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!!