Everyone shines a light for France. But who's going to shine the light for Beirut?

Nobody. And that's the truth. Because tonight, while all the western European countries are putting on pretty, poignant displays of French colours over their iconic buildings and bridges, the suffering of humans in Lebanon are ignored. And for the first time in my life, the hypocrisy is actually pissing me off. 

Yeah, lots of things are pissing me off these days. Incessant make-up advertisements tailored towards me simply because I'm a girl; stupid ass puns on Facebook; the cretins defending the Apple store security guard; "safe spaces", "trigger warnings" and sanctimonious "social justice warriors" all make me want to rip a stress ball to shreds. 

But at this very moment, nothing pisses me off more than hearing someone say "I'm not racist, but we need to stop accepting refugees" or worse, "turn them back, we need to protect our own citizens first." 

These people are so fucking selfish. Fuck. 

You are essentially saying that humans of the Middle East are not worth the same value of humans from first world European/Western societies. Somehow, they're of lesser quality. Not worth a response. 

Indeed, we've become so immune to violence in the Middle East, so used to hearing about Syrians, Lebanese, Libyans, Jordanians, Israelis, Palestinians, dying and being slaughtered - that it's not even 'news' anymore. Middle Eastern people aren't even 'humans' anymore. They're just facts, statistics, numbers that you see on a fucking screen. 

Syrians, for example, are victims of chemical attacks from their own government. They're being used as literal human shields by all sides, being locked up in cages and dragged in front of rebel tanks/cars/soldiers. They're being indiscriminately targeted by Russian airstrikes. Hundreds of thousands die. And netizens don't give a flyingggggg fuck.

Earlier this month, Syrian women caged by militants and used as shields against airstrikes.

To be honest, a few months ago, I probably wouldn't have given it that much thought either. I'd see the pictures, gasp, and then move on. But I don't want to have this response anymore.

Tonight really woke me up to that. 

I have Muslim friends from international student club groups at university who feel persecuted every day by the inane comments of racist Australians like Pauline Hanson. 

I have Cambodian friends whose parents fled their home country on shoddy boats to seek asylum in Australia and still deal with anti-"boat people" sentiment, while being illegally paid below-minimum wages. 

I have Sri Lankan friends whose families are scarred by the recent civil war between the Tamils and Sinhalese, and who carry those scars and tensions with them into the classroom even if they try to hide it.

I have been taught humanities by a (blonde-haired, blue-eyed) teacher who was a second generation Lebanese-Australian, who once brought in Lebanese food for the class, and whose son was also a student in my year level. 

I have grown up with Pakistani Muslims in primary school, including one boy who did a class project on Jet Li and shared his love of Linkin Park with a Vietnamese classmate in the computer rooms when they really weren't supposed to be there. 

I have listened to intelligent friends subconsciously uphold racist stereotypes with remarks like "sorry, I just don't date Asians". 

I have taken friends back home and listened to my relatives make off-hand racist remarks about how dark their complexions were, and how they might steal things from our house.  

I have had one friend also make off-hand racist 'jokes' about Indians smelling like curry and having dirty bathrooms while we were sitting inside an Indian restaurant, surrounded by Indian families. 

And while I love a few politically incorrect jokes myself, I would never fucking do that^.

So screw this world. Screw racists. Screw ignorance. And fuck your stupid little racist jokes. 

Wake the FUCK UP to what you are doing and contributing to. Put things in freaking perspective. Think of all the friends and acquaintances that might be affected by your words, or omissions. And stand up for them. 

Because as Emma Watson said - if not me, who? If not now, when? 

Asian actors in Hollywood; Misogyny in the gaming community

"A Leading Man" Depicts The Asian Male Actors Struggle In Hollywood - Destroy to Rebuild, 28/12/2012

More Asians actors and actresses in Hollywood pls.

The above link goes to an old post but one that touches on an ongoing issue that doesn't seem to be getting much attention from the mainstream press.  'A Leading Man' is a movie about a good looking Asian American guy named GQ (yes, we all thought of the magazine) who is an actor trying to make it big in Hollywood but struggling to break through the 'bamboo ceiling', a barrier that is described by Lucy Liu as being rejected by Hollywood for not being Asian enough or not being American enough.  And thus, with no strong independent leading roles given to Asians, they are typecast all the time.  You're always playing the 'funny chink' or some martial arts expert.  Those who don't make it into film get by in LA doing advertisements, as GQ seems to be doing in one shot as he takes a huge bite out from a six inch subway.  But this constant struggle with Hollywood's 'quiet racism' takes a toll on GQ, who starts to get really pissed off at the lack of dignity he is given in his roles, as well as the lack of recognition he gets as a real actor.

So in conclusion, it's a movie about how Asian American actors are stuck in an awkward third space that nobody else recognises as a problem in the film industry.

