Every other weekend for the past seven years I drive home from University and help my parents sell pottery. My siblings and I ominously call it "the Store" -- as if it takes precedence over all other shopping experiences. Our weekends are spent mostly rearranging, and sometimes even selling, those huge clay pots that have become all the rage in middle class suburbia. "Hi, … [Read more...] about What’s in a Vietnamese name? Or, how to piss off your local barista.
Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Four score and seven minutes ago (party-on dudes!), I expressed some ambivalent feelings about Vietnamese representation in Luke Nguyen's Vietnam. Given the tantrum-like shit-storm that followed, I was hesitant to write the promised article, "Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity." After all, there's only so many people you can piss off before one of them comes after you. But … [Read more...] about Questionable Vietnamese Masculinity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Understanding the Asian Fetish Through the Colonial Logic of Pornography (NSFW)
In response to "Consuming Asianness," Mr. David Regenold asked a very thoughtful follow-up question that I haven't, until now, had a chance to address. He wanted to know, "Exactly where is this ["domestic" and "submissive" stereotype of Asian women] coming from? White Guys? Or is it a reflection of historical Asian domestic expectations?" I'd like to answer this question by … [Read more...] about Understanding the Asian Fetish Through the Colonial Logic of Pornography (NSFW)
Food, Accents, and Authenticity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
For those who don't yet know, I'm fond of all things food and Vietnamese. And judging by recent responses on VTP, I'm not the only one. I am, however, equally - if not more so - obsessed with the cultural production of “accents.” Imagine my delight then, when confronted with the Australian hybrid travel-cooking show, Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam. If I were a bit more sexually … [Read more...] about Food, Accents, and Authenticity in Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
Some Profanity Follows
For the five people who’ve read “Consuming Whiteness,” you may have noticed an odd caveat at the beginning of the article. It ominously reads, “The following post contains mild profanity. Read and enjoy!” In its companion piece, “Consuming Asianness,” the word “mild” was dropped altogether and the warning became, “Some profanity follows. Read and enjoy!” Have I been getting so … [Read more...] about Some Profanity Follows