Attempting to see the whole playing field

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Elizabeth Lozano - a professor at Loyola University in the Latin American department. With "That Asian Thing," I want to attempt to prove a point about minorities (obviously Asian-Americans) and make a comparison to the barriers that each race has in attempting to control the mainstream. I was not surprised to find that many of the answers that Dr. Lozano had given me where not that far from the same answers that the Asian-American professors I've already interviewed have shared with me. So now what? Well - now it's time to question what is really hindering us here if other minority groups are facing the same problems. Now specifics such as looks or language come into play rather than talent, business moves, or education.

Two other things to consider are population and time. Asian-Americans are actually lower ranked in America as far as population is concerned and the majority have actually arrived later in American history. Therefore, if we've arrived later, does it make sense for our culture to catch on later as well?

Dr. Lozano was very carefree, liberal, and strong with her words. I can sense her powerful karma as she talked and see the passion that she has in her work. It was a very good conversation where she didn't let political correctness stop her from saying what she wanted to say. This is what I yearn for in my interviews - rather than looking for a fluffy, super-intellectual thing to say for the camera - just blurt out what you think is right! My highlight was her point about activism and how it can be important to fight (non-violently) for your rights as a person, race, and being. We all have point of views/opinions and we know what is right and wrong - might as well stand up for it because no one else will do it for you. Truly enlightening. Thank you Dr. Lozano!

AND THE BEAT KEEPS GOING....

Interviews are few and far between. This is on purpose as I'm orchestrating this symphony. Editing is in the process. My eyes have hurt and needed to sleep at times to recoup for more footage to peruse. I don't want to stop and in retrospect, I can feel something great happening. Very cool feeling....

THANKS TO....

The Paunch Stevenson Show! Brought to us by the world of podcasts, Mr. Greg Izzi & Mr. Rob DiCaterino were kind enough to show some support on their October 16th Show (Episode #49). I urge you to listen to these guys when you can as they give their four cents about an assortment of topics from why Tony Danza is so great to the on-going question of where stars are now. Get rich quick schemes, why movies are made the way they are, and Dr. Phill always seems to show up on their show. Good stuff guys! Thanks and keep on keepin'on!

Also thanks to the people that are still completing our surveys and still donating money. Although I may not push this as much as I did during certain phases of production (since I'm only one person), people are still accomplishing these small tasks. Special shout out to Ken Narasaki for filling out a survey. Awesome - thanks Ken!

Take care y'all....

Long hours....

This post will dip into my mentality as I'm in the middle of taping a few more interviews and getting into the niddy griddy of my voice-over narrative & editing process. As I've mentioned in a previous post, currently I've been doing more reading than anything. Not limiting myself to just Asian-American literature, I have also ventured into my favorite genre of American literature - the Beat Generation. I'm enjoying some good reading by Jack Kerouac and Charles Bukowski. Enjoying their blunt yet detailed form of storytelling has helped me find my own fashion of writing.

Don't get me wrong - the books I've mentioned in my previous post have helped me get more insight and a better sense of Asian-American pride. It's been preparing me to be able to touch all points that I feel are necessary to focus on throughout "That Asian Thing." What saddens me as I read the essays written nearly 30 years ago is that we're still fighting the same fight. Sure there are a few sparkling stars that shine here and there, but overall, we're still invisible and are still pigeon-holed by society to be this "nerd-like techy" entity. I only hope my film can open the eyes of the people that need to understand that even if you are assimilated within your environment, you need to have a strong voice for the race that you represent.

Representation doesn't have to be in the form of becoming an activist or going to every racial awareness event - it means being the best that you can be and knowing where barriers need to be overcome when your looks might hinder you. I do realize that education is what's needed here, but as I've progressed with this film, there are so many intellectual, talented people that for some reason are not getting their fair shot.

Does that mean that the talent needs to change? Does that mean that someone isn't working hard enough? Does that mean that society isn't ready for this different look? The questions are never ending....but to sit and ponder instead of doing something about it won't accomplish too much. Action always speaks louder than words.

So right now, I'm working on the film by trying to get all my thoughts in order. Needing to accommodate to all masses with no biased point of view and connecting thoughts for everyone to understand is a lot of work, stress, and time. I appreciate all the people that have stood by me and have kept on asking me about the progress of this project. It shows me how interested you are and that you're still waiting for me, not forgetting me. Thank you.

We still need funding to help get the word of this film out and for editing equipment, so please don't hesitate to donate small funding where possible:

Otherwise, please keep your pants on, keep them words of support coming, and pass the word along. "That Asian Thing" will be here soon!!