Hello, hello readers! So, obviously you can tell that it's been forever since my last post. Apologies for not being a good blogger for the last few months! But there is so much to catch up on that I'm not even sure I could get this blog up to date, but I'll just let you know some random stuff.
1. My favorite guy from the beginning on The Bachelorette won!!...if you can call it winning... Anyways, that was very exciting and what a great season! I'm officially a Bachelorette convert, I love it.
2. I had a great summer of dance at ADF. I loved my teachers and my classes, but I really fell in love with the Doug Varone dance company. I took a master class with one of his dancers and absolutely loved it, so great!
3. After ADF, I went to visit my mom and was crazy busy taking part in all the outdoor activities offered in the mountains of North Carolina. P.S. I absolutely love kayaking!
4. Back in Houston, weather is crazy with over thirty days of triple digit heat. It was ridiculous!
5. Back in DC, we just got through a hurricane...what??
6. I have a place to live for this year, YAY! It's definitely kind of far from campus and an uphill walk to get to campus, but it is very large, really nice and fully furnished and those are positives all around.
7. First day of senior year is tomorrow!! Simultaneously super excited and nervous for the end, yikes.
8. I got an internship as the dance assistant for the dance teacher at some DC charter schools. Very excited but it's definitely gonna test my ability to be disciplined with myself and be a good teacher.
That's most of what's happened the past few months, so now we can move on to the future! WHOOP!!!
P.S. sorry for all the exclamation points...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Performances Galore!
It's been so long since my last post!! Once you're in the groove of things here at ADF, you tend to forget the outside world and time passes so fast! I can't believe it's been over two weeks since my last post because it feels like just yesterday that the festival even began. I was planning to write a post over a week ago about the performances we had seen so far and give you my own personal in-depth analysis of all the companies, but now there are so many that I'm just gonna give you a few tidbits and some videos instead.
Rosas - ROSAS DANST ROSAS
Four women, a lot of repetition, powerful, eye-catching, really really liked it! Here's an excerpt of the piece...not sure why it's being performed in a room that looks like an institution, but we saw it on a stage obviously haha.
Yossi Berg & Oded Graf - Animal Lost
Well, this was special. Animal masks, Israeli, shaking their hips for long periods of time, random words (i.e. saying "sausages, sausages, sausages" over and over again). In general it was hilarious, but definitely not what I would call a good piece.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company - D Man in the Water
Bill T. Jones performed three pieces, which were all beautiful. For some reason, at some point in each of the pieces I just wanted to cry because it was touching without you really knowing why. The highlight of the show was the last piece D Man in the Water that ADF had reconstructed for Charles L. Reinhart's last year. I wouldn't necessarily say that Jones' movement is extremely interesting but he really knows how to make use of his dancers and create a great piece visually and that is really powerful. Definitely loved this piece! Here's a clip of my favorite part.
Tao Dance Theater - 2
This is Tao Dance Theater's US premiere and the two dancer company is also in residence at ADF for the summer. They are certainly two very striking dancers with their sinewy movements and shaved heads. I love to watch them and was so excited for this show. However, even though their movement was very interesting, they utilized repetition too much and made their interesting movement really mundane because there were no dynamics or new ideas introduced. Also the music was a little hard to stand. So, beautiful dancers, not such a beautiful piece.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Evidence A Dance Company
So DCDC had great dancers but I didn't particularly enjoy either of their pieces. They definitely had beastly dancers but one of their pieces Vespers brought up the question of whether you can be artistic while also utilizing a lot of technique (i.e. turns/pirouettes in this case). It's definitely a fine line. Evidence on the the other hand, well they basically remind me of how uncool I am because their dancers are these gorgeous, funky, strong black dancers and they just put the rest of us to shame. However, even though their dancers are great, I'm not super impressed with their pieces. One of them was cute but just seemed like a dance party on stage. The other Grace was better and I had seen it previously back in DC. The most interesting part of Ron K. Brown's work for Evidence is his ability to be funky while also having a reverential quality. Not a great for me but definitely fun!
So, I tried to keep it brief but I was definitely getting more verbose as the post went on...oops. I've had many other adventures in the last two weeks but I'll share those with y'all another time. I'm just enjoying all my classes, which I love, and time spent on our porch reading and going out to dinner and having a beer with good friends. Great times!
Rosas - ROSAS DANST ROSAS
Four women, a lot of repetition, powerful, eye-catching, really really liked it! Here's an excerpt of the piece...not sure why it's being performed in a room that looks like an institution, but we saw it on a stage obviously haha.
