AM Going Head-to-Head Against Media Image | Asian Air True Stories

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AM Going Head-to-Head Against Media Image

hanging the Asian Male Image, The One-on-One Revolution

I’ve always thought that the US media has a bias against Asian men. To my surprise, after stumbling into this site about three weeks ago, I found out that many of you share the same feeling. Some seemed to have posted in concern; others seemed to have posted in frustration and anger. However, I’d like to make this post a little different. I’d like to post the actions that we can take to change it.

I went to visit a major client this morning regarding a very delicate situation. Needless to say, I tried to make it there on time. In fact, I gave myself so much leeway that I arrived early and had about 30 minutes in my hands with nothing to do except to visit a nearby Starbucks.

After I picked up my venti iced Americano and stirred in a few packets of Nutrasweet and some half-and-half, I proceeded to sit outside and light a cigarette. As I walked outside, I saw a gorgeous young blonde. She looked at me, and I smiled at her. She didn’t smile back and looked away timidly. After I sat down she asked me what the time was. I told her. Normally, that would be it. I’d just mind my own business (ok, since I had nothing to do, minding my own business would be twiddling my thumbs for the next 30 minutes). And that would the end of it.

This time, the end it wasn’t. I asked her if she was waiting for someone. And the conversation took off from there. I learned so much about her. And most importantly, she smiled. She smiled so much during our conversation. She had a really beautiful smile – one that can warm anyone’s heart. Yet she had a story, a story that one could never imagine can hide behind that smile. I’m quite a few years her senior, so I tried to give her a different perspective. Maybe I helped, maybe I didn’t. I’m just a passerby.

Why did I spend my time talking to her? I knew there was no “date” possibility – she’s probably too young for me and, likewise, I’m probably too old for her. On one hand, I was curious about her. As the conversation continued, she painted a picture so vividly of her life, the challenges she is facing, the aspirations that she has, the frustrations she feels from her job, and so forth. She is a person with a lot of heart. I would have had the honor to know her had I ignored her.

On the other hand, I wanted to perform my duty as an Asian man for our image in this society. You see, as there was no one else around, I was the only Asian man there in that instant. In effect, I represented to her all Asian men in that particular place and time. It was my choice to ignore her. It was also my choice to engage her, showing her that Asian men are human beings, have feelings, can be funny, can listen, and can genuinely care. I chose the latter. Even though I was just a passerby, that’s how I want her to remember Asian men to be. And maybe someday, she’ll marry one.

I read many postings from Asian men that complain about how unjust the media is to us. Let me ask you this: are you angry because the media tarnishes us with images of weakness, cowardice, and always being second to white men, and that it is the Asian male pride that you are concerned with? Or is it that the negative image the media flaunts of you makes it difficult you to find a date?

We can all continue to gripe and complain about the media, but what good will that do? We’ll be bitter and angry. Is that the Asian male image you want to project? Asian men are bitter and angry? Sure, Asian men will not likely be portrayed as virile, uncontrollably sexual, and animalistic in the media any time soon. However, I argue that we can take action into our own hands.

Our image vs. The Media. Daunting task? Insurmountable challenge? David and Goliath? Are Asian men pushovers? I believe not. What’s in a victory when you’re poised as the favorite already? We’re the underdog today. And because all odds are stacked against us, because we’re outnumbered, out-powered, out-gunned, “out-everything-ed,” victory will be all that much sweeter.

Media projects to people only second-hand experiences. But a person will believe first hand experiences over second hand experiences. This is the advantage we have over any forms of media. So, my brothers, let’s go out there and smile more, be friendlier, and spread the positive vibes, to anyone and to everyone. One-on-one: that’s how all revolutions begin.

Repost
Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 01:27:36 (PDT)

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