I thought I retired the Big Bad Chinese Mama years ago, but lo and behold. She's been resurrected this past week.

So it seems that one strategy that some FASA members and others who disagree with me seem to have during this whole CSUN FASA Pimps and Hos Fundraising Debacle is rather than to just say "We're sorry. We are truly sorry. We're going to take steps to address this." is, instead, to attack me in all of this. The most interesting strategy I am finding are these melodramatic "Open Letters to Kristina Wong" rolling around the internet. Please. I'm not Rosie O'Donnell.

Guys, I'm just the messenger. Had anyone else had the time, they would have said the same thing to you.

Stop deflecting the responsibility of what you did onto me. Justin Tanthanasiridej /FASA, you need to step up here and take action, not against me, but to start actually fulfilling your mission and addressing what you did to the community at large.

Also, someone who identifies herself as "a Proud Filipina" said in my comments:

"I also think that you have no knowledge about what type of person Justin Tanthanasiridej is. You even attack his family by asking "Does your mother, sister, cousin, grandmother look like the women on that flyer? Are they “hos”?" Honestly, its one thing to attack Mr. Tanthanasiridej, but do you really need to bring his family in this? As far as I know, you don't know Mr. Tanthanasiridej, what makes you think you can go ahead and assume his family are hos! Once again you are still perpetuating the problem you claim to be fighting against, the demeaning of Asian American women."

I guess if you have a hard time recognizing overt sexism being exercised within your club, you are going to have a real hard time recognizing SATIRE.


sat·ire /ˈsætaɪər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sat-ahyuhr] Pronunciation Key -
–noun
1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.
2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.


Of course Justin Tanthanasiridej's family is not made hos. Of course the women in FASA are not hos. I never said they were hos. I did ASK, however, if they were hos or if they would be doing Ho-like things at the fundraiser. When I said that FASA members wouldn't mind doing handjobs for pennies on the dollars, it was meant as SATIRE. Why did I say these things? Because my dear, when I first saw the flyer, I thought: "Are those girls with the fake boobs members of FASA?" Believe me, that's what a few people said when they saw the flyer.
You'd think from the flyer, that maybe the women associated with FASA and FASA members are ok with being characterized as hos as that is the caption to the women on the flyer. This is why I asked the questions I did in my initial email. Because WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD THINK TO DO A PIMPS AND HOS PARTY AS A FUNDRAISER FOR A COLLEGE FILIPINO AMERICAN STUDENT GROUP?!?! A GROUP THAT IS SUPPOSED TO "PROMOTE EQUALITY AND JUSTICE"?


Am I yelling to the wind here?!


You see... "Proud Filipina," while there is a whole "story" to go along with the flyer, it doesn't matter what that story is. It doesn't matter if your club was "forced" to promote a party you didn't design. It still is FASA's event with FASA'S name on it. Your FASA president, Justin Tanthanasiridej, chose to let your club, as diverse and happy as you all say it is, go with a very bad fundraiser. Don't get mad at me for asking questions that many others have been asking, get mad at yourselves for letting yourselves be represented this way. And don't take up your sob story with me about how I misunderstand the creation of the flyer, take it up with the CSUN Dean of Students who seems to be as equally as confused as I am as how it is FASA is trying to fulfill it's mission.


One comment that has come up is that I was "racist and stereotypical when I said:

"Nothing is scarier than the idea of 200 angry Filipinos coming to my house for revenge and waking up with a Tinikling stick thrust through my heart."


I apologize to Marc and everyone I offended with this comment. I again, meant that comment as satire. Perhaps the way the "Pimps and Hos" theme was meant as satire right? I didn't mean to play on or encourage the damaging stereotype that Filipino Americans walk around with Tinikling sticks or get angry easily when challenged for being sexists. But I can see how my statement can be misread. Like FASA, I make mistakes too. Sure, mistakes that aren't as big as FASA's, but mistakes nonetheless. Sorry.

What I should have said is this:

"I am afraid that I may actually provoke anger and revenge from members of FASA or others who disagree with my sentiments that a "Pimp and Ho" party is a demeaning and sexist way to fundraise for an organization founded on promoting justice and equality. This "revenge," of course, may not happen, as the same people who didn't find it problematic to have a "Pimps and Hos" party are quite capable of also being peace loving and rational thinking people. But I would like to express my latent fear that I may find myself one day pelted, in revenge, with stacks of unused demeaning and sexist CSUN FASA "Pimp and Ho" Flyers (which they were distributed up until the point that CSUN officials requested that FASA redraw their participation because the event did not reflect the mission of FASA. That and CSUN could not be held responsible for sexual assault that could occur as a result of such event.)."


Yes, this seems to be less stereotypical, less racist, and actually, a more accurate sentiment.


Thank you for your feedback kids.

Now really, stop asking me to apologize when clearly, you are the ones who have yet to accept full responsibility for your actions. The more you ask me to apologize, the worse it looks on you. Really.

Labels: Justin Tanthanasiridej CSUN FASA PIMPS HOS FUNDRAISER

Dear Justin Tanthanasiridej,

I just got off the phone with a woman on staff at the CSUN Matador Involvement Center. I called them directly because I did not hear back from you about whether or not CSUN's FASA was still participating, profiting from or promoting the "Pimps and Hos" Fundraising event last night.

I was very happy to hear of the following.

She informed me that in your meeting with her, you expressed that you were not responsible for creating the event but were merely "marketing and promoting" it. And she said that she informed you that it still was a CSUN affiliated event despite the distinction you made. She said that CSUN officials did not see the flyer as it was distributed off campus. Had they seen it, they would not have approved FASA's participation in the event. She also said that CSUN could not be responsible for the event because of possible liabilities with sexual harassment and sexual assault that could come up at a "Pimp and Ho" fundraiser.


