It's that time of year where movies get good. Of course, I don't have time right now to watch movies, but that doesn't stop me from viewing trailers to see what's coming out and what I might like.
Imagine my surprise upon seeing a picture of an Asian man next to the button for the Green Lantern trailer. "WHOA," I thought. "We're finally getting an Asian lead in a major movie." I quickly clicked on the play button.
Imagine now my disappointment upon seeing that the lead wasn't Asian, but white, just like every other movie Hollywood produces. My disappointment wasn't too great, since it's Ryan Reynolds, but I was disappointed nonetheless.
I started going through my mind to determine how many minorities were in these major super hero action films. ... ... ... Halle Berry. Oh, and I guess Will Smith. ... ... ... There are others, but they're either villains or their roles aren't even memorable enough for me to know their characters' names.
I suppose I should celebrate the fact that Asians are no longer portrayed by a buck-toothed Mickey Rooney, and blacks are no longer relegated to the positions of household servants. I do recognize this, but I'm not satisfied by it. When do minorities play lead roles? When the role itself requires a minority, or is targeted to that minority population. I realize that the majority of America is still white. Census estimates whites at about 65%, Hispanics around 14%, blacks around 13%, and Asians around 5%. We mixies are about 2%. One would think that on the west coast, these Hollywood power houses could realize that there are other races running around.
The fact that a minority isn't playing the lead doesn't mean that I won't watch the movie. If it looks good, I'll watch it, and if it's any good, I'll enjoy it. Putting a minority as a lead probably won't garner more money, or turn a mediocre movie into a blockbuster. But, perhaps, if we put more minorities in lead roles, roles that could be filled by people of any race, all Asians wouldn't have to look alike. Perhaps blacks wouldn't have to be athletes. Perhaps minorities can be accepted as entrepreneurs, accountants, bums, doctors, farmers, heroes, jerks and nuns. Perhaps they wouldn't have to be placed in their predetermined roles.
Come on, Hollywood. Minorities can fill lead roles in films that don't involve kung-fu, barbershops or Disney. You have a whole color palette to work with; learn to use it.
26 November 2010
28 September 2010
September update
Fine, Austin, I'm posting. It's been a busy 8 months? Classes, finals, moving, boredom, work, boredom, and classes.
I finally got around to unpacking my last box this week. It was mainly driven by desperation; I had invited some friends over for Chuseok, and really needed to clear the boxes out so they wouldn't know the extent of my patheticness. The move was...interesting. I went from a furnished studio to an unfurnished one-bedroom, so most of my time was spent between looking on craigslist for furniture and visiting Home Depot so I could build my own. And to be honest, 'my own' didn't turn out quite so bad.
The first item on the list was a place to sleep. I decided on a platform bed. It arrived in pieces of wood, and wasn't that hard to put together. The problem was that the wood underneath was cheap particle-board, which would show since I decided to forgo a mattress in favour of a pad which I could fold up during the day. So I bought some contact paper, lined the boards, and also took the time to line the night-stand near the furnace, just to add some continuity to the room.
My last project was to find some more room for my clothes, since I still had two 'winter' boxes left over. Of course, 'winter' means coats, scarves, and sweaters. I managed to fit most of my sweaters onto a shelf in my closet, but I still had some long-sleeved shirts that needed a home. So with some creative engineering, I fashioned t-shirt cubbies out of pvc pipe & spray paint, freeing up some dresser space for the sleeved shirts.
So now I'm officially done with my unpacking, and in light of it all, I don't think I want to move for quite a while.
