Asian America Unabridged

What is Asian American? According to Wikipedia it is people from East Asia, Southeast Asia an South Asia countries.

Being Asian American, (Filipino Descedent) it is rare to see many of us in the media spotlight. When I was younger, I found it difficult to be able to relate to any movie stars or models in adveristments, simply because, speaking in a culturally sense, they were not like me. Although there have been great improvements, still in my opinion there are a lack of Asians in the industry. But why? Is America not ready to see an Asian American mainstream television show? Yes, there may be not as much Asians in our country, lets say for example compared to Whites or Hispanics, but isn't the media suppose to reach out to everyone? Shouldn't viewers be able to see another side of Asians besides playing the typical roles such as ninjas or a taxi drivers? For those who feel left out, I might have the answer for you, let me introduce you to Hyphen.



This magazine is a local nonprofit magazine in San Francisco. According to Hypen, it is "a magazine about Asian America for the culturally and politically savvy." It touches various topics such as politics, art, health, and music. Unlike mainstream magazine publications, not only does it recognize mainstream Asians, but also the "underground" side of Asian Americans. The target audience is definitely Asian Americans ages 18-30, but in my opinion the magazine is so versatile that anyone can read and enjoy it. If not, at least it'll give you some insight into Asian Americans.

In that note, I'll end this post with a quote from the Hyphen website, which I feel when I was first introduced to this magazine.

"Because when we scanned the newsstand, we couldn't find ourselves. Now we can."

Nobody's Perfect

Society is all about appearance. We are constantly judged based on how we present ourselves to others, - our looks, clothes, hair, etc. This is predominately evident especially in the media. If y0u flip through fashion magazines, watch television shows, or movies the celebrities or models in it have the so called "it" factor. This "it" fact usually consists of his/her beauty and most importantly their physique. What message are we really sending out? To be beautiful, you must be a size 0 or have the perfect face, nose, or breasts? How far would you go to achieve this? According to Plastic Surgery.net more than 10.2 million people in the United States had cosmetic plastic surgery in 2005. This was an 11% increase from 2004. The media, especially television are one of the factors for the high rate.

Does anyone remember the Fox show, The Swan? That show offered so called "ugly ducklings" a chance to fulfill their dream - to become beautiful. Each girl went undergone plastic surgery. Each girl experienced physically and mental transformation over a three month period. Lastly, a beauty contest was held for all the contestants where one was ultimately crown "The Ultimate Swan." Wow, how sick. Oh yeah what about MTV's short lived show, I Want A Famous Face where young people went through various makeovers and achieved their goals of looking like their favorite celebrity. Geez, whatever happen to individuality?

Let's take a look at the two twins on the show who received plastic surgery to look more like Brad Pitt I Want A Famous Face. Did anyone see that episode? I liked how everyone hated the twins new look! Haha!


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I'm definitely not saying plastic surgery is wrong. If it makes you happy do whatever you want. My only concern is the media presenting shows such as The Swan and I Want A Famous Face sending out a message to viewers that plastic surgery is the answer to your all problems and that it'll give total satisfaction with your appearance. This can influence many people especially viewers with low self esteem. These shows are depicting plastic surgery as the easy way out to be good looking or beautiful. The message being sent out is by physically changing yourself, it will give you a chance to gain acceptance, fame, happiness, but in reality, it won't. So please FOX do me a favor and not create a The Swan 3.

Attention: Non Blogger Betas

For anyone who had regular Blogger you can now finally switch over to Blogger Beta! Finally, it was only a matter of time. I must say, it would helped out a great deal if it was available in the beginning of the semester. Oh well, at least some Html. All you Non Blogger Betas make the switch! You won't regret it

(Product) Red



The Gaps's Public Relation employee paid a visit at SJSU during my PR 99 class today. Her presentation consisted of one thing, which was to promote and educate students Gap's Product Red. Product Red was founded by U2's lead singer, Bono. According to the guest speaker, Bono approach Gap at their headquarters in San Francisco during U2's stay in the Bay Area last year. Bono's objective was to simply team up with a clothing company (Gap) have the actual clothes made in Africa and sell it, gain profit for South Africa citizens to help the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Gap is not the only company participating. American Express, Apple, Converse, Motorola, as well as Georgio Armani are helping out with the cause. Out of the 6 companies contributing, Gap is providing the most by giving 50% of their net profit.