She also informed me of the following...

1. That you withdrew CSUN FASA's participation in the "Pimps and Hos" Fundraising event.
2. That you/CSUN FASA took in no revenue from last night's event.
3. That you/CSUN FASA removed/ retracted all flyers promoting the event.

Seeing that the above was agreed to and FULLY enacted, I can say that I am quite pleased that you took the road with the most integrity. I know it probably was not an easy choice to follow so last minute, but it is, in the long run, the decision that will yield the least backlash and the most growth for the Asian American community, women, and people at large. The woman at the center also expressed that the Matador Involvement Center is able to provide your organization with ideas for fundraising that do not involve demeaning women. It seems like they have a lot of resources available to student groups that I hope you will take advantage of.

Confusion may linger about whether or not you/FASA participated in last night's event. I would suggest that you send an open letter of apology to the community at large and outline the steps your organization will take to address this incident. I was also informed by the staff member at the Matador Involvement Center that there is diversity and sensitivity training available for student clubs. It may be worth looking into and should be made a requirement for the officers of FASA.

Take care, and I hope to meet you one day in another, less confrontational, context.


Best,

Kristina Wong

Labels: Justin Tanthanasiridej pulls support from CSUN FASA PIMPS HOS FUNDRAISER

Hey everyone,

I got food poisoning last night and am recovering now (aah... the karma of fighting injustice!).

Many of you have been asking me whether or not the CSUN FASA (Filipino American Student Association) "Pimp and Ho" Fundraiser still happened last night and I have no idea. Remember? Justin Tanthanasiridej didn't get back to me. So I decided to just call the Matador Involvement Staff and find out. The lady who knows is going to call me back. I did however, in the last hour forward Marc's email and my responseto the Matador Involvement Staff and the CSUN student paper.

Maybe I have this all wrong. Maybe it's FASA who indeed are the victims here. It's kind of like blaming the third world for having to resort to sex trafficking for economic survival. I realize that Marc's email offers a parallel explaination for why FASA HAD to put on that fundraiser-- money is hard to come by, this is what they had to resort to. I'm thinking this whole incident should be made even more public so that we can show the Governor how hard schools have it. That they actually are forced to perform acts of prostitution to survive.

Oh... so sad. Spare a dime for Justin Tanthanasiridej and FASA-- can you?

Dear Matador Involvement Staff and CSUN Sundial Staff,

Below is an email exchange with a member of FASA (Filipino American Student Association) from last night who posted his letter to me as an open letter on the internet. It seems, according to them, because of the nature of being a CSUN student, with rising tuition, fees, etc, that this fundraiser was almost, a necessary option for them to fundraise and that “of course” the demeaning nature of the fundraiser had to be overlooked. The “Pimp and Ho Fundraiser” was not “intended” to upset anyone and the club, it seems, is actually made up of very nice people (which of course, makes up for the fact that they profited from a “Pimp and Ho” fundraiser).

How sad that funds for student groups are so low that student groups are FORCED to hold such fundraisers that demean women and reflect poorly on themselves and the university. How very sad. This poverty and desperation is actually why sex trafficking in third world countries has grown as out of control as it has. It’s not a reflection of morality, but more so of, economic circumstance. So ironic that Filipinos in America, that are part of (progressive?) student organizations must resort to the same third world tactics for financial survival. Can something be done about this? Surely if Governor Schwartzenegger knew that students actually had to hold events that resembled prostitution for money, he might kick more funds towards student activity fees.

Perhaps the FASA fundraiser can be made more public as an example of how education has really fallen into a decline and as a rallying point for why student activity fees should be increased for groups like FASA. If FASA didn’t have to worry about money, then they could focus on their mission-- “promoting the cause of equality and justice.”

Please respond with any thoughts,

Kristina Wong

Labels: Justin Tanthanasiridej CSUN FASA PIMPS HOS FUNDRAISER

Hey guys, still no response from Justin Tanthanasiridej about whether or not his club, CSUN's Filipino American Student Association (FASA) will still be profiting off of or participating in tonight's fundraiser. So it looks like they might be going ahead with it and using "We're just dumb college kids who made a mistake, won't do it again, we promise" as their excuse. The editor at the CSUN student paper asked me to go to the party tonight and write an article about my impressions of it.

Yeah, can you imagine me stepping into this pimp and ho party screaming, "Hey Everyone! I'm Kristina Wong! Who's happy to see me?!"

Anyway, one member of FASA, Marc, was kind enough to send me an email. His text is in blue. My response is in black. Enjoy!



Dear Kristina Wong,
I applaud your efforts in trying to bring issues of sexism into the limelight of college students and the Asian American community. I have been apart of the student club you mention and hope that issues can be cleared up as soon as possible. As an Asian American studies major I have come across your website during classes used to serve as a tool to start discussions dealing with the communities mentioned. I have to say that I agree with most of your politics, but find that some of your tactics could be more civil as the president of the Filipino American Student Association has done in your reply.

I am a satirist. This is how I write and I am not sorry that you have a problem with it. I felt assaulted when I saw Justin’s email and felt it necessary to send that same sentiment back to him. Also, you have to understand that it’s not exactly the most easy thing to approach a student group where the men (presumably) have no issue being characterized as “pimps.” This is why I chose a more satirical tone.

Thank you for bringing this issue to us, but is there a reason to further attack and damage one person's character?

