Vol. 140, No. 7, April 15, 2005. 12 pages. View this issue
Fred Korematsu’s death at age 86 and a push to protect Japanese American confinement sites ran alongside two longer reports. Caroline Aoyagi profiled Michael and Jenny King of New York, who founded AAAUnity.com to connect African American and Asian American communities. Lynda Lin wrote about mental illness and suicide in Asian Pacific American communities, including the impact of Iris Chang’s death on public awareness. On page 3, bipartisan legislation, HR 1492, would authorize $38 million in grants to preserve World War II confinement sites.
Other pages follow the Manzanar Committee’s plans for its 36th annual pilgrimage, a Houston JACL event honoring World War II veterans, and a column by Gil Asakawa on how the paper covers a racial slur. Naomi Hirahara spoke about her mystery series, and the Sports pages cover Michelle Wie, Yao Ming and sumo in Las Vegas. Page 12 announces the 2005 JACL Youth Conference.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Building a Bridge Between Two Cultures, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. Michael and Jenny King of New York, an African American and Chinese American couple, founded AAAUnity.com to bring together African American and Asian American communities. The site, launched in May 2004, serves as a forum for discussing relationships, community events, and other issues affecting both communities.
- APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 4. Brief items highlight Asian Pacific American achievements including Moin Moon Khan’s win as the first Indian American trustee in Illinois’ York Township, a JA student’s Archdiocesan Christian Service Award, and Downtown L.A. JACL’s honoring of four JA Women of the Year. Also noted are awards for law enforcement contributions and the Kiriyama Prize winners for South Asian literature.
- Manzanar Committee Announces Program for 36th Annual Pilgrimage, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Manzanar Committee announced plans for its 36th annual pilgrimage on April 30, themed ‘Retrospection and Relevance,’ honoring Minidoka internees this year. The program includes taiko drumming, speeches, an interfaith service, and traditional Japanese circle dances.
- Houston JACL to Honor WWII Veterans, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL Houston chapter will hold an event April 16 recognizing Japanese American WWII veterans and their units, including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion. The event will also include a panel discussion on internment camp experiences and the redress movement.
In-Depth
- The Silent APA Killer, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Mental illness remains shrouded in secrecy and shame within Asian Pacific American communities despite alarmingly high suicide rates, particularly among APA women. Mental health experts discuss the cultural stigma, underutilization of mental health services, and the impact of Iris Chang’s suicide on raising awareness.
Obituaries
- Fred Korematsu, Constitutional Law Legend, Passes at Age 86, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 1. Fred Korematsu, who challenged World War II internment orders and became a civil rights symbol, died at age 86 of respiratory illness. He had his conviction overturned in the 1980s and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 by President Clinton.
- Japanese Origami Artist Akira Yoshizawa Dies at Age 94, by Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press Writer, page 11. Akira Yoshizawa, an origami master known for his expressive paper gorillas and frogs, died of heart failure and pneumonia at age 94. His international success helped elevate origami’s status in Japan from a children’s pastime to a respected art form.
Arts & Entertainment
- Mystery Author Naomi Hirahara Looks to Her Community for Inspiration, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. Mystery writer Naomi Hirahara discusses her decision to write about Japanese American characters despite advice to write about white people, creating the acclaimed Mas Arai mystery series. Her books, including ‘Summer of the Big Bachi’ and ‘Gasa-Gasa Girl,’ incorporate JA cultural and historic references while entertaining readers.
- Ideas for Bookworms, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 6. A roundup of book reviews covering titles related to Asian history and culture, including ‘Losing the New China’ by Ethan Gutmann, ‘Sovereignty and Authenticity’ by Prasenjit Duara, and ‘Before Mao’ by Patrick Lescot. Also reviewed are ‘Yoshimasa and the Silver Pavilion’ by Donald Keene and ‘Crossing the River’ by Nyugen Huy Thiep.
- Putting the Hustle Back in Kung Fu, by Lynda Lin, page 9. Hong Kong superstar Stephen Chow discusses his new film ‘Kung Fu Hustle,’ which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, fulfilling his lifelong dream of making a kung fu film. The film, set in 1930s Shanghai, blends martial arts action with Chow’s signature comedic style and has received positive buzz and award nominations.
National
- Filipino WWII Veterans Racing Against Time for Full U.S. Benefits, by Nicole Ziegler Dizon, Associated Press Writer, page 3. Filipino veterans who fought for the U.S. during WWII are still seeking full U.S. veterans benefits promised to them nearly 60 years ago. New bipartisan legislation, including the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2005, aims to reverse this long-standing injustice as aging veterans race against time.
- Analysis Shows Lower Standard of Living for NYC’s Vietnamese Americans Compared to Other Asians, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A census-based profile from the Asian American Federation of New York reveals that Vietnamese Americans in NYC face higher poverty rates, lower incomes, and lower education levels compared to the general population and other Asian Americans. The report highlights need for targeted community services to address these disparities.
