API Collective at The New School

We need to talk about this. During tonight's 2016 B.E.T Awards, French Montana, Fat Joe, and Remy Ma performed their hit song "All The Way Up" with a backdrop o...f Japan, complete with traditional Japanese architecture, and a camp full of dancing Geishas and Samurais swinging their swords and paper fans. And you know what? I. AM. HERE. FOR. ALL. OF. THIS!!!!!!!! The rich tapestry of Oriental culture in "All The Way Up" was a red envelope of respect that us Oriental-Americans have tried to accomplish all year, but couldn't given our lack of artistry and originality. Gone are the days of Orientals having to worry about representing themselves. In 2016, we Orientals can sit back, count our yen with our slender fingers, and watch as Scarlett Johansson, Fat Joe, and the cast of "The Mikado" do the heavy rifting for us. Now, I know I'm gonna get hate from my fellow Orientals but, please, check your facts, ya ungrateful chinks: 1. Two words: Remy Ma. "Ma" is an authentic Chinese surname and thus, functions as a placeholder for Asian genetics. She's as Asian as the Ying Yang Twins and THAT'S like, more Asian than I am. 2. This is NOT appropriation, but pure, mutual appreciation. Hell, Asians appropriate Black culture all the time, so it's only fair that we get a taste of our own medicine! Why can't we get it through our thick zipper heads that sometimes, we MUST dance in front of millions of Americans in traditional garb as punishment? I mean, duh? It's not wocket science! Chris Rock didn't parade three Asian children during the 2016 Oscars for nothing. It was an invitation! 3. The ONLY criticism that I have is the use of the samurai swords. I mean, that's just unsafe, and that upward thrusting motion is not even an authentic move. Next time, try Tiger-style. Overall, this display of Oriental solidarity moved my yellow heart. It allowed me to see myself as French Montana, on stage, dressed in a Chinese-style Qipao. It gave me an opportunity to journey through the mystical world of Asia with lyrics like "I'm talkin' color money, purple yen and blue dirham," pass through a cloud of opium smoke and see, for myself, what it means to be an Oriental-American. A real... living... breathing.... Oriental-American.

OOOOOH Saturday JUNE 25TH Schedule : 2 - 5pm HAFU Documentary Screening & Discussion About Mixed Race Identity 3 - 5pm Vinyasa Yoga with Chauncie... 4 - 6pm Transracial & Transnational Adoption: Building homes//Making self A conversation. 6 - 10pm NGR Creative x BUFU: "Polymath" Workshop/Performance/Jam 6 pm Valentin Tribute to Nujabes 6:30 pm "Know Your Rights" Session 7:30 pm Intro to House Music and Dance w/ Cricket 8 pm House Dance Workshop 9 pm Mowri Live 9:30 pm Chazz Giovanni Live 10pm - 2am BUFU x GOOD VIBES

"Our culture can't just be ornamental and recreational. Our culture has to be the core of our resistance." #ThrowbackThursday #HaunaniKayTrask #CulturalPolitics #TheMoreYouKnow #StillRelevantToday Original Source Material: Hookokoa, 1985. N Maka o ka ina.

Young Muslim Americans read letters that Japanese Americans wrote during WWII while they were in incarceration camps in this powerful video from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and filmmaker Frank Chi.