The newest trend on the beaches of China is the "face-kini," a mask that covers the entire face, save the eyes, nose, and mouth. It's a not-so-attractive accessory that screams a message louder than a simple fashion faux-pas: Asian people hate dark skin. From ubiquitous caps to umbrellas on sunny days, we are taught to avoid the sun at a young age. Fair skin equates to … [Read more...] about Facekini & Asian Aversion to Tan Skin: a Precursor to Racism?
Featured
Vietnam May Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Some truly surprising news about Vietnam broke over the weekend: Once a country that condemned homosexuality as a "social evil" alongside drugs and prostitution, Vietnam is now considering legalizing same-sex marriage. The Wall Street Journal also reports that Vietnam will hold its first gay pride parade in Hanoi on August 5. The announcement that Vietnam may amend its current … [Read more...] about Vietnam May Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Len Duong: A Camp With A Heart
Although I grew up with few Vietnamese people around me, I was fortunate enough to have parents who instilled into me my Vietnamese heritage. As a young teenager brought up in a Caucasian community, I did pass through a brief identity crisis, but I was able to come to terms and cope with my differences by seeing them as special and unique. In addition, I no longer saw myself as … [Read more...] about Len Duong: A Camp With A Heart
Video Mondays: Children of the Tsunami
Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the triple catastrophes that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. While we often read about how quickly Japan has been able to clear out the debris, how some of the destroyed roads have already been repaved, and how some ports are even opening up for businesses again, the reality is that thousands of people are still missing or … [Read more...] about Video Mondays: Children of the Tsunami
Human Trafficking a Growing Global Scourge
On the 900-mile trek of mostly desert that stretches between Eritrea and Egypt, hunting for humans has become routine. Eritrean refugees who have fled their homeland fall prey to Bedouin or Egyptian traffickers. The refugees are held for ransom. Those with relatives abroad who can pay for their release might survive. Those who do not are often killed. The United Nations … [Read more...] about Human Trafficking a Growing Global Scourge