Product Red has been a huge success as far as advertising. When the red line come out this October, the Gap bought one full page in the New York Times with a Red advertisement. There were also various pieces that discussed the red line in magazines, newspapers and television news. Bono promoted Product Red to various media, but the most memorable was his visit on the Oprah show. Now, we all know Oprah has lots of power, which is to me is really scary, but thats a whole different topic. Back to Bono on the Oprah show, Oprah and him went to an actual Gap store in Los Angeles, where Bono spent informing and promoting the red cause. The aftermath of the show was amazing. Many people bought the product, thus causing Gap shows to sell out many of their items. No worries though, Product Red is a 5 year project, so Gap will definitely release more products in the years to come.

As far as a marketing point of view IF I was a marketing consultant for Gap, I think the campaign is great because 1) We are helping those in a need 2) Gap is making a great reputation therefore increasing their sells. (Hey I should know, I bought one of the shirts)

I truly believe Product Red will change promotion strategies for the face of marketing and advertising simply because they are gaining a name, profit, while helping the less fortunate.

"Hypothetically," this is how I'd murder by wife by OJ Simpson



If you don't know OJ Simpson, well chances are you were too young to remember the infamous trial or living under a rock. OJ Simpson was a professional football star and actor, but many remember him as the guy on trial for allegedly murdering his wife, Nicole Simpson. This trial took place in 1995. OJ Simpson was not convicted for any charges against him and was not guilty.

Simpson was later found liable for deaths and was filed a civil lawsuit against him by the Goldman family. He has failed to pay $33.5 million dollars he owes, according to CNN.com. Since then, he has been struggling to pay off the suit.

Currently, Simpson will have a book out called "If I Did It, Here's How It Happened" along with a television interview regarding how hypothetically he would have killed his late wife, Nicole Simpson. Many are criticizing HarperCollins Publishers the publishers of the book for even allowing it to publicize. Denise Brown, sister of Nicole Simpson criticized the publishers and says they are promoting the wrongdoing of criminals. According to CNN.com, Sara Nelson, editor in chief of Publishers Weekly says Simpson "is about trying to cash in, in a pathetic way, on some notoriety." For any of those who care, the television interview will aired on Fox on November 27 and 28.

I found this pretty strange, especially because OJ Simpson denies killing his late wife. Really, why the would you publicize a book on how you would have killed her if you didn't? This makes me wonder if he is trying to send a message out to the public that he killed his wife? I can not understand the logic in this expect for the fact he just wants money. It comes to show that some people would do anything morally wrong to earn some extra cash. I find this all sickening, pathetic and weird because 1) Simpson is using his wife's death for money and 2) Simpson is publishing a book regarding how he would kill someone. Am I the only one who thinks that rather odd? As for my opinions on Simpson I believe he is not the smartest cookie in the cookie jar because the public will definitely raise their eyebrows and think, "Is Simspson trying to drop some hints or something? Is he trying to tell us, hey everyone this is how I killed my wife?"

Does anyone hate the new NBA zero-tolerance policy as much as I do?

The title should say it all. I really despise the new NBA rule "zero-tolerance policy." This was just recently added for the 2006-2007 NBA season. If you don't know much about sports, there are usually referees during the games. Yes, there are referees in the NBA. Now we all know the NBA was completely embarrassed during the infamous game against the Indianapolis Pacers and Detroit Pistons two years ago. If you don't know what happen, check this video out.



I believe this game above had to do a lot with the new rule and simply because NBA commissioner, David Stern was tired of NBA players complaining to refs when calls were made. Sterns says complaining to the refs ruins the "flow of the game." Now, the new policy basically threatens to hit players with technical fouls for those who curse, throw their hands up, or make other gestures that show any emotions towards the call made by the refs or complain. The same goes to the coaches of the team. Wow technical fouls rate have not increased this season.

Now, I've played on a basketball team since 5th grade and this policy is just ludicrous! From experience, when a ref throws a bad call, you usually react. This is because you are so emotionally into the game that you you can't help but argue the call made. Well the reason for this is simple, its called human nature. Now David Stern says NBA players have a duty to be role models and yes I agree with that, but apparently complaining to the refs or shaking your head when a call is made is not setting a good example to others. I understand if an NBA punches a ref or spits at their face, but by complaining or throwing your hands up - really, who gives. Fans of all sports love to see players show emotions because that aspect really makes the game. The 360 dunks are just an added bonus. No one wants to watch basketball players or any other sports for that matter play without emotions. You mind as well just watch a bunch of robots play. How about that for entertainment!

I will end this this post with a quote said by Rasheed Wallace as known to me as "The Technical Foul King."

