Hines Ward, the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver, became the MVP of this year's Super Bowl. All of a sudden, he is a national hero in South Korea, thanks to the fact that he was born in Seoul to a Korean mother, who continued to raise him by herself after divorce (and supposedly instilled many Korean values in him).
It's pretty hypocritical, considering that the Koreans are notorious for taking pride in the "purity" of their ethnicity, and treating mixed-ethnicity individuals like dirt. Being mixed is grounds for disqualification from South Korean government service, for starters. I myself pretty much drop the Chinese side of my family history, whenever I deal with Koreans.
In Perfect Girl, Kirsten is a lot like Hines Ward. Like Ward, Kirsten is born in Seoul to a Korean mother and an American GI father. The only difference is that Ward's father was black, while Kirsten's father is white. (Well, okay, there is another difference: Kirsten's parents don't divorce until Kirsten is about 30, and the father plays a large role in Kirsten's upbringing - as a very abusive individual.) When Kirsten makes it big as a Hollywood screenwriter, the Koreans will talk about her, but her mixed race background (and her sexuality) will be taboo in the Korean media.
Speaking of sexuality being taboo, that reminds me also of Margaret Cho. The Korean media loves to talk about her, but never discusses her bisexuality.
I'm going to keep track of the Hines Ward coverage, and the Korean reaction, in order to better gauge the sentiments out there, and to better understand what Kirsten will go through.
Mixed Media Watch
28 February 2006
27 February 2006
Gather the Women 2006, again
It looks like I won't be able to make it there on March 4, without seriously endangering myself, thanks to my housing and family situation.
It will be a shame.
It will be a shame.
20 February 2006
Makeover
Every girl loves a cosmetic makeover. Even, or especially, if she is a transwoman.
I remember back in 2001, when I lived in Tucson, and I got in touch with the local Mary Kay saleswoman, who came over to me to talk about Mary Kay's principles, products, and opportunities. She then proceeded to give me a complete facial and makeover. This was my first-ever cosmetic makeover, anything beyond covering facial flaws with a concealer. I ended up joining her group, and trying to sell Mary Kay cosmetics myself, though without success.
Then it was all forgotten when I returned to Southern California, as I was forced to give up my identity - and my Mary Kay career as well. Later on, as my spirituality developed, the fundamentalist Christianity so prevalent in Mary Kay circles got to me, and I vowed to find another brand. (At the same time, I started to write Kirsten's story, and I gave my Mary Kay experience to Kirsten.)
The fun began anew last April, as I discovered Make-up Art Cosmetics, or MAC, a Canadian brand popular with stage performers (and enthusiastically recommended by other transwomen, for the heavy foundation coverage). I went to MAC's Pasadena store, where a makeup artist named Katie spent two hours giving me a complete look from scratch. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, and came away with a look even more to my liking than my old Mary Kay look. Katie, being the extroverted saleswoman that she was, kept me talking through the whole thing, making the two hours go by very fast. After the deal was over, I journalled about the experience, so that I could eventually give it to Sarah, especially since by then, Kirsten's story had morphed into Sarah's story, Perfect Girl.
I was reminded of the whole experience again today, as I returned to Pasadena for an afternoon of shopping, went to the MAC store again for a new tube of mascara, and was greeted by none other than Katie, who immediately recognized me. It's been almost a year, and her memory was good. I ended up picking a third eyeshadow, on top of the two that I had bought last year, as well. I was happy to briefly be reminded of the whole makeover experience. Of course, Katie reminded me to return - more often.
This reminds me - maybe Sarah may end up having her favorite MAC saleswoman herself. I'll think about it. For now, I want to make sure that the feeling of rebirth that a makeover brings remains fresh in my memory, and will live on in Sarah as she gets her own first makeover.
I remember back in 2001, when I lived in Tucson, and I got in touch with the local Mary Kay saleswoman, who came over to me to talk about Mary Kay's principles, products, and opportunities. She then proceeded to give me a complete facial and makeover. This was my first-ever cosmetic makeover, anything beyond covering facial flaws with a concealer. I ended up joining her group, and trying to sell Mary Kay cosmetics myself, though without success.
Then it was all forgotten when I returned to Southern California, as I was forced to give up my identity - and my Mary Kay career as well. Later on, as my spirituality developed, the fundamentalist Christianity so prevalent in Mary Kay circles got to me, and I vowed to find another brand. (At the same time, I started to write Kirsten's story, and I gave my Mary Kay experience to Kirsten.)