- Legislation to Preserve ‘Confinement Sites’ Introduced, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Bipartisan legislation HR 1492 was introduced to preserve historic Japanese American WWII confinement sites, authorizing $38 million in grants for preservation projects. The bill expands eligibility beyond the ten internment sites and requires a 25 percent non-federal match for funding.
- Coalition Expresses Concerns on Patriot Act, by P.C. Staff, page 4. More than 40 civil rights and civil liberties groups sent a letter to Congress urging a full examination of human rights concerns related to post-9/11 government policies, ahead of hearings on USA PATRIOT Act reauthorization. The letter highlights issues including secret arrests, discriminatory immigration enforcement, and expanded surveillance authority.
- National Newsbytes, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A roundup of national news items including the discovery of a Japanese WWII submarine off Pearl Harbor that will remain undisturbed, two Arizona women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for their work with abused children, and a controversial affirmative action bake sale at Grand Valley State University. Also covered are the Smithsonian’s upcoming exhibit on Filipino American history and a discrimination lawsuit against Billboard magazine.
Commentary
- Should the P.C. Not Use the Word?, by Gil Asakawa, page 3. P.C. Board Chair Gil Asakawa addresses concerns from JACL members about the newspaper’s use of the word ‘Jap,’ particularly regarding coverage of playwright Rachel Factor’s show ‘J.A.P.’ He argues journalists should not shy away from reporting on the word when it is central to a news story, while acknowledging the pain the word causes.
- Asian American Heritage Month: Celebrating the Visible Asians, Overlooking the Invisible, by Alexis Hisaka, page 5. The author argues that Asian Americans selectively celebrate only certain community members who fit narrow standards of achievement, while overlooking others who don’t conform to expected images. She calls for redefining Asian American Heritage Month to honor the contributions of all AAs, including everyday people and controversial figures.
- Odds and Ends in Our #10 and #9 Envelopes, by Harry Honda, page 8. Columnist Harry Honda shares a collection of clippings and observations on various topics including Asian demographics in the San Gabriel Valley, book reviews, and commentary on media coverage of the war on terror. He also discusses articles on civil liberties concerns, brain health for seniors, and notable news items about Asian Americans in unexpected contexts.
- Reflections on the JACL/OCA Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference, by Larry Oda, page 8. JACL National VP of Operations Larry Oda reflects on his experience at the 2005 JACL/OCA Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference, emphasizing the importance of political involvement and coalition-building for Asian Pacific Islanders. He notes that greater numbers and cooperation among API groups are needed to gain a real voice in government.
- Secret Asian Man, by Tak Toyoshima, page 9. A comic strip commentary discusses the lack of meaningful Asian representation in children’s television programming, noting that Asian characters are often relegated to supporting roles or stereotypical storylines. The author expresses frustration that even shows with Asian main characters tend to rely on tired cultural stereotypes.
JACL
- NJAMF Holds Awards Dinner Gala, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation held its awards dinner gala April 7 in Washington, D.C., honoring President Ronald Reagan, Sen. Daniel Inouye, and Congressman Peter W. Rodino Jr. Several JACLers attended the event, including former JACL National Presidents Helen Kawagoe and Floyd Mori.
- 2005 JACL Youth Conference Registration Begins, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The JACL National Youth/Student Council announced its 2005 National Conference, to be held at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City from June 24-26, themed ‘Strengthening our Asian American IDENTITY.’ The conference will feature workshops on contemporary APA issues, cultural activities, and networking opportunities for youth ages 13-26.
Sports
- Wie to Try U.S. Open Qualifying, by Doug Ferguson, AP Golf Writer, page 7. Fifteen-year-old golf prodigy Michelle Wie has entered qualifying for the U.S. Open, beginning with an 18-hole local qualifier in May at Turtle Bay on Oahu. Wie is also pursuing entry into the U.S. Masters through U.S. Amateur Public Links qualifying, driven by her desire to compete against top players regardless of gender.
- Yao, Magic Co-Star in AIDS Video, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Houston Rockets star Yao Ming and Lakers legend Magic Johnson appear together in a TV public service announcement in Hong Kong urging people not to fear or discriminate against those with AIDS. The video shows the two playing basketball and sharing a meal to demonstrate that casual contact does not transmit HIV.
- Controversial Yokozuna to Take on Las Vegas, by Adam Goldman, Associated Press Writer, page 7. For the first time in two decades, a Grand Sumo tournament will be held in the United States, at the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino in Las Vegas from Oct. 7-9. Mongolian-born Grand Champion Asashoryu, known for controversy in Japan, is expected to be the tournament’s biggest draw.
- Lotte Manager Says Majors Should Expand to Japan, by Jim Armstrong, AP Sports Writer, page 7. Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, now managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, argues that Major League Baseball should expand to Asia, particularly Japan. Valentine praised the competitiveness of Japanese teams like the Softbank Hawks and discussed his own career managing in Japan’s Pacific League.
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