Cultural Stupidity#5 Yellowface and Blackface:Stereotypes of Two Ethnicity

In recent news BEAST’s Lee Kikwang has done something most would consider racist,disrespectful if not ridiculous.

Group BEAST’s member Lee Kikwang transforms into an African American, causing laughter.

On July 25th’s episode of MBC TV ‘Hot Brothers’, a ‘Don’t get worked up under any situation’ test took place in the recording while they underwent extreme situations meant to stimulate their heartbeats.

Lee Kikwang did an imaginary CF filming, and made up to look like an African American. Following this, a series of crummy situations occurred, breaking the common belief that filming a CF is a cool thing. In the end, Lee Kikwang was turned into an African-American and was embarrassed endlessly in extreme situations and unexpected outfits.

However, when Lee Kikwang was filming the watermelon CF, he put out all his acting skill, and after several NG’s, he just narrowly succeeded at the watermelon CF. But right after, he was hit with another challenge. A surprise guest appears and questions the true identity of Lee Kikwang in front of all the staff and guests.

The surprise guest said that they knew Lee Kikwang well, and that the ‘Lee Kikwang’ standing in front of them, dressed up as an African American was not really BEAST’s Lee Kikwang, accusing him and making him helpless.

– CREDITS: TVDaily (SOURCE); YOUR NAME @B2ST RISING (TRANS)

From what I know BEAST Lee Kikwang is innocent until someone spill some beans and say “it was his idea.”  Koreans(natives) are not offended by this because guess what they’re not Black. I think they see this as a “humor” then degrading a race of people just to boost up ratings. Then again one would say that is a false conclusion. How can Lee Kikwang dress in Black face then do a CF about watermelons? These stereotypes come from the Americans were Black face is originated. Why would South Korea that has a very little Black population would think Black face is humorous?

I’ve talked about this issue before in my article Black Asia. In the past 10 + years there has been a massive increase of Black entertainment influence in Asian culture.In nations like Japan being “Black” is a strange cultural phenomenon  among their nation’s youth. Japanese kids go as far as using Black face methods in order to make themselves appear African-America.Go to specialize salons in Japan that emulate Black hair styles by using wigs,hair extension or professional styling. For the most part Japan is interested in Black entertainment and community just have a freaky way about doing it.

Americans pride themselves on being political correct they must because this nations history is full of racial regrets.Black face was used in the 19th century along with yellow face.During this time any minority wasn’t allow to act in theaters.Instead of hiring someone Black or Asian they would just face paint white actors to portray these ethnicity.Then use racial gestures and stereotypes to further identify whom or what they’re suppose to be. America is sending out some hardcore mix signals to foreign nation in believing the  practice of Black and yellow facing is done.

Rob Schneider is half Filipino using yellow face method to portray himself  “Asian” in I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.While Robert Downey Jr. use Black face method in Tropic Thunder. Robert Downey Jr. receive quite the back lash for doing this even though this was a comedy.Which open nation wide in theaters and across the world. Yet Rob Schneider yellow face was quite more silent if not odd.How can someone of Asian heritage would do such a racial gesture to depict their own people? It’s a matter if Schneider fully recognize or  identity with his Asian heritage. Other than that people would say it can’t be that racist since he is part Asian.For the most part Black and yellow facing still exist in American media.View as something “funny” verse being a real serious issue.To other foreign nations who see this in our media would call us “hypocrites” to attack them for using Black face.

I’m a person of color who understand the negativity that Black and yellow facing can bring. I get offend when Asian, white youth along with fellow Black and Latino youth say “what’s up my nigga.” Thinking that I identify with that culture. The American racial issue is becoming blur but for the wrong reason.Why should foreign nation feel no different in believing this is normal,typical behaviors and form of entertainment.

I live in a nation where I constantly have to racially identify myself for everything.To get a job,drivers license,attend schooling,etc…. Damn the day I would no longer see Check Here For Race [ ] Asians Pacific Islander [ ] Hispanic (Non-African-American) [ ]  African-American [ ] Native American [ ] Caucasian [ ] Mixed,Multiracial [ ] Other. To outsiders your an American before the race titles.Fellow Americans can’t grasp this concept.

