| Speaking of China

March 27, 2019March 25, 2019

Guest Post: Asian Men Dominated this Hollywood Fashion Show and the Crowds LOVED it!

Today, I’m running a guest post from Ana Hudson, a model and photographer (who you might remember for a number of superhero-themed guest posts, such as 9 Powerful ‘AMWF Superman’ Photos to ‘Save’ Your Day).

Vince Kelvin, Designer Pam, and the Runway Models (Photo by DW Kim)

Friday, December 28th, 2018. It’s a chilly evening at the Complex Theater, but the pot was stirring across the lands of glamorous Hollywood. Once the trouble bubbled over into the night, the evening would soon be more thrilling than anyone ever expected. This was because the magic of Asian representation would enchant a fashion runway show: all three male models, one female model, two of three expert photographers, and one clothing stylist represented Asian American backgrounds which included Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Indian heritage. Eastern European, Western European, African American, Middle Eastern American, and European American heritage also were contributors in the making of a beautiful production.

Fourteen people (seven models, seven crew members) came together that night to put on a beautiful runway show which featured the designs of Vampire Rockstar, which prides itself in being “made for the immortal rockstar in us all”. Vampire Rockstar, an epic clothing brand, whose designers and assistants have worked wonders in the fashion world and with well-known American rock artists such as Michael Jackson and Black Veiled Brides, would be dressing up our models in the amazing glamwear.

Vince Kelvin brings Designer Pam to the Stage who is Thrilled by Applause (Photo by Narendra Chowdary)

This event was held as a feature showcase of the Evolution of Consciousness Event headed by Vince Kelvin and Arash Zepar Dibazar, two globally known experts in seduction and elite lifestyle. Almost every year the duo hold a full weekend of action packed events with dynamic speakers and activities for men and women who are interested in bettering themselves through living life to the fullest and spicing up their dating lifestyle. Their convention this year was supposed to be a full panel of speakers including the leading lesbian dating coach Ana “Flye” Hudson, who suggested doing something more creative than lecturing this year. Instead of being another speaker, why not add in an event of entertainment and ambition? The idea of a fashion show came immediately to mind. Arash and Vince, powerful instructors of the dominant masculine and connoisseurs of the beautiful feminine, both agreed immediately. Flye had immediately set out to work and the glorious fashion show was born.

Models were greeted a few hours before the show to a private room where they would enjoy light refreshments; style their hair; be painted with makeup, kohl and glitter; and be fitted for clothes and shoes. Photographers snapped pictures and videos from behind the scenes, set up equipment, and prepared to be escorted into the red theater where they would capture the magical moments of fashion gracing the stage. The show started, the eyes in the audience danced across the stage as stunners and rockstars of all types walked smoothly to ’97 Jon B and Tupac Shakur. Yes, many would say the music was out of place. But it didn’t matter for everyone was lost in the beauty of it all. It was a night to remember, with moments captured that we are happy to share with the world. Check out images from our Fashion Show, including behind the scenes footage with the models!

Jasmine in the spotlight. Jasmine is an experienced model and actress who has walked many runways. (Photo by Narendra Chowdary)

Sidrich reigns on stage. (Photo by Tony Assi)

Christina Skaya rocks psychedelic colors (Photo by DW Kim)

Justin the Wolf. Justin works as a fitness trainer and as a Youtube entertainer under the name “NoobStrength” (Photo by Narendra Chowdary)

Elizanda Dingle graces the stage. (Photo by DW Kim)

Mike is bulletproof. Mike acts and enjoys making films. (Photo by Narendra Chowdary)

Brittany Paige gives a new meaning to the ‘Cat Walk’ (Photo by DW Kim)

Ana Hudson is overseeing the fashion show (Photo by DW Kim)

YOUTUBE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjh5Z7fLNqg&feature=youtu.be

