Friday, May 29, 2009

Rest in Power Dr. Ron Takaki

I've been struggling to to write about Asian Pacific American Heritage month. I was going back and forth on whether to write about little known history on Asian Americans or just what that term means to me. This changed two days ago when I found out about the news on the passing of Dr. Ronald Takaki.





In case you don't know, Dr. Takaki was a poineer. He was an innovative scholar who asked us the question "how do you know what you know, you know what you know?" Dr. Takai re-shaped the American History by fighting the master narrative. Most importantly, he was the Godfather for Ethnic Studies and the father of Asian American History.



I was not fortunate take his class. However, I got the chance to meet Dr. Takaki once when he came to Northeastern for a lecture back in 2007. He was really nice and jolly for man who has fought for justice all his life. During his lecture, I specifically remembered one line that stood out to me "we must comprehen the world before he can start changing the world."



After the lecture, I faciliated a discussion where he sat down and listened to me speak. I almost peed in my pants because here is the legendary Ronald Takaki listening to this 19 year old talk about Asian America. After the event, Dr. Takaki came up to me and told me that I did a good job. That moment was almost unreal to me.



But finding out that he passed was unreal to me too. I have plan to visit the West Coast one day and maybe send him an email asking for his advice as to what I should do with my interest in Asian American history. Now, it's too late. He was and still is my academia idol. A man who gave Asian Americans the closest thing to a history. He was a fighter for justice, a man who touched the lives of thousands just by listening to him speak once. He was jolly but at the same time, he was fighting his own demons. However, I want to thank Dr. Takaki for everything that he is done.






Rest in Power Dr. Takaki, I am forever grateful.


Also Rest in Power to all of the Asian American Freedom Fighters who passed away recently. We are suppose to celebrate our heritage month yet we lost so many poineers along the way.

Richard Aoki, Mr. Manong Al Robles, Dr. Ronald "Ten Toes Takaki and Professor Him Mark Lai may you all Rest in Power as we continue to carry on your traditions.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Leave Carrie Prejean Alone

I am tired of reading this whole Miss California thing on the news, saying how she is a gay-basher and how she stirred up all these controversies. I, on the other hand blame the media. The whole thing started when Perez Hilton (of all people) asked Carrie Prejean, Miss California about marriage. Ms. Prejean answered that "she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman."

Okay now, what is wrong with that answer? Is it because it was asked by Perez Hilton? or Is it because SHE was expected to say "marriage should be for all?"
From last time that I checked Barack Obama said he didn't believe in gay marriage as well and no one called for his head or his crown in this matter.

The underlining matter is the fact people forget that fact there is a freedom of speech in this country. She can say whatever she wants! See I am a gay marriage and gay rights supporter, I don't believe marriage should be just a man and a woman. I believe that marriage should be for people who are in LOVE. However, I am not offended by her comments at all. In fact, I am glad that she said what she said because she is stating her opinion, freedom of speech again. The New York Daily News went too far by saying she was a gay basher because she never did say "FUCK THE GAYS."

It is another case of how ugly this country's political spectrum is. Conservatives and Liberals are one of the same. They attack each other the same way. Liberals in this case saw Carrie Prejean as a conservative figure and attacked her the way without even looking at the substance of her comment. Now revealing, naked pictures of her is for one I think a classless act on the Liberals.

Oh now, I am bashing Liberals, so am I a Conservative now?

See why does this country have to be so polarizing? It is so dialetical that there's no in between. Democrats and Republicans think the same, they just handle their business differently. Coming from a Democrat side, if one is a moderate...then he/she is a too conservative. It is vice versa coming from the Republican side.

Well I, for one is not ashame to say that I am a Moderate...a Humanist Moderate. You can take it anyway you want. I like to put logic first before party lines.

And you know who else is a Moderate?
Our great "Liberal" Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. If you really follow their careers, their voting records have been in the middle and the only reason why they have been deemed Liberal heroes is because they are Democrats. People have to read between the lines and not just go with the popular flow. Yes, Fuck Bush...but why Fuck Bush?

I am a registered Democrat but if a Republican comes along and impress me, you bet that I will vote for he or she.

Bottom line is this whole thing should be squashed. Carrie Prejean did nothing wrong. If you are looking for one type of answer then don't ask the question. I thank Carrie for answering the way she did because for one she is showing the public that we are the stupid ones for making this a whole big mess and two, there is still something called FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day

My mom is the best mom in the world.
She has been strict with me while I was growing up but I understand why.
and I want to thank her because without it, I would not be where I am.
My Mom is protective.
Even now that I am 21, she still calls me everyday
just to hear my voice
I ask her why she says "because you are my baby boy"
Mom, I will always be your baby boy.
My Mom is a warrior.
She works 6 days a week, and does not complain.
Even when she's tired, she puts the S on her chest.
Giving everything she got and nothing less
My mom is forgiving
I have made my mom cry before
She forgave me
But I don't I can forgive myself.
My Mom is a Queen.
I will make sure that you will live like one
because you deserved it.
My Mom is beautiful
The most beautiful woman in the world.
Dad got it right
and I hope I do the same.
My Mom is my best friend.
Even though I hate the 4 hour bus rides,
just to hear you call my name
and see your smile is worth the trip every time.
My Mom is the greatest Mom in the world.
I love you.