REACH! Campus Organzing

I would like to give kudos Ju, an undocumented student who advocates for the DREAM Act. In his blog post, he addresses the stigmas that exists in A/PI communities and he also brings up some valid concerns for all DREAM Activists. 

Also thanks to NAKASEC for being a resource for those who are still learning about AB540 issues in the Korean American community. 

A great first step but also a reminder that this is only the beginning.

The discriminatory “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy of the military has allowed for the discharge of troops who identity as gay or lesbian. A federal judge officially denounced and struck down this policy. Kudos to the judiciary!

Here’s a really good blog post about The Last Airbender and how the casting choices were not only insulting to the Asian American public, but exposed the institutionalized racism rampant in the Hollywood film industry.

splinterend:

As some of you may know, Paramount commissioned (in)famous director M. Night Shyamalan to adapt the popular Nickelodian series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” into a movie trilogy. The TV series revolves a fantasical, Hayao Miyazaki-inspired universe that deals with individuals capable of controlling and manipulating (aka “bending”) one or several of the earth’s elements – Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire – and how the main protagonist, Aang, the Last Airbender, is destined to bring back balance when the Fire nation’s imperialistic and war-mongering desires get out of hand. The movie is slated for release July 1st this year, and its production has led to a lot of controversy specifically with regards to its casting. 

Though I’m not a particular fan of the show (nor do I dislike it) and am simply neutral overall, I feel that it is necessary to state for several reasons why I will not support this movie for professional, philosophical and personal reasons. 

Read More

This article provides information about Spirit Day, taking place on October 20th, in order to honor and raise awareness about the recent suicides of gay teens. Purple, the last color of the LGBTQ flag, stands for spirit, so please take the time to wear a purple shirt, button, ribbon, wristband, or any other article of clothing to show your support! Every day, countless LGBTQ folks face bullying, abuse, threats, and constantly feel unsafe. Participate in Spirit Day and promote the importance of awareness, acceptance, and openmindedness!

*Like

I was reading an article (see below) in the Daily Cal and when I was finished and inspired the achievements of this one individual, I noticed on the side an ad that reads:

Asian Females Earn $$

Glamor Modeling!

All body shapes and sizes!

No experience Necessary.

Wardrobe and MakeUp Provided.

Contact ————-

tinyurl.com/SFAsians

Ironically, this was placed next to the ad for “ywca berkeley/oakland young women and money conference”. Coincidence? …. I HOPE so.

So I highly encourage you to check out their wonderful website on “SFAsians”. I’m surprised (and relieved) that I didn’t yack when I saw their poorly made facebook site. 

Really, Daily Cal? I know we’re getting budget cuts left and right, but are we THAT desperate for funding that we are resorting to selling ads to creepers who take poorly lit shots of scantily-clad womyn? What is it saying about the expectations of students at Cal? What is it saying about our financial aid if we our students have to turn to “Glamor Modeling” to pay for higher education? 

Curse you, budget cuts…

Yeah, the name is a bit cheesy (mmm cheese…) but it’s a pretty neat article that talks about how an individual can make positive change in their community. I appreciate another narrative that we normally do not hear about Cal Athletics: a story about an athlete who loses his scholarship and has to rethink his attendance in higher education. 

REACH! is committing to serve those who are from disadvantaged and underprivileged A/PI students. REACH! is currently looking at how we can better serve the AB540 (undocumented) population. If you have any questions or want to give us some information, by all means, contact us at reachcampusorganizing@gmail.com :) Kudos to the ASPIRE students.

Thanks, John for doing an awesome take on the not-so-awesome 2012 Admissions Policy. For those who don’t know about the 2012 admissions policy or have heard the ominous words thrown around, here’s a great way to learn more about it. Can’t wait till hardboiled’s new issue!

*totally just had a de ja vu*