Americans are the worse example for true racial acceptance but perfect for social political  self-destruction brought by separated point of views base on race. I don’t know if Black and yellow face will end.All I know I’m living for now and working for a better yesterday so my kids wouldn’t have to go through the harassment and embarrassment. In hope that the human race will realize the survival of mankind is not base of racial superiority but a dominance as a constant evolving species.

Cultural Stupidity #4 Love and Racism: Obstacles Of IR Dating For Asians

News Anchor Arthel Neville and hubby musician Taku Hirano

When it comes to any type of dating many  find it difficult,awkward and sometimes a waste of time.The need to have a companion who is your other half  is hard wire in our genetics.The  reasoning why most are willing to tolerate this often times tormenting ordeal. For those who interracial( IR) date find there are bigger issues with acceptance and over all relationship harmony. People are far more interested in interracial couples now since U.S president  himself is a byproduct of that union. Born to an Caucasian mother and African father Barack Obama is the new age of America.

When it comes to those of Asian community this can be something of pure blasphemy. Those “no way in hell you’re bringing this into my house” is usually most Asian parents reactions. Those Asian born in U.S second generation  realize the stigma of their parents and even grand parents no longer shackle their ideals.Yet Asian youth is still fragile and influence by the old countries intellect of proper marriageable unions.

For the most part many Asian youth are taught and raise to marry those within your own culture.Even marrying someone of a different Asian ethnic is a ” no no” and brings shame to the family. Chinese women should always and marry Chinese men, Korean women should and always marry Korean men,so forth, you get the idea.This mentality is reasonable if you live in a nation were at least 90% of population is of one nationality.The finding of a good X-Asian male/female within those nations are not so difficult.Unlike Asian youth who live in the United States finding just an Asian male and/or female is quite unrealistic.

America prides itself as a modernize nation that has become the world’s biggest “melting pot.” There is just too much variety of ethnic people dwelling in 50 states.Making the U.S a smorgasbord of finding potential mates outside your own ethnicity or race. Allowing new generation of Asian-Americans to date whom and what ever they want without the persecution of the xenophobic nations of far east,right?Maybe depending on what area these Asian-Americans youth are coming from.The old prejudice views and politics still linger in U.S and its media discouraging many from any interracial dating.

When it comes to IRs only a few seem to be more acceptable and reasonable verse others.African-American men and Caucasian women is more acceptable verse African-American women with Caucasian men.Asian Women and Caucasian men are more acceptable than Asian men with Caucasian women. Giving this equation of BM/WF and AF and WM the more ideal of  “good” IR couplings. You notice two race of people are being side line as lessor IR couples Black women and Asian men.Its universal know that both BW/AM are the LEAST desirable mates on online dating portals.

So what does this mean Asian women,Black men, White men and women have more freedom. More appealing to date whom ever and what ever they want without the odd stares.Even in the media these unions are celebrated more verse any other kinds.America is still a racial cautious nation when you’re speaking to natives.Other than that the mainstream media could careless about the truth and just what a ratings booster.There is a mild interest and changing ideal of Black women and Asian men relationship unions.Verse what the TV,movie and mass media like to say.Scamming on Youtube you find clips like Akira’s Hip Hop Shop, Tall Enough and Dragon of Love portray these union of deep caring loving companionship.

Akira’s Hip Hop Shop

Tall Enough

Dragon of Love

Model Christine Teigen and r&b star John Legend

Both Black women and Asian men are negatively stereotype in America.Black women are loud,obnoxious and rude.While Asian men are viewed as spineless,nerdy, and will just not sexy. Short films like Akira’s Hip Hop Shop,Tall Enough and Dragon of Love allows both to be  free and in love as they want to be.Movies like these will never hit the mainstream theaters or on American prime time TV.

Asian-American themselves are some what turn off by these type of unions.There’s a primitive need to only breed with the most dominant species.Many Asians rather see Asian and white unions verse those of Black.This idea may come from the west but Asia has it own reasoning against those who are extremely to different.In Asia those of darker skin are seen as “peasants” or “poorer” because they have to do manual labor(outdoor).Verse those of a lighter skin are viewed as being more beautiful and financial better(indoor). White in the west are viewed as the dominate race verse those who are black.There are more whites (specially white men) in higher C.E.O positions,politics and who deal with foreign issues.When it comes to sports,entertainment and over all sexual fornication image of African-American  portrayal has higher gratification.