Yossi Berg & Oded Graf - Animal Lost
Well, this was special. Animal masks, Israeli, shaking their hips for long periods of time, random words (i.e. saying "sausages, sausages, sausages" over and over again). In general it was hilarious, but definitely not what I would call a good piece.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company - D Man in the Water
Bill T. Jones performed three pieces, which were all beautiful. For some reason, at some point in each of the pieces I just wanted to cry because it was touching without you really knowing why. The highlight of the show was the last piece D Man in the Water that ADF had reconstructed for Charles L. Reinhart's last year. I wouldn't necessarily say that Jones' movement is extremely interesting but he really knows how to make use of his dancers and create a great piece visually and that is really powerful. Definitely loved this piece! Here's a clip of my favorite part.
Tao Dance Theater - 2
This is Tao Dance Theater's US premiere and the two dancer company is also in residence at ADF for the summer. They are certainly two very striking dancers with their sinewy movements and shaved heads. I love to watch them and was so excited for this show. However, even though their movement was very interesting, they utilized repetition too much and made their interesting movement really mundane because there were no dynamics or new ideas introduced. Also the music was a little hard to stand. So, beautiful dancers, not such a beautiful piece.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Evidence A Dance Company
So DCDC had great dancers but I didn't particularly enjoy either of their pieces. They definitely had beastly dancers but one of their pieces Vespers brought up the question of whether you can be artistic while also utilizing a lot of technique (i.e. turns/pirouettes in this case). It's definitely a fine line. Evidence on the the other hand, well they basically remind me of how uncool I am because their dancers are these gorgeous, funky, strong black dancers and they just put the rest of us to shame. However, even though their dancers are great, I'm not super impressed with their pieces. One of them was cute but just seemed like a dance party on stage. The other Grace was better and I had seen it previously back in DC. The most interesting part of Ron K. Brown's work for Evidence is his ability to be funky while also having a reverential quality. Not a great for me but definitely fun!
So, I tried to keep it brief but I was definitely getting more verbose as the post went on...oops. I've had many other adventures in the last two weeks but I'll share those with y'all another time. I'm just enjoying all my classes, which I love, and time spent on our porch reading and going out to dinner and having a beer with good friends. Great times!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Amazing Grace Philosophy: ADF Begins
life is a classroom. we are both student and teacher. each day is a test. and each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular subject: grace. grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, reverence, and the list goes on. it's something money can't buy and credentials rarely produce. being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest, or even the poorest, can't help. being a humble person can and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with grace and gratitude.
This passage was given to me by my amazing dance director Stacie Zimmerman back in high school before my dance team was to leave for our nationals competition and it has continued to be important to me. It represents so many morals and ideals that I believe in and try to exude day to day. I wouldn't say I'm a religious person but I believe that by being a compassionate and kind person I will be guided in the right direction. So, it's my third official day at the American Dance Festival and we've already been through a lot. We've had preview classes, performances, award ceremonies, and, of course, auditions. When it comes to auditions, the above passage really comes into play for me. Everyone has so many hopes and desires to be cast in something offered, whether it's a repertory class or the more "lofty" Past/Forward pieces. But I think it's really important to not let things like that get away from you. If dancers do, I find that they become really wrapped up in themselves and self-involved vs. those that don't, who seem more calm and centered.
However, it isn't just the way people present themselves, but the way that they engage with their peers. There becomes a danger of putting down what your peers are feeling by letting the audition process get away from you. By acting superior or cocky, it becomes demeaning to your fellow dancers and de-emphasizes the importance of their feelings and hopes. So, as we go through more auditions in the next few days, I personally want to think of this passage and be compassionate, grateful, reverent, and kind to those around me and never put myself above the others that are around. Already, it's been a better process than last summer. Through all three auditions today, I left with no regrets and was merely happy to have been able to learn snippets of such great work that will be shown this summer.
And speaking of performances from this summer, already we've had one that was on Thursday night. This year, ADF is celebrating Charles L. Reinhart, who has been the director of ADF for decades now and actually moved ADF down south to Duke University. He's been an important force for the modern dance community and with his retirement as director, we'll be spending all summer making him feel loved! This began with the Thursday night gala performance where African American Dance Ensemble, Mark Dendy, Scottish Dance Theatre, Martha Clarke, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago all had some of their work performed. I was most looking forward to seeing Hubbard Street but was really wowed! by Scottish Dance Theatre. They took their partnering skills and floorwork to a whole new level! Loved them!! Here's a clip of the piece they performed (it doesn't give you a very good perspective but better than nothing!).
Tomorrow night, we'll be seeing Rosas, which is a company from Belguim and also something one of my modern teachers suggested I might like, so super psyched for that. It'll also be a day of more preview classes and auditions for those that got called back. More updates to come! To end this post, I'll leave you with two quotes I found recently that I think really define my life right now.
- St. Catherine of Siena
"You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive."
