Hipster Racism seems to be getting a lot of attention lately — from Lindy West’s excellent Jezebel article to Kyria Abraham’s exasperating, self-serving response, to this very recent example of Orientalist food truck foolery.

We here at BCB are well aware of this epidemic (we created a “Hipster Racism” category for the blog in 2009) and are pretty happy about the general increase in dialogue about it.

So for this Friday’s Fuckery, we present yet another culprit: Lucky 8′s China House (seriously), a new chic restaurant in Seattle’s Capitol Hill area, owned by Bracey Rogers and his wife Marcy Akiyama.

CBruhs met some friends at this joint a few weeks ago, and was swiftly irritated by its overpriced cooptation of ethnic food, lack of any (visible, maybe they were in the back washing dishes) Asian staff, and in particular, an ironically mustachioed server named “Tiger” who announced in rather dramatic fashion that he was about to make a bike delivery (for examples of why this is problematic, contrast this with the unglamorous, dangerous, and sometimes fatal reality of real Chinese delivery men).

Last night, BCB friend Louie Gong went to Lucky 8′s China House and was similarly not impressed by the stereotypical decor: kung fu movies, a gong, a giant to-go box, and drinks like “Phists of Phooey” (you just don’t fuck with a Bruce Lee movie). Basically what he describes as “a cartoon version of Asian culture…like they turned an Asian-themed slot machine into a restaurant.”

After Louie paid, Tiger apparently noticed his last name on the credit card. As Louie was walking out, he heard behind him: “Gong….Gong?? Hey, Gong!?” He turned around, and Tiger had gathered the cooks, picked up a mallet, and then for reals CLANGED THE EFFING GONG.

Incredulous, Gong the person asked to take a pic for posterity. And ridicule:

For Louie, this was a delightful reminder of how kids would mockingly chant “Goooong!” during basketball games. So thanks for that, Tiger — and thank you Lucky 8′s China House for serving up another shining example that there really is no difference between “Hipster racism” and just regular ol’ racism.

photos by Louie Gong

photo via The Korean Zombie Warwagon facebook page

Tonight, fan favorite Chan Sung Jung — aka ‘The Korean Zombie’ — will be facing off against Dustin Poirier for the chance to challenge current featherweight champion José Aldo.

BCB will be live tweeting the event (#KoreanZombie) with observations on the skill, prowess, and pleasing homoeroticism of the fight. Since Cbruhs is only equipped to comment on the latter, she will be assisted by MMA aficionado Louie Gong with remarks that actually relate to the sport. Holla back at us @Bicoastalbitchn!

And although the plethora of versions (and legal battles) of the popular ‘Korean Zombie’ t-shirt could make your head spin, the Korean Zombie himself recommends you get one here.

First fights start at 8 pm EDT/5 pm PST on Fuel TV 3.

Thanks Ben and Louie!

BCB Twatter here

Hey ladies and gents! Do you have a vagina? Care about someone with a vagina? Then this is relevant to you. In a climate where women’s rights and agency over how to care for our own bodies is under attack by wealthy white men, we need a production like the Asian Pacific American Vagina Monologues.

Because it goes beyond traditional feminism — it’s about asserting and reaffirming our power as women of color, as sisters, as human beings. Which is why — as many times as you may have read or seen Eve Ensler’s classic — there still needs to be a space for us to make the production our own and give it new life with APA voices.

As stated by the women behind the APA Vagina Monologues:

This landmark theatrical performance profiles the intimate stories of women impacted by sexual assault, war, and pain, but also lifts celebratory perspectives on sexual self-discovery, empowerment, and love.

The APA Vagina Monologues is more than just a show. It’s about igniting change, raising the issues of Asian Pacific American women, and ending violence (of all forms) against women everywhere.

And it’s co-presented by V-Day San Francisco and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), the country’s only multi-issue women’s organization for Asian Pacific American women and girls. All proceeds benefit NAPAWF (they also have a fundraising campaign here).

So what more reason do you need? Get your tix for the Thursday May 17th show at San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre here. And psssttt…we hear the coveted Yellow Peril Dildo will also be up for silent auction at the event!

source

HUZZAH!! A significant and positive step in the journey towards equal rights. On the heels of this announcement, as with all momentous events, a Tumblr was created: ‘When Obama Endorsed Marriage Equality….we all partied. With .GIFs.’

