Make-up assignments

[Anonymous]

I recently visited the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. As you enter the museum on the second floor, you are greeted with a huge sign that reads "Instructions to All Persons of Japanese Ancestry..." This sign is imperative to your journey throughout the museum, as it details what Japanese Americans could gather in order to be taken to an "unknown location." In a matter of two months, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Chief Executive, Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order to relocate Japanese Americans with claims to prevent espionage and to "protect" people of Japanese descent from Americans. We are able to see photographs and luggage replicas of what Japanese Americans could take with them to the camps of Manzanar, California.
Manzanar, California hosted military-style camps for the incoming Japanese Americans. Many of the people who were forced to Manzanar had no idea were they were taken, as recalled in the book "Farewell to Manzanar." In the early stages of her book, Jeanne Wakatsuki claims that Manzanar was a complete desert; every morning her mother and siblings had to dust off the layers of dirt that lay on top of their blankets. An experience that many of the people in the camp were not used too.
As you travel to the center of the museum, there are noticeable propaganda posters that illustrate that Japanese Americans could not be trusted. These signs were used in order to instill fear in the American people. As you walk through the exhibitions you feel a sense of hopelessness for the people who experience this. And reflect on how we could have done this to a group of people?
The exhibition could take about an hour, however, you can spend more time if you indulge in the history of this time. I really enjoyed my visit to the Japanese American National Museum and invite you to go check it out!

[Anonymous]

I recently was lucky enough to visit the Huntington gardens during the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The last time I went to the Huntington, both the Chinese and Japanese gardens were under construction and were being renovated to preserve some of the natural plant life whose ecosystem had been threatened. However, on this visit, the gardens were open and thriving. We walked through the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, ornately decorated in bamboo, Chinese carvings and lived up to its name with sweet smelling flowers everywhere. We walked through the gardens with a sense of tranquility, thanks to flower water, babbling brooks and natural elements significant to traditional gardens in China. This particular garden is one of the largest Chinese gardens outside of China. We had tea in the traditional tea house and talked about the obsession with East Asian culture and architecture and how this is promoted through music and film.
In the Japanese garden, we walked through the Japanese house, admired the architecture and given sense of Japanese life when we walked through the zen garden.The Japanese garden was curated in 1912 as a response to Western fascination with Japanese culture. However over the years, because of the US relations with Asia, certain parts of the gardens were neglected. However, on this day, the cherry blossoms were spectacular and reminded me of the the first year I moved to Los Angeles and the cherry blossoms had covered Silver Lake street corners in baby pink snow. I loved sitting by the Koi pond and watching the fish, thinking about gardens just like this a world and time period away. The Huntington is truly a slice of heaven outside of the city, that transports you to another place, culture and state of mind.

[Anonymous]

As part of my make-up assignment, I went to the Symbols in Buddhism workshop put on by LACMA at the Buddhist temple in North Hollywood. We had to create an original work of art that illustrated a symbol that had meaning to us. Some examples of Buddhist symbols are: a parasol that represents protection and spiritual power, a pair of fish that represent good fortune, a lotus that represents purity of mind, the endless knot which is a symbol for infinite wisdom, and the wheel of law that represents the teachings of Buddha. I created a flame with a triforce symbol inside of it that represents power, courage, and wisdom as these represent the forces in which I try to live my own life by.
edited by hsidhu on 3/27/2017

[Anonymous]

The Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple in Hacienda Heights was built by Master Hsing Yung, who was originally from the Jiangsu Province, China. This particular temple practices Humanistic Buddhism, meaning that Buddha’s teachings focus on how we live in this world.
The temple is built in the traditional Ming and Ching dynastic styles. The colors are those used in the Forbidden City – gold and red. The temple had to obtain permission to use the colors. On the roof, there are animal sculptures at the corners. The more animal statues present on the corners, the more important the building.
The first area that you enter is the Bodhisattva Hall. These are “Buddhas in Training,” and represent different virtues.
There are two main gardens – to the left and right. The Arhat garden to the left contains statues and an explanation the Eighteen Arhats that have embodied the teachings of Buddha, found enlightenment, and inspire followers with their own personal stories. On the right is the Avalokitesvara Garden. Also known as Guanyin, this bodhisattva is renowned for compassion, and is seen either as a man or woman.
The Main Shrine houses three huge statues above the alter: Sakyamuni Buddha, the teacher and founder; Amitabha Buddha, the teacher of Western Pure Land Buddhism, and Medicine Buddha, teacher of the Eastern Pure Land. In addition, there are more than ten thousand Buddha statues on the walls. Pure Land is loosely translated as heaven. When you enter the Main Shrine, there are three doors, as a visitor or devotee, the side doors are the appropriate entrance.
edited by canderson on 3/28/2017
edited by canderson on 4/18/2017

[Anonymous]

During spring break I had the opportunity to visit family in New York and had a chance to visit the MET. The MET currently has an array of Asian exhibits. One of the exhibits is the Cinnabar: The Chinese Art of Carved Lacquer, 14th to 19th Century. Lacquer comes from a tree found in southern China that when it hardens and is exposed to oxygen and humitity converts into a natural plastic-like texture. The carved lacquers are beautiful. Rich in red color and many details the art pieces show how the Chinese use nature and tradition as a source of inspiration for their art. The most impressive piece of work I saw was a large screen that was carved on all sides with images of children at play and ordinary life in the villages. This screen was given as birthday gift to a famous general on his sixtieth birthday. Take a look at the screen in the link below.
http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId=%7bf1088272-5664-4c21-85dd-1ac0b30300f2%7d&oid=64086&pkgids=361&pg=0&rpp=20&pos=10&ft=*&offset=20

The MET also has an exhibit centered on Japanese art titled: Celebrating the Arts of Japan: The Mary Griggs Burke Collection that includes poetry, caligraphy and literati themes. As I was walking through the exhibit I remembered Dr. Yu's lecture that highlighted the aesthetics in East Asian customs. As I saw the strokes of caligraphy, I viewed it as an art form that sought to evoke meaning through the use of ink and paper. The most breathtaking piece of work that I saw at this exhibit of the MET was a piece titled "Kanzan" (Cold Mountain), it is a 95 in X 48 in piece that has equally massaive strokes on this large piece of paper. The work was stunning as it merges caligraphy with abstract art. Take a look at the piece here: http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId=%7bb1a2d614-cf7b-42f3-8789-8f3074b9fb2c%7d&oid=655752&pkgids=304&pg=0&rpp=100&pos=162&ft=*&offset=100

Overall, it was exciting to view these pieces of work through a different lens as I am getting becoming more familiar with East Asian history and culture through this seminar. I didn't intend for my trip to New York to be so educational but undoubtedly traces of East Asia are all around us in this globalized world.

[Anonymous]

I was really happy that one of the make-up possibilities was the Huntington - I love going there, and this was a great excuse to "have to go". The last time I went, the Chinese garden was just opening, only a few parts were complete. This time, however, there was much more to experience. The waveless boat was really neat, when seen across the "Pond of Reflected Greenery" the title isn't visible, but you can't help but notice the luxurious, barge like qualities it has. The "Lingering Clouds Peak" is made of stone that was brought to the Huntington from China - there are several tons of rock that was imported - and most of the rock has some form of inscription on it (all in Chinese, so I couldn't read it), that adds to the enjoyment of the area. The other portion of the gardens that we visited was the Japanese garden. I found out that Japanese portion has been on site for 100 years - probably not quite in the shape it is in now, but the plantings have been kept up for that long. One of the main plants (trees) on site are the camellias - there are several different species, but the Rusticana are grown in the mountains of northwest Japan, and are more commonly known as Snow camellias. They bend more easily under the snow, and have a more horizontal growth than other species. The "garden" also includes a Japanese house, a Zen garden, and viewing stones - these are smooth black stones that appear to have distinct shapes (mountain, house, etc.). A thoroughly enjoyable day.