CREDITS:
Runway Show Creator and Director: Ana “Flye” Hudson (IG: 6888.models)
Clothing Designer: Pam, “Vampire Rockstar Clothing” (IG: vampire_rockstar)
Assistant Designer: Al Bane (IG: al_bane)
Clothing Stylist and Coordinator:
Brian Horowitz Chang (IG: thefashionmafiatoo)
Makeup Artist: Pam, “Vampire Rockstar Clothing”
Photographers:
DW Kim (IG: dwkim_ca)
Narenda Choudary (website: www.snapstoris.com)
Anthony “Tony” Assi (IG: weird.media.fashion)
Models:
Justin Zhang (IG: noobstrength)
Mike James Wong (IG: mikejameswong)
Sidrich Chhour (IG: _sid_3rik)
Jasmine Winfrey (IG: jamine_winds)
Elizanda Dingle (IG: elizanda_dingle)
Christina Skaya (IG: christina.skaya)
Brittany Priestess Paige (IG:priestesspaige)

Ana “Flye” Hudson is the white-passing biracial author of the book “Pet: A Memoir” which details her passionate and thrilling life story dating Asian Dating Coach Jeff Khan. She currently works as a dating coach, dancer, model, and community manager. For fun Flye likes to vlog on Youtube, travel to fun places, and cook beef noodle soup and pasta e fagioli. She is currently working on her second novel and portfolio.

Speaking of China is always on the lookout for outstanding guest posts! If you have something you’d like us to feature, visit the submit a post page for details — and then submit yours today.

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February 22, 2017February 22, 2017

5 Reasons You Must See Hayden Szeto in “The Edge of Seventeen” – Pub’d on WWAM Bam

The group blog WWAM Bam (Western Women & Asian Men – Breaking All Molds) just published my post titled 5 Reasons You Must See Hayden Szeto in “The Edge of Seventeen”. Here’s an excerpt:

Whenever I think of Hollywood teen movies, I cringe.

It’s bad enough that white actors get all the best roles, with almost no exceptions. But a Hollywood teen movie also gave the world one of the most racist, stereotypical portrayals of Asian men ever – Long Duk Dong in the John Hughes’ movie Sixteen Candles. Talk about one enormous “screw you” to the whole Asian community, including the many talented Asian male actors out there who deserve better roles and representation.

Thank goodness for the new teen movie The Edge of Seventeen, just released in late 2016.

The film features one of the most refreshingly unstereotypical portrayals of an Asian man in a teen movie – the breakout role of Erwin Kim, played by Hayden Szeto.

And surprisingly, The Edge of Seventeen even shares some common ground with, of all movies, Sixteen Candles (Vanity Fair noted “Steinfeld’s character is derivative of Molly Ringwald circa Sixteen Candles”). Who’d have thought?

If you’re hungry for a good teen movie, one with a positive portrayal of an Asian guy, you must see The Edge of Seventeen, featuring Hayden Szeto. Here are 5 reasons why:

To find out those five reasons — and feast your eyes on some cool GIFs at the same time — head on over to WWAM Bam to read the full article.

Er Winning GIF from Edgeofseventeen GIFs

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March 30, 2015March 26, 2015

Why The Walking Dead’s Glenn is the best Asian male character on TV today — and must not die!

The other night, I was on Facebook when I discovered a message in my inbox from a friend: “Jocelyn, you should do a blog about Steven Yeun….All the fans are really concerned about Steven Yeun’s character on the TV show.”

He meant, of course, “The Walking Dead” – one of the most popular TV shows in America.

Sure enough, I headed over to the Facebook page for “The Walking Dead,” and here’s what I discovered:

Yeah, they’re worried Glenn will die in the season finale (which will air only hours after this blog post goes live).

Now, I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t actually watch this show. There’s a good reason for that – I’m incredibly sensitive to violence and, according to everything I’ve heard and read about this show, it’s full of lots of bloody, gory and frightening scenes. The kind of things guaranteed to give me nightmares. (You should have seen me years ago after I watched the Tom Cruise reboot of “War of the Worlds” – I had trouble sleeping for days!)