Some fine selections include:

The Carleton Dance:

A touch of Dowager Countess sass:

…and of course, one of the most sickening queens OF ALL TIME, Latrice muthafrickin Royale!!

…ALL OF IT!! Especially you, Amendment 1 of North Carolina.

And Prez Obama…Shante, you stay.

Onward!

Thanks Sherilyn!

Southern California’s Largest Asian Film Festival Runs May 10 – 20, 2012, Will Present 188 Films From Over 20 Countries Featuring World Premieres, Sneak Previews; Showcasing Documentaries and Narratives Focusing on the Voices of Asian Americans and Asian Peoples from Around the World.

MAY 10 – 20, 2012
28th LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL
A VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTION
www.vconline.org/festival

Yesterday, Popchips unveiled its new ad campaign “Worldwide Lovers”, in which worldwide D-bag Ashton Kutcher plays four different characters on a dating show. One of these characters is “Raj”, a Bollywood producer — which is basically Ashton in brownface, a sparkly blue sherwani, and a shitty accent.

I don’t think I need to explain why this ad is racist, but I wouldn’t mind an explanation of what the hell this has to do with Popchips. And believe it or not, this campaign cost $1.5M…and those lucky enough to live in Denver, L.A., New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle would have been treated to outdoor ads as well.

Even more wack was the initial response Popchips released: “The new popchips worldwide dating video and ad campaign featuring four characters was created to provoke a few laughs and was never intended to stereotype or offend anyone. At popchips we embrace all types of shapes, flavors and colors, and appreciate all snackers, no matter their race or ethnicity. We hope people can enjoy this in the spirit it was intended.”

This ad isn’t about RACE, people….it’s about SNACKERS! Of all um, “shapes, flavors and colors”….especially pervy, pathetic, Indian snackers! So if you’re offended…just stop that right now!

Writer Anil Dash has been very active in responding to the ad campaign, outlining next steps and documenting his correspondence with the company.

It looks like all the tweets and criticism paid off, and Popchips pulled the ad and apologized. Founder and CEO Keith Belling wrote on the company site: “We received a lot feedback about the dating campaign parody we launched today and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their point of view. Our team worked hard to create a light-hearted parody featuring a variety of characters that was meant to provide a few laughs. We did not intend to offend anyone. I take full responsibility and apologize to anyone we offended.”

photo: T.G.I. Friday’s

We’ve all been goin’ ga-ga for Korean tacos over the past few years, from Roy Choi’s groundbreaking Los Angeles-based Kogi truck to Seattle’s Marination Mobile…and countless imitators. The latest of which is your favorite suburban binge-drinking office party spot, T.G.I.F.! Or, Thank Goddess It’s Fracking Time for Korean Tacos Hells Yes Hi-Five Brah!!!

If you want a little something extra to go with those Loaded Skillet (teehee) Nachos or that bowlful of Tuscan Spinach Dip ^(TM), these tacos are made with Black Angus steak and they’re served with Sriracha, ginger-lime slaw, cilantro, basil aaaaaand jasmine rice pilaf. Let’s just ram the whole of Southeast Asia and the Asian subcontinent in there for good measure — and kinda skip over most of the Korean ingredients thing…kimchi and kkakdugi smells may freak out the mall walkers, brah!

Regardless, I will probably still order this mess next time I’m by the Westfield. In mah belly, it’s always Friday (Fuckery)!

via Eater

Thanks Char!

Oh, look — another Jason Statham movie. This one is called SAFE, and the drama revolves around a girl who’s an orphaned math prodigy and can memorize anything. And she’s Asian, so that makes sense. And this Asian girl is going to be saved by Statham’s character cuz he’s a destitute, mediocre (but white!) cage fighter, and because her fellow AZNs are exploiting her by ruthlessly using her maths skills for gambling. This necessitates much ass-whupping of random Asian gangsters and a buttload of shoot ‘em ups in dark, smoky Chinatown haunts…à la the White Knight/Orientalism formula and the typical Statham movie.

At least Bai Ling won’t be making a repeat appearance as Grimy Clingy Hooker in this one:

Old man and the sea

Lets the sun shine where it don’t  

Nekkid ass nekkid

via Dlisted (click for full story)