"I know they're going to have to do something about this crazy zero tolerance law. That's retarded. In my mind, it's kind of like a slave and master or father and son. You've got your little son and you say don't say nothing back to me -- and to me, that's totally wrong. It ain't like that in any other sport."

Amen.

Oh yeah, go GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS!

Suffering Press Release Writer's Block?


Although the press release for the Chevy contest has past, I was curious what a press release needs to be successful as far as publicity. Now, we all know the story about how the Spartan Daily put the Chevy contest story on page 3, so I decided to research what would it take for a press release to make the news and most of all top news. For those who do not know what a press release is, according to 1st World Library it means, "A public relations announcement issued to the news media and other targeted publications for the purpose of letting the public know of company developments."

According to Press Release Writing's website, a press release should,

1. Make sure the information is newsworthy.

2. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it.

3. Start with a brief description of the news, then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around.

4. Ask yourself, "How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?"

5. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important.

6. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language.

7. Deal with the facts.

8. Provide as much Contact information as possible: Individual to Contact, address, phone, fax, email, Web site address.

9. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release.

10. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.



Even though these tips are simple, they seem very effected. My favorite tip is tip #5 "Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important." This tip is important because if you do not catch your reader's attention from the start, most likely they will not read the rest.

Press releases are the best way to get news out the public and is a useful tool for anyone who are involed in media.

Borat sucks... NOT!



Last Saturday night I watched the movie, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. I knew before watching the movie it was definitely going to be a comedy, especially because Sacha Baron Cohen as known as "Ali G" was going to be the main character. Cohen is known for the "Da Ali G Show." The show is filled with comedic skits similar to Dave Chapelle. The character Borat originated from the Da Ali G Show where he plays a Kazaki television journalist. The people that Borat interview are unaware that he is just a character, not a real Kazakhn journalist.

Before watching the movie, Cohen was interviewed on the Today show, not as himself but as his fictional character, Borat. It was hilarious considering the fact that he played Borat. I was rather surprise it decided to promote his movie as his actual character than himself.

In Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, Borat travels around America to not only learn about the American culture, but to report it back to his country Kazakhstan (and yes, Kazakhstan is a real country) During the movie, Borat was, well lets say controversial. He poked fun of Jews, homosexuals, women, the war in Iraq and minorities. Now, I'm sure many people found this movie offensive and yes some parts made my jaw dropped at some the jokes made. The movie kept me on my toes - it was funny and I definitely had a good round of laughs. Even though the movie had some highly offensive jokes, I thought it set a good a message to the public which was to make poke fun of stereotypes. There is a thin line of what is appropriate or not, but I believe by being controversial will send the message louder and clearer. I recommend this movie to everyone, but if your easily offended, chances are, its probably not for you.

Who said bloggers aren't respected?

Before I start discussing the recent news on blogging, I'd like to congratulate our fellow SJSU students for being the finalistS for the Chevy ad contest. I'm more than sure these 3 students represented their school well in Detroit! I hope they go all the way and take the win! Who wouldn't want to brag to their family and friends that a group of SJSU students created a Super Bowl Ad? This win could put our school on the map!

Back on the topic of blogging, the Los Angeles Times posted an article about CNN trying to incorporate bloggers to next weeks elections. CNN will be hosting an "E-lection Nite Blog Party." This event will be held at a Washington Internet lounge along with two dozen bloggers from all from political ranges. These bloggers, such as RedState and Daily Kos will all be in one place to provide instant reactions to the election results next week. (Don't forget to vote on November 7!) Each person will have their own monitor, which can be turned into any channel. The event will also include free wireless access, food and beverages. I guess you can consider this the P Diddy party for bloggers.

David Bohrman, CNN's Washington bureau chief said "Bloggers are leading the conversation. You could argue that most of the political dialogue in this country is happening online, so if you don't incorporate that into your coverage, you're missing a major element." I definitely agree with Bohram. Our society is moving into a different direction as far as media coverage for the election. It is not just newspapers, television, and radio, but it is the Internet, Forums, Websites and yes Blogs. I never knew blogs have such a huge impact on society.I never realize until I experienced it first hand. Who remembers the threat comment I received? I'm sure you all know that exciting story! (if not, refer please to my October 4 post) Before taking this class, I thought blogs were just a basic "online diary" meaning posting a post how your day went, how much you partied last weekend, etc. Its way more than that, its about posting your opinions such as your political views and advertising I mean just check out what CNN is now doing. With that said do you still think blogs are nothing? Think again.