We’ve all been victims of it – the Asian girl stereotype. She’s meek, she’s obedient, she’s quiet and bookish. Regardless of whether it’s true or not, frankly, it’s pretty darn annoying.
One of my favorite remedies is to put on my “Angry Little Asian Girl” t-shirt and wear it proudly around the neighborhood. Created by cartoonist and actress Leela Lee, the weekly comic strip provides plenty of fodder for amusing and in-your-face gear. My t-shirt has a cartoon head of a little black-haired girl – with the classic bowl-haircut – with two little bubble fists up, saucily flicking off the viewer with a double bird. Another hilarious item is the “Why you waste money?” wallet with a picture of the girl and her mother in a gift exchange.
While ALAG (Angry Little Asian Girl) Kim was the first, her spunkiness has inspired a whole line of “Angry Little Girls” of all ethnicities – there’s Crazy Maria (Latina), Fresh Wanda (Black), and Disenchanted Deborah (white chick). Happily, there’s something for everyone!
So, the next time you’re looking for just that right gift to stick it into the face of those ethnic stereotypes, visit the Angry Little Girls Shop. I guarantee you will find something that brings a rebellious smile to your face or that of your girlfriends. I chuckle every time I even think about my t-shirt!
Got any ideas for non-traditional gifts, or anti-stereotype resources? Share them with us!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Shop Talk: Break stereotypes - Angry Little Asian Girl!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Shop Talk: Lucky Wang
One of my favorite kiddie apparel shops that I credit my good friend Michelle for discovering is Lucky Wang, a NYC-based boutique that's now online (hooray!). Lucky Wang is one of my primary sources for unique baby gifts - it's hard to resist their range of signature kimonos that come perfectly wrapped in sushi boxes, their collection of onesies with Chinese zodiac animals, onesies that sport "Wo ai ma ma" (I love mommy) and "Wo ai ba ba" (I love daddy) in Chinese characters, and a variety of other goodies including tops, bottoms, books, toys and funky trinkets. Now that I have my own little girl to outfit, I can vouch for their kimono tops, pants and onesies, of which I have many in different colors and styles.
If you're in the NYC area, check out their shops in Chelsea on 7th Ave between 15th and 16th, and the other by NYU on Broadway and 15th. Drop us a note if you've got any other Asian-inspired clothing recommendations.
