Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning
This is not an easy read but it is poignant, thought provoking and timely. Through a series of essays, Cathy Park Hong tackles the difficulties of navigating the Asian American experience backed up with a historical context of racial discrimination as well as an honest depiction of how Asian Americans are made to feel to this day. It doesn't purport to speak for everyone but rather expose some rather unnerving and uncomfortable truths specifically the continuing struggles with identity and belonging. The model minority is a myth and as a group we are continually marginalized and this is made clear by all the racially based and sometimes extremely violent attacks against Asians being blamed for COVID-19 that are still going on. This book brought back some very complex personal feelings for me.
Notable passages:
"For as long as I could remember, I have struggled to prove myself into existence."
"In the popular imagination, Asian Americans inhabit a vague purgatorial status: not white enough nor black enough; distrusted by African Americans, ignored by whites, unless we're being used by whites to keep the black man down."
"Most Americans know nothing about Asian Americans. They think Chinese is synecdoche for Asians the way Kleenex is for tissues."
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Watching...
One Night In Miami
On one incredible night in 1964, four icons of sports (Mohammad Ali & Jim Brown), music (Sam Cooke), and activism (Malcom X) gathered to celebrate one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. This powerful film explores the personal relationships of these men through a human lens and it is fascinating. The acting performances are phenomenal and the four leads are all pretty easy on the eyes as well. A perfect watch in honor of Black History Month.
On one incredible night in 1964, four icons of sports (Mohammad Ali & Jim Brown), music (Sam Cooke), and activism (Malcom X) gathered to celebrate one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. This powerful film explores the personal relationships of these men through a human lens and it is fascinating. The acting performances are phenomenal and the four leads are all pretty easy on the eyes as well. A perfect watch in honor of Black History Month.
Also Watching...
This amateur detective series meets variety is ending it's run with this current season. It's not the best show but it's fun and I get to see my favorites Lee Seung Gi and Yoo Jae Suk. And I'm almost done with Lovestruck In The City and would not recommend it. It is beautifully filmed but the story and the characters totally lack depth.
We love a good caesar salad in our house and this version featuring kale and broccoli instead of romaine is a delicious upgrade especially for the cooler months. I like to roast instead of boil the broccoli for better depth of flavor and to preserve the nutrients. This is the perfect accompaniment to fish. We're really into barramundi these days. It's so tasty and healthy, not to mention sustainable.
Snacking on...
I don't eat sugar and try to be mindful with carbs as well. These yogurt bars which are made with no added sugar have less than 1 gram of sugar and 8 to 9 grams of protein as well a host of probiotics are a recent discovery that are satisfyingly indulgent while aligning with my approach to eating.
Obssessed with...
I might be obsessed with garlic anyway and have been using these handmade bits of toasted, crunchy organic garlic with Italian herbs as a topping on anything and everything. It's the best on the kale and broccoli salad referenced above as a stand in for croutons since I avoid bread.
Not wearing...
Makeup
I wasn't one to wear a lot of makeup and gave up foundation even before the pandemic and now it's not even part of my routine. I'm incredibly fortunate that I can WFH and can communicate with clients through phone calls and email so makeup is a thing of the past and I'm definitely not going to wear makeup under a face mask because I'm not interested in breaking out. In fact the only makeup I bought last year was a single tube of concealer. My skin has improved and looks so much fresher as a result. I do make sure to wear sun protection daily. And I always wear my glasses whenever I go outside ever since I heard that Covid-19 can be caught through the eyes. I don't have optimism bias and want to be as safe as possible. My husband is still cutting my hair.
Wearing...
These pants which are comfortable like joggers but sleek and elegant like dress pants are my new favorite.
Happy to report that I've stuck to a regular daily fitness routine for the past few months. During January, I also did intermittent fasting 3 - 4 days a week, cutting down to 2 meals and it's been incredible for my energy levels and stamina. Well I'm pretty sure sleeping 8 hours a night helps as well. My intention when I started was to boost my immune system and stamina. I’ve also lost a few pounds and am leaner and more toned so that’s nice bonus and good incentive to keep this up.
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14 comments
Nice pants ❤
Chingu, your skin is #goals for sure! I wouldn't wear makeup either if my skin is that nice:D And thanks for the heads up about Busted. Sounds like right up my alley. And have heard great things about One Night in Miami so will be adding that on my list:)
Have a great Wednesday:)
I think Minor Feelings and One night in Miami both sound like an interesting read and something good to watch, I grew up knowing a lot about their stories and music my parents listened to loved Sam Cooke. As a multi-racial person, I know first-hand about racism and not fitting in any box. Sounds like the book was impactful on you. Thanks for sharing. Happy February, Rowena. x
Not wearing makeup is a great idea, I love your pic: you are so prety! And that broccoli salad looks delicious!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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Love the not wearing makeup. I was watching a Youtube video the other day and she challenge those that wear makeup for themselves. She said that for all those who said so, were they wearing makeup indoors (everyday) during the pandemic. I never really thought about it like that....but oh well.
Minor feeling is now on my to read list. Seems like an intriguing read!
xxxxx
I've only worn makeup a few times during the pandemic! You look lovely and your skin is amazing, mine is a bit of a mess but the mask covers that if I go out!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I like the sound of the garlic nuggets! I've never seen that before but I love garlic! :)
I only really wore makeup to the office before so I haven't been wearing it either - although my skin isn't as good as it can be as we had mandatory masks for a couple weeks and with the humid weather the masks irritated my face a bit, haha! But overall my skin is looking better not wearing makeup - I even had to buy a new foundation to use it on Christmas day (we get dressed up then) as my old makeup had gone off from not being used in so long!
Hope that you are having a good week :)
Away From Blue
Interesting reading recommendation. I used to read a lot of immigrant literature and found this topic relevant for our times. I think living in another country can often make us question our identity. I don't wear much make up either. I never noticed any difference in my skin appearance when I wore make up, no bad side effects or anything, but I don't see why I should wear make up if I don't need or want to. Wearing glasses outside makes sense. There is a number of infections that can be caught through the eyes. I think glasses can be a good protection from the wind in winter as well.
I love garlic anything too, it is perfect to add flavor to most dishes.
Great job.Happy Friday
I like to read so much these type of your posts. I didn't watch that serie. I need to check it.
New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2021/02/rouge-dior-couture-colour-999.html
Wishing you a lovely new week Rowena!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Love Ina Garten recipes this one I do for lunch plenty of time. Great job.
Those golden garlic nuggets sound perfect.
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