Asian Pacific Americans have become a greater presence in American movies and television. They have moved forward in the public eye to stand as hit directors, choreographers, actors, and actresses‹but at what cost? How much are they playing into western stereotypes, and how much respect are they gaining in Hollywood and beyond? How do APA youth become critical viewers and producers? This workshop will analyze the current state of American film and discuss its future.

Facilitators:

Interracial relationships have historically been discouraged by law and social norms. How do young interracial couples today deal with these legacies? Do Asian Pacific Americans adapt to the cultures of others in their pursuit of interracial relationships? How do Asian Pacific Americans interact with non-Asian groups? What can Asian Pacific Americans learn from these relationships? In this workshop, youth will talk openly about race, culture, and relationships, and discuss ways to maintain healthy interracial interactions.

Power beads, orange highlights, Asian characters, and henna tatoos may be considered elements of Asian Pacific American fashion. Do APA youth have one unique style? Is there any significance to Asian-influenced fashions? How do youth become critical fashion buyers and designers? In this workshop, youth will explore the world of APA fashion in order to locate its place in American culture.

"Pokémon," "Sakura Diaries," and "Gundam Wing"‹you¹ve seen the shows and sported the toys, but what is the difference between anime and cartoons? Do Asian cultures influence anime, or is it just quirky fun? Why are western companies investing so much money into importing this media? What, if anything, does it say about Asians and Asian Pacific Americans? This workshop will focus on the history and effects of this popular but complex genre.

Contrary to popular belief, Asian Pacific Americans do more than just play in orchestras‹but what exactly is Asian Pacific American music? Does it have a distinct sound or message? What makes APA music different from other musical traditions? What do the Mountain Brothers, KAI, and Vanessa Mae share in common? How can music be used to reflect the experiences, faces, histories, lives, and tastes of Asian Pacific Americans? This workshop will attempt to define and survey APA music and discuss why creating music is important to Asian Pacific Americans.

From Frank Chin¹s manifestos to Jhumpa Lahiri¹s American Book Award to Beau Sia¹s outrageous spoken word antics‹Asian Pacific American literature is here to stay. What characterizes this history, and how has this literature grown? Are APA writers responsible for writing about their communities? Is there a community of APA writers in New York? How do we read and interpret APA literature in an informed way? How have books like Joy Luck Club and Dogeaters changed the dynamics of being Asian Pacific American? Asian Pacific American literary history, issues, and the creative process will be discussed in this workshop.

So what¹s there for a young Asian Pacific American to do? Plenty, if you¹ve heard of comedians Margaret Cho, Tina Kim, and a host of other entertainers! Besides attending shows, Asian Pacific Americans also lose themselves in the bliss of karaoke, pool, and clubs, often filled with other APA patrons. How do race and age affect the safety of APA youth in the big city? How can APA youth be safe while having fun? Workshop participants will discuss the rituals, popular practices, and safety of young Asian Pacific Americans out on the town.

Throw a pinch of freshness, a dash of fun, and a whole lot of fusion into a workshop, and what do you get? Fabulous food! What are "Asian" or "Pacific" food practices? Do distinct Asian Pacific American food practices now exist? Participants will discuss colonialism, trade, and fusion, and their effects on "American" food‹as well as cook up some of their favorites to take home.

This workshop will focus on the the history and state of Asian Pacific American involvement in politics and government. Taking into consideration the new presidential administration and prominent APA figures in politics, we will examine APA activism in grassroots campaigns. Where do APA politicians (think John Liu, Patsy Mink, Bill Lann Lee) stand on affirmative action, bilingual education, and labor rights? What issues are critical for Asian Pacific Americans considering political futures to understand? Workshop participants will discuss mainstream and community-based political involvement.

In keeping with the true nature of hip hop, Asian Pacific American artists must see themselves as part of a larger movement. How exactly do we define hip hop? What were hip hop¹s beginnings, and how has it changed? Does hip hop encourage social awareness, and why does it speak to Asian Pacific Americans? Is this a legitimate form of art? What are some techniques employed by these artists? How does an aspiring artist get started? Workshop participants will examine hip hop¹s purpose and potential from an insider¹s point of view.

With so much diversity among Asian Pacific American youth, how do students identify themselves religiously? Do the growing popularity of meditation, Buddhist symbols, and Eastern philosophies exploit sacred traditions or raise more awareness about non-western beliefs? How do APA youth negotiate religion in seeking out their identities?