- Merce Cunningham
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Playing Catch Up!
Baaahhh!! I've had so much that I've wanted to blog about lately that this post is all about playing catch up, so I might be a little verbose. The last few weeks at home have been crazy with me hanging out with friends before ADF, running errands, and hanging out with my papa, which is why it's been so difficult to find time to blog. So, here's some things that have made an impression on me or been entertaining from the last few weeks.
The Bachelorette
Yes, I am a Bachelorette watcher. Although I have to say I began watching it only because I watched Bachelor Pad last summer and I thought it was hilarious! For those that don't know, that show had contestants from past seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette that didn't "find" love. It was pretty much just a ridiculous competition show and that's really how I saw all these shows initially, which is why my dad and I started watching the seventh season this summer for a good laugh. The first two episodes were just sooo dramatic and hilarious, but I woke up early this morning to watch the latest episode from last night and my opinion has changed a little. I still think the show is contrived, but I also feel like that there are a few contestants and the bachelorette Asheley who genuinely feel invested in the process of the show.
Personally, I always felt like the show didn't allow for a real relationship to happen because they always have grandiose dates that would never really happen in life (i.e. jetting off to Vegas for a first date) and part of getting to know someone is seeing what they choose for a date. An average date allows you to see what the other person wants you to know about them and what they like vs. the show where they're forced to follow the show or the decisions of the bachelor/bachelorette, which is pretty one-sided. So, even though some pretty ridiculous and dramatic things happened in this past episode with a couple of the guys, I felt like it allowed the audience to really see how Ashley and the guys were thinking and feeling. This really came out for me when JP had his date with Ashley after Bentley left and they were able to just hang at her place and be homebodies.
Even though I think the show is kinda ridiculous, I have liked JP from the first episode and I actually thought, why is such a cool and normal guy going through this whole thing, he could do so much better! But he's brought a level of normality to the show that the others don't. I initially liked him cause he reminded me of Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer) but his comments on the show show how he believes that real relationships develop when things are the most casual and I totally agree! It's nice to do something crazy or get fancy but that's not an everyday way of living. So basically, he's my front-runner, although I think he can do better than Ashley (despite how sweet she is)!
On the other hand, has anyone else noticed how awesome Chris Harrison the host of the show is?? I would not be surprised if someone on the show had fallen in love with him! His chat with Ashley before the rose ceremony showed real insight. In an article I read that included parts of an interview with him, you can tell he thinks the show can be overdone but he is also really invested in the contestants and feels bad for what Ashley had to go through. It was also interesting to hear him tell Ashley that the show has no rules and that they do what Ashley wants them to do, which is more than I thought they would allow her! Basically Chris Harrison is awesome and one of the best parts of the show!
Midnight in Paris
On to other news, this past Saturday my dad and I had a day of fun running around Houston shopping and then we went and saw the new Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris. After seeing the trailer, I really wanted to see the film cause I feel like I share very similar thoughts to the main character, played by Owen Wilson, in the film. Basically, Allen's most recent film is about a writer Gil (Wilson) who is visiting Paris with his fiancee (Rachel McAdams) and her parents when he discovers 1920s Paris at midnight when he goes on a walk through the city. Gil is nostalgic for the past and believes he was meant to be born in another era, a golden age of creativity: the 1920s. So when he discovers this ability to go to 1920s Paris and meet the greats, such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Dali, he feels totally in awe! While there, he meets one of Pablo Picasso's mistresses Adriana (Marion Cotillard) and they begin having a relationship. However, Gil sees his own nostalgia mirrored in Adriana who dreams of living in her golden-age at the turn of the century. In the end, Gil realizes that everyone wishes for another time and most don't see the greatness that surrounds them in the present.
This film really resonated with me because, as you can tell by the title of my blog, I often feel like I was meant to have lived in another era and that I would have appreciated the lifestyles of past periods. I won't say that this film changed my view cause that's just way too cheesy of me, but I do think it was a really interesting concept for a film. Of course there was also a lot of great comedy in the film, especially if you're really knowledgeable about works from the 1920s and all the great artists because the references they make are hilarious!! It's in limited release but if it's playing near you, I highly suggest it!
Deep-Frying
Alright, we're coming to a close, but one last thing I want to mention. I was talking to a good friend of mine about my recent cooking escapades and she said I should write about it on here because she loves cooking blogs, so this one is for you (you know who you are!). My dad and I love to watch the show America's Test Kitchen (I've mentioned it in a previous blog) and we love to try the recipes that they show. Two of them were about making homemade french fries. Naturally we go out and buy a couple pounds of potatoes, a Dutch Oven, and a whole lot of peanut oil and get to cooking! We had so much fun with this recipe that we became obsessed with the idea of deep-frying and were constantly talking about deep-frying all foods (i.e. pineapple, shrimp, onion rings). The suggestions for what to deep-fry became more and more outrageous as time went by, but in the end, we only made french fries. Of the two recipes, my favorite was the Crunchy Potato Wedges, so go out and buy yourself some potatoes and oil and get to cooking!!