The fun began anew last April, as I discovered Make-up Art Cosmetics, or MAC, a Canadian brand popular with stage performers (and enthusiastically recommended by other transwomen, for the heavy foundation coverage). I went to MAC's Pasadena store, where a makeup artist named Katie spent two hours giving me a complete look from scratch. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, and came away with a look even more to my liking than my old Mary Kay look. Katie, being the extroverted saleswoman that she was, kept me talking through the whole thing, making the two hours go by very fast. After the deal was over, I journalled about the experience, so that I could eventually give it to Sarah, especially since by then, Kirsten's story had morphed into Sarah's story, Perfect Girl.
I was reminded of the whole experience again today, as I returned to Pasadena for an afternoon of shopping, went to the MAC store again for a new tube of mascara, and was greeted by none other than Katie, who immediately recognized me. It's been almost a year, and her memory was good. I ended up picking a third eyeshadow, on top of the two that I had bought last year, as well. I was happy to briefly be reminded of the whole makeover experience. Of course, Katie reminded me to return - more often.
This reminds me - maybe Sarah may end up having her favorite MAC saleswoman herself. I'll think about it. For now, I want to make sure that the feeling of rebirth that a makeover brings remains fresh in my memory, and will live on in Sarah as she gets her own first makeover.
Gather the Women 2006
Last October, I attended a women's spirituality retreat, Gather the Women, in Beaumont, California, which took up an entire Sunday. It was a small gathering, but I was able to hook up with a number of wonderful people and enjoy the atmosphere. Most importantly, it validated my own experience and existence as a woman.
This year, it will take place again, but this time in March, to coincide with the International Women's Day, which is March 8. The event I will be attending will take place on Saturday the 4th at Cal State University, San Bernardino, and will be attended by the same women who organized the Beaumont event (and hopefully many more). Jodie Evans, co-founder of Code Pink, will be the keynote speaker.
I hope to have a wonderful time there, to be validated in my womanhood once again, and to come away with some inspirations that will make their way into Perfect Girl (in fact, my mentor Gayle Brandeis will again present a writing workshop). I am already registered, and I just need a good excuse to get away from home (and change into something appropriate).
Gather the Women 2006 (San Bernardino, California)
This year, it will take place again, but this time in March, to coincide with the International Women's Day, which is March 8. The event I will be attending will take place on Saturday the 4th at Cal State University, San Bernardino, and will be attended by the same women who organized the Beaumont event (and hopefully many more). Jodie Evans, co-founder of Code Pink, will be the keynote speaker.
I hope to have a wonderful time there, to be validated in my womanhood once again, and to come away with some inspirations that will make their way into Perfect Girl (in fact, my mentor Gayle Brandeis will again present a writing workshop). I am already registered, and I just need a good excuse to get away from home (and change into something appropriate).
Gather the Women 2006 (San Bernardino, California)
18 February 2006
Moving Forward
I am now officially registered with UCLA Extension to take Novel III starting mid-April. I will be working with Dennis Foley, a very prolific instructor.
I look forward to the class, meeting new people, and sharing my story (and commenting on others' stories). And hopefully, I could turn Mr. Foley into a mentor I feel comfortable with, too.
Until then, revision of the existing Perfect Girl chapter continues, and maybe a new scene or two.
I look forward to the class, meeting new people, and sharing my story (and commenting on others' stories). And hopefully, I could turn Mr. Foley into a mentor I feel comfortable with, too.
Until then, revision of the existing Perfect Girl chapter continues, and maybe a new scene or two.
13 February 2006
Rekindling the Fire
I haven't done much writing - well, ANY writing - in a while. This is NOT good.
Honestly, until I restart the classes in April, I don't expect to get any productive new writing done. I just don't feel up to the task.
However, I think I can do something in the meantime. I've been told, from my previous classes and from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (a must-have for writers), that I must write regularly. And this is what I need to do. For now, I think I will go back to my existing full chapter and write a new draft of it. The chapter portrayed Sarah making a trip to Seoul, South Korea, in 2003, and since I wrote it, I boosted the chapter's significance by having Sarah's grandfather fight in the Korean War - and having Sarah fall in love with Kirsten. Those new factors must be reflected in the new draft. In addition, I may change the format of the chapter, from one long, continuous vignette to a series of scenes, in order to cut out some transitional scenes and hopefully shorten the chapter.
Afterwards, I may go ahead and start writing about a different phase of Sarah's life, such as her high school life, her initial adulthood, and so forth. I should have some rich material to work with by the time the classes do begin.
