Lit we like: the Chinese Zodiac, and sushi too!

Since Ivy and I have started this blog, I've learned a lot, and I guess you can say re-discovered the "Chinese" in me. Over the weekend, a friend of mine actually commented that I've become a lot more Chinese since we met about 5+ years ago. I'll take that as a compliment!

One thing that I've been focused on is populating my kiddie's bookshelf with an assortment of Chinese, and other popular Asian-inspired tales. I owe my Irish-Italian sister-in-law and Korean co-worker for the following two finds:

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac shares one version of how the Chinese calendar came to be. It starts with the Jade Emperor, who recognizes a need for a calendar to tell one year from the next. The answer? Challenge the animals to race across a river, and the order in which they finish will dictate the order of the years. The extras at the end - a more in-depth look at the Chinese calendar and the characteristics of each animal, as well as background on the Dragon Boat Festival and the Moon Festival - make this hardcover all the more appealing. I'm no artist by any means, but the illustrations are different than your usual kiddie style book. Simply put, the whole package is pretty cool.



First Book of Sushi is part of a "world snacks" series that includes my favorite Yum Yum Dim Sum, as well as Hola Jalapeno, Mangia Mangia and a Little Bit of Soul Food. Told in short, catchy rhymes, this book educates readers on the sushi basics - learn about tekka, ebi, miso and more, and influence/convince your little ones (or your stubborn friend/family member/colleague who still believes that raw fish is gross) to love these bite sized treats as much as the rest of us do.



What are your favorite Asian tales?

Super Tuesday - Sushi Pack!

No, the super Tuesday bit doesn't have anything to do with elections. It's about a cute sushi superhero cartoon that I discovered while flipping channels on a recent Saturday morning.

Sushi Pack, which airs on CBS, is about a team of wasabi, and salmon egg, crab, tuna and octopus sushi who live in a Japanese restaurant with humans and come up against the evil Legion of Low Tide. Led by the bad Titanium chef, The Legion of Low Tide is a group of not-so-nice sushi who live in the Titanium chef's sushi restaurant.

The Sushi Pack use their powers and smarts to overcome the bad guys, save the world, and most importantly, teach kids valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, social skills and more. With characters ranging from Kani, the crab sushi who uses her pigtail crab claws to pinch the bad guys, to Maguro Maki, the calm tuna sushi who enjoys meditation and Feng Shui, to Fugu, the mean blowfish who puffs himself up when he's up to no good, Sushi Pack is an endearing bunch that's suitable for pre-school kids and above.

Check out clips from recent episodes here and the opening theme song below. Got any other Asian-inspired cartoon recs? Thoughts on Sushi Pack, or Ni Hao Kai-Lan? Let us know!

More on the Asian "model minority" stereotype...

To add to Ivy's post today...check out this article in today's New York Times, "Report Takes Aim at‘Model Minority’ Stereotype of Asian-American Students."

Sorry, it's past my bedtime and I'm too lazy and tired to provide any color commentary, so will have to make do with a few excerpts...

"The report, by New York University, the College Board and a commission of mostly Asian-American educators and community leaders, largely avoids the debates over both affirmative action and the heavy representation of Asian-Americans at the most selective colleges.

But it pokes holes in stereotypes about Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, including the perception that they cluster in science, technology, engineering and math. And it points out that the term “Asian-American” is extraordinarily broad, embracing members of many ethnic groups....

The report found that contrary to stereotype, most of the bachelor’s degrees that Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders received in 2003 were in business, management, social sciences or humanities, not in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering or math. And while Asians earned 32 percent of the nation’s STEM doctorates that year, within that 32 percent more than four of five degree recipients were international students from Asia, not Asian-Americans.

Asian-Americans make up about 5 percent of the nation’s population but 10 percent or more — considerably more in California — of the undergraduates at many of the most selective colleges, according to data reported by colleges. But the new report suggested that some such statistics combined campus populations of Asian-Americans with those of international students from Asian countries...

That question, too, is problematic, the report said, because it diverts attention from systemic failings of K-to-12 schools, shifting responsibility for educational success to individual students. In addition, it said, lumping together all Asian groups masks the poverty and academic difficulties of some subgroups."

Asians Ace-ing Education?

This past weekend, I was at my too-many-years-to-be-mentioned college reunion, at an Ivy League institution that shall also not be named (trying to avoid stalkers). Somewhere between the grilled hamburgers at the family picnic and the dining hall bagels over the departure brunch, the topic came up - are Asians somehow better students - specifically, in math and science?

