“Asian German”
Christmas is quickly approaching and how can you not escape the winter wonderland out there. Lovely and cozy to look at, pain in the ass to get around in. Growing up in LA I always wanted a white Christmas, I’m starting to rethink that idea. Currently, I’m daydreaming about palms trees. So I was recently in Germany and damn, they know how to do it, as it should be since that is where it all started. I’m reminiscing about drinking hot spiced wine (glühwein) while browsing around in very crowded Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt), Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide), and the many decorated trees. There were lights everywhere and I’m a sucker for white lights on anything.
During one of my strolls in Dresden, I approached the middle of a scenic bridge as church bells were ringing. It was such a peaceful moment. I stopped and turned to the picturesque skyline and thought, I could be an “Asian German.” I chuckled because that just sounds funny. Then I thought, what is life like for the Asians that settled in Europe? What kind of issues do they struggle with? It’s a perspective that does not cross my mind often as an American. I was also curious about the stereotypes the Europeans had of me as they saw me wandering around in crowds of a very homogeneous population. Yes, I thought of race relations while on vacation, or as they call it, holiday. I can’t help my constant awareness of race due to my experiences as an Asian American. I can never take a “holiday” from that but I’m okay with it, actually thankful for it.
Back to Christmas in the States, although it is not traditionally celebrated in Asian countries, this holiday is widely celebrated by the Asian American community. So how about some holiday tunes by Asian American Artists? Look for the rocked out rendition of “O’ Holy Night” by Seriously on their myspace page. You can even download your very own copy. I think it’s splendid! Also check out “Father Christmas” by Mud, then look for Giles Li to have him perform “Crappy Xmas Poem in 7 Parts” to you. Now that is a dose of reality.
Warm holiday wishes to you all (I’m peacing out of this winter wonderland to find my palm trees)!
Last 5 posts by van
- Featured Artist: Brenda Xu - March 14th, 2008
- Featured Artist: Carol Bui - December 17th, 2007
- Featured Artist: Scott Tang - December 3rd, 2007
Tags: Christmas, Commentary.