Comments on: So what do your parents think about the White Guy?

By: The Fighting 44s» Blog Archive » Asian American Feminism

The Fighting 44s» Blog Archive » Asian American Feminism — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:15:44 +0000

[...] the ever perspicacious (female) 44 nightshade said in another blog entry (#16), I think if real Asian American feminism were to come about, it wouldn’t be about dogging [...]

By: CJF

CJF — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:12:11 +0000

We all know it’s due to racism. We all know it’s due to ignorance. We all know it’s a problem.

But the real question is, what should we do about it? When we speak, they clearly get defensive. When we put our heads down, we get the shaft. What should we do?

Should we continue troubles with Asian woman (assuming you are having troubles…we’ve all had our dating troubles so don’t be condescending), or should we go for different races ourselves? Maybe that’s the problem…that some Asian men aren’t willing to go IR, which makes Asian men too available for Asian women.

Just my .02

By: jaehwan

jaehwan — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:01:59 +0000

By the way, I’m participating in a discussion about this topic on Jenn’s reappropriate blog here:

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/jennfang/1093/?src=hsr#27244

Eventually we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jenn, but I think “activists” who don’t believe IR is an issue will either continue to beat themselves silly over activism that has no popular backing, or they’ll eventually come around to our side of the table.

By: nightshade

nightshade — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:09:19 +0000

*blushes*

By: Senkeh

Senkeh — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:06:49 +0000

“I swear I could READ your writing for hours. Just FYI.”

By: Senkeh

Senkeh — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:47:37 +0000

“I think the reason why a lot of Asian American women are unaware on this issue is privilege–the privilege of being seen as a desirable human being. People are usually blind to their own privilege. As well, there are very few areas in life that a woman of colour has any real privilege or power–unfortunately, this means that a lot of women are not going to question the one area of their lives that they consider a success. The part that becomes fucked up is that white men are seen as the ultimate prize and for some fucking retarded reason the CCB types think it’s necessary to belittle Asian American me.

A lot of sexual dynamics in the US, and by extension, in Canada, have root in racist ideas. Asian culture is portrayed by the West as weak and feminine. And Africa is portrayed as a dark, mysterious, violent, masculine place. What do we end up with? IR disparities in the Asian and Black communities, with people wanting to sex up Asian women and Black men.

Also, American culture is seriously scary when it comes to gender and sexuality and self worth–it’s a society that tells its women that they are only worthy human beings if guys want to fuck them.” –Nightshade

Sweetheart, BEAUTIFULLY stated. Powerful too, especially that very last part. I swear I could your writing for hours. Just FYI.

By: Ike

Ike — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:36:29 +0000

Nightshade - Re: comment #16 - That was brilliant! One of the best things I’ve read about Asian American feminism.

SamuraiJack - There are many women who do have your backs.

By: Xian

Xian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:08:02 +0000

Yes, but do we have their backs on gender equality issues? Do they have ours? For me, I always hold myself to make the first move. If you don’t model, it’s just everyone sitting around waiting for the other to do something so it’ll be “fair”. Fuck “fair”, let’s get free!

By: SamuraiJack

SamuraiJack — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:43:19 +0000

AfroIndo, I think you need to have a better understanding of Asian issues. What you’re suggesting is akin to saying, “My black brothers, do you first!” (whatever that means). Your example actually runs counter to your argument.

I can only point to Asian American males who are currently fighting alongside Asian females for racial equality, stupidly thinking the women have their backs.

By: jaehwan

jaehwan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:20:57 +0000

Nightshade,

I agree with you. Haha…I guess I’m just setting my standards low–and I’m keeping the options for AF open. I’m not against taking a beating for any sexist stuff that AM have done, but I’d just hope that everyone would be held accountable (no Kingstonian free passes for white guys just for being white). And it would be great if it included Asian men.

Xian,

Good points. The strongest fighters are those who will be reject privilege for both themselves and the people who currently hold privilege.

AfroIndo:

Good points, but I think black civil rights is totally different. Somehow Asian Americans have had “feminism” (what xian might call “fake-feminism”) but we’ve never had much of a fight for racial equality. Strange parallel…