The Bachelorette
Yes, I am a Bachelorette watcher. Although I have to say I began watching it only because I watched Bachelor Pad last summer and I thought it was hilarious! For those that don't know, that show had contestants from past seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette that didn't "find" love. It was pretty much just a ridiculous competition show and that's really how I saw all these shows initially, which is why my dad and I started watching the seventh season this summer for a good laugh. The first two episodes were just sooo dramatic and hilarious, but I woke up early this morning to watch the latest episode from last night and my opinion has changed a little. I still think the show is contrived, but I also feel like that there are a few contestants and the bachelorette Asheley who genuinely feel invested in the process of the show.
Personally, I always felt like the show didn't allow for a real relationship to happen because they always have grandiose dates that would never really happen in life (i.e. jetting off to Vegas for a first date) and part of getting to know someone is seeing what they choose for a date. An average date allows you to see what the other person wants you to know about them and what they like vs. the show where they're forced to follow the show or the decisions of the bachelor/bachelorette, which is pretty one-sided. So, even though some pretty ridiculous and dramatic things happened in this past episode with a couple of the guys, I felt like it allowed the audience to really see how Ashley and the guys were thinking and feeling. This really came out for me when JP had his date with Ashley after Bentley left and they were able to just hang at her place and be homebodies.
 | |
| JP - The Bachelorette Contestant |
On the other hand, has anyone else noticed how awesome Chris Harrison the host of the show is?? I would not be surprised if someone on the show had fallen in love with him! His chat with Ashley before the rose ceremony showed real insight. In an article I read that included parts of an interview with him, you can tell he thinks the show can be overdone but he is also really invested in the contestants and feels bad for what Ashley had to go through. It was also interesting to hear him tell Ashley that the show has no rules and that they do what Ashley wants them to do, which is more than I thought they would allow her! Basically Chris Harrison is awesome and one of the best parts of the show!
 | ||
| Chris Harrison - Host of The Bachelorette |
Midnight in Paris
On to other news, this past Saturday my dad and I had a day of fun running around Houston shopping and then we went and saw the new Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris. After seeing the trailer, I really wanted to see the film cause I feel like I share very similar thoughts to the main character, played by Owen Wilson, in the film. Basically, Allen's most recent film is about a writer Gil (Wilson) who is visiting Paris with his fiancee (Rachel McAdams) and her parents when he discovers 1920s Paris at midnight when he goes on a walk through the city. Gil is nostalgic for the past and believes he was meant to be born in another era, a golden age of creativity: the 1920s. So when he discovers this ability to go to 1920s Paris and meet the greats, such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Dali, he feels totally in awe! While there, he meets one of Pablo Picasso's mistresses Adriana (Marion Cotillard) and they begin having a relationship. However, Gil sees his own nostalgia mirrored in Adriana who dreams of living in her golden-age at the turn of the century. In the end, Gil realizes that everyone wishes for another time and most don't see the greatness that surrounds them in the present.
This film really resonated with me because, as you can tell by the title of my blog, I often feel like I was meant to have lived in another era and that I would have appreciated the lifestyles of past periods. I won't say that this film changed my view cause that's just way too cheesy of me, but I do think it was a really interesting concept for a film. Of course there was also a lot of great comedy in the film, especially if you're really knowledgeable about works from the 1920s and all the great artists because the references they make are hilarious!! It's in limited release but if it's playing near you, I highly suggest it!
Deep-Frying
Alright, we're coming to a close, but one last thing I want to mention. I was talking to a good friend of mine about my recent cooking escapades and she said I should write about it on here because she loves cooking blogs, so this one is for you (you know who you are!). My dad and I love to watch the show America's Test Kitchen (I've mentioned it in a previous blog) and we love to try the recipes that they show. Two of them were about making homemade french fries. Naturally we go out and buy a couple pounds of potatoes, a Dutch Oven, and a whole lot of peanut oil and get to cooking! We had so much fun with this recipe that we became obsessed with the idea of deep-frying and were constantly talking about deep-frying all foods (i.e. pineapple, shrimp, onion rings). The suggestions for what to deep-fry became more and more outrageous as time went by, but in the end, we only made french fries. Of the two recipes, my favorite was the Crunchy Potato Wedges, so go out and buy yourself some potatoes and oil and get to cooking!!
Crunchy Potato Wedges
From the episode: Family Supper
If you don't have buttermilk, substitute 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let the mixture sit 15 minutes before using.