I still want to have a very rough draft of the novel ready by year's end, and I want to be sure that it will happen.
Honestly, until I restart the classes in April, I don't expect to get any productive new writing done. I just don't feel up to the task.
However, I think I can do something in the meantime. I've been told, from my previous classes and from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (a must-have for writers), that I must write regularly. And this is what I need to do. For now, I think I will go back to my existing full chapter and write a new draft of it. The chapter portrayed Sarah making a trip to Seoul, South Korea, in 2003, and since I wrote it, I boosted the chapter's significance by having Sarah's grandfather fight in the Korean War - and having Sarah fall in love with Kirsten. Those new factors must be reflected in the new draft. In addition, I may change the format of the chapter, from one long, continuous vignette to a series of scenes, in order to cut out some transitional scenes and hopefully shorten the chapter.
Afterwards, I may go ahead and start writing about a different phase of Sarah's life, such as her high school life, her initial adulthood, and so forth. I should have some rich material to work with by the time the classes do begin.
I still want to have a very rough draft of the novel ready by year's end, and I want to be sure that it will happen.
04 February 2006
Transamerica the Movie
In my writing circles, a few people have alerted me in the past regarding Transamerica, a movie starring Felicity Huffman (one of the Desperate Housewives) as a transsexual woman. They wanted me to see the movie someday and gain some tips that would be of use in Perfect Girl. (Of course, that was before I came out to them.)
Finally, I got to watch the movie today. It was as good as I expected it to be, and Huffman's performance was very authentic. I had to travel 25 miles from home to find a place that plays the movie, but it was worth it.
Transamerica (official website)
Read my review on Epinions.com
Finally, I got to watch the movie today. It was as good as I expected it to be, and Huffman's performance was very authentic. I had to travel 25 miles from home to find a place that plays the movie, but it was worth it.
Transamerica (official website)
Read my review on Epinions.com
01 February 2006
A new ride for Kirsten?
Kirsten is my alter ego in Perfect Girl, sharing many of my tastes, including a penchant for expensive luxury imports. Since I've been a BMW enthusiast, I have decreed until now that Kirsten shall drive a BMW, like any vain Angeleno, when she makes it big as a Hollywood screenwriter.
But that may change. The Christian tyranny in the American society is getting to me, and BMW's support of Pope Benedict (one of W's most important partners in the crime), and its refusal to extend employee benefits to domestic partners, are really bothering me. I've rambled about this in my regular blog, about whether I should get another BMW or "downgrade" to something like a Honda Civic Hybrid.
Even if I do decide to stay the course and get a BMW, most likely I will make Kirsten drive something else. Los Angeles is a "you are what you drive" society, and as a proud lipstick lesbian, Kirsten must drive something appropriate: in other words, something made by a more gay-friendly company than BMW. I will probably have her end up with either a Subaru Outback or a Saab 9-3; both are nice, sporty cars, with a youthful image, and built by the two most gay-friendly car companies doing business in America. Kirsten's gay pride bumper stickers will be far more at home on these cars than they will ever be on a BMW. In particular, the Saab 9-3, with its quirky ergonomics (including the ignition key slot between the seats), would give a peculiar twist to Kirsten, who otherwise looks too corporate and conservative.
I hope Kirsten will be able to make a bolder personal statement with whatever ride I end up giving her.
But that may change. The Christian tyranny in the American society is getting to me, and BMW's support of Pope Benedict (one of W's most important partners in the crime), and its refusal to extend employee benefits to domestic partners, are really bothering me. I've rambled about this in my regular blog, about whether I should get another BMW or "downgrade" to something like a Honda Civic Hybrid.
Even if I do decide to stay the course and get a BMW, most likely I will make Kirsten drive something else. Los Angeles is a "you are what you drive" society, and as a proud lipstick lesbian, Kirsten must drive something appropriate: in other words, something made by a more gay-friendly company than BMW. I will probably have her end up with either a Subaru Outback or a Saab 9-3; both are nice, sporty cars, with a youthful image, and built by the two most gay-friendly car companies doing business in America. Kirsten's gay pride bumper stickers will be far more at home on these cars than they will ever be on a BMW. In particular, the Saab 9-3, with its quirky ergonomics (including the ignition key slot between the seats), would give a peculiar twist to Kirsten, who otherwise looks too corporate and conservative.
I hope Kirsten will be able to make a bolder personal statement with whatever ride I end up giving her.
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