We’re talking about mankind the most delusional species on the planet.Like those of animal kingdom find the strongest mate for better offspring  survival we do the same via social hierarchy,income and over all sex appeal base on attraction.Our reasoning for being someone can boil down to because he or she looks good,awesome in bed and financial well off. I can’t say everyone feels the same way but these issues are often times brought up in conversation when meeting a potential husband or wife.Those who interracial date have no exceptions for basing a future mate off of these ideals.

Kero One "On Bending Knee" dinnner scene

Some Asian-Americans blame ‘environment” and their parents   for choosing white over black partners.This excuse is great to convince  someone who lacks any common sense and has no idea about the diversity in U.S culture.Any Asian-American who uses the excuse “but mom and dad think black people are thugs” should be slap across the face for being so culturally dumb.Did your mom and dad dress you today before you step out the front door? For any person regardless of what race wouldn’t find the needy parental emotional basket case attractive male or female.Some use the excuse ” I mostly grew up in white neighborhoods and attended white dominate schools.” So did I and yet I still have an attraction towards Asian men that should be so unnatural.

From what I know many Black people find Asian culture,customs,philosophy and people attractive.Yet the two are quite shy when it comes to long-lasting marriageable  unions.Just like white people have the same reasoning of interest for Asians also.They call it yellow fever on the other side of the spectrum its blasian love.Cute little code names can often times lead to ridiculous ideals….but still very cute.

For someone like me IR relations is just so common and embarrassing to hear and read Asian plus other Americans who can’t relate nor understand.Watching videos on YouTube base off of WM/AF,AF/WM,BM/AF,BF/AM, reminds me that the world is changing regardless if people populating it can keep up.Myself being of Black,Italian and Spanish mix many find me being so multiracial.While those who understand I’m just a true Puerto Rican having such a diverse background of ethnic culture.There is no such thing as “one race’ people unless you’re wiling to marry your cousins…well that is just gross.Since the dawn of human existence we mated,conquer,and courtship each other regardless if we came form a different tribe.Only once we created politics and economics  did we forget we’re still “human beings” at the end of the day.Finding that perfect someone who we can settle down and populate the world with for years to come is just human nature.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and Vivi Nevo

If you’re an Asian male or female reading this and are curious about dating outside your ethnicity regardless Black or white here is some advice.Don’t allow race to be an issue even when it comes to introducing your mate to your parents.They can see they’re different but show insecurities they may question your integrity and over all well-being of your union.Be proud but respectable always with confidence.Learning one another culture is deeply important to understand the differences in courtship and proper spousal behavior. The more you inform your mate about the customs of your Asian ethnicity and traditional point of views more they can respect you at a deeper level.You shouldn’t lose each other cultural identities but find a way to bridge the gap between the two.You’ll  find out have more in common than what you think.Above anything else you should be with your mate because you love them,respect them and willing to tolerate their annoying habits.Race should not be an issue if you want to be together. The less you allow this to affect your relationship the less it seems abnormal,unnatural or a social taboo.

Those who date outside their race see the world with no color making if difficult for others to concept.In the U.S we preach about racial acceptance yet we place restriction on those who live out these ideal.Criticize those who think outside the “social acceptance box” and find loves among those who don’t quite fit within our own ethnic group.I can only hope by the time I get married,have my first child they don’t have to worry about racism.Deal with the “check here for race” box when it comes defining their own race.My husband an I don’t have to worry about nasty stares or award family meets and greets.Just normal people living their lives in an ordinary world.

Cutrual Stupidity#3:Sexism and Sexuality in Asian Media

In recent news 4minute member Hyuna has once again piss off K-pop critics.During her World Cup performance to support South Korea.She wore a torn shirt that reveal a bra underneath.Many hound the young diva for wearing such a scandalous outfit to an event that is all about national pride.

She defend herself by saying …. “I think as a singer, one should be able to pull off various types of stage outfits. On the international stage, outfits and costumes are just a part of a performance, but it is sad that in South Korea where the culture is more conservative, outfits like these become controversial.I want to show that I can pull off the concepts on stage. I hope everyone will think of the outfits as just part of the performances.”

