When I was growing up, I didn’t have any Asian-American celebrities to look up to, unless I was to idolize the occasional Asian extra in a movie or quintessential “Asian man with accent” in a minor role. Caucasians in America have numerous people to admire, as do African-Americans. To Hollywood: We don’t all walk around with hats made of bamboo. Some of us do, but that doesn’t mean we want to idolize bamboo.

John Cho (actor, White Castle), Margaret Cho (comedian), Michelle Kwan (gold medal winning figure skater), Yo-Yo-Ma (internationally renowned cellist), Jerry Yang (CEO, Yahoo), Rick Yune (actor, Die Another Day), Amy Tan (author, The Joy Luck Club), Tia Carrere (actress, model), and Lucy Liu (actress, Kill Bill 1) are prominent Asian-Americans in the US spotlight. Did you know that Keanu Reeves is part Hawaiian, part-Chinese, part-English? Michelle Branch is part French/Dutch/Indonesian. Even Rob Schneider is half-Filipino. Seem like a lot? Well, it is, but to list the number of mainstream celebrities within other ethnicities would be ridiculous. Does this seem like whining? It is, but deservingly so. Asians have been under-represented for so long in the US media and mainstream that by listing the above, twelve suddenly seems like a lot.

Here’s the problem: to the major media outlets there aren’t, apparently, enough Asian’s or Asian-American’s spending enough money to warrant producing more feature films with an Asian actor or actress in a leading role. However, as of August, Hero, prominently featuring an Asian cast, when released in the US, grossed $53,710,019, with a production budget of $31 million. Rush Hour 1, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker (production $33 million) grossed $244,386,864 internationally, and Rush Hour 2 (production $90 million) grossed $347,325,802 internationally. I’m not just talking about Asian-American’s in Hollywood films; it’s about the upper-handedness of Hollywood. If you listen closely you can hear fat Caucasian producers gasp in horror at the thought of backing a predominantly Asian motion picture. I’m talking to you fat balding guy. Oh, that was stereotyping. Not all Hollywood producers are in their fifties, overweight and balding right? Want me to stop stereotyping you? Me too.

According to an August 18, 2005 article from the Associated Press, “The majority of residents in Texas, California, New Mexico, Hawaii and Washington, D.C., are some ethnicity other than non-Hispanic whites, according to Census Bureau population estimates released last week. Five other states, including New York and Georgia, could make that shift by 2010.” When you look at the numbers, in the short term, catering to the largest, most proven demographic is easiest, but in doing so they will easily get into a rut. Hollywood studios are crying because their terrible movies aren’t making enough money. Why whine when you use the same damn formula over and over again? Produce something original!

Let’s, however put this into perspective: while Asians are becoming more prominent within US borders, they are not by any means the driving force behind the GDP. They have a large contributing role, but are still a “minority.” As a result, the mainstream media might deem (and rightfully so) this portion of their demographic less possible to bring in the big money. I’ll explain. It’s about the bottom line, right? If Asians aren’t producing the dollar figure hoped for, why market to them?

In a movie theatre, the theatre company itself makes most of its profits from concessions. The company only gets a small portion of the actual cost of a ticket. Asians, just like other ethnicities, go in, buy the ticket, and then in turn purchase popcorn that costs five-hundred dollars (if you want a soda, sell your car and walk to the theatre.)

Is Hollywood afraid of the Asian demographic? Are they unwilling to allow Asians in because, perhaps, they’ll bring in more money? Conversely: Is there enough solid Asian talent in the vast pool of wannabe actors and actresses? Let’s take a quick glace at the current US box office as of mid-August, 2005.

Based upon this information, if the independent film companies are included, the numbers add up remarkably well with the US Census report. However, look at the number when it’s necessary to utilize a more independent film company or branch. Those numbers do not add up; why would the big Hollywood film companies offer up more than 275% less than the US Asian population?

I have a feeling it will take a very strong Asian-American actor or actress to break into the Hollywood ethnicity vault. Emphasis on American though. That’s not meant to be derogatory; it’s simply how much of the US operates. While America is a country based on opportunity and dreams, it’s also a country which, in the beginning separated from England, and most likely does not want to be invaded anytime in the near future, be it economically or culturally.

Here’s a revelation of sorts for you, Hollywood: If you stop churning out absolute rubbish movies that require an IQ of 2.5, and stop dumbing-down America, then perhaps you might find that the numbers can and will work to your favour. The American film industry is pumping out movie after movie about a monkey who can’t find his way with a quirky Lemur sidekick. This, in itself wouldn’t be terrible but, for the love of film, push your limits. Create something new and innovative. Everyone needs heroes, idols, and impossible feats to live up to, even Asians. Mr. Hollywood, tear down this wall. And while you’re at it, make popcorn free.