Serves 6. Ingredients
| 3 | large russet potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch wedges |
| 1 | cup buttermilk |
| 1 | teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1 | teaspoon garlic powder |
| 2 | teaspoons onion powder |
| 1/2 | cup cornstarch |
| 1/2 | teaspoon ground black pepper |
| 1/2 | teaspoon baking soda |
| 1 1/2 | cups all-purpose flour |
| 1/4 | cup vegetable oil or peanut oil, plus 3 quarts for frying |
| 4 | teaspoons kosher salt |
| 3/4 | teaspoon cayenne pepper |
Instructions
- Combine salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders, cayenne, and oregano in small bowl.
- Toss potato wedges with 4 teaspoons spice mixture and 1_4 cup oil in large microwave-safe bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, 7 to 9 minutes, shaking bowl (without removing plastic) to redistribute potatoes halfway through cooking. Slowly remove plastic wrap from bowl (be careful of steam) and drain potatoes. Arrange potatoes on rimmed baking sheet and cool until potatoes firm up, about 10 minutes. (Potatoes can be held at room temperature for up to 2 hours.)
- Heat remaining 3 quarts oil in large Dutch oven over high heat to 340 degrees. Meanwhile, combine flour and cornstarch in medium bowl and whisk buttermilk and baking soda in large bowl. Working in 2 batches, dredge potato wedges in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip back into bowl, then coat again in flour mixture. Shake off excess and place on wire rack. (Potatoes can be coated up to 30 minutes in advance.)
- When oil is ready, add half the coated wedges and fry until deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer wedges to large bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon spice mixture. Drain wedges on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Return oil to 340 degrees and repeat with second batch of wedges. Serve with extra seasoning on side.
Make Ahead: Our Crunchy Potato Wedges freeze very well. Follow steps 1 through 4, frying each batch of wedges until they are light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not toss with seasoning, and drain and cool potatoes completely on baking sheet lined with paper towels. Freeze wedges on baking sheet until completely frozen, about 2 hours, then transfer potatoes to zipper-lock storage bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, heat 3 quarts oil to 340 degrees and cook in 2 batches until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Toss with seasonings, drain, and serve.
From America's Test Kitchen
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Are Asians Desperate to Look Like Westerners?
To prequel this post, I ask that you watch/read/skim through this CNN article Plastic surgery boom as Asians seek 'western' look in order to understand my point of view. Since I'm half Chinese and know several Chinese and Korean women as well as American women who have received plastic surgery, I feel somewhat qualified to give an opinion on this topic.
The reason that this article first interested me was because of my Corset of Democracy history class I took this past semester. It was a class where we talked about fashion trends in America and and the effect society had on fashion. Towards the end of the semester, this included talking about body modification, of which plastic surgery is one type of modification. About a month and a half ago, there was a story in the news of young girl here in the USA that received plastic surgery to "correct" her ears because she was embarrassed by how they stuck out. Although I don't remember the exact details, needless to say the girl was young enough for me to be sufficiently horrified by the fact that she was receiving cosmetic surgery. It's because of that article that I was interested in this particular article.
However, it wasn't age that was the main topic introduced with this article. Sure, they did emphasize how drastic it was for such a young girl to get surgery, but the more important emphasis of this article was that Asian women were using cosmetic surgery as a means of denying their culture and heritage by changing their faces to achieve a more "western" appearance. Well, being Asian myself, I could sort of understand on the surface level, but the more I thought about it, I did not agree with this conclusion.
We had a very similar conversation along these lines in my fashion class. My professor for that class posed to us the question: Is it okay for women to receive cosmetic surgery? Although generally the class felt that they would personally never receive cosmetic surgery, we mostly agreed that it's a woman's prerogative to do what she wants with her body. But when the teacher asked whether it was okay for an ethnic woman, such as an Asian, to receive cosmetic surgery, suddenly more felt that no, it wasn't okay. Their argument was that by having this surgery, they were denying who they are as a different culture and conforming to western ideals of beauty. Well, I have various issues with this analysis both made by my peers and by parts of the CNN article.
1. Double eye-lids though mostly uncommon among Asian society is not completely absent and if I were ever to receive surgery, I could see the benefits of getting the double eye-lid surgery. People have occasionally commented on my "sleepy" appearance, i.e. my eyes don't open very wide therefore I look tired a lot. Personally, the only reason I would want to get that surgery is to look more alert not because I'm desperately trying to get the doe-eyed look of Dakota Fanning. The fact is, maybe some Asians want the look for the same reason and they point out western models because they're the most obvious example of that.