Even now, most Asian American actors and actresses end up playing supporting roles or are eschewed completely for an all-white main cast.  Actors end up playing the stereotypical Kung Fu/Karate guy (Jet Li, Lee Byung-hu), a villainous bastard (Will Yun Lee in Red Dawn) or a comical sidekick (Jay Chow in The Green Hornet, Aaron Yoo in Disturbia).  Actresses get typecast as an exotic love interest (Katie Leung as Cho Chang in HP Jamie Chung in The Hangover II), a kickass karate/kung fu girl (Rinko Kikuchi in Pacific Rim, Lucy Liu in Charlie's Angels, Maggie Q in Nikita, Rila Fukushima in The Wolverine - NEED I SAY MORE?) or a prudish college room-mate who is conservative and likes to stick with her 'Asian sisters' (Pitch Perfect).

Even Justin Chon, who was supposed to be the central character of '21 and Over' became conspicuously sidelined by Skylar Astin and Miles Teller, whom the movie was really focused on.  I was disappointed but hey - at least he got cast?  Even if he were cast as that small funny Asian guy with the stereotypical 'YOU MUST BE A DOCTOR OR GET OUT OF MY HOUSE' sort of dad...

This is why I'm really looking forward to seeing Jamie Chung in her new movie Eden.  It's based on a true story about a Korean-American girl who gets kidnapped and forced into becoming a sex slave, so yeah, there really was no choice but to cast an Asian actress.  But I'm still really excited to see Jamie Chung get more screen time and being able to play a strong leading role in a Hollywood film.  It's still quite a novelty and I really hope I can see more Asians being given non-typecast roles.  Go Jamie.

Every Misogynistic Argument You've Ever Heard About Video Games - Jezebel, 12/7/13

Summary   

An opinion piece posted by UBERTROUT on feminist website/forum Jezebel that seeks to own every elitist male gamer who has argued the following:

"Games aren't marketed to women because women don't play games.""Women aren't REAL gamers, they're just casuals.""Anyone who came to video games late isn't a REAL gamer.""Publishers don't make games with female protagonists because they wouldn't sell. Men don't want to play a female character because then they might kiss a dude and that'd be gay."

The piece's conclusion:

So to anyone who has ever made one of these arguments: you too can be saved from being an asshat. Just, y'know, stop making these arguments. Have a tiny bit of empathy for people who aren't you, and ask yourself — REALLY ask yourself — if the problem isn't women playing games, but the men who are too scared to share their toys with the scary, unknowable ladypersons.

Racist stereotyping: "Where are you from? Your English is perfect!"

Another isolated incident or a sign of pervasive racism in Australia?

School boy racially abused by 50-year-old woman on Sydney bus

FOOTAGE has emerged of yet another racial attack on a Sydney bus - but this time, the victim is a school boy.

Video posted to YouTube and aired on A Current Affair last night shows a 50-year-old woman hurling verbal profanities at a young male of Asian descent in a school uniform.

It all starts when, in order to protect "fragile equipment" stored in boxes, the boy and a friend decide to stand in the aisle of the bus while keeping the equipment safe on bus seats.

It's this that agitates the woman, who claims the pair are blocking her view.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national-news/school-boy-racially-abused-by-50-year-old-woman-on-sydney-bus/story-fncynjr2-1226657226955#ixzz2VFHJJ2vs

Fortunately, I have never been a direct victim of racism but I think I know exactly how this boy feels.  Being subject to explicit racism is an incredibly scarring experience that stays with you for a long time - maybe for the rest of your life.  And when it's 2013 and you're living in one of the world's most affluent and multicultural cities, having this happen to you is gut-wrenchingly demoralising.

This incident was particularly disheartening for me because no one spoke up for him and also because he immediately reminded me of my younger brother.  My brother is very shy and can be quite socially awkward.  My friends used to say hi to him outside the school gates while we waited for my parents to pick us up and he would literally - not even kidding - scurry over to a tree or behind some foliage and retreat into the shadows.  Not saying a word.  That's how much confidence he lacks.

So if something like this ever happened to him...

He'd probably keep his mouth shut and look away, shrinking back into his seat and digging himself further into his little bubble of timidness.  Scarred for life.  And the worst thing is, he might not tell us about it.  He'd keep it to himself and feel bad all the time, and no one can help him.

Really, this video just makes me feel: wow, that could've been my little brother taking the bus, being abused by some random.

Very sad.
Makes me want to freaking destroy/punch the f out of anyone who makes him feel that way.

But overall, I still hold an optimistic view for the future of multiculturalism in Australia.  I always assure myself - once my peers are the ones running society, we will have a generation of leaders where most have grown up in very multicultural communities and are great champions for anti-racism and acceptance.

Anyway, it's important not to get too bogged down by this new incident.  While we have seen quite a number of racist incidents being reported by the media recently, we must not forget that there are definitely leaders out there who are actively supporting and fuelling multiculturalism in Australia:

Multiculturalism and anti-racism were key messages at the fundraiser for the Liberal Candidate for Bruce, Emanuele Cicchiello.  And yes, here's a video of my time that night:

emanuele cicchiello fundraiser from Cincity on Vimeo.

What makes Australia so great? It definitely isn't the quality of journalism.

As I was about to leave my criminal law lecture today (a lecture which I paid no attention to), I randomly asked the two people sitting on either side of me:

"What do you guys think about Australia?"

"Can you give me a context to that?"