But “The Walking Dead” remains on my radar for a very simple reason: because Steven Yeun, playing Glenn, is doing more to smash stereotypes about Asian men than any other actor on TV today, as this article by Nerds of Color – titled Glenn of The Walking Dead is the Best Response to Anti-Asian Stereotyping – illustrates:

Glenn is a new class of Asian American character, one that I’m not sure we’ve seen on-screen before.

Unlike previous Asian American characters, Glenn is at once Asian American and incidentally Asian American. Conspicuous among other Asian American characters, Glenn’s racial background does not define or justify his presence. He’s not the computer whiz, the scientist, the intellectual, the geek, the doctor, the technician, or a host of other stereotypical roles typically relegated to the Asian token. Although it is implied that Glenn’s parents were strict, Glenn himself was a pizza boy prior to the zombie apocalypse and assumes the role of forager and fighter — not “medic” or “ninja,” two roles that might be stereotypically Asian yet fulfilled by other members of the group. In short, there’s almost nothing inherently stereotypical about Glenn and his presence in The Walking Dead.

Plus, when has any Asian American male character been hailed as “the beating heart” of a series?

Yeun’s amiable nature is familiar to fans of AMC’s hit zombie series. As Glenn Rhee, he functions as a likable everyman, the closest thing to a romantic hero in an unrelentingly brutal apocalyptic world.

“Steven is the heart of the show,” said Glen Mazzara, the “Walking Dead” executive producer who’s set to leave the series at the end of this season. “Everybody loves that character; everybody’s rooting for that character. He may be tortured and sensitive, but he’s always a hero.”

Of course, I haven’t even mentioned the biggest reason that draws many of you to “The Walking Dead” – his relationship with Maggie, a white Southern Belle.

(Photograph by Williams + Hirakawa, via http://www.lamag.com) — (Photograph by Williams + Hirakawa)

You Offend Me, You Offend My Family nails why this AMWF pairing matters so much:

In the second season, Glenn matured and gained a greater self-confidence, but more importantly, he found love with fellow survivor Maggie (Lauren Cohan). And if it’s rare to see an Asian male engaged in anything romantic or sex-related on American television, it’s even rarer to see him in a nuanced relationship that develops over time. Yes, it’s cool to see a brotha getting to knock boots with a hot white chick, but what’s even cooler is to see that coupling grow into the romantic heart of the series.

Yep, he’s your average Joe who shows courage AND gets the girl. And he just happens to be Asian. For a TV show, this is totally revolutionary.

Steven Yeun as Glenn on “The Walking Dead” – the most-watched drama series ever broadcast on American cable – proves that when you let Asian men step outside of the stereotypes to play great characters who are fascinating, nuanced and real to life, the public will watch.

That’s why we need Steven Yeun out there, playing Glenn to the very end of “The Walking Dead.” That’s why Glenn cannot die! You’re not just killing the heart and soul of the show; you’re killing, as YOMYOMF calls him, the “Most Interesting Asian Male Character on American Television.”

I don’t even watch the show and just the thought of this character getting killed off makes me feel totally outraged!

When AMC broadcasts their season finale for “The Walking Dead,” I’ll be on the Beijing subway, heading for the Beijing South Railway Station – the start of my journey back to Hangzhou (I’ve been in Beijing this past weekend to help promote How Does One Dress to Buy Dragonfruit). But I can guarantee you, when the clock strikes 9am Beijing time (which is also 9pm Eastern time in the US, the start of 90-minute season finale), I’ll be silently wishing and praying that Glenn survives to the next season.

What do you think?

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October 24, 2014October 24, 2014

Guest Post: Did You Know Hollywood’s 1st Sex Symbol Was an Asian Man?

Logan Lo enlightened me with this guest post, which speaks to an oft-forgotten side of Hollywood history and how it has impacted Asian men in the media today. He writes: “…there are some that feel that the modern effeminization of Asian men in Hollywood and television was due – at least in some part – to the backlash over the first Hollywood sex symbol, a Japanese man named: Sessue Hayakawa.”

