The Benyan Tree Project: Stop HIV/AIDS-related Stigma in the API Communities

I’ve just learned that the annual increase of HIV infections in the US Asian & Pacific Islanders (API) communities is the fastest in the nation.

The Benyan Tree Project is a national social marketing campaign to stop HIV/AIDS-related stigma in the API communities. The program has released four public service announcememtnts (PSAs) featuring three major API stars:

Joan Chen, an award-winning actress, director, and producer
http://banyantreeproject.org/extras/joan_chen_welness_center.mov

Amy Hanaiali’I Gillom, a Hawaiian singer/songwriting legend
http://banyantreeproject.org/extras/amy_api_wellness_psa.mov

Jason Kyson Lee, actor from NBC's critically-acclaimed television drama Heroes
http://banyantreeproject.org/extras/James_welness_center.mov

http://banyantreeproject.org/extras/combined_welness_center.mov (combined spot)

The PSAs highlight the alarming increase of HIV infections in the US API communities; the importance of showing compassion to those living with HIV; and the need for APIs to get tested for HIV.

The PSAs were tailored to be regionally relevant for distribution across the US. Estimate of 200 million households will be reached by the spots in the coming 3 months. Through informing, teaching and setting a positive example, the Benyan Tree Project aims to stop the cycle of discrimination and silence, by eliminating barriers that delay or prevent access to HIV prevention and care services.

It is not an easy task, but I believe the Benyan Tree Project is on the right track.

Quizno’s Laundromat Spot Features An Asian-American Woman

To promote the chain’s Deli Favorites subs, Quizno launched its new "Laundromat" spot where an Asian-American woman grabs a $5 bill taped on the wall and eats it. The VO asks “If you’re gonna eat $5, shouldn’t you get your money worth?” Then, it goes on saying Quizno’s Deli Favorites sub is just $5. It gives you more meat than a $5 bill.

To see the Laundromat spot, go to http://www.quiznos.com/commercials/2008/tvspot5dollarsub.asp

Lewis Lazare criticizes on Chicago Sun-Times that the spot is an insult to Asian American. See http://www.suntimes.com/business/lazare/946162,CST-FIN-lew13.article. I personally do not see it that way.

Obviously the spot is dramatizing and meant to be funny. While I don’t typically like the humor, I – as an Asian American – do not find it offensive. The commercial works better in a boring environment setting – a Laundromat makes sense. Since many Laundromats around the country are owned by Asian, seeing an Asian face at the cashier is – to me – natural.

Yes, the commercial made the Asian-American woman look very dumb. But it doesn't try to say all Asian American are not smart. Imagine if the spot features an African American cashier at the Laundromat instead. That would look weird.

There are several other TV spots featuring South Asians in deli and gas stations. Why? For the very same reason: many delis are owned by South Asians.

Take it easy. The commercials are just trying to mirror the diversity of the society. We live in a melted pot. Be cautious, but not overly sensitive.

DiversityInc Lists 7 Things Never to Say to Asian-American Executives

Yoji Cole states on DiversityInc seven things one should never say to Asian-American executives. I believe the quotes listed could be offensive to Asian American in general, not just the executives.

Cole's list not only demonstrates the ignorance of American executives, it also proves that I am an Asian. How so? I had experienced all of them (except one) in my past career.

1) "You must be the IT person"
My response: No, I am in Marketing. But I am glad my technical expertise is higher than the average American.

2) "You aren't like them" or "You don't act very Asian."
My response: Because I am an American, just like you.

3) "Asian Americans are not risk takers."
My response: The biggest risk of all is not to take any. Asian Americans are conservative in that sense.

4) "Where are you from? No, where are you really from?" or "When are you going to go home?" Or "How often do you go home?"
My response: I am from New York. Seriously, I live in the city. Of course, I go home every day.

5) "Oh, you speak English good!" Or "Do you speak your language?"
My response: Thank you. I am proud that I am bilingual.

6) "You're not a minority because all Asians are rich and successful."
My response: Are you saying all non-Asian are poor and unsuccessful?

7) "You're not Asian, you're from India."
This does not apply to me. I am not Indian and I do not look like an Indian. Yet indeed there are a lot of American do not know that India is part of Asia. For more information on the three board regional groups of Asian, read my post Asian American Subgroups.

Here are more if I could add to that…
- "How come your name is not so Asian?"
- "Asian do not like to talk" or "Asian are shy"
- "Koreans are Chinese. All Asians are Chinese."