This is a constant reacquiring issue in K-pop but in all aspects of Asian media.Are some Asian stars showing off too much skin in order to boost ratings,unit sales and concert tickets?You get a sense that those from the Asian community have a very conservative point of view.Even lifting up your shirt and showing off your belly can be a big issue.Wait a tick that seems kinda unfair cause this issue only affects one sex.How many Asian male celebrities take off their shirts to show off those perfect six-pack abs?That isn’t seen as absurd almost a requirement.If a female artist lifts her shirt to show off her belly this can cause a tsunami of controversy.Seems sexism is also extremely strong and present in the mainstream media.In the U.S we like to view everyone as equals but in all truths that’s just a load of bull.Which Asia has now acceptation to the ideal.

In most society even sexual men and women are not viewed as the same.This is even present in history from ancient caveman drawings from art found in Africa,Greece and Italy.The nude women body is view as fertility,sexuality and wonder less beauty. While male nude body may seem powerful,dynamic and dominate.In Asia the nude body is consider a “no,no” and should always be cover.Bare backs,long legs, and ample chest must be cover…if your a female.Yet male Asian stars have the freedom to show skin and sometimes display vulgar sexual power.As a  woman I’m thrill but shameful because we are not seen as equals.

Men have freedom to do and show whatever they want while women must obey the body boundary guidelines.Only making the issue worse that women no matter what part of the world you live in.Will always play second fiddle to a man even when it comes to our own sexuality.Even in the dating world men have more sexual freedom to date whom ever they may please.I’ll save that issue for another day.What makes the situation even worst most women accept these point views.Men can show more skin women must be more cover up.

In all fairness what is consider controversial is a matter of opinion.Seeing a young women wearing a short skirt and bending over teasing would  piss me off.Showing off a little bit of panties would just be so horrid and grotesque.Yet seeing a male rip off his shirt and suggestive hip thrusting doesn’t have the same affect.So what does this mean?I’m a brain wash with hypocritical point of views or it’s just my sexual preference that make me view things differently?

Even when it comes to “sexuality” Asian media like to blur the lines a little.Showing off too much skin is bad but if a boy looks like a girl that’s okay but switch it around netizens will have a feast.In Asia the male masculinity is hard to define roaming nation to nation.In South Korea and Japan feminine boys are the norm.A little guy liner,foundation, and a very youthful pubescent face.You got yourself a perfect K-pop and J-pop male star.The reasoning for more “feminine” if not pretty boys is that they can be molded and shape into a young female fantasy.Even older women find themselves going googly eye for soft face, soft-spoken but well manner cutie.Not all women fall for pretty boy you still need masculinity.This is why some Korean male pop group have turn into beef cakes and develop a need to have solid six-pack abs.

Female are to suffer a face worse than just looking pretty.The young girl and  little girls outfit or the infamous Asian school girl uniform can drive men wild.The more innocent,virginal and youthful the female the more men would want to “plow her”.Groups like SNSD,T-ara,Kara.AKB48 and just about every female Asian star under the eastern sun has toyed with this look.Feeding into some sick pedophile fantasy some Asian men behind close doors indulge in with total privacy.To other females we admire them for their “natural youthful beauty” and/or hate them for portraying us so irresponsibility.Viewing them as the weakest in female personality/persona ever to be market in a mainstream media.Even those who pose in bikinis,little shorts,revealing lingerie etc.. are seem as whorish if not embarrassing to the female sex.In most K-pop base groups there is always a female member who has a more masculine look.To counter balance those members who are consider girlish,sexy and diva.You figure men must say the same thing about Asian male members who display such boyish good looks and wear make up.The more feminine he acts the less he relates to other males.

Then comes the issue of homosexuality,bisexual and those who are transsexual (or third sex).Homosexuality is present in Asia but has a little presence in their media.Its consider a taboo still and even those who display acts of bisexuality can be view equally as disgusting.Those who are trans gender may find it much more harder to be accepted.One thing to be gay then another to be a sex you weren’t born with.You may heard the term “Asian Lady Boys” mostly involve in sex trafficking and prostitution.In nations like Thailand,India,and Philippines these trans gender beings have become the spotlight for night-time entertainment and companionship.Even China is developing a gay community that can be no longer ignore.For many Asian gays and bis coming out to your family is risky.You can be excommunicated and deem as inhuman.Yet in Asian media males tend to blur the lines of masculinity and sometimes women.Dressing like a male is one thing but putting on make up is another.

