The question isn't, why is tribalism so attractive to us? That seems obvious based on the human desire to connect and belong. The question is more, what makes modern American society so unappealing?

Cultural appropriation is a topic that never goes away and one where the goalposts are constantly moving. And when people talk about it, it turns into a furious debate almost immediately.

For people of color, especially Asian Americans, representation shouldn't just be about Hollywood, television, or pop music. It starts way earlier and much closer to home. It starts before your kids even begin kindergarten. 

I have been asked to curate and host a discussion panel of Asian American authors, writers and poets for CityLit Project at the Baltimore Book Festival on September 29th and 30th! The theme I have chosen for this year's panel is the dearth of lighthearted, fun and fluffy reads in Asian American literature. Basically, there are hardly any Asian beach reads. Are we only appreciated if we write tragic, weighty stories? 

Let's talk about what I've been up to since I took a three week break from blogging. 

April 27th is National Girl Crush Day. The first time National Girl Crush Day appeared on my radar was in 2015 when I saw a bunch of people tweeting about it and nominating women and girls who were inspirations to them. I want to nominate and talk about two women I've been following closely this past year: Ruby Ibarra and Ellen Pao. 

I've been wearing a lot of red lately. Sometimes it's been a pop of red lipstick or red nails. Sometimes it's my entire outfit, from my lipstick all the way to my bag. No other color represents love, strength and passion the way red does. It is the color of extremes. Our prehistoric ancestors saw red as the color of fire and blood – energy and primal life forces – and most of red’s symbolism today arises from its powerful associations in the past.

Famed Momofuku chef David Chang's new eight episode series for Netflix, Ugly Delicious, had me really thinking about anti-assimilation (a stance I believe all Asian Americans should take) and what it means to be pro-Asian.

Sunday, March 4th is my Super Bowl: The Academy Awards. You already know from my previous blog post that I'm rooting for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri for Best Picture but do you want to know what my other picks are? 

I covered the Bowlero Grand Opening Party over the weekend and had a blast! I love how Bowlero is such a fresh take on the traditional bowling alley. It's very youthful and has a casino-like atmosphere. Think of a bowling alley but for the Instagram and Snapchat crowd.