edited by canderson on 4/18/2017
edited by canderson on 4/18/2017

[Anonymous]

Last weekend I visited the Japanese American Museum, which I have been to several times for various events. The current exhibit that stuck out to me was the "Instructions to all Persons", a reflection on executive order signed by Franklin Roosevelt in 1942. It was troubling to see so many photographs and propaganda posters that were posted all over the country, but especially here in California. I connected it to the mass deportation of Mexican immigrant farm workers during the repatriation act. This was a big moment for me that I saw we could connect and teach along with our current curriculum. We talked a lot this year about the power of protest and how to make a protest sign. It could be very powerful to look at propaganda posters throughout history.
Additionally, Sadako's cranes was inspiring as my students are currently very interested in folding and origami. I loved the symbol of hope that the crane's emanated. I could see this as a great extension activity for my students, each one making a wish and helping to find common ground across the classroom. It would be visually stunning to hang in the classroom or somewhere in our community. This museum was very inspiring and I would love to bring my students here next year on a field trip.

[Anonymous]

I recently had a change to participate in a movie screening held by CSUN. The name of the movie is " Reunification", it is a deeply personal award-winning film that gives an insider view on the contemporary Asian American immigrant experience, divorce and family psychology, and the personal filmmaking process, filmmaker Alvin Tsang reflects on his family’s migration from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, fraught with betrayal from his parents’ divorce, economic strife, and communication meltdown between parents and children.
This poetic exploration of many unresolved years moves moodily across different channels and modes, bending into labor histories and Hong Kong’s colonial trajectories. Tsang turns the camera on his own family, cautiously prodding for answers, but fully acknowledging that the only closure he can get will be from deciding for himself how to move on.
As a first generation who came from China as well, I strongly resonate at the emotional and financial stress and struggles that Tsang's family had been through in the movie. Even though there are no right and wrong answer, and probably it is impossible to judge, however, one thing in common is that we all believe that's the best that they could do at that situation back then.

[Anonymous]

I visited the Mandir temple located in San Bernadino county last weekend. A Mandir is a Hindu temple of worship, a place of love, peace and harmony as well as a center of cultural and spiritual activities. The new Mandir was delicately designed with handcrafted wood arts throughout the buildings. Darshan and Arti, status of Gods, are very different from Buddhist gods. They look like young, handsome, and wealthy guys and ladies. Maybe common people find more inner peace through them because they look common. I saw happiness and harmony of mankind through them. I would bring my students to visit this temple and learn the significance of Hindu Gods and Mandir and how they bring peace and harmony to the world.
edited by Lin ZD on 6/15/2017

[Anonymous]

I attended a lecture by Aynne Kokas about Hollywood and China, a preview of her lecture before giving it to our class. I found it really interesting how many ways China and Hollywood, and businesses in general, are beginning to intermingle. She explained that companies in China, such as the Wanda Group, and Shanghai Film Group are making inroads into developing ties with media companies here. Spielberg and DreamWorks are working with the Shanghai Film Group, as is Disney, Wanda just bought Legendary Pictures, and more and more collaboration is happening between these two countries. This was especially interesting because of the cultural impact it can have. China is very interested in having it’s worldview spread and shared more globally, and being seen as an important and capable world citizen. An example she gave was in the movie Transformers 4, there is a scene where the Chinese navy goes in to defend the harbor, and they are portrayed as competent and professional. And more films from these collaborations are portraying this. I just saw Ghost in the Shell, which was co-produced by Disney and Shanghai Group, and I could definitely feel the cultural influences in that film. Another story she shared was in the film Doctor Strange, a character in that movie was supposed to be from Tibet, but was changed and played by Tilda Swinton, which was seen in the US as cultural appropriation, but was seen by the Chinese Government at least as more appropriate due to the sensitivities about Tibet by China.