Tyler is the Halfway Editor-in-Chief

* Numbers are based upon a sample conducted in mid-August, from the respective company’s website listings.

The concept of home has always proven to be fairly fluid as I crept from childhood to adolescence, to whatever you might call my age now. From “gaga-googoo” to real words, to “hey, I didn’t have hair down there earlier,” to “I hate bills,” I’ve still not a clear idea of a location to call home. I have a few people and ideas with whom I can find home though. This is how I find rest at night. Thinking not of Where, but of Who and When.

I was born in South Korea, but was, from a young age, raised in the US. The subtle profundities of conflicting life interests has combined to provide a very interesting outlook and bias on today’s world, for myself and for others. It’s like knowing that there was a life waiting for you somewhere, but it was decided along the line that it wasn’t the chosen path. It’s the what-ifs, the contradictions, and the mysteries that fill my mind.

I’ve read, in recent months from a range of people, an increasing number of comments that more or less tell those who are unsure about who they are and what they should be doing to “stop whining.” It’s these kinds of words that encourage me to write more about subjects related to their rejection. It’s not about rebelling against their opinion (well, maybe a little), but more about trying to allow them to see that it’s not whining, it’s calculating more or less. It’s trial and error, touch and go. It’s all about seeing what works and what doesn’t. What works today, might not work for you tomorrow.

When I come across these people who like to put others down, I am reminded of the classic playground bully: the kid who laughs manically in his pre-pubescent high squeal while trying to pull your hair or throw sand in your face. This is the kid who might very well have trouble at home, trouble with school work, and, if changes aren’t made in short time, might well have trouble later in life. I am sorry for this kid. He doesn’t realize the intricacies that are childhood-sociality. He might also be in a form of denial about home, in that he doesn’t feel comfortable in his. Or maybe he just ate too many paint chips.

It’s quite appropriate that one of the seemingly most simple of life’s aspects is also the most elusive and difficult. One of the only ways to better understand yourself is through other people. Another is through yourself and your individual experiences. But you already know this right? Do you think about it? Practice it? I do hope those that say “stop whining” realize that they are in fact whining about whining, and that they should try to explain the Why to their statement.

In this issue, like others, we’re trying to assist in this process. Regardless of your location or ethnicity, you might be able to relate on some level. And even though none of them mention Tom Cruise, Scientology, or Iraq, they’re all sure to capture your interest.

Tyler
Halfway Editor-in-Chief

We’ve received a good number of both good and bad criticisms from around the world, which only helps us as we continue to grow. I would like to point out that this is our second edition, and while we hope to at some point expand even further, understand that not every organization is one-hundred percent at the beginning.

To those who have disparaging comments regarding the site and/or magazine, please tell us about your thoughts. If you see something you don’t like, contact us directly and help us help you. For that matter, tell us also if there’s something you really like. Nothing can be furthered or improved if there isn’t communication. If you immediately regard something in life as “bad” or “good,” you are greatly limiting yourself, and undeservingly so.

In this edition, there are some great photographs taken in the Philippines, a response to a particular viewers comments, and an interesting view on multiculturalism in Australia, among many other great articles.

Voice your opinion and let yourself be heard, because if not now, when?

Tyler
Halfway Editor-in-Chief

The purpose of Halfway, if anything, is to allow for insightful articles, photographs, and other media that will, hopefully, allow you our readers, to think about different situations, and ask yourself and others questions you might otherwise not have thought about. It’s always important, I feel, for discussion to be open and as true to yourself as possible, regardless of popular opinion and of what is considered cool or even politically correct.

One of the strongest aspects this magazine holds is that, while not a news website, it stays true to the best of the design and written worlds, and adds an interactive aspect that you’ll be hard pressed to find on another magazine. We go beyond “Letters to the editor,” by allowing you to contact each writer individually, comment on selected articles, and more. Please do keep in mind that many of the articles found here are very personal, and while comments are always appreciated, good or bad, we must always respect each person’s opinion and individuality.

While we have Asian-American staff members, we are not an Asian-American magazine. Halfway is an Asian magazine, though not exclusively for Asians. Anyone who holds an interest in Asian affairs is, of course, able and encouraged to participate, through submissions or other interactive aspects.

It took quite a while to get everything together and ready for viewing, and we’ll no doubt go through some changes as we grow. The idea began only in March of 2005, with the close of GenerationRice. To me, GenerationRice provided excellent paths upon which Asians could flourish, and I hold even higher hopes for Halfway. We aimed for a May launch, suitable for many reasons, one of which being Asian Heritage Month. In this first issue, all site items haven’t been resolved, but we’ve a great start.