First of all, I do need to clarify that it came up as a joke - none of us actually believe this is true. Let me also say that any math, science, statistics, or finance teacher I've ever had would be rolling on the floor laughing at the suggestion. That being said, I decided to look into some research on the topic to try to debunk the cultural stereotype.

Probably the most-cited scholar in this area is Uri Treisman, a University of California-Berkeley professor when he published on the topic in the 1980's. He closely examined the study habits of Black and Asian students. What he found was that the Blacks tended to struggle alone, while the Asians were more likely to study and socialize together - and that it was this "learning from others" effect that boosted their scores - not any innate genetic disposition nor any cultural norms in the Asian community around the academic preparation, motivation, family support, or anything else. (To read a nice synopsis of his study, click here to read a trascript of Treisman's lecture at Hunter College, reprinted in the College of Mathematics Journal.)

So what is the bottom line for parents? The answer is the same whatever the ethnicity: instilling a love of learning, a respect for hard work, and a determination to succeed are all good ideas for starters. Most importantly, taking a cue from Treisman, ensure that your child knows how to develop a support network and feels comfortable asking for help when needed - whether from you, a friend, a teacher, or a mentor.

Goodness knows that the urban-legend mystery Asian gene for math and science can't be counted on - I certainly didn't get it!

Do you have any stories or thoughts on the "Asian Academic" stereotype?

Fun Friday Reading: Seven Chinese Brothers

I had a storied childhood. Literally. My parents were fine artists, but later in their careers also illustrated children's books. The house was always filled with doodles and sketches...and lots of energy, creativity, and color (both literally and figuratively)!

In 1990, my parents illustrated their first book in the United States - "The Seven Chinese Brothers" (published by Scholastic). It was a retelling of an old tale that I'd read as a child, the Five Chinese Brothers (by Claire Hutchet Bishop). The new version, updated by Margaret Mahy, also got a refresh with my parent's colorful artwork - instead of the original black, white, and brown cartoon-like illustrations (which are admittedly quite cute and charming in their own way), the characters got the full royal treatment in a spectrum of rainbow colors.

I never thought the book was a big deal until my friends starting having reading-age kids. "What?!?! Your parents did *that* book? It's junior's favorite!" Lest you think I'm exaggerating, you can read some raving reviews from the New York Times Book Review, Publisher's Weekly, and the School Library Journal (click on this Google Books link and read the back cover page).

Yes, I am mighty proud of my parents. No, I didn't inherit any of their artistic talent. Maybe it skips a generation? Let's hope!

Regardless, the books are a fantastic way to introduce your little one to the stories and colors of Asia. Do you have any books to recommend?

Ask the Expert: How does Acupuncture Work?

One of our readers asked Sandy, our Acupuncture Expert, to answer this question. Here's her answer below:
------------------------------------------------
There are many different theories on how acupuncture works. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), good health is the result of a smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”, loosely defined as “energy” or “life force”) and blood (including all body fluids) along pathways or meridians in the body. Pain and disease are the result of imbalance in the body, caused by poor circulation of Qi and blood and blockages in the meridians. This can be caused by physical and emotional trauma, stress, poor diet, hereditary and environmental factors. Acupuncture points are located throughout the body along the meridians. When these points are stimulated on the skin with needles, they help to release blockages and encourage the smooth flow of Qi and blood again, thus eliminating pain, and promoting healthy body functioning.

In Western terms, you can think of our bodies as being controlled and regulated mainly by the nervous (“electrical”) system and the endocrine (“hormone”) system. Clinical studies (blood tests, MRI, etc.) have shown that acupuncture works on both systems, stimulating the electrical impulses and chemical signals of the body. For instance, one well-known effect of acupuncture is that pain is decreased by stimulating the release of the body’s endorphins (natural painkillers found in the central nervous system). Other research has shown that when patients had MRI’s of their brains during the needling of acupuncture points (on the foot or leg) well-known to benefit eyesight, the optic centers on both sides of the brain lit up, as if they were seeing a bright flash of light. There was no result for sham acupuncture points. Pretty cool, huh? Who knows what future research will reveal!

By working with the main control systems of the body, acupuncture effectively enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. It treats not only pain, but also a wide range of other conditions in a non-harmful way, by stimulating the immune system, affecting circulation, and balancing the emotions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you have any questions for our Expert? Ask them below in the comments field, or send us a note: myasianheritage@gmail.com!

Ask the Expert: Sandy Lo, MA, MS, LAc, CMT

Earlier in the week we introduced the concept of traditional Asian medicine with an article on Japanese pediatric acupuncture, Shonishin. However, other than (definitively pain-free and enjoyable) experiences as a patient and employing some good research skills to write the article, I can't really claim myself as an authority on the topic in any way. So, thank goodness, we've found someone to rescue me!