09 January 2010
Travel Plans
Law school has many downsides. (Honestly, at this point, I'm having trouble thinking of many upsides.) You go from being top of your class to hoping you're in the upper 50%, but not really knowing. You start to realize that you're squinting a lot more. You read not til the wee hours in the morning, but to when 'real worlders' are getting up to take showers. Most of all, though, unless you're independently wealthy or your parents are ridiculously wealthy and crazy generous, you don't really have much disposable income. So I don't know if I'll even be able to head anywhere this summer, much less anytime in the next 2 1/2 years, and my K-Deutsch friends aren't helping my any bit. :)
Anna posted pictures of Heidelberg and Hamburg. And I facebook stalked Tanya's brother and went through his whole Germany album. And I WAS JEALOUS. I miss the quaint red-roofed houses, and the gothic cathedrals, and the rustic mountains. I miss armour-filled castles and schnitzel and real bratwurst. But then I miss...Koreanness: serene, sloped-roofed temples, mountaintop fortress walls and towering apartment skylines; I miss $5 비빔밥 and 소주집 and 떡복기 at midnight.
So, the question is, what's going to be at the top of my list in 2.5 years? Will it be Korea? Or Germany? For me, they're both D-land.. heh heh. Or...are we going to go with Africa to fulfill noraebang dreams? I'm accepting votes.
Anna posted pictures of Heidelberg and Hamburg. And I facebook stalked Tanya's brother and went through his whole Germany album. And I WAS JEALOUS. I miss the quaint red-roofed houses, and the gothic cathedrals, and the rustic mountains. I miss armour-filled castles and schnitzel and real bratwurst. But then I miss...Koreanness: serene, sloped-roofed temples, mountaintop fortress walls and towering apartment skylines; I miss $5 비빔밥 and 소주집 and 떡복기 at midnight.
So, the question is, what's going to be at the top of my list in 2.5 years? Will it be Korea? Or Germany? For me, they're both D-land.. heh heh. Or...are we going to go with Africa to fulfill noraebang dreams? I'm accepting votes.
14 December 2009
Finals schminals
I love lists. And now, I'm prepared to unveil my list of the Top 10 Things I'd rather be doing than studying for finals!
10. Write a stupid blog about it.
9. Label my tab dividers
8. Express myself artistically
7. Sleep
6. Pop antacids
5. Drink tea
4. Drink coffee
3. Buy Christmas gifts for family and friends
2. Buy Christmas gifts for numero uno
1. Not study for finals!
10. Write a stupid blog about it.
9. Label my tab dividers
8. Express myself artistically
7. Sleep
6. Pop antacids
5. Drink tea
4. Drink coffee
3. Buy Christmas gifts for family and friends
2. Buy Christmas gifts for numero uno
1. Not study for finals!
26 September 2009
Further education
I've survived five weeks of law school, and the difference it's made in me is unbelievable. I've been cold-called in every single one of my classes, including once for a reading I hadn't done. After the mortification dissipated, I was able to look back and laugh. Or at least manage a watery smile...
But I know that the lessons I've learned are life-changing.
LRW has taught me more than I ever want to know about Michigan's fireman's rule.
Contracts has taught me that no good deed goes unpunished.
Torts has taught me two things. First, yes, people are as stupid as we joke about them being. Second, people are out to get me.
Crim Law has taught me that I need to read ahead. Or at least have more plausible excuses for not reading. Even better, though, I've learned that people can and will empathize with killers who murder and eat me on the high seas.
Civ Pro... I've learned that... well... Peterson gets really animated on Pennoyer.
But most importantly, I've learned that I should never put anything self-incriminating or self-deprecating online, including Facebook and my blog, at the risk that it will reflect badly on me when future employers see it. That said, this is a joke and I've REALLY REALLY REALLY learned a lot about everything I have to know to become a really successful student, intern and lawyer. Also, I'm really smart and I'm only getting smarter. Furthermore, I'm a really hard worker and I learn from my mistakes; I'm actually a lesson ahead in Crim Law. Hire me!
But I know that the lessons I've learned are life-changing.
LRW has taught me more than I ever want to know about Michigan's fireman's rule.
Contracts has taught me that no good deed goes unpunished.
Torts has taught me two things. First, yes, people are as stupid as we joke about them being. Second, people are out to get me.
Crim Law has taught me that I need to read ahead. Or at least have more plausible excuses for not reading. Even better, though, I've learned that people can and will empathize with killers who murder and eat me on the high seas.
