November 23, 2017

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From our president, Tung Nguyen:

Thanksgiving is a flawed holiday, a fictionalized version of the terrible clash between immigrants and natives in America. Perhaps that is why some Americans fear immigrants---they know what their forefathers did.

But, as a refugee to the U.S., Thanksgiving will always be a special day because it reminds me to be thankful that I am here. Even though I no longer think that America is perfect, as I did when I was in Vietnam or the refugee camps and for many years after I arrived, it is nonetheless the perfect place for me.

Without the opportunity to be here, I would not have received an education, live a productive life, have the family that I do, and work with so many wonderful and dedicated people. Most importantly, I value the ability to speak out against oppression without the fear of imprisonment or worse.

I understand that America is not the perfect place for everyone, and that is why we must continue the struggle. America too is flawed, but I am thankful that I have the opportunity to help fix it.

November 22, 2017

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From Phi Nguyen on the #GiftOfTheMaggi:

My family tried out turkey once or twice before my mom banished them from our Thanksgiving spread forever. We now always have cornish hen and green sticky rice with Maggi soy sauce, alongside some more traditional American staples like mac & cheese and mashed potatoes (but hold that jiggly cranberry sauce, please). After polling several of my Vietnamese friends and reading Viet Thanh Nguyen's article about Thanksgiving, I've concluded that VIETNAMESE PEOPLE HATE TURKEY.

Also, if anyone can think of a good way to wish people a happy time with their families without endorsing the racist and genocidal roots of the Thanksgiving holiday, please let me know. So far, my best attempt is: "Have a restful week and a good time with your family!"

#YouAreNotAlone #TheAsianStereotypeYouDidntKnowAbout#MyAsianThanksgiving #ByeByeBirdie #VietsDoItBetter#NguyenerNguyenerCornishHenDinner 

November 21, 2017

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From our resident butt kicker, Uyen Nguyen:

I love this video, especially the part where he says "for someone that doesn't love you, there's someone that will love you". The hope in his voice!

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a biological family that can be there for them; and so there's always a need for all of us to step up and be back-up parents. I know at least for me, that's why I chose to be a foster parent. During this holiday season, please don't forget to reach out to someone that may not have a home to share a meal with. Happy Holidays!!

November 20, 2017

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From one of our Seattle members, Nikki Chau:

With the exception of Trini, the Yellow Power Ranger TV show in the 90s –– every Vietnamese woman I can remember on screen or on stage is in the Vietnam war.

Their role is often demeaning: a prostitute, a kidnapped & rape victim, an incoherent villager, a conniving enemy. They're usually physically and mentally brutalized.

They don't exist to affirm themselves –– even if their role is a "good person". They exist to reaffirm a certain brand of masculinity as the only right and legitimate agency.

So, I'm excited to see Kelly Marie Tran in the new Star Wars movie. I know I'm getting my hopes up too high, but I'm looking forward to December 15th!

November 19, 2017

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From one of our Bay Area members, Khanh B. Nguyen:

My semi-regular Sunday morning rant:
More clarity on the greed behind the Senate tax bill: taking money from families making less than $75,000 per year and giving it those wealthier. The more wealthy, the more money. How does this happen? Repeal the health care mandate so that premium is raised on those who can least afford them, and making the corporate tax cuts permanent but the individual tax cuts temporary.

The goals are simple: make the rich richer, the poor poorer. In a way, this is the core issue. All others - health care, immigrations, and morality - can be seen as tactics and tools to get enough votes in Congress to make this happen.