Why yes Peter, I can:

According to the latest OECD Better Life Index, which analyses 34 of the world's developed economies based on categories like income, health, housing, education and life satisfaction, Australia is the happiest nation in the world, a title we've won three times in a row.

In general, Australians are more satisfied with their lives than the OECD average, with 84% of people saying they have more positive experiences in an average day (feelings of rest, pride in accomplishment, enjoyment, etc) than negative ones (pain, worry, sadness, boredom, etc). This figure is higher than the OECD average of 80%.

In addition to this, I told Peter and Alex that when asked what made Australia such a great country, answers generally reflected a shared appreciation of multiculturalism and fairness in our society.  People on Yahoo ASK (because that's a totally reliable site) said:

-          The fair-go attitude and the help-your-mate spirit as well as the relaxed she'll be right way of looking at things.

It is also the most beautiful land.
I was not born here but I call Australia home
The multi-culturalism here is true-blue. (Sure, there are few idiots who ruin it for most ofus - but then again, every country has them.)

Cheers

It is also the most beautiful land. I was not born here but I call Australia home The multi-culturalism here is true-blue. (Sure, there are few idiots who ruin it for most ofus - but then again, every country has them.)
Cheers

  It means a lot to me. Australia is a secular, democratic humane nation where human rights comes first. I am proud to call this great nation my home.
NO MATTER HOW FAR I MAY ROAM, I STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME
born in sri lanka and been living in Australia for over 30 years

In my 55 years I have never been hungry.I am educated freely.Should I take ill, medicine and health care is available and free.I am allowed to go where and when I please without hindrance of any kind.I am able to eat 3 times a day , more if I want to.I can vote for my Leaders.I can become one of those Leaders should I so desire.I am FREE.I have always had a roof over my head but should that change, my country will provide for me.I am welcome anywhere in the world, because the wonderful ANZACS that protect me make it so.And I am damn bloody grateful for all that.

With his eyes still firmly glued onto the Google images gallery of a bikini clad Home and Away actress ("Oh my god, Cindy look, she's so hot, homggg"  "Wow she could almost pull off that mixed-race Asian look" "What the heck are you on about?"), Alex simply offered a "no way" before Peter said something like "Really? Wow.  What sort of study is this.  I'm surprised - the Australian media is so racist."

"Racist?"  I asked.

"Yeah - A Current Affairs, Today Tonight?" he looked at me expectantly.

Ahhh yes.  Not since my ignorant days as a socially inept 5 ft 2 year seven student have I watched an ACA or TT program, and thinking it was actual news.  I do miss those subtle thematic jabs of 'yellow peril'/'Asian wave'.  And Tracy Grimshaw's hair.  Always ahead of the soccer mum trend.  I hope no-one forgot about this fiasco:

All-Asian mall?! ACA beat-up exposed by local rag

Qualitaay.

Anyway, the fact that Peter and Alex's immediate reactions were ones of uber scepticism actually surprised me.  I mean, I think Australia's pretty great even compared to Canada (too cold) and New Zealand (too New Zealand and the only thing that makes up for this is Flight of the Conchords).  On the issue of racism, perhaps I haven't taken the Frankston line or hung out with Collingwood supporters enough to see how badly entrenched racism is in some parts of the community.

Personally, I still think the issue of racism in Australia has been fairly exaggerated by the media.  While some subconscious discrimination might still exist among the older generations, I'm sure that by the time my peers have entered the workforce and some of them becoming employers themselves, job candidates won't be rejected simply because they have the surname Wong or Jayasinghe.  Or not be given promotions because Caucasian employers think it's better to have Caucasian faces fronting the company.  If people say 'racism' is still a big problem in Australia, then I think this sort of implicit discrimination is much more prevalent than old women on the trains going "MY GRANDFATHER FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY. NOW YOU FOREIGN FUCKERS HAVE TO COME AND SCREW IT ALL UP."

Then again, I grew up in the suburban sprawl of Monash, which is considered one of the most multicultural areas in, like, the world.  I don't know whether this means my judgment is biased because I've been stuck in this enclave for too long or whether it actually means I'm right, because of Monash being a heightened example of the multiculturalism that already exists across Melbourne.

Regardless of shitty mainstream journalism and Collingwood supporters and racists on the Frankston line, Melbourne is still a pretty awesome place to call home.  Have you guys ever noticed the massive number of artsy festivals we hold here?  We've got the International Coffee Expo that just happened (or is still ongoing, I haven't checked) and the Emerging Writers' Festival and the St Kilda Film Festival happening right now - at the exact same time.

Also, ask any international student what they think about Australia and I'm sure the verdict is usually very positive.  Ask any Chinese international student what they think and it'll be:

- more relaxed, laidback
- clean environment e.g. "WOW I can actually see BLUE SKIES."  "NO PIGS IN DA YARRA. HURDUR."
- greater social mobility
- no toxic baby milk powder
- less homework, school is easy, maths is especially easy :D   No Gaokao craziness
- fairer society
- more considerate community, meaning one that is more willing to help strangers
- crap Chinese food

'Chinese-Australian' was mentioned. I find this hilarious.

Click to enlarge.