Civ Pro... I've learned that... well... Peterson gets really animated on Pennoyer.
But most importantly, I've learned that I should never put anything self-incriminating or self-deprecating online, including Facebook and my blog, at the risk that it will reflect badly on me when future employers see it. That said, this is a joke and I've REALLY REALLY REALLY learned a lot about everything I have to know to become a really successful student, intern and lawyer. Also, I'm really smart and I'm only getting smarter. Furthermore, I'm a really hard worker and I learn from my mistakes; I'm actually a lesson ahead in Crim Law. Hire me!
26 August 2009
Dear Santa
Dear Santa,
As you may remember, it's been years since the first time you put 'necessities' in my stocking: deodorant, floss, lotion, and the like. And the whole of my college years involved my 'big present' consisting of a pile of textbooks. I've taken these developments with grace, only slightly ruing my waning adolescence. And, now that I've completed my second day of school, I think it's time to fully embrace my adulthood by foregoing all pretensions of a happy Christmas. Thus I present this year's list.
School supplies
Health and Beauty
Grocery
Household
Automotive
Any remaining quantities of Christmas magic can be applied to:
In exchange for above services, as well as any other required services*, I will continue to believe in you for approximately one year. The fulfillment of your services will not be deemed complete until the items are in my possession (under my tree).
Sincerely,
Monica Kim
*I reserve the right to change this list. This right will expire at 11:59:59 PM EST on 23 December, 2009, giving you a minimum of 24 hours to comply with any changes.
As cosignor AND transit company CEO, you are compelled to certify that reindeer are fed only 'organic' magic oats, as per WFGO rule 17. Also, it is your responsibility to comply with regulations and statutes established by Congress, the FAA and DoD while in American airspace. You are hereby warned that you are on the radar and non-compliance can result in a trial in Federal court or by military tribunal.
Elven labour must be conducted in a 'sweat-free' environment, as per NP statute 24 s. 49(a)(ii). Failure to comply can result in a $2500 fine and up to 10 months in jail.
As you may remember, it's been years since the first time you put 'necessities' in my stocking: deodorant, floss, lotion, and the like. And the whole of my college years involved my 'big present' consisting of a pile of textbooks. I've taken these developments with grace, only slightly ruing my waning adolescence. And, now that I've completed my second day of school, I think it's time to fully embrace my adulthood by foregoing all pretensions of a happy Christmas. Thus I present this year's list.
School supplies
- 7 6-packs of highlighters, rainbow colours
- 6 3-packs of yellow, orange and pink highlighters
- 3 3-packs of yellow highlighters
Health and Beauty
- 1 free pass to optometrist of my choosing for a new prescription
- 2 new lenses for my glasses
- 1 year's supply of contact lenses
Grocery
- 3 bags of gourmet coffee
[OR] 1 espresso maker - 3 bottles of Tylenol PM (gelcaps, thank you)
Household
- 3 2-packs 60-watt "soft white" non-halogen light bulbs for desk lamp
Automotive
- directions to a medical center that will pay for blood, plasma, ova, kidneys, whatever
Any remaining quantities of Christmas magic can be applied to:
- 1 Canon EOS macro lens [AND/OR]
- 1 Canon EOS wide-angle lens [AND/OR]
- 1 Canon EOS telephoto zoom lens
In exchange for above services, as well as any other required services*, I will continue to believe in you for approximately one year. The fulfillment of your services will not be deemed complete until the items are in my possession (under my tree).
Sincerely,
Monica Kim
*I reserve the right to change this list. This right will expire at 11:59:59 PM EST on 23 December, 2009, giving you a minimum of 24 hours to comply with any changes.
As cosignor AND transit company CEO, you are compelled to certify that reindeer are fed only 'organic' magic oats, as per WFGO rule 17. Also, it is your responsibility to comply with regulations and statutes established by Congress, the FAA and DoD while in American airspace. You are hereby warned that you are on the radar and non-compliance can result in a trial in Federal court or by military tribunal.