Today, My Asian Heritage is proud to announce that we have our very own certified and licensed expert! Sandy Lo, (who is Chinese-Thai and goes by the name Sirijit Lertkhachonsuk for her official certifications) completed her Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. She graduated cum laude from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and East Asian Studies and received a Master of Arts in Education from Tufts University.

She is a nationally certified and California licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and most recently completed coursework as a doula (birth assistant). Her clinical interest and advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is in women's and children's health, treating conditions such as: menstrual disorders, stress, fatigue, seasonal allergies, gastro-intestinal issues, menopause, headaches, morning sickness, back pain, insomnia, post-partum depression, insufficient lactation, ADD/ADHD, ear infections, coughs, colds, and asthma.

Her treatments use a combination of the following modalities: Chinese acupuncture and herbs, Shonishin (Japanese pediatric massage and acupuncture), moxibustion (herbal heat therapy), cupping, Western herbs and supplements, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and massage.

So, if you've been even vaguely curious about acupuncture and herbs for yourself or your kids, here's your opportunity to get your questions answered. Submit your questions in the comments field and we'll have Sandy answer your questions on a regular basis - ask our expert!

Traditional Asian Medicine

Somehow, your lifelong fear of needles rears its ugly head every time the word "acupuncture" arises. We're here to tell you not to be afraid!

Traditional Chinese medicine traces its roots back to 3,000 BC. Variations of the technique are also described in traditional Korean medicine under the name Chimsul, and in traditional Japanese medicine (also known as Kampo). In this installment, we're going to focus on a form of Japanese pediatric acupuncture called "Shonishin."

Started several hundred years ago in southwest Japan (near Osaka), this technique takes advantage of light tapping or rubbing at the meridian points instead of using needles. A friend of mine who uses this on her kids tells them that they're having a "massage" and they love it.

You name the kiddie health issue, and shonishin can come to the rescue: earaches, headaches, fevers, allergies, asthma, ADD, ADHD, colic, diarrhea, nightmares, sleep problems, and bed wetting! In combination with diet modifications and herbal treatments, significant changes can be seen very quickly. It might sound like a mystical cure-all, but my friend Kathy who uses Shonishin on her kids (ages 3 and 6) swears by it.

My Asian Heritage is about to announce our very own Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist for our "Ask the Experts" section. So get those questions ready and stay tuned!

Learning Chinese

Ah, the Chinese language. Those tricky little characters. Those similar-sounding tones. Even for those of us who grew up in native speaking households, the language has a way of just slipping through your ears without much sticking in your brain.

However, there’s hope! There are a multitude of resources out there for adults to learn Chinese, regardless of aptitude level. One of our favorite resources is Chinesepod. Their motto is “Learn Chinese on your own terms,” and we agree that they let us do that.

Downloadable podcast lessons are anywhere from 10-20 minutes long, and are tagged various levels from Newbie to Advanced. The best part of these “lessons” is what they are NOT - a recording of a stodgy uptight teacher drilling pronunciation -“Maa, MaAh, Maah, Mah!” Instead, each podcast has an entertaining theme, such as ordering noodles or visiting Taipei. The hosts Jenny Zhu (native Chinese speaker) and white guy Ken use their native tongues appropriate to the lesson level – so for example, Newbie has lots of Ken (and English), while Advanced is almost exclusively Jenny speaking in Chinese.

Oh, and they have transcripts and interactive drills if you want to really take it to the next level. We’re not there yet ;-).

Any tips you'd like to contribute to the adult language learners in the group? Also, our next installment - how to teach (or try to teach!) your kids Chinese.

What does "ai ya" mean?

Now there's a good question.

We've been asked by one of our readers to shed some light on this oft-used, multi-purpose expression. Those of us who grew up in Chinese households probably have some sort of visceral understanding - but here's some more guidance for those of you seeking clearer definition.

One of the best explanations we've found is from urbandictionary.com, which provides 3 definitions. However, we think that "ai ya" is best explained by those who use it:

• "Ai ya means 'oh no' to me. . .although it's so much more. It's the perfect response to awkward and silly situations. Much more perfect than "oh no" could ever be."
• It's basically an expression of exasperation that can mean anything from "oh no" to "f***!" The funny thing is that your listeners can pretty much figure out where in that spectrum your ai ya falls! Chinese culture would not the same without it."
• " 'Ai ya' is like 'oh my gosh (OMG),' which can be communicated in many different ways depending on the situation. It can be used to portray the high maintenance side of you – 'Ai ya, it's raining, and my hair and make-up will get messed up!' It can be used to communicate pure horror at a situation – 'There's an hour wait for dim sum? Ai ya!!!!' Many Chinese parents use it to show their disapproval – 'Wah, why did you spend so much money on that shirt??? Ai ya, you need to save!' It's really fun to add variations to the pronunciation, depending on your moods and the situation."
  