Overall it was a really fascinating insight into the current, and potential future, of film making and cultural influences of a rising power in the world, and how that plays out in the current global sphere.

[Anonymous]

I visited the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Wilshire blvd. It was a small place, with a museum in one building, and an event space in another next door. The museum had a lovely garden entrance with some really interesting carvings and a small bridge over a makeshift rock-bed stream. Outside there was a large poster promoting the 2018 Winter Olympics, which I learned (or, re-learned) are being held in Korea! They are building a brand new Korean American History Museum nearby as well, scheduled to be opened in 2018, which I imagine will dovetail nicely with that Olympic event.

The museum in the cultural center was small, but packed with lots of artifacts and reproductions of items used and made by the people of Korea. It primarily covered the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392-1910, quite a long period of time considering the other places we’ve studied in Japan and China where there were lots of conflicts and government changing hands. It explained that during this time Korea was influenced by Confucianism, and the simplicity and structure of that thinking still holds cultural influence today.

I found the models of a Sarangbang (masters quarters, basically a man’s study and place of scholarly reflection) and Anbang (women’s quarters, a place where the couple slept and that was kept beautiful with woodwork and colors) most interesting. They did a good job, I think, of capturing a feeling of these two spaces. There was also a lot of information about weddings in Korea, and how they were an important form of social contract, not only between the man and woman being married, but to the families as a joining of their two lines.

Lastly, the description of the Korean language, the only one to have been developed by a single person with a known date of invention, was really interesting. And before that, there was one picture of a building with what looked to be thousands of carved woodblocks called the Tripitaka. After doing a bit of research I learned that it’s over 80,000 woodblocks comprising the most complete record of Buddhist writings in the world! Pretty amazing.

[Anonymous]

I visited the Japanese American History Museum in downtown Los Angeles. They had a wonderful exhibit about the Japanese internment camps of the 1940’s, and a history of Japanese immigration to the United States (and they also had an exhibit about George Takei, which was pretty great!) I would have liked to have seen a bit more about historical Japan, however I didn’t realize this when I went, but this year marks the 75th anniversary of the order to intern everyone with Japanese ancestry in the United States, so there was an amazing group of exhibits that were put together. At the start of the exhibits they had an actual barracks from one of the internment camps in Wyoming. A group of volunteers had disassembled it there and reassembled it in the museum. It was really moving to feel what it was might have been like in that space.

They then described the Japanese immigration to the US, which started mainly in Hawai’i in the late 1800’s, and went from there to the west coast in the early 1900’s. It was interesting to think about what was happening in Japan at the time that would drive such immigration. Apparently there was political and economic strife in the country at that time, and people believed they could find their fortunes in the USA.

The museum had a lot of artifacts from those times, as well as many artifacts from the people that were put in the concentration camps in the 1940’s. There was an amazing number of pictures and personal stories and letters and every day items on display, and the museum did a good job of taking you through the period with descriptions of what was happening, quotes about people’s feelings at the time, and lots of poetry, mainly Haikus, which I thought was a nice touch, considering what we’ve learned about poetry and it’s importance in Japanese culture. I thought it was a very well put together exhibit and told a very important (and currently very pertinent) story.
edited by bmitchell on 5/7/2017

[Anonymous]

I went to the Chinese American History Museum at the boundary of what is now Chinatown, and the edge of what I would learn was old Chinatown, near Union Station in Downtown LA. They had an exhibit on the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, as well as on a little local history about Chinatown in Los Angeles, Chinese-Americans in Hollywood, and the first Chinese-American woman elected to the United States Congress, Judy Chu.