How am I doing that? Honestly, anything I am writing of Justin couldn’t reflect more poorly than the fact that he has sent off a tasteless flyer for a “Pimp and Ho” fundraiser for the club he is president of.

I understand that you speak on your own opinion, and may also speak for those who are against the oppression of the sex trafficking and sex tourism industry. (I consider myself an ally to this particular cause.) What I have come to see, via myspace and the electronic world, is that you are actively pursuing to put pressure on one person when there are several parties involved in this "NIGHT CLUB event."

Justin’s was the only email address I had access to. He is the club president, the person who sent the offending email, and who better to take the issue up with than him? I am not going to run after every group involved with the night club event.

Also, you misunderstand my intentions. While I have issues with “Pimp and Ho” parties, I don’t believe my time should be spent stopping club promoters from having them. It’s when a Filipino American organization (whose mission is “to promote justice and equality”) stands to profit off of such an event that I take issue.

From what I know, there was a decision to make fundraiser night in conjunction with a promoting company for night clubs. CSUN FASA has done this before just as well as other Filipino/ Asian American student orgs have done so. For those who live under a rock, many college organizations co-sponsor club events with some arranged agreement where the organization may receive a percentage of funds through cover charges or the bar tap based upon the number of people they bring. Please understand that no members of CSUN FASA designed the flier for the event, nor did any of them specifically plan to have a Pimp n Ho themed party with intent to harm others.


Believe me, most of the people who are not familiar with your group would see your flier and not know the intricacies of FASA’s involvement with the party. All they see is “Pimp and Ho” and “CSUN FASA Fundraiser” on the flier. The only intention that I see is that FASA/Justin was careless in recognizing the sexist nature of the flyer or responding to it. His attitude seems to be, “Oh well... Too late... We won’t do it next time.” Instead, he can rise to the occasion and publicly acknowledge that he and FASA made a mistake. But he hasn’t had the courage to do this.

I believe what happened is that a night club promoter contacted the organization to have a fundraiser and they took the opportunity with little hindsight. With budget cuts, rising tuition, debts owed, and the sake of financial stability of CSUN FASA judgment of the content of material was of course overlooked.

“We are a poor organization, so we had to pimp out Asian women to make money. We just had to.”

This is a really pathetic excuse for justifying sexism. You do realize that don’t you? I think very few people would feel sympathetic for FASA that they had “no choice but” to use distasteful material and participate in such an event. There are plenty of other ways to raise money that would more appropriately reflect your mission.

However, I am wondering how come you have not criticized organizations, fraternities, sororities, event organizers, and performers in their participation in events such as these? An example would be where Filipino American college students partake in an event known as Friendship Games. Organizers usually have some night-club after-party with fliers that are quite similar to one made for CSUN FASA.

If I had all the time in the world, I would write letters more often like the one to Justin. I’m usually quite busy and just happened to have the time this week to engage in these emails. When Justin’s email was forwarded to me, it hit an emotional nerve. This is why I felt compelled to respond the way I did.

Running around and screaming at everyone and every organization that has participated in events like this is a poor and exhausting strategy for activism and social change. I pick and choose my battles. I see this confrontation with FASA as a key moment to create important community dialogue on gender and sexism within the Asian American community. I also believe that if FASA chooses to act responsibly in the matter, this will generate social change that other student groups can learn from.

Have you tried to contact Barkada Modern, as performers, and asked them to not perform? Is it because the logo includes the word "Filipino" that you are deciding to target CSUN FASA? I'm assuming that you understand that Barkada is a tagolog word, which may indicate something related to Filipino Americans. What about the other parties mentioned in the flier?

I sent the email to Justin because his was the only email address on the email announcement and the flier clearly says that it is a “Fundraiser for CSUN FASA.” I also thought that as FASA president, he was the best person to direct my letter to since club presidents tend to be the key representatives for their organizations. I was not interested in writing the other parties on the flier. It was clear to me that FASA was actually PROFITING from the party and this was the conflict of interest.


I feel that your judgment has been made in a hasty manner. In my own opinion, I would initially try to find more about the issue by directly waiting for an email response from a representative from the club. Instead you preempted the issue by CCing your email to university officials, prompting for an immediate reaction. For the purpose of argument can you please state your motive is?

Again, I found it horrifying that CSUN would allow a student group to raise money through a “pimp and ho” party and if your president and (presumably) none of your members didn’t have a problem representing FASA this way publicly in cyberspace, then what was wrong with my sending an email to others? Once Justin sent that email out into public, it became public domain. If I didn’t cc school officials, someone else would have. I also noticed that a CSUN professor acquaintance was on Justin’s original email. If he didn’t have a problem sending it to her, then why should it matter that I cc’d others on the campus?

An unfair advantage exists here when you already have your own fame through your works and the Asian American community. You have nothing to lose here, where Justin has everything to lose when you publish his entire name with intent to harm his character, and try to construct a false image of who he is and who he is associated with.

It’s flattering that you think that I have “fame.” Not really, but thanks. Actually, I do have a lot to lose. Nothing is scarier than the idea of 200 angry Filipinos coming to my house for revenge and waking up with a Tinikling stick thrust through my heart.

And I don’t think that anything I am writing is defamatory of Justin. All references I’ve made to him on my site are questions I have of him, his character and his intentions. He is welcome to respond to or disagree with me. However, he has chosen to not respond to my last two emails. If he does write, I will repost his response on my blog for others to read.

Please TRY to get know him and find more about him before taking libelous actions. If it is to bring about REAL issues concerning the oppression of women, then let us create a dialogue about this and keep things civil.