Elven labour must be conducted in a 'sweat-free' environment, as per NP statute 24 s. 49(a)(ii). Failure to comply can result in a $2500 fine and up to 10 months in jail.
20 August 2009
Today's post
Finally. I'm getting to today's post. Which, after three hours of typing and editing, is technically yesterday's post. But I'm going to call it today's post.
Today, I had my first day of Orientation. Which is quite marvelous, because it took me less than 45 minutes to prepare for it. This includes showering, outfit-choosing, and make-up. Amazing.
I'm a member of Section 14. Sounds like some secret government agency. Sections 11, 12 & 13 are each composed of 100+ students, but luckily for me, Section 14 is much smaller. Oh happy day.
During orientation, Dean Lawrence was talking. I spent most of my time listening fairly attentively, but something really caught my attention. He was talking about how to survive our 1L, and he got on the topic of our drive. What's driving us as students? What will drive us as lawyers? Money? Prestige? Power? Position?
Then he said something that gave me a moment of panic. Ever since I took a law school prep course a few days ago, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed, a little panicky. There's so much I don't know that I'll be expected to know. For once, I may not be one of the smartest people in my group. Can I handle disappointing myself? I'm completely unprepared for this. Can I earn a GPA that will maintain my scholarship? WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?
His words made it worse. He said, "Remember why you decided to study law."
I took my LSAT for the first time in 2006. Since then, I've graduated college, got a job, moved to a different country, met a boy. So much has happened, yet in the back of my mind, law school has always lingered. It's just always been 'the next step.' It's been what's been expected of me, and what I've expected myself to do. Last year, I wondered if it was really the right path for me, but I brushed aside those queries because it had been, for so long, 'the next step.'
And he told me to remember why I decided to study law, and I asked myself why I decided to study to law and I realized what I had known in the back of my mind for a very long time: that I couldn't answer that question.
Thankfully, he answered the question. He reminded me that it wasn't the money, the prestige, or the power (although, admittedly, those are certainly some perks). He reminded me what that naive idealist had thought three years ago: it's a means to do something good. And now, just a little more knowledgeable, a little less naive, I know that I can still do something good.
I just have to remember why I decided to study law.
Today, I had my first day of Orientation. Which is quite marvelous, because it took me less than 45 minutes to prepare for it. This includes showering, outfit-choosing, and make-up. Amazing.
I'm a member of Section 14. Sounds like some secret government agency. Sections 11, 12 & 13 are each composed of 100+ students, but luckily for me, Section 14 is much smaller. Oh happy day.
During orientation, Dean Lawrence was talking. I spent most of my time listening fairly attentively, but something really caught my attention. He was talking about how to survive our 1L, and he got on the topic of our drive. What's driving us as students? What will drive us as lawyers? Money? Prestige? Power? Position?
Then he said something that gave me a moment of panic. Ever since I took a law school prep course a few days ago, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed, a little panicky. There's so much I don't know that I'll be expected to know. For once, I may not be one of the smartest people in my group. Can I handle disappointing myself? I'm completely unprepared for this. Can I earn a GPA that will maintain my scholarship? WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?
His words made it worse. He said, "Remember why you decided to study law."
I took my LSAT for the first time in 2006. Since then, I've graduated college, got a job, moved to a different country, met a boy. So much has happened, yet in the back of my mind, law school has always lingered. It's just always been 'the next step.' It's been what's been expected of me, and what I've expected myself to do. Last year, I wondered if it was really the right path for me, but I brushed aside those queries because it had been, for so long, 'the next step.'
And he told me to remember why I decided to study law, and I asked myself why I decided to study to law and I realized what I had known in the back of my mind for a very long time: that I couldn't answer that question.
Thankfully, he answered the question. He reminded me that it wasn't the money, the prestige, or the power (although, admittedly, those are certainly some perks). He reminded me what that naive idealist had thought three years ago: it's a means to do something good. And now, just a little more knowledgeable, a little less naive, I know that I can still do something good.
I just have to remember why I decided to study law.
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