Chinese Wedding Photos

Chinese Wedding Photos

While visiting China’s most beautiful places you may wonder why it seems to be overrun with couples in wedding attire. Are they all getting married at this lake?! No, my friend; They are taking wedding photos. The culture and customs behind Chinese wedding photos are very different than that of America and most western countries. […]

The City Saigon

The City Saigon

After a few days in Hanoi, the group of us headed  out to Saigon, otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh City. We got a pretty cheap flight, and arrived mid-afternoon. Once again I was in a different hostel, and unfortunately I didn’t get upgraded this time. My room was a huge dorm room of 10 […]

“Please Vote for Me”: Democracy in China

“Please Vote for Me”: Democracy in China

Curious about whether or not democracy would work in China? Why not test it out on Chinese children?! In the documentary “Please Vote for Me”, a real election in staged with third graders at a Chinese primary school. I originally watched “Please Vote for Me” in my undergraduate Chinese Culture through Film class. The whole […]

Cultural Appropriation in Asia

Cultural Appropriation in Asia

Cultural appropriation is a big word that’s been getting thrown around a lot lately, especially in regards to popular culture referencing Asia. Cultural appropriation: the adoption of some specific elements of one culture by a different cultural group. It describes acculturation or assimilation, but can imply a negative view towards acculturation from a minority culture by a dominant culture. […]

Skin Bleaching In Africa and Asia

Skin Bleaching In Africa and Asia

A while back I posted my academic research Capstone Project called Bai Fu Mei: An In Depth Look at the Chinese Quest for Lighter, Brighter and Whiter Skin. In my paper I discussed the difference between skin whitening and skin bleaching creams, how they actually whiten skin, why many Chinese women feel the need to […]

Women’s Day: A Cultural Conflict

Women’s Day: A Cultural Conflict

Last Thursday I received a text from Lynn: “(101) 7:55-8:35, (109) 9:40-10:20, (103) 10:30-11:10. The time for class has been changed tomorrow because of the celebrating activity.” “Celebrating activity?” I replied. “Will you meet us at the front gate of the school after class about 11:15 so that we can go to the buffet together.” […]

Adventure Awaits Travel Video

Adventure Awaits Travel Video

AYC is having its first annual photo essay and video competitions. Naturally, I entered both, because let’s face it, what else am I going to do with my time? My last post, This is Home, was my photo essay contribution, and the video below is my submission for the video contest. The prizes are a trip […]