Where is Justin? I haven’t heard from him all day. I only received a form email about how FASA would never “knowingly” demean women. I’ve opened the door for him to respond. Justin is also welcome to respond to all the recipients of my original email. That’s why I put all those emails there in the “cc” section. So that he can speak to his defense. In fact, I am “cc”ing him here and he is welcome to respond. I’m glad that you feel compelled to write (on his behalf?), but really, he’s the club president and should take the responsibility to address the matter.

In regards to the Filipino American Student Association at CSUN, please don't generalize all the members by what few say.

I don’t have time to get to know all your members. I am sure they are all nice people. But really, you need to understand that when you put out a fundraising flyer like that, people aren’t reading between the lines and the flyer becomes a representative of your organization and what values they stand for.

One of the greatest things I have enjoyed as a member of four years in CSUN FASA is the diversity amongst its members. Many students with different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, classes, and ages have come and gone through this club. A Filipino American student organization that has had a Thai president, African cultural coordinator, and a number of LGBTQ students is very rare to find.

That’s great to hear. Honestly, I think FASA’s flyer, FASA’s choice of this as a fundraising event, and FASA/Justin’s poor response in addressing the concerns of the community at large has done a lot of damage to represent and promote that diversity that you say exists.

Now that controversy has been started, what is the next step?

You tell me. I’m just a girl who had problems with your fundraiser. I’m not here to fix your problems for you. I, Kristina Wong, did not singlehandedly create “controversy” for you. Justin (and whoever else) invited conflict by choosing to go forward with this ridiculous “Pimp and Ho” party as your fundraiser. I’m barely sending around the emails on this event, others are reposting my emails because they feel the same way I, not because I forced them to repost emails about this event.

I do have a few ideas though on how to move forward. For starters you can urge your club president to withdraw FASA’s participation in tonight’s fundraiser. While this would cost you potential funds and create confusion, I think it’s the response that would reflect the most integrity. You can also urge Justin to offer a public apology on behalf of your club. And you can also engage in a dialogue about class, race, and gender issues stemming from this incident within your club and see what steps you can take so that future events (perhaps healthy women-centered events) reflect FASA’s mission.

I’d also suggest explaining to the Matador Involvement Center how hard it is for you to raise money, and that you are “forced” to put on “Pimp and Ho” parties to raise funds. I’m sure they would respond with some suggestions for better ways to fundraise.


Good luck to your group. I hope you will use this incident as a moment to grow from, grow stronger from, and be true to your mission.

Best,

Kristina Wong




Sincerely,
Marc



Makibaka.

Endure the Struggle.



Labels: Justin Tanthanasiridej CSUN FASA PIMPS HOS FUNDRAISER

So far, no word from Justin Tanthanasiridej on whether or not his Filipino American Student Association at CSUN is still having their "Pimp and Ho" fundraiser. All I know is, it sure is fun googling his name to find that my site right now, and my letters to him have come up as the #1 Justin Tanthanasiridej search hit! Hell yes! He's going to have a lot of fun when he applies for corporate jobs years from now.


(Picture, if you will, a job interview in a high rise business office in the year 2010)

Corporate Interviewer: So, Justin Tanthanasiridej, it says here you were president of your Filipino American Student Association? That sounds like a lot of responsibility.

Justin Tanthanasiridej: Yes, our club's mission was to promote equality and justice for Filipino Americans. We have award winning culture shows. And we put on fundraisers.

Corporate Interviewer: Well, let me google you, I'm curious to what we'll find.

Justin Tanthanasiridej: Oh no! Damn that Kristina Wong!

Corporate Interviewer: Wow, according to this blog post on kristinawong.com, it looks like you had a "pimp and ho" fundraiser?

Justin Tanthanasiridej: Well... yes, but look, we didn't know... and it was too late, and yeah, we had time to pull out of participating in the event, but... we were lame and decided not to... there was a lot of money to be made...

Corporate Interviewer: You mean, you actually made money by exploiting and demeaning Asian women? Even though the mission of your club was to promote equality and justice for Filipinos? That's kind of hypocritical of you.

Justin Tanthanasiridej: I guess you can say that.

Corporate Interviewer: Well, looks like you have what it takes to work in the corporate world. You are hired Justin Tanthanasiridej!



Anyway... here's my latest email to Justin Tanthanasiridej. (Gosh it's fun to cut and paste his name.)


Subject: Still waiting for your response regarding tonight's "Pimp and Ho" Fundraiser for CSUN's FASA
To: Justin Tanthanasiridej , justinivan@sbcglobal.net

Hi Justin,

I would love to hear back from you regarding my most recent email. Are you still planning to have the “Pimp and Ho” Fundraiser tonight for your club, CSUN’s Filipino American Student Association?

I know you’ve put a great deal of work into the event, but you still have time to pull your club’s participation from the event and let FASA stand for something greater and truly prove to the community at large that you do have integrity and dignity and do indeed, true to your mission, care to promote equality and justice for Filipino Americans.

I encourage you to rise to the occasion, despite what the financial losses will be. Let this moment be your moment, FASA’s moment, to reject being part of something that is overtly sexist, racist, classcist and oppressive and let the world know that you will not profit from such an event.

You still have time to show the world that you, Justin Tanthanasiridej, and your club do have integrity.

Please repsond.

Best,

Kristina Wong

PS I’ve cc’d members of the CSUN and national community who are also anxious to hear your response.

Labels: Justin Tanthanasiridej CSUN FASA PIMPS HOS FUNDRAISER

Here's the response to my last blog about CSUN's Filipino Club's "Pimp and Ho" Fundraiser.