In the west boys who look like girls are usually drag queens that’s if your going to the extreme.During the 80’s the U.S had their fair share of heterosexual men for some reason dressing up like drag queens.Creating the term “chicks with dicks” or “dude looks like a lady” all coming popular during the 80’s hair metal bands.This is still in the U.S today but instead of hair metal its more like emo.In Asia this also means young idol groups like BEAST,Kat-Tun, even 1tym put on make up to cover up those flaws.Making themselves appear clear skin if not a lighter skin color.The 80’s hair metal theme isn’t dead and still strive today through visual Kei base bands from Japan.

Visual Kei band break all visual acceptance of the Asian male.Wearing wigs,dresses and make up even a drag queen would deem as “a bit much”.Other Asian nation can only stare with open jaws as these bands get away with being over the top.Creative yet to outsiders this isn’t sexy nor attractive.Just down right gay and a trend that died a horrible death in the 80’s.Sexuality isn’t discuss in most Asian homes.Sex isn’t a topic that most Asian parents even want to hint about.Some Asian parents can even use the proper terms when identifying each sex genitalia.Asian continent is the most populated in the world so not all Asians shy away from bedroom romance.If you do it and who you do it with is strictly your business.Many Asians or not would agree with that notation.

Sexism and sexuality plays an important role but still silent  in Asian media.Whether its a sexy male or female dancer/singer strutting their stuff on stage.A young admirer who is simply observing the performance will always find an audience.I was raise in a nation that sex is often time abuse and not seen for what it is just how it can sell.You can ‘t blame Asia for keeping a conservative point of view.Then again you wonder what the big deal is in the first place.Even Asian pornography is censored that is how far they’re willing to go.Giving you the impression that Chinese,Korean,and Japanese men have a blur censor over their nether regions.

You have to give these Asian nations their props for at least allowing some innocence in  their media.Sex still holds some sacred grounds even though sexism exist.Accepting those of different sexualities is a working progress.Its not required for an artist to be a sex symbol it just sorta happens.You don’t have to be vulgar either to show you’re a sexual being.Some women and men feel sexuality is defined by how much skin you can show others view it as an attitude.There is nothing more sexy than a confident woman or man no matter what size that person may be.Yet in this modern-day society that is becoming increasingly harder to find.I can’t look down upon women who dress sexy and give praise to men who do.I can at least respect them as a human being and realize that is their choice even if that person is an entertainer.

Cultrual Stupidity

Where I live there is  no such thing as Asian okay maybe I’m over exaggerating a little.Honestly it just Chinese take out and maybe two Thai restaurants.While leaving Denny’s my mother boost about how she would like to go to a Thai restaurant off of US41.I told her there isn’t any Thai restaurant there but a Japanese Steak House.She then said

“Thai and Japanese isn’t that the same?I mean there from the same place no difference.Isn’t Thai the same as Japanese?”

I just look at her and ask “Same as in because they’re Asian or from the same nation?.” She replay “sorta both” and I roll my freaking eyes.Then I told her

“First Thai food isn’t Japanese food one has lots of spices the other has lots of sauce and fish.Even the way Japanese people prepare their food is slightly different from Thai.Second,Japan is an actual nation where people who live there are called Japanese.Thailand is an actual nation where people who live there are called Thai.Yes both nations are Asian but they are not the same.”

My mom figure it out she wants to go to the Thai restaurant off of Cortez and the Japanese place off of 41.For a brief moment my mother  thought Thai and Japanese people were the same and had no difference.Yet this is the same woman if you call her a Mexican (we are Latin/Hispanic) and not Puerto Rican, claim we are all the same she’ll punch you in the face.I told her Asian people are like Latinos.Although most Asian people have a common ancestry or  similar cultural customs they are not the same. In fact language wise they vary , have different variation of speech and alphabet.Someone speaking in Chinese isn’t gonna understand someone speaking in Korean.For Latinos its traditional customs,native Indian backgrounds and dialogue of Spanish disputes our differences. After that my mother realize her cultural stupidity and apologize. Remind you my mother is a 51-year-old women who used to live in the most cultural diverse place in the world New York.Yet I was raised in this small as hick town and God’s over sized waiting room called Florida.