Check My Box ;)

Greetings from the "City of Brotherly Love!" Philadelphia is a remarkable city that is rich with American history and national treasures. The past few days have been incredible. :) -- but I still need to get some work done...While checking my email, a fellow JACLer sent me an interesting article on race and categorization.

Many Americans are plagued by a redundant question: "What is your race?" For some people, the answer is as easy as adding 2+2. They swiftly check one box and mindlessly progress to complete their paperwork. However, changing demographic trends and psychological shifts are leading to an inability and/or reluctancy to clearly respond to this item.

If the phenomenon of race is socially constructed, then we could argue that racial categories are profoundly subjective and lack an essential essence. Is the scientific objectivity of race a myth? Regardless of the operational definition, the state of California is recognizing the need to revamp their categorization of race. Please feel free to check out the article below...

"*California** Considers Groundbreaking Legislation for Multiracial Community"

On April 25, the California Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill1615, the Ethnic Heritage and Respect Act, which could potentially makeCalifornia the first state in the country to adopt federal guidelines thatallow multiracial individuals to "mark one or more" racial categories ongovernment forms. Before the bill reaches the governor's desk for asignature, it must be approved by appropriations committees in bothlegislative chambers who will consider the cost associated withimplementation.Currently, Californians are forced to choose only a single race when askedfor such information on state forms. Introduced by State Senator JoeSimitian, the bill would adopt federal guidelines developed in 1997 thatallow individuals to select multiple responses when information about theirrace is requested. The bill would also mandate guidelines for thepresentation of such data to ensure that state agencies present a fullpicture of the population's diversity, as well as adopting federalguidelines for the use of race in civil rights actions. "We hope that byadopting these guidelines the state will gain a better understanding of thediversity of its population," says Senator Simitian.SB 1615 was introduced by Senator Simitian in response to the rapidlygrowing population of multiracial Californians—in this diverse state, 1 in 6babies born are multiracial. Collection of data on multiracial individualsis an important part of being able to identify and address unique needs inthe population. For example, multiracial individuals have unique medicalneeds, such as increased difficulty in finding a bone marrow donor.SB 1615 bill is supported by a coalition of multiracial advocacyorganizations, including Swirl Inc., Mavin, AMEA, I-Pride, and theMultiethnic Education Program. The legislation is also supported by manytraditional community of color organizations. Before the hearing on April25, the coalition held a press conference and legislative briefing, whereSwirlBayArea leaders Megan, Jamie and Adriane represented for Swirl. If youwould like more information on ways you can support this bill and Swirl'sadvocacy efforts, please contact Adriane at adrianeg@swirlinc.org

Meet Me in St. Louis....

This weekend, I will be venturing to St. Louis for the Midwest District Council meeting of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). I'm looking forward to working with many dedicated individuals who truly care about civil rights advocacy and Asian American issues! Every time I attend a JACL event, I'm always amazed at how close the Japanese American community can be.

In addition to attending meetings and working on some graduate school work, I hope to check out the city of St. Louis! Please let me know if you have any travel/tourist tips. :)

Dusty :)  

I love my Dusty dog! :) 

Asian Americans in Academia

During my senior year of high school, applying for college was quite intimidating. In addition to the hurdles of test scores, rising tuition fees, and ambiguous application essays, I came across one more barrier.

As I searched for scholarship opportunities, I discovered that many “Minority Scholarships” would not consider Asian American applicants. Despite our status as minority members in the United States, all Asian Americans were barred from these scholarships. I was extremely frustrated; how can I be a minority member and simultaneously denied consideration for a minority scholarship?

One explanation to this bizarre predicament is the “Model Minority.” Asian Americans have been called the “Model Minority” because of their historical ability to assimilate into American society. However, this category is saturated with fallacious reasoning and dangerous implications. Not all Asian Americans have been able to successfully assimilate into the United States. In addition, this perspective wrongfully denies Asian Americans their true minority status.

For more information, please check out: http://www.asianam.org/2006.htm

Food for Thought....