Halfway is something I truly believe will and can succeed, and we’ve produced some extremely astute items from some outstandingly talented writers and photographers. With each article I read, and each photograph I see, I get to know each person a little better. I am lucky to have this opportunity, and now you are as well. It’s a labour of love, hope and all those fuzzy feelings, with a bit of education and inspiration thrown in. Put down the phones, set your instant messenger to away, sit back and relax. After the lights go down and the crowd begins their homeward journey, it’s only you. Treat yourself well.

I was born in Korea, but I don’t have a Korean accent. I’ve lived a good part of my formative years in the States, but I don’t have an “American” accent. While living in different areas of the world, researching interests in other cultures, and assimilating my surroundings, I’ve picked up what could only be called a mix-and-match of different accents. In addition, I don’t own a grocery store, nor do I eat only with chopsticks.

One of the best, or perhaps more entertaining elements, of being Korean-American, is being able to use race to my advantage instead of letting it become an invisible ceiling. I’m not talking about running around, eyes squinted to emphasize my Asian-ness, pointing at people and calling them racist. I’m speaking more to being able to use what some may call a disadvantage, as an advantage. Racial issues have be an aspect of my life as far back as I can remember, and to constantly fume and get upset because of them, to me, is a waste of time. This is not to say trying to improve race relations is not worth it, in fact the opposite is true. Unless they’re blatantly racist, then you slap them across the head. Just kidding. But only kind of.

One of the best examples of what I’ll call ignorance came a few years ago while checking into a hotel. I walked into the reception area after a layover, a delay, and to top it off, because I was sleeping, I didn’t even get peanuts. When the person in front of me was finished, I dragged myself, with luggage in tow, up to the counter. The front desk agent looked up from the computer screen, and immediately seemed to switch to “International Traveler Mode.” Understandable, as in this area they get a considerable amount of tourism from outside of the States.

“How…are…you…today…Sir?” She asked slowly and deliberately.
I looked up and thought to myself, Are you kidding me?
“I…amu…fineu…” I responded in my best Korean-accented voice.
“Do…you…have…a…reser…vation?”
“Yesu…uh…I…ah…” She had a confused look on her face.
“Okay listen, here’s my card,” I continued. “Can I get a room on a higher floor? Oh, and can you recommend a good restaurant in area?” She looked embarrassed.

It’s not her fault. She didn’t know, and I was in a piss-poor mood. I wanted those peanuts. To me, this does however fit very well in what happens almost daily to me, and perhaps others as well. Like celebrities in tabloids, I don’t actively seek instances of ignorance; they just seem to find me. It’s funny in an odd way, because it is indeed a serious matter though it has become increasingly apparent to me that not many people are making strides to correct these types of interactions.

Something people have to begin to realize is that not all Asians have lived in Asia for their entire lives. Not all Asians have an Asian accent, nor do they all have a rice bowl. Even though many Asians do know martial arts, it is in the same way that many of the English know cricket. It’s how they were brought up, a way of life if you will. Martial arts movies should not be the only Asian culture other ethnicities absorb. It’s in the same way I don’t automatically assume that if someone is Asian and twenty-something, they’ll own a Hyundai. A lot do, but that’s beside the point. There has to be more diversity within cultural groups and education of the ignorant.

This happens, honestly, more often than not in the US than other countries. While the US is very diverse, with many different countries and cultures represented, there still is a fair amount of xenophobia resounding throughout the minds of the average American. Throughout travels in Eastern and Western Europe, to say there weren’t these stereotypes would be incorrect. However, the general sense I received from travels in the area, and on more than one occasion, was more of an understanding that Asians are just like them. The skin may be a different colour; The mind may have grown up differently, with other ideals, but under the skin, past the initial biases, there lies a human being. Assumptions can be the downfall of everything from corporate decisions to meeting new people to thinking that the bottle of three-year-old milk in your refrigerator is still drinkable.

So how can you help humanity, improve race relations, represent your race in a positive light, and still have time for The Apprentice on NBC? You’ve heard it too many times: Take it one day at a time. In reality, only if you are Batman can you go faster than that, and even then it would be difficult. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t play dress-up in tight costumes and ride around in what is basically a Pontiac with wings, you can’t really go faster than that. A conscious effort on one person’s part will go a long way. Take the time to correct someone, because they might simply not have been aware. In any case, though, make sure to be awake for the peanuts, they’ll go a long way.

Tyler is the Halfway Editor-in-Chief.