The museum was quite small, but in a very historic location. It was in what was considered the “city hall” of the original Los Angeles Chinatown. I learned that, originally, Chinatown was located where Union Station currently sits, and that they demolished much of it in the early 1900’s. The Chinatown we know today was built up in the 1940’s and 50’s, adjacent to where it once was. It was also really interesting to see how immigration was treated as a threat when, in the 1880’s, the Chinese Exclusion Act barred any Chinese immigrants from coming to the United States. I saw a very telling entry on the timeline they had that said in the 1850’s and 1860’s, the P’ing rebellion in China killed 20 million people, and around the same time, China was defeated in the second Opium War. These two events, with I’m sure many others, probably contributed greatly to the influx of Chinese immigrants to the US.

One of the biggest takeaways from the exhibit for me was just how long a struggle it has been for recognition and acceptance into American culture Chinese-Americans have had. I didn’t realize, though upon reflection I recognize, that we didn’t have a Chinese-American woman elected to congress until the 1990s! More than 100 years after the Chinese Exclusion Act. I think it demonstrated to me just how long a road America has ahead of it towards our goal of equality for all.
edited by bmitchell on 5/7/2017
edited by bmitchell on 5/7/2017

[Anonymous]

The exhibit started with a video featuring footage of former prisoners of the Japanese Concentration Camps at the CWRIC hearings. I have never thought to find this footage. The footage was very powerful. The fact that video that is in color exists of people recounting their experiences drives the point home that this dark period in American history was not very long ago. Finding footage of the CWRIC hearings would be a great entry point to this lesson.

One of the most interesting features of the exhibit was the collection of tags that were given to prisoners when they were assigned a concentration camp. The sheer magnitude of the amount of tags was very eye opening. It is heartbreaking to imagine that each tag represented someone that was uprooted from their home.
Throughout the space of the exhibit there were philosophical questions about democracy. It was chilling that these questions were especially relevant today due to the actions of the Trump administration. There is definitely space for these questions throughout the length of any American history class, and not just in modern times. American history is laced with examples of people not being afforded the benefits of democracy because they were different. The exhibit urged its visitors to stay awake and vigilant so history doesn't repeat itself. I will teach this topic to my students with the same spirit the next time I come across this period in history.

The George Takei exhibit was a not as heavy, which is why we decided to visit that exhibit last. I am not a huge Star Trek fan, or television fan, but the exhibit had less to do with Mr.Takei’s television accomplishments and more to do with his accomplishments in civic life. The most interesting part of the exhibit was the part where he talked about the struggle he faced when deciding what roles to take as an actor. Mr. Takei did not want to take stereotypical Asian roles, but those were the only roles that were available at the time. Often times we think of public social justice figures as more than humans, but it was refreshing to see that Mr. Takei struggled in making decisions just like the rest of us.
edited by amolina on 5/23/2017

[Anonymous]

I went to the Huntington Library today, and it was a beautiful experience. I went directly toward the Japanese Gardens upon arrival, and I was so impressed by the large spread of the gardens. They are planning on expanding, and they have their model-garden set up for viewing. There were multiple little bridges to walk on, buildings to walk through, usually with a pair of liondogs guarding the front. There were so many plants, trees, and flowers native to Japan. I really loved the Japanese pine trees, which were more spread out and loosely-shaped than the American-style pine trees we see at Christmastime. I also noticed that there were little sculptures that were peppered throughout the garden. There was a little sculpture of a house that was positioned above the lake, and it was three-stories high. I wondered what the significance of the three-stories could be; maybe something related to religion? Inside the houses, there were flower patterns etched on the walls, the doors, and even on the walkway path. I saw bamboo plants that ranged from 5 feet to twenty-five feet tall. And I was pleasantly surprised to see Koi fish in the pond in the Japanese Gardens. The pond water was really murky and I wondered if it was healthy for the Koi to be in there. Overall, the Japanese Gardens were hands down my favorite part of The Huntington, and I hope to come back; maybe when it's a bit cooler!

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