Whew! What a week! Between conference presentations, class papers, research project presentations, and teaching, life is keeping me busy. Despite my hectic schedule, Japanese American identity has been at the forefront of my mind (because I really am that nerdy...). I came across an article that lists some commonalities of Japanese Americans and Japanese people. Although I do NOT want to endorse stereotypes, I found a few points particularly interesting. Please enjoy!

"You Know You're Japanese When..." (Originally published in the Pacific Citizen?)

• You know that Camp doesn't mean a cabin in the woods.
• You have at least one bag of sembei in the house at all times. (Lol...oh so true!)
• You have a nekko cat in your house for good luck.
• The bushes in your front yard are trimmed into balls.
• You fight fiercely for the check after dinner.
• You start off the new year with a bowl of ozoni for good luck, and the mochi sticks to the roof of your mouth.
• Along with salt and pepper, you have a shoyu dispenser at your table.
• As a kid, you used to eat Botan rice candy.
• Milk makes you queasy, and alcohol turns your face red.
• Whenever you're with more than three people, it takes an hour to decide where to eat.
• You've heard your name pronounced a half-dozen different ways.
• You know that E.O. 9066 is NOT a zip code.

The J-Life Project

“This is not a mission to identify Japanese America. This is an expression of lifestyles and interests by people who trace their ancestry back to a far away place called Nippon. From top to bottom, east to west, JAs are everywhere, doing everything…where are you?”


In a brilliant attempt to explore the diversity of Japanese Americans’ collective identity, Kirk Iwasaki and Eric Yamamoto are steering a promising film project that will explore young Japanese Americans’ lifestyle, shared history, friendships, families, and perspectives. This project should be a quilt of Japanese American voices. I can’t wait to see the finished product! You can learn more about the J-LIFE project at http://www.j-life.co.nr/ .

Classic...My brother Danno and I pose in another wacky photo... 

Central States Communication Association Recap: Celebrating the Past While Shaping the Future

Sigh…You can take the girl out of Indy, but you can’t take the Indy out of the girl.

Last weekend, I attended the 2006 Convention of the Central States Communication Association in Indianapolis. Academic conventions have numerous strengths, but I find one major weakness is its tendency to promote academic elitism and that “Ivory Tower Syndrome.” However, I remain optimistic that some of our ideas and research findings will escape the thick bubble of jargon and impact society.

Professors should have an ethical obligation to translate their ideas (directly or indirectly) to the general public. Our current educational system marginalizes the significance of professor’s dedication to service and community, which can deter the engagement of behaviors that don’t result in publications or high teacher evaluations.

Me 

The “Yellow Series” …Corporate Responsibility and Sensitivity

Despite our diligent effort to educate others and deter racist behavior, blatant and offensive acts continue to emerge. I am extremely troubled when corporations and institutions fuel the fire of racism and discrimination. Their financial and social clout should not be taken lightly.

Adidas has dropped the ball (no pun intended). Apparently, the company has established a new “Yellow Series” of Adidas products. One particular shoe features a disrespectful caricature of an Asian person, complete with “slanted eyes and buck teeth.” (For a picture, click on: http://www.csr-asia.com/index.php?p=5914.) This depiction is shameful and perpetuates a negative and dehumanizing stereotype of Asians. What has become of corporate responsibility?

Escaping the Ivory Tower

“Don’t talk about it. Be about it.” While this statement potentially marginalizes the power of discourse, I appreciate its call to action. Sometimes, researchers and academicians get caught into the vicious mentality of “publish or perish.” The sheer quantity of published journal articles and books takes precedence over equally important factors like quality service and teaching.

Intercultural and interracial communication fascinates me. I’ve opened the door to my personal and cultural identity, and there’s no turning back. Next week, I plan to attend the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association in Indianapolis. Three of my research papers comment on Japanese American identity, civil rights, and/or intercultural communication. Although I hope my work is shared among other Communication scholars (or nerds like me), I hope that my ideas and writing will ultimately escape the Ivory Tower. Talking about important issues like civil rights, race, cultural identity, and power is absolutely necessary in today’s fragmented and shifting society. However, we must remember to convert our ideas and conversations into deeper meaning and ACTION that transcends academic communities… Please wish me luck! :)