, I think we can use one right about now. Progressives need to step up their game - and need to learn to play the game. The right way (pun intended).
But then let's stop and think for a second. Why are these people even receiving so much media attention? Granted, Colorlines is a Progressive online publication dedicated to raising awareness about these ongoings, but the fact that the the larger media gives these bigoted, ignorant people so much attention helps spread the hatred. It may not be the biggest problem perpetuating these myths, but it certainly is a large contributor.
How much? is maybe a good question. Or what kind of effect exactly does the spread of these kinds of stories about hate, including through outlets like Fox News, have on larger society's perceptions about these people and political issues? Is this making it worse?
Maybe all of this is moot. Instead, perhaps we should be thinking about holding ourselves accountable for the kinds of reactions we have to these stories. Are Progressives acting on these stories and issues the way they should? As a group, are we being effective in pursuing these people and communicating with the right ones to figure out an effective solution?
If these "crazies" really represent a small group, a minority, of Conservatives, who should we be working with to make sure they stop doing this kind of damage?
There are so many questions, a lot of which I do not have answers to right now. All I know is that we hear these stories every day, and the fact that this is still happening means there is something we're not doing. Plenty of organizations out there are doing great work, but maybe there needs to be redefining of Progressive and Liberal work altogether. The communication between groups that should be working against these Tea Party-type fringe right-wing groups has been broken for too long. There need to be steps taken to fix this. Easier said than done, of course, but it all needs to start somewhere.
Who will do it and where is perhaps the biggest question of all. On so many levels, there is a great potential for profound, long-lasting positive change. For Japan, the US, for Los Angeles, for us.
As a close to this incredibly loaded post, this is a must-read for anyone interested in any of these questions:
Untellable Truths by George Lakoff.
So many great points, so little time.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Reflecting.
Had a nice weekend and a very pleasant Valentine's Day.
I seriously need an attitude adjustment. Too much ego, too much thinking, too much analysis about my life. Too much mind. Like in the Last Samurai, which I revisited last night, I need to take more of a "no mind" approach to everything. And work harder.
Moving back to LA was a wake up call from the pleasant nature of Hawai'i life. I'm not mourning the end of my time there anymore, and I still struggle to fully appreciate everything I have here.
Because let's face it, I'm lucky to have everything. I'm lucky to have a good steady job to provide for me until my law school endeavors; I've found an amazing taiko space that will be great with the right amount of effort and personal investment, and even faith; I'm back with my family like I wanted to be all along, and I'm living in a way I could have only dreamed of a year ago.
So I've decided, I can talk proactively, but I need to live it. And really, ACTUALLY do it. It'll take better scheduling, more effective time AND energy management, and all around more awareness of what I'm doing or not doing, but I need to just snap out of it and get it together.
Which I am going to do. Now.
On another note, read this great blog entry by Sahra, a former classmate and APC staffer. I respect her enormously, and it was great timing coming across this article, after just recently finishing Bell Hooks' work Feminism is for Everybody. Great book and so very inspiring to live out Progressivism at its best and truest. Sahra's entry was everything I had always thought but had not quite articulated.
Don't you love when that happens?
Plus, I happen to like Nicki Minaj.
I seriously need an attitude adjustment. Too much ego, too much thinking, too much analysis about my life. Too much mind. Like in the Last Samurai, which I revisited last night, I need to take more of a "no mind" approach to everything. And work harder.
Moving back to LA was a wake up call from the pleasant nature of Hawai'i life. I'm not mourning the end of my time there anymore, and I still struggle to fully appreciate everything I have here.
Because let's face it, I'm lucky to have everything. I'm lucky to have a good steady job to provide for me until my law school endeavors; I've found an amazing taiko space that will be great with the right amount of effort and personal investment, and even faith; I'm back with my family like I wanted to be all along, and I'm living in a way I could have only dreamed of a year ago.
So I've decided, I can talk proactively, but I need to live it. And really, ACTUALLY do it. It'll take better scheduling, more effective time AND energy management, and all around more awareness of what I'm doing or not doing, but I need to just snap out of it and get it together.
Which I am going to do. Now.
On another note, read this great blog entry by Sahra, a former classmate and APC staffer. I respect her enormously, and it was great timing coming across this article, after just recently finishing Bell Hooks' work Feminism is for Everybody. Great book and so very inspiring to live out Progressivism at its best and truest. Sahra's entry was everything I had always thought but had not quite articulated.
Don't you love when that happens?
Plus, I happen to like Nicki Minaj.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Because this moment will go down in history
The power of the people: see Egypt.
The hardest part, unfortunately, is that transition of power. Hopefully the people can continue to hold their leaders accountable in this process. Hoping for the best for them after such a profound victory.
The hardest part, unfortunately, is that transition of power. Hopefully the people can continue to hold their leaders accountable in this process. Hoping for the best for them after such a profound victory.
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