Who was Sessue Hayakawa? Read on to learn more about this fascinating and pioneering actor. (UPDATE: For more background on this topic, read Logan Lo’s post titled Asian-ish.)

Logan Lo — who wrote the books A Great Online Dating Profile and A Great First Date — has also authored another terrific guest post for Speaking of China titled “Why limit yourself? Logan Lo shares his interracial dating story.”

Want to follow in his footsteps and get your writing published here? Learn how by visiting the submit a post page.

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"Sessue Hayakawa 1918" by Unknown - Internet Archive. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sessue_Hayakawa_1918.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Sessue_Hayakawa_1918.jpg — “Sessue Hayakawa 1918” by Unknown – Internet Archive. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sessue_Hayakawa_1918.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Sessue_Hayakawa_1918.jpg

Jocelyn recently wrote 5 Reasons You Should Watch The New AMWF Comedy “Selfie” so I thought it would be a good a segue into into Asians in mass media, which was actually my thesis in college.

But for the purposes of this blog entry, let’s talk about just Asian men in Hollywood and television.

There’s always been a peculiar mindset about us in Western cinema. For years, there were two contradictory caricatures: the diabolical and animalistic Fu Manchu trope on end, and the intelligent and effeminate Charlie Chan trope on the other.

Both played, for years, by white actors.

The former can be traced back to the Mongol hordes and the Huns that were the boogymen of Europe for centuries but there are some that feel that the modern effeminization of Asian men in Hollywood and television was due – at least in some part – to the backlash over the first Hollywood sex symbol, a Japanese man named: Sessue Hayakawa.

"The Cheat FilmPoster" by The cover art can be obtained from Movieposterdb.com.. Licensed under Fair use of copyrighted material in the context of The Cheat (1915 film) via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Cheat_FilmPoster.jpeg#mediaviewer/File:The_Cheat_FilmPoster.jpeg — “The Cheat FilmPoster” by The cover art can be obtained from Movieposterdb.com.. Licensed under Fair use of copyrighted material in the context of The Cheat (1915 film) via Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Cheat_FilmPoster.jpeg#mediaviewer/File:The_Cheat_FilmPoster.jpeg

How popular was he? He was as well known as Charlie Chaplin, got paid $200,000 a film, and made enough to drive around in a gold-plated car.

Unfortunately, in his breakout role on The Cheat – where he even appeared prominently in promotional posters – he was still in the mold of the sinister Asian male, albeit in a hyper-sexualized sorta way. That was the first time an Asian man was portrayed as, well, a leading man.

A sexual deviant man, but a man nonetheless.

Unfortunately, only a few years later, the idea of an Asian man as a masculine movie lead disappeared, leaving the simple extremes of Fu Manchu/Charlie Chan as the only dramatis personae for Asian dudes.

By the time WWII rolled around, it was exclusively one or the other, with the effeminate version culminating in “Long Duk Dong” of Pretty in Pink, which NPR examines far better than I could.

In that NPR article, however, the author uses a then up-and-coming John Cho as an interesting juxtaposition for the Long Duk Dong character. And currently, Cho is the Asian lead of the US television show, Selfie and the first Asian-American lead opposite a white female ever on television.

So here we are: 99 years after The Cheat, we have Selfie.

The hope is that it’s good. That John Cho doesn’t play some version of Fu Manchu or Charlie Chan but just your everyday all-American dude that just happens to be Asian.

Let’s see how it goes.

Logan Lo is a native New Yorker who’s been blogging since 2006. In between practicing law by day and teaching Filipino fencing by night, he’s managed to get married and write a popular article on online dating titled “eHarmony vs. Match,” as well as the books A Great Online Dating Profile and A Great First Date. He currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and his plant, Harold.

UPDATE: For more background on Sessue Hayakawa and Asian men in Hollywood, read Logan Lo’s post titled Asian-ish.

SECOND UPDATE: Changed the book titles mentioned in Logan’s bio.

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Speaking of China is always on the lookout for outstanding guest posts and love stories! If you have something you’d like us to feature, visit the submit a post page for details — and then submit yours today.

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