Response from FASA President.

RE: CSUN FASA "Pimp and Ho" Clubbing Fundraiser
From: Justin Tanthanasiridej

Dear Kristina Wong,

I would like to apologize for the offensive nature of the fundraising flyer. CSUN FASA would never knowingly exploit Asian American women in a demeaning, racist or sexist way.

I truly apologize for what the club posted on the flyer. We were never offered the opportunity to participate in the production or delivery of the flyer.

In the future, we will review any flyers and promotional advertising that involves our organization to prevent future misrepresentations. I should have reviewed and researched the promotion. FASA will not support any future events with the company.

My intentions were not meant to offend or demean the Asian American women population and CSUN FASA is also in no way of trying to exploit the Asian American women.

CSUN FASA is a long-standing, reputable campus organization. CSUN FASA promotes cultural events that promote the cause of justice and equality. Both SPAHM and Filipino Cultural Night are award winning annual student presentations. All our members are volunteer participants from a diverse range of experiences.

Sincerely,
Justin Tanthanasiridej





And my response.....



Hi Justin,

I thank you for your prompt and civil response to my email. I know that many young college students, especially ones that embrace being characterized as “pimps” would respond less civilly by sending people to my house to give me “a beat down.” I appreciate that you are a cut above the other pimps. You are after all, the FASA President and a young community leader.

Here are some responses I have to your responses.

I appreciate that you say that “FASA will not support any future events with the company” but the question remains: Will FASA be participating, promoting or profiting from Thursday’s “Pimp and Ho” party? If FASA is still actively promoting, participating, and profiting off of this Thursday’s “Pimp and Ho Event,” then there still seems to be a very large problem with your logic that FASA “in no way...(is) trying to exploit the Asian American women.”

And therefore, there would still be a big problem. Luckily, you still have time between today and tomorrow to withdraw FASA’s commitment and support of the event and prevent further backlash from the community at large.

Do you acknowledge that it is not just the flyer design that is problematic, but the “Pimp and Ho” theme of the whole night is problematic?

Do you also acknowledge that a “Pimp and Ho” themed night is not the most appropriate or tasteful tactic to fundraise for your organization?

While you say your intentions “were not meant to offend or demean the Asian American women population” you still forwarded the flyer quite publicly via cyberspace without any disclaimers or apologies to the flyer content. It was as if you didn’t even realize anything was wrong with the flyer until I wrote you. Did you have any conflicted feelings when you first saw the flyer? Was it only when you got my email that you realized that something was wrong? Why send the apology so late?

Why didn’t you think to pull out of the event or request a different flyer be created? After all, it is your fundraiser, and your club is bringing a crowd, you can’t be all that helpless in the matter.

I find it problematic that the President of a club whose mission is to “promote the cause of justice and equality” missed something so offensive. Will you acknowledge publicly that as the FASA president, you contradicted the mission of your club by not having a problem being part of this fundraiser and carelessly forwarding a flyer that many women find offensive?

I also think it’s interesting that you said, “CSUN FASA would never knowingly exploit Asian American women in a demeaning, racist or sexist way.” What the hell is wrong with you that you didn’ t “know” that this was demeaning, racist or sexist? Does your mother, sister, cousin, grandmother look like the women on that flyer? Are they “hos”? Is that why you didn’t bat an eye when you saw it? Is that why you didn’t know it was demeaning?

Will you acknowledge that you, Justin Tanthanasiridej and FASA could benefit from some diversity and gender sensitivity training so that you can better spot OBVIOUS sexism and racism in the future? So that you will KNOWINGLY see and stop sexist and demeaning fundraisers from happening?

Will you pledge to make an active step to unlearn your own internalized sexism and the other internalized oppressions that allowed you to even let this happen in the first place? So it doesn’t happen again and hurt so many people?

What steps will FASA take, aside from this email to me, to repair the damage done by your participation in this event? Will you issue a public apology? Will you pledge to create more thoughtful and empowering women-centered programming in the future? What will those programs be? Will you consider working closer to advisors at the Matador Involvement Center and the Women’s Resource Center to make better decisions in the future?

I’m curious.


Please respond,

Kristina Wong



P.S. Also, I have CC’d, as before, the editorial staff at the CSUN Sundial, professors at CSUN, the Matador Involvement Center staff, local community artists and activists, and others who are very interested in how you have to respond to this matter.

Labels: csun fasa pimp and ho party fundraiser Justin Tanthanasiridej

Leilani forwarded me this information about this fundraiser for CSUN's FASA (Filipino American Student Association).

Here's the email text that comes with it...

Come and party with CSUN FASA for our clubbing fundraiser at Level 3 called "Dulce." The event is 18 and over, dress code strictly enforced, and a costume contest. If you guys and your friends do go please let the guys at the door know that you are with CSUN FASA. Please come out and support us at our fundraiser event. Did I mention that Hilary Duff might be there for her album release party?
Hope to see you all there,

Justin Tanthanasiridej President Spring 2007 CSUN FASA

And the flyer... (it says "Pimp and Ho" edition under "Dulce")







And of course... my response below. Aaahh... There's nothing I need more in my life than having 200 angry Filipinos from Northridge coming after me for trying to shut down their fundraiser.

Bring it...