So, instead of settling on one definition, we say, why can't all of these be right? "Ai ya" is probably one of the most versatile interjections we know, which can be used in equal parts to express delight, dismay, disapproval...you name it. It can't be defined the way "oy" in Jewish culture will never be translated to the full extent of its expression.

What does "ai ya" mean to you? Tell us about a time when you've used it and I'll share how my mother faced down a ruthless street-merchant in Taipei with an aggressive "Ai ya! Too expensive!"

Ni Hao Kai-Lan

Ni hao Kai-Lan - which means "Hi Kai-Lan" in Mandarin - is Nick Jr.'s new show (launched the week of Chinese New Year) that is designed to introduce children to Chinese and Chinese-American culture, language and values. The main character Kai-Lan is an exuberant six-year old who, along with her friends, face a different "dilemma" in each episode. The show also features Kai-Lan's grandpa YeYe, whose mission is to pass along Chinese culture and traditions, as well as Kai-Lan's friends - Tolee the panda, Hoho the monkey and Rintoo the tiger. The characters are cute and entertaining, and each episode is intended to impart Chinese-American values including:

Mind-body connection - In many Chinese-American communities, the good thing to feel is often calmness and contentment.

Perspective-taking - In many Chinese and other East Asian families, children are encouraged to take the perspective of others to maintain harmony in relationships with other people.

Being a good member of the group - A key Chinese and Chinese American value is to be a good member of a group.

Social & Emotional Goals - Highlight cause-and-effect thinking about social and emotional issues relevant to preschoolers and to support their social and emotional development.

In each episode the characters also introduce a handful of Mandarin phrases; however, my one concern is that none of the characters translate those words and phrases into English. So, viewers are left to translate on their own based on the context of that scene and associated visuals. Lucky for me, I've still got the basics down...but it's probably not as easy for those who don't have that base knowledge to ensure they've got it right.

If you're a fan, be sure to check out the Nick Jr. site for games, crafts and other Ni Hao Kai-Lan related downloads. And for more on Karen Chau, a 30-year old graphic artist and the brains behind the show, read the New York Times profile.

Are your kids into this show? How are you using it as a teaching tool for yourself, and/or your children? Overall, what do you think - is it a keeper? Drop us a note, and let us know.

Does U.S. education fall short?

As a new parent, I've got a few years to go before I'll need to start worrying about schools. I don't claim to be an academic, and I certainly wasn't an overachiever in high school. My parents weren't the typical "make all As on your report card" Chinese parents. But I do worry about the state of the U.S. education system.

There's been a ton of press about the pressures many Asian, and Asian-American children face in academic environments...and that's also a fair statement for many non-Asian children across the country, especially in the Northeast. I don't want to turn this into a political discussion, but I wanted to share a Wall Street Journal story - "Are Hard-Working Chinese Kids A Model for American Students?" - that presents a high level comparison of U.S. school/study habits with those of Chinese and Indian kids. "Beautiful Country" is a column that explores American business life and culture from a native Chinese perspective. The author, Li Yuan, is a talented and insightful writer - be sure to check out her stuff.

Here's a video clip that published with the story from a documentary called "2 Million Minutes," which followed students in the U.S., India and China to show how they spent their four years of high school -- which works out to about two million minutes.



A fascinating discussion, and one that will only continue to evolve in the competitive and globalized environment in which we live. Got any thoughts or experiences you'd like to share? Let us know, and we'll pull it together and publish on a future post.

Becoming American: The Chinese Experience

I'm all about a good mini-series. And lucky for me, while channel surfing this weekend I stumbled upon Becoming American: The Chinese Experience, a four-part PBS special that originally aired in 2003. It's a definite must-see for those who are interested in the Chinese immigration experience, starting with the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, and told through narratives and personal stories. The episodes cover a range of topics, from those that are familiar - racism, the Exclusion Act, family values and the struggle to fit in - to those that might not be as familiar - "paper" sons, Chinatown bachelors, and Anna May Wong, the leading Chinese actress in the 1930s.

Looks like PBS is re-airing the series on some stations, starting today - check out your local listings, set your Tivo/DVR, and set aside time to be thoroughly sucked in...