2. Isn't all plastic surgery in a sense denying one's cultural heritage? It's not like every western woman has all great attributes because if they did, they wouldn't need to get nose jobs or eye lifts or any other surgery either. Various people have various features depending on which western culture they descended from, but by getting cosmetic surgery, aren't they also altering their looks to get the features of another culture? So, why is it just wrong for Asians to want to resemble other cultures that they see?
3. In the end, if a woman is only receiving surgery for one thing, it's not like she suddenly totally appears like a westerner and looks nothing like an Asian. Unless drastic steps are taken, an Asian still looks Asian despite one or two changed features.
4. Lastly, it's not like westerners aren't attempting to get some of the same features as Asians. One of the most common things I get complimented on is my super straight, non-frizzy Chinese hair. For this reason, what is one of the biggest selling beauty products for women? The hair straightener. I constantly hear girls complain about wanting straight hair and being unable to live without their straighteners. Isn't that, in a more temporary sense, a form of body modification?
In general, it appears to me that women see certain features that attract them and they want those features as well. Due to the high prevalence of western models and actors, it's no wonder women around the world, including Asia are identifying with certain characteristics of western beauty, but it doesn't mean they want to look like a westerner. If they did, we'd have hair dyeing and skin bleaching and ridiculous amounts of extreme surgery, but we don't. And westerners see certain things they like in Asian culture as well and borrow them for their own beauty practices.
Personally, I don't support plastic surgery at all. I think it's denying a person's identity, which includes their culture, but more specifically their individuality. Not to mention it's still surgery and an extremely dangerous situation to be deliberately putting yourself into. However, since people seem determined to keep doing it, then I at least demand equal opportunities for all races to rip off each others features because there is no western ideal of beauty, there's only a world ideal of beauty, one where each person likes what they like despite influences by the fashion industry.
The reason that this article first interested me was because of my Corset of Democracy history class I took this past semester. It was a class where we talked about fashion trends in America and and the effect society had on fashion. Towards the end of the semester, this included talking about body modification, of which plastic surgery is one type of modification. About a month and a half ago, there was a story in the news of young girl here in the USA that received plastic surgery to "correct" her ears because she was embarrassed by how they stuck out. Although I don't remember the exact details, needless to say the girl was young enough for me to be sufficiently horrified by the fact that she was receiving cosmetic surgery. It's because of that article that I was interested in this particular article.
However, it wasn't age that was the main topic introduced with this article. Sure, they did emphasize how drastic it was for such a young girl to get surgery, but the more important emphasis of this article was that Asian women were using cosmetic surgery as a means of denying their culture and heritage by changing their faces to achieve a more "western" appearance. Well, being Asian myself, I could sort of understand on the surface level, but the more I thought about it, I did not agree with this conclusion.
We had a very similar conversation along these lines in my fashion class. My professor for that class posed to us the question: Is it okay for women to receive cosmetic surgery? Although generally the class felt that they would personally never receive cosmetic surgery, we mostly agreed that it's a woman's prerogative to do what she wants with her body. But when the teacher asked whether it was okay for an ethnic woman, such as an Asian, to receive cosmetic surgery, suddenly more felt that no, it wasn't okay. Their argument was that by having this surgery, they were denying who they are as a different culture and conforming to western ideals of beauty. Well, I have various issues with this analysis both made by my peers and by parts of the CNN article.
1. Double eye-lids though mostly uncommon among Asian society is not completely absent and if I were ever to receive surgery, I could see the benefits of getting the double eye-lid surgery. People have occasionally commented on my "sleepy" appearance, i.e. my eyes don't open very wide therefore I look tired a lot. Personally, the only reason I would want to get that surgery is to look more alert not because I'm desperately trying to get the doe-eyed look of Dakota Fanning. The fact is, maybe some Asians want the look for the same reason and they point out western models because they're the most obvious example of that.
2. Isn't all plastic surgery in a sense denying one's cultural heritage? It's not like every western woman has all great attributes because if they did, they wouldn't need to get nose jobs or eye lifts or any other surgery either. Various people have various features depending on which western culture they descended from, but by getting cosmetic surgery, aren't they also altering their looks to get the features of another culture? So, why is it just wrong for Asians to want to resemble other cultures that they see?
3. In the end, if a woman is only receiving surgery for one thing, it's not like she suddenly totally appears like a westerner and looks nothing like an Asian. Unless drastic steps are taken, an Asian still looks Asian despite one or two changed features.
4. Lastly, it's not like westerners aren't attempting to get some of the same features as Asians. One of the most common things I get complimented on is my super straight, non-frizzy Chinese hair. For this reason, what is one of the biggest selling beauty products for women? The hair straightener. I constantly hear girls complain about wanting straight hair and being unable to live without their straighteners. Isn't that, in a more temporary sense, a form of body modification?
