The Adventures of Cindy Li
APA Film Festival in DC 2006
September 29 , 2006
Once upon a time…
There were independent filmmakers showing their movies at the 7th annual Asian Pacific American Film Festival in DC. Sept 28th-Oct 7th, 2006. I had the pleasure of attending last night, the first movie was “Americanese”
An adaptation from the book “American Knees” by Shawn Wong. This movie made me think about what its been like growing up in the states choosing when to be “white” and when to be “asian.” Some people call me a “banana” or a “twinkie” since I have “American” tendencies that conflict with my strict “Taiwanese” upbringing.
The movie…
The movie was beautifully created by the director, Eric Blyer. The leading characters break up but they are bonded and the leading woman, Aurora (played by Allison Sie) is a hapa.
They touch on topics about interracial dating (I’m not going to ruin the entire movie..) and I have to admit I was a little nervous being there since I am seeing a caucasian man, while sitting in a row of mostly Asian men. It makes me sad to think there are people who are angry at the Asian women for dating outside of their race.
The movie touched on that by calling the character “Brenda” a bitch for not dating within their own race. I’ve met a few Asian men that are really angry about it. One that even has a site about how angry he is and it was an exclusive site for only Asian men. He btw was half white and half chinese, but it was ok since his father was chinese and his mom was white. Sigh….he didn’t want me in the house because I was dating a non-asian. I was really good friends with his wife before they got married.
I’ve dated Asian men, but currently I am not. I’ve had friends that ask me why I don’t date more Asian men or sigh when I tell them that my current beau is Caucasian. I don’t like choosing people in my life on the basis of race. Most of my “Asian crew” all like to stick together. They like not having to explain themselves, speaking in Chinese, they like eating the asian food and I prefer diversity. I like choosing friends based on whether or not they are a good person. I think when you can find someone you can really connect with that should be enough and no explanations necessary.
Please stop sending the message of hate in any form, it does nothing but destroy.
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Fri Sep 29, 2006 at 11.36 am
David Cafaro
Thanks for posting this, I didn’t realize the film fest had begun, I need to see about getting some tickets for some of the screenings.
As for the interacial dating/friends/groups etc.. It does sadden me when people look down upon those willing to ignore race and treat others as the individuals they are. It’s perfectly fine to enjoy time with those who share your language, culture and enjoy your customs, but don’t discount those who like diversity. I’m a white boy, but I’ve dated those of other races, cultures, and religions. Every person I’ve met and every friend I’ve had/have adds a little bit more to my own life experience and my appreciation for others.
Go on and enjoy your diversity in friends while enjoying the qualities of your cultural background. Personally I think that’s a wonderfull way to live.
Fri Sep 29, 2006 at 12.19 pm
Nguyet
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but my boyfriend had during the SXSW premiere. . .it frustrated him, and I have to see the movie in order to discuss from the movie’s perspective.
From what I understand, it brings up lots of identity issues that Asian-American males are experiencing in this culture. They blame the media for stereotyping asian men as weak, uninteresting, 2 dimensional while Asian females are always shown with Causasian males. There’s a sense of “betrayal” when it comes to dating etc. and who to take it out of than the women themselves. What people don’t realize is that they are living the very stereotypes that they’ve come to hate. The only way to break that is to embrace individuality, diversity.
I have never ran into anyone, Asian or non who questions my dating choices. I’m all too honest about the way things are. My brother has never had a problem with dating, interracial or not but I believe that’s because we were raised to appreciate good people no matter what they look like. (He’s currently dating an Asian woman, whom I believe loves him because he’s a good person, NOT because he’s asian). It’s about sharing the same values with the people you choose to have in your life, and really, if you don’t have that in common, despite race, then what would you have in any kind of relationship? Love? Love does not make a relationship (although it does help :)
Sat Sep 30, 2006 at 02.20 am
Gary Nguyen
I’m Vietnamese, and male. And I believe people should stick to their own race when dating, the human race.
I can’t even begin to imagine my life without the wonders of the varied people that have graced my life.
Some people fear losing their identity by mixing with others, some people just fear others, and some people just fear.
But again, it all comes down to our own comfort zones. I can understand the need to feel accepted and bonded with your own race because of circumstances that you shared because of your similar upbringing.
Misery and joy loves company.
I can also remember the widening of minds and eyes as I shared my experience unknown to others and as I heard experiences unknown to me.
As Paula Abdul once said, Who’d ah thunk we would be lovers… cause you know Opposites attract.
The world is too small and life is too short for me to have to worry about someone’s race. It’s hard enough finding someone who will just play with your wee-wee :D
Mon Mar 26, 2007 at 07.51 pm
seo
I’ve seen the movie and read the book(i mean ”Americanese“). All I want to say , that this book is not the best idea to make a picture on.