To: justinivan@sbcglobal.net
CC: vicki.allen@csun.edu, colleen.frenck@csun.edu, jamison.keller@csun.edu, beatriz.trejo@csun.edu

Subject: Re: CSUN FASA "Pimp and Ho" Clubbing Fundraiser

Dearest Justin Tanthanasiridej,

I was recently forwarded a flyer for your “Pimp and Ho fundraiser” for FASA (Filipino American Students Association). I regret that I cannot go but I had to write and commend you on your wonderful fundraising strategy. When I was a member of Asian American student organizations in college, our fundraisers were so tame in comparison. We sold t-shirts and cookies. At our socials we invited community activists to speak and put on culture nights shows. (You know, stuff that we thought would help cultivate a united Asian American community and would instill a healthy sense of cultural pride.). BORING!

Had we had your idea of reinforcing sexism, racism, and classism AND charging for it--Man! We would have made so much more money! Here we were nickel and diming it by doing things that were “positive” when we could have just sold out the very same Asian sisters we intended to empower in our clubs!

Had we used your tactics, the current sky-high rates of suicide among Asian American women would probably have gone way down! Nothing is more empowering than seeing an image of a surgically enhanced Asian woman in a bikini with the word “ho” accompanying it! I bet the women in your club are ecstatic to finally be represented the way strong Pinay women need to be.

What’s so brilliant about this “Pimp and Ho” idea is that you really give people a dose of the homeland. The real P.I.! The Philippines is notorious for sex trafficking and sex tourism. What better way for your Filipino club to share the rich culture of the Philippines than by exploiting women here at home? As president of your club, you must be really proud that the women of FASA (they are part of this fundraiser are they not?) are allowing people to not just see them as the sex slaves that so many Filipina women escape to America to become more than—but full on HOs!!!

What’s great is that your fundraiser involves “Barkada Modern” Dance. I really hope that this dance involves the girls shooting ping pong balls out of their cooches. Just like in present day Thailand! It would be so appropriate for the evening. So modern.

So often, Asian Americans stage letter writing campaigns against the radio stations, networks, t-shirt companies, politicians, corporations, historically white fraternities etc that have depicted Asian Americans as weak, subservient butts of jokes. Your “Pimp and Ho” fundraiser is proof that those days are long behind us! If fellow Asian Americans, especially student organizations that are founded (presumably) with the intention of instilling and sharing cultural pride don’t have a problem putting down Asian women and making money off of them, then why should the rest of the world?

How much are you making off of ticket sales for this party? Cut to the chase! Why not make more money and charge for handjobs and lapdances? Like a real Philippines brothel! I’m sure the women of your club don’t mind taking pennies on the dollar and giving the rest to FASA. I know that in the Philippines, many of the women in sex clubs are enslaved, so even if your women get two cents to the dollar, you’d still be treating them better than what they'd get overseas.

So some final questions….

 I see Hilary Duff might be there. (Wow! At a FASA fundraiser? You guys are huge!) Will she be giving handjobs? I noticed her album is called “Dignity,” so maybe not. Too bad. She’ s hot.

 I saw that it’s a “costume contest.” If I come dressed as a fat balding white guy, will you let me buy one of your female club members as my new mail order bride? I’ll pay top dollar.

 If this goes well will you consider taking the “Pimp and Ho” idea further and perhaps charge an hourly rate for FASA outcall work? Run the idea by your female members, I think they’d be into it.

 Since the Asian sex trade also involves young boys, would you consider pimping yourself out? I know some older men who’d love to tap that sweet brown ass of yours.

Asian American student clubs like yours are usually founded to mobilize against racism. In fact, if you look at the history of why many Asian American student organizations come together, it's usually in direct response to pre- and post- civil rights racial injustice.

But heck! Why fight against oppression when you can be part of it? Thanks for showing the world that it’s good to be different.

Filipino Pride!


Please Respond,

Kristina Wong
www.bigbadchinesemama.com
www.kristinawong.com


P.S. Have you looked at CSUN’s “Code of Ethics”? It’s located here. http://www.csun.edu/getinvolved/clubs_orgs/micDoc/CodeOfEthics0607.pdf

It’s so good to know that the “Pimp and Ho” party “reflects the mission of the university…” and “helps students realize their educational goals.” I know I have a much clearer vision of CSUN and would love for my children to CSUN and one day be part of a FASA fundraiser.

P.P.S. To show you how much I commend you for your innovative fundraising strategy, I am CC’ing the staff at the Matador Involvement Center so that they will know how hard you are working.

Labels: csun fasa pimp and ho party fundraiser Justin Tanthanasiridej

By popular demand, I bring back LX4000 to whisk Kenneth Eng away from the modern world and on a journey of 6005 years. Enjoy!

Thanks to Vince for driving all the way out to my place this morning to do the camera work!

Labels: kenneth eng

I found out about the Virginia Tech massacre not by TV (which i don't turn on), radio (which was stolen from my car) or internet (though I get most of my internet news via The Onion) but instead found out about it all via Perez Hilton's celebrity gossip blog. It was sandwiched between blog entries about Sanjaya and Britney Spears.

What a world that this is how I have to find things out.

I also notice in retrospect how inappropriate my last posting was. Especially since my label for the post was "shoot me." I posted it not knowing what had happened yet at VT. Here I was all riled up about Will Smith's rap comeback, when Will Smith's rap comeback was perhaps the best news that Monday could have brought.

I am sorry if anyone found that inappropriate or offensive.

Today was strange. I've been back in LA for four days and as usual, I have not unpacked my things, I haven't even put fresh sheets on my bed, and I have been working non-stop. It makes me blind to work like this.