In general, it appears to me that women see certain features that attract them and they want those features as well. Due to the high prevalence of western models and actors, it's no wonder women around the world, including Asia are identifying with certain characteristics of western beauty, but it doesn't mean they want to look like a westerner. If they did, we'd have hair dyeing and skin bleaching and ridiculous amounts of extreme surgery, but we don't. And westerners see certain things they like in Asian culture as well and borrow them for their own beauty practices.
Personally, I don't support plastic surgery at all. I think it's denying a person's identity, which includes their culture, but more specifically their individuality. Not to mention it's still surgery and an extremely dangerous situation to be deliberately putting yourself into. However, since people seem determined to keep doing it, then I at least demand equal opportunities for all races to rip off each others features because there is no western ideal of beauty, there's only a world ideal of beauty, one where each person likes what they like despite influences by the fashion industry.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Lovin' on Netflix
My family has had a Netflix account for years and years now. I definitely had a little obsession with it when we first got it. I mean, when you consider my love for movies, it's pretty obvious what a great tool it is to be able to queue up any and all movies that interest me, then from there they get delivered straight into our mailbox. However, once I went off to college my dad refused to let me have my own account at school. Initially, I was disappointed but it really did make sense in the end (of course dad would be right). Anyways, since then, coming home every holiday has been made even more exciting with the ability to use our Netflix account once again. Even though at school I can watch the movies on the Instant Watch option, it does limit the amount of good movies I get to see, so being able to get anything once I come home is great!
Therefore, my last few weeks have contained a whole slew of varying movies, some good and some not. On the not side was Blue Valentine, truly just plain bad, and the first disc of a 1970s television miniseries Lillie that I could just not sit through. But some good ones included the documentary Paul Taylor: Dancemaker, which if you're interested in dance, like I am, is a great film about the very famous modern choreographer, Paul Taylor. I also got the espionage thriller The International starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. Along similar lines, my dad had the movie Fair Game, based on the real life events of CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson, whose cover was blown by members of Vice President Cheney's office. If you like spy movies, that was a great one, not only for the plot, but just knowing that it actually happened! My dad bought me the autobiography of the same title written by Wilson, which I'm currently reading.
Anyways, my most recent film from Netflix was the 2000 film Memento starring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Ann Moss. I put it at the top of my queue not really knowing what it was, it was a movie I put on my queue back when we first got our account. Since there aren't any particular movies I've wanted to see, I've been putting random ones at the top of my list just to see what I'd get. This was a definite winner! Definitely a psychological thriller and a "thinking" film, it is presented in a fragmented manner in order to parallel the short-term memory loss that the main character suffers from, which creates a suspenseful and captivating story. If you end up watching this, make sure to pause the movie when you go for a bathroom break or to refill your drink, otherwise you might miss something crucial.
Therefore, my last few weeks have contained a whole slew of varying movies, some good and some not. On the not side was Blue Valentine, truly just plain bad, and the first disc of a 1970s television miniseries Lillie that I could just not sit through. But some good ones included the documentary Paul Taylor: Dancemaker, which if you're interested in dance, like I am, is a great film about the very famous modern choreographer, Paul Taylor. I also got the espionage thriller The International starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. Along similar lines, my dad had the movie Fair Game, based on the real life events of CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson, whose cover was blown by members of Vice President Cheney's office. If you like spy movies, that was a great one, not only for the plot, but just knowing that it actually happened! My dad bought me the autobiography of the same title written by Wilson, which I'm currently reading.
Anyways, my most recent film from Netflix was the 2000 film Memento starring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Ann Moss. I put it at the top of my queue not really knowing what it was, it was a movie I put on my queue back when we first got our account. Since there aren't any particular movies I've wanted to see, I've been putting random ones at the top of my list just to see what I'd get. This was a definite winner! Definitely a psychological thriller and a "thinking" film, it is presented in a fragmented manner in order to parallel the short-term memory loss that the main character suffers from, which creates a suspenseful and captivating story. If you end up watching this, make sure to pause the movie when you go for a bathroom break or to refill your drink, otherwise you might miss something crucial.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Texas Living
So it's been a week being back in Texas and I've been trying to keep myself busy, which is not always easy given the serious lack of places and things to do compared to DC but I'm making it work. The first few days consisted mostly of helping my friend Jen out with baking a ridiculous amount of baked goods. I've also been lucky enough to see three of four of my closest friends. Each one is busy doing their own thing this summer and it just proves how much we're all growing up...scary. It's just so shocking to think that we'll all be graduated from undergrad by this time next year, for Julianna even earlier than that! And as people keep mentioning it to us, we actually have to start seriously thinking about what it is we're planning to do for a living...so bizarre...
But besides all this, I've also been busy watching movies (of course), reading books, and being a yogi.
I finally went and saw Something Borrowed with Jen after several failed attempts and even though it didn't get great reviews, I think it was pretty cute for a romantic comedy. I love the guys in the film, Colin Egglesfield as Dex and John Krasinski as Ethan, they're pretty hilar. So, I say go see it just for fun! Also, I'm a huge fan of trailer-watching (always have to get to the movies early) because it's how I find the movies I want to see next. For this one, some of the movies that look good that will be coming out this summer are Crazy Stupid Love, One Day, and Friends with Benefits look them up! And of course they also showed the trailer for the last Harry Potter movie, which was very exciting, can't wait!
Next, the new Sarah Dessen book What Happened to Goodbye came out on Tuesday and I read that. It was cute but, I think it's because I'm no longer a teenager, I didn't enjoy it as much as some of her past books. However, I do suggest reading some of her other books, some of my favorites are The Truth About Forever, This Lullaby, Just Listen, Keeping the Moon, and Along for the Ride. Definitely look them up if you're bored! In general I've been looking for some new reading material, so if you have any suggestions let me know. I'm already planning to finish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy and read Octavia Butler's Fledgling, which my professor told me was gonna be read for one of my classes next semester.
Last, I've been trying to keep myself in shape for my dance activities later this summer. For those that don't know, I will be attending the American Dance Festival Six Week School for the second year in a row at Duke University. It's a dance intensive where we get to dance for six hours a day and meet tons of great teachers and get to experience all different forms of dance, specifically modern dance. Well, from my experience last year, I definitely want to be in shape for when I get there otherwise I will be sore for a good two weeks before getting acclimated to the pace at ADF. For that reason, I've been taking yoga at a local studio near me. It's not my favorite type of yoga but it gets the job done. I really want to be taking dance classes but Houston is lacking in choices and what places there are, are very far from where I live, making me drive about an hour to get to them...lame. So, yoga it is! Also, along with my love for yoga, I've also discovered another love: lululemon clothing! I love their yoga gear so much! So if you're ever wondering what to get me for a birthday...lululemon gift card?
Anyways, the summer is just beginning and I have a ton of things to get done before I head off to ADF, including doctors appointments, apartment applications for next school year, and in general, not being bored for the next three weeks, which includes a rollercoaster-filled trip to Fiesta Texas!
But besides all this, I've also been busy watching movies (of course), reading books, and being a yogi.
I finally went and saw Something Borrowed with Jen after several failed attempts and even though it didn't get great reviews, I think it was pretty cute for a romantic comedy. I love the guys in the film, Colin Egglesfield as Dex and John Krasinski as Ethan, they're pretty hilar. So, I say go see it just for fun! Also, I'm a huge fan of trailer-watching (always have to get to the movies early) because it's how I find the movies I want to see next. For this one, some of the movies that look good that will be coming out this summer are Crazy Stupid Love, One Day, and Friends with Benefits look them up! And of course they also showed the trailer for the last Harry Potter movie, which was very exciting, can't wait!
Next, the new Sarah Dessen book What Happened to Goodbye came out on Tuesday and I read that. It was cute but, I think it's because I'm no longer a teenager, I didn't enjoy it as much as some of her past books. However, I do suggest reading some of her other books, some of my favorites are The Truth About Forever, This Lullaby, Just Listen, Keeping the Moon, and Along for the Ride. Definitely look them up if you're bored! In general I've been looking for some new reading material, so if you have any suggestions let me know. I'm already planning to finish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy and read Octavia Butler's Fledgling, which my professor told me was gonna be read for one of my classes next semester.
Last, I've been trying to keep myself in shape for my dance activities later this summer. For those that don't know, I will be attending the American Dance Festival Six Week School for the second year in a row at Duke University. It's a dance intensive where we get to dance for six hours a day and meet tons of great teachers and get to experience all different forms of dance, specifically modern dance. Well, from my experience last year, I definitely want to be in shape for when I get there otherwise I will be sore for a good two weeks before getting acclimated to the pace at ADF. For that reason, I've been taking yoga at a local studio near me. It's not my favorite type of yoga but it gets the job done. I really want to be taking dance classes but Houston is lacking in choices and what places there are, are very far from where I live, making me drive about an hour to get to them...lame. So, yoga it is! Also, along with my love for yoga, I've also discovered another love: lululemon clothing! I love their yoga gear so much! So if you're ever wondering what to get me for a birthday...lululemon gift card?
Anyways, the summer is just beginning and I have a ton of things to get done before I head off to ADF, including doctors appointments, apartment applications for next school year, and in general, not being bored for the next three weeks, which includes a rollercoaster-filled trip to Fiesta Texas!
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