Today I get an email on the aa-drama listserv (a theater listserv for Asian Americans) from a notoriously angry guy named Wei Meng who is a huge rabble rouser on the listserv. In his usual fashion, he starts firing off accusations to the whole group about how we are so passive as Asian American artists and why aren't any of responding to the massacre and the fact that the shooter is Korean. It's been a day since the shootings and it's like this guy wants everyone to snap out of their shock and start hammering out the screenplays or something. I really can't stand it when people on APA arts listservs are so angry at "the system" or other artists with less radical political views but never take any creative steps to address their political issues. Instead, they spend way too much energy tearing down other artists for being "passive." And there seems to be way too many of these folks, usually men, on these listservs. It's like a social phenomenon. The angry Asian guy on the arts listserv.

Anyway, Wei Meng's email rant mentions ME in it and how I'm the only artist who responded to the Kenneth Eng situation via my YouTube video for him. So I read this and am I'm thinking like, "Oh god, please dude, don't align me to your militant tirade right now." I already have enough problems with people thinking that "Big Bad Chinese Mama" is actually Kristina Wong and not a persona created by Kristina Wong. I don't need to become cannon fodder for this guy's cry that we all rally around this Korean guy at VT. And I try writing him a constructive email about how as artists we all have the right to respond, not respond, or create work that directly or indirectly comment on our ethnic identities. I also attempt to suggest that he create his own work if he feels so compelled by what's happening at VT (since I'm pretty sure nobody on the aa-drama listserv has ever seen this guy's work).

I also tell him that it's not a good strategy to send these accusatory emails around and also send emails to the listserv asking people to help finance his film (which he's done in the past). It's just not the best strategy to get an indie film financed.

Anyway, he sends this totally hurtful email back about how I should stick to "lame parodies" and how I've never done anything creative in my life, and how nobody on "asian listservs" go to my shows.

Ouch. Here I was proud that I was finally making a living as an artist and this guy decides that he knows what I'm all about and who is coming and who isn't.

I just said something to the equivalent of, "Whatever. Good luck to you" and decided it already took up way too much energy to even talk to him.

Anyway. Because I'm doing this show on depression and suicide among Asian American women, I am finding myself lately, drawn to taking a closer look at this breed of unstable and angry Asian men that seem to be cropping up lately in the news and on listservs.

And I feel that other people are feeling me on this too. I have already received a few calls and emails today from people who want me to "respond" to what happened at VT. I also had a few emails asking me to "comment" on Kenneth Eng's recent videoblog about how "hilarious" the massacre was. (YouTube just removed it. )

I seem to be the "go-to" girl for all things Asian, depressed, and suicidal.

I asked my friend who called me on the phone, "Why are you calling me and asking me, of all people, about why I think this Korean guy killed all those people?"

"Because of your show. You are like a safe space."

So... What is with this particular breed of fanatical and angry Asian men?

Kenneth Eng is fascinating in how angry and unloved he is and how it's manifested in such bitterness and hatred. How he has inventing this complex sci-fi world where he will always be superior to others. And yet he continues to work in such public mediums(as a novelist, columnist and internet blogger), an odd way to bring his message to others, albeit, deaf ears. Is this his way of sharing? Is this his way of asking for help?

Then there is Cho Seung-Hui. I find it odd how people are constructing the backstory or narrative for this mysterious killer at VT to provide an (simplified?) "answer"to what happened. Is it really as easy as "he was an immigrant and that was hard" or "he was isolated among white people" or "he was just crazy"?

And then there are these radical and angry Asian men screaming on these arts listservs. Why don't they realize that screaming that artists should create political dialog is actually making it hard for anyone to get a word in edgewise?

Yes, right now I can only offer three anecdotal examples of Asian men who fall into this extreme category. But it's definitely a new anti-model minority extreme I'm seeing. But not one that's positive. That's for sure. And I'm sure the backlash for lumping all these people together is yet to come.

Labels: asian men

Will Smith plans a rap comeback with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Dude, quit while you're ahead.

Labels: shoot me

My beautiful and adoring mother emailed her concerns of my unhesitant usage of the word “dong” in my recent blogs. She wrote that using the word so publicly in cyberspace would reflect badly on our family (you know, whereas my writing for a porn mag would not).

I agree. The word “dong” is base, unrefined, unpoetic, and obvious. A UCLA English major like myself should know better than to pick such a sloppy word to describe man’s most complex section.

Therefore, I am vowing to no longer use the word “dong” in my blogs and am requesting that my readers help me pick out a more dignified synonym from the following list.

Man Tower
Dashund
Don Johnson
Jojo Dancer
Man Baton
Minute Hand
Thermometer de Flesh
Man Tower
Cock-a-Doodle-Doo
Leg #3
Pointer Finger
Bread and Meatballs
AK 47
Van de Kamps
Lonely Antenna
Night Stick
Peg Leg
Papa Smurf
Dodo Bird
Unagi
Mr. Potato Head

Please pick a synonym or make a suggestion. I implore you. For the future and the posterity of the Wong family name.

I’ll reveal and liberally use the winning synonym in an upcoming blog.

Labels: no more dong

I got into Chicago from Philly this morning after staying up all night. Sleepwalked to a cab, got dropped off at Anida's at 7am and passed out for a few hours on her couch.

Now I'm at a cafe and already gearing up for going home. This Friday I'm finally home! Tomorrow I do excerpts of my work at DePaul and show some stuff on DVD. And also while out here I'll be checking out some male strip clubs for a travel article for Playgirl. We are going to a place called "The Lucky Horseshoe" tomorrow-- it's free to get in and features tons of hot male strippers.

I make a living talking about being crazy and looking and writing about dong. It's a wonderful and funny life. While other people are trading stocks and making companies merge, I am on Anida's couch on my cell phone asking club owners, "So are the guys all naked or do they wear thongs?"

So what was great about the three day stint in Philly was I got to work with all these amazing artists that I normally don't get the chance to work with (especially since I work solo so much of the time). It was incredible. We worked together for 24 hours and created a full length show. A GOOD SHOW, in that time. We will put up again in June in New York.

I realized so much that I want to change about my life as an artist after having the inspiring experience last weekend of creating work for the fun of it.

* I need to create more. I need to find more time to do my work and work out creatively. Not just creating huge big projects to tour and "sell" but small stuff for myself and my own creative growth.
* I need to extricate myself from so many discussions about the "business" or "politics" of the art world. A few conversations are ok. But after a while, talking about it at length is draining and unfun. And somebody is always unsatisfied with someone else in the art world. So no need blabbing about it at length.
* I need to "diversify my portfolio" as an artist. Have a bigger arsenal of things that I can do as an artist and human being. This means taking more classes in different arenas, reading more books, and getting better at doing different things.
* I need to find more time for me and more time for my friends. Rewards are great.

I've decided that when I am back in LA I'm going to reward myself with morning bike rides to the beach, a facial and massage, and spend some days doing nothing but watching TV and crafting. My friend Traci and I were even talking about taking a pole dance class together!

The free time isn't going to last too long. And it seems I don't have much of it. I have some TV show pitches to follow up with, shows in LA and NY to put up, more grants to write, and my site is going in for a massive redesign.

But...It's so important as artists to remember the importance of making a life, not just a living.

BALANCE. BALANCE. BALANCE.

Labels: art talk, balance, male nude revues, playgirl

Hey everyone! No worries, I'm still alive. I'm in Philly again rehearsing for "Edge of the World" (a show that goes up in June at La Mama in NYC) and leave for Chicago tomorrow. And Chicago, thank the lord, is the last stop on this Asian Pacific Islander Nervous Breakdown tour! Woo woo!

Last week kicked my ass and it was actually supposed to be a more mellow week. Not sure what happened there. But I was in Urbana Champaign doing a week-long residency at Unit One Allen Hall (that's "the hippy creative cool kids dorm") where I was so exhausted most of the time I couldn't even put the energy together to take pictures. I did the residency before and swear I had a lot more time to relax before. I taught two workshops a night and did FOUR daytime events, giving talks at different classes and a presentation for their brand new Asian American Cultural Center. They really had me working a lot. But it's exciting to intro new audiences to your work. Especially out in the middle of Illinois where they wouldn't hear about me otherwise.

I also found myself getting all this anxiety before teaching. People don't realize this but I can get really nervous. I think because I was trying to do new things with my residency that I had not really taught before I found myself getting really anxious and worried during the day.

The highlights of my residency at Allen Hall (the second time I've done this residency, btw...)



* Starting my own BIKE FRAT at Allen Hall and riding around the streets of Urbana Champaign at midnight with a bunch of kids, and the dorm's residency director, who were blowing horns and yelling at the drunk kids on Green St that we were a bike frat. And screaming from the back of a tandem bike through a megaphone to all the frat houses about how they should rush OUR fraternity.


* Our live karaoke party where we sang karaoke to a live band. It's been so long I tell you. I sang some new stuff, including "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. The kids where so amazing on the mic, singing Pink Floyd and stuff, and what's crazier is they were all born in the late 80s.


* Visiting a local yarn store in Champaign, Needleworks, and not buying anything. I had all this yarn in my arms and everything, but put it down at the last minute. Good Kristina!

* Getting to have tea every night with great people.



* Setting up this awesome WISH TREE!

Anyway, this workshop I've been part of in Philly is really kicking my ass. We are learning a lot of the "Neo Futurist" aesthetic of "non illusionary theater" (ie "no pretending" and "no lying"). It's really kicking my ass and is totally mindblowing. It's so nice to be around artists from all over the country and actually making work instead of worrying about touring details etc.

We are doing a show tonight. Here's the info if you are around.

EDGE OF THE WORLD
a work-in-progress performance experiment

Featuring Regie Cabico, John Castro, Royd Hatta, Robert Karimi, Traci Kiriyama, Dan Kim, Michelle Myers, Gary San Angel, Anula Shetty, Ryan Suda, F. Omar Telan, Kristina Wong. Conceived and directed by F. Omar Telan.

Monday, April 9, 7 p.m.

Asian Arts Initiative
1315 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia
215-557-0455 for info or reservations

$5 donation requested at the door

All proceeds will support the artists to travel to New York to perform in the first-ever
National Asian American Theater Festival, June 11 - 24, 2007: www.naatf.org

Part cabaret, part objet d'art, part truth or dare. In a night of all new 5-minute-or-shorter "speed plays" asking and addressing the question of what Asian America wants, a rotating cast from around the country throw their lives onto stage full tilt and take you on a roller coaster ride of comedy, drama, serious reflection, and pure theatrical entertainment.

The Edge of the World is a great big art experiment. We invited a dozen of the decade's most inventive artists and dared them to go beyond the traditional identity piece while creating a show that's grounded in personal experience. No pretense. No characters. No lies.

From the diverse and intersecting worlds of spoken word, comedy, writing and performance we've found unique ways to ponder: Are you what Asian America is looking for? So, what don't you want people to know about you? What meaning do you find in a piece of bread? And, are you going to bother to vote?

Through a process involving chance meetings, telecommunications, and good old-fashioned time in a room together, the artists in the Edge of the World collaborate for an evening of performance art that will make you laugh, should make you mad, might make you proud, and no matter what will challenge your expectations of Asian American theater.