Today signifies a few important things. First off, I'd like to wish my parents a very Happy Anniversary, 29 years. We celebrated with family two days ago at the ritual BBQ-King House in Chinatown.
Today also signifies my departure date. I'm leaving the U.S. for about four months at 4:20 PM Central time today. As I enter a new experience, I know for a fact I am going to miss my family. Busy with school, work, and my social life, I often do not spend much time as I'd like with my family. Sometimes I feel as if I'm trying to run away from my life here in Chicago, but at the same time, its for a good reason; to experience the world, and learn through travels and immersion.
See you all in January, and read my blog for updates. More critiques on society, class issues, political issues, volunteerism, etc this time around rather than going out and partying posts.
Until then.
trần, qúy hạc.
Showing posts with label random thoughts.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random thoughts.. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
mark in time
I.
After a nineteen hour flight, he enters an environment which seems so alien to him for only a brief moment. Walking through the terminals, he greatly misses his home of the past six months. But what can he do? On a brighter note, his parents and family must be ecstatic of his arrival. As he walks out the departure gate, there is absolutely no one there.
II.
Not many Việtnamese come to Chicago, or the Midwest. Surprisingly, he meets one from the motherland studying so close to where he lives. Connections, interactions, relationships with those who understand his situation is desired. She also misses Việt Nam, possibly even more. They talk about the beauties of the motherland, yearning to return in that instant. A beneficial friendship perhaps. They understand Việt Nam.
III.
Three males, connected in one way or another sit at a coffee shop, late at night. One studies his sociology readings--redundant and draining. Another reads Murakami's Kafka on the Shore. The last reads the same. In that particular moment, although tourists for a short week, these three exert a sense of belonging, of immersion in the life.
IV.
He exits a busy New York Airport, carefully examining the bus-metro schedule and map. After locating point x, he sits patiently, awaiting for the bus to arrive. Fifteen minutes pass, and finally the boxy construction on wheels roll up. He enters, sitting next to a pretty Latina. Ten minutes or so later, the two talk. From very different backgrounds, experiences, they click, even only for that short moment. She is from Columbia, recently emigrated to the U.S. We wish each other good luck, and part ways.
V.
Argyle is far from affluent. Many ethnic based non-profits reside in the Uptown area. One of which is CMAA. Working with children, youths receiving less opportunity seems far more worthwhile than working with those opposite. He's a stranger at first; the youths mute when he nears. Through time, he's like their big brother that is not mean to them. He sees great potential in each and everyone of these kids.
VI.
A Megabus ride costs only ten dollars. He takes it up north, to Milwaukee to visit some interesting people. In the recent years, despite the short distance between the two, rarely do they see each other. They "một, hai, ba YO!" They jazzy up the fish tank, creating a real ecosystem in a glass box. They hit up a few bars. They plan Việt Nam 2008.
VII.
He exits the bathroom and sees his cousin sitting next to a man of colour in a not so colourful place. We're probably the three that stand out the most. He approaches the man and begins conversing, not knowing how in depth and personable such a conversation will get. The man is from Nicaragua. He works a blue collar job. I voice my opinions, about race, class, inequities in this country. He acknowledges and voices his perspective. There is no pinpoint agreement, but they both understand each other. They both are people of colour in not so colourful country.
VIII.
Hours of driving and viewing a mundane landscape, they arrive in a bubble. This place actually has buildings, landscape, architecture. They meet a couple at Casa Cantina for a few drinks. He catches up with the couple, still adjusting to seeing them half way across the world. The past is brought up, the life led in VN. How we miss it so. But life moves forward, not backward. "Adjust to the culture and life of wherever you're situated."
IX.
Four people sit at a dining room table and ăn qùa. Grilled fish wrapped with veggies in rice paper. A classic Saigonese treat. Downing a few cold beers and some white wine, the four head downstairs for a fun game of Mahjong. All start with 1.30$. After the Phóng's and Ù's, there stands one clear winner--the one who plays the most, the one who's teaching us the rules. A Friday night with family is well spent.
X.
He sits here awaiting a new life he will lead for five months. He begins to feel sad he is leaving, but why!? He's going to a beautiful place to enrich his own experiences. Eight days remain and he has yet to pack a thing. From experience, he will not pack much. On surface level, life in the past eight months appeared uneventful, but with one through nine, he might be wrong.
trần.qúy.hạc
After a nineteen hour flight, he enters an environment which seems so alien to him for only a brief moment. Walking through the terminals, he greatly misses his home of the past six months. But what can he do? On a brighter note, his parents and family must be ecstatic of his arrival. As he walks out the departure gate, there is absolutely no one there.
II.
Not many Việtnamese come to Chicago, or the Midwest. Surprisingly, he meets one from the motherland studying so close to where he lives. Connections, interactions, relationships with those who understand his situation is desired. She also misses Việt Nam, possibly even more. They talk about the beauties of the motherland, yearning to return in that instant. A beneficial friendship perhaps. They understand Việt Nam.
III.
Three males, connected in one way or another sit at a coffee shop, late at night. One studies his sociology readings--redundant and draining. Another reads Murakami's Kafka on the Shore. The last reads the same. In that particular moment, although tourists for a short week, these three exert a sense of belonging, of immersion in the life.
IV.
He exits a busy New York Airport, carefully examining the bus-metro schedule and map. After locating point x, he sits patiently, awaiting for the bus to arrive. Fifteen minutes pass, and finally the boxy construction on wheels roll up. He enters, sitting next to a pretty Latina. Ten minutes or so later, the two talk. From very different backgrounds, experiences, they click, even only for that short moment. She is from Columbia, recently emigrated to the U.S. We wish each other good luck, and part ways.
V.
Argyle is far from affluent. Many ethnic based non-profits reside in the Uptown area. One of which is CMAA. Working with children, youths receiving less opportunity seems far more worthwhile than working with those opposite. He's a stranger at first; the youths mute when he nears. Through time, he's like their big brother that is not mean to them. He sees great potential in each and everyone of these kids.
VI.
A Megabus ride costs only ten dollars. He takes it up north, to Milwaukee to visit some interesting people. In the recent years, despite the short distance between the two, rarely do they see each other. They "một, hai, ba YO!" They jazzy up the fish tank, creating a real ecosystem in a glass box. They hit up a few bars. They plan Việt Nam 2008.
VII.
He exits the bathroom and sees his cousin sitting next to a man of colour in a not so colourful place. We're probably the three that stand out the most. He approaches the man and begins conversing, not knowing how in depth and personable such a conversation will get. The man is from Nicaragua. He works a blue collar job. I voice my opinions, about race, class, inequities in this country. He acknowledges and voices his perspective. There is no pinpoint agreement, but they both understand each other. They both are people of colour in not so colourful country.
VIII.
Hours of driving and viewing a mundane landscape, they arrive in a bubble. This place actually has buildings, landscape, architecture. They meet a couple at Casa Cantina for a few drinks. He catches up with the couple, still adjusting to seeing them half way across the world. The past is brought up, the life led in VN. How we miss it so. But life moves forward, not backward. "Adjust to the culture and life of wherever you're situated."
IX.
Four people sit at a dining room table and ăn qùa. Grilled fish wrapped with veggies in rice paper. A classic Saigonese treat. Downing a few cold beers and some white wine, the four head downstairs for a fun game of Mahjong. All start with 1.30$. After the Phóng's and Ù's, there stands one clear winner--the one who plays the most, the one who's teaching us the rules. A Friday night with family is well spent.
X.
He sits here awaiting a new life he will lead for five months. He begins to feel sad he is leaving, but why!? He's going to a beautiful place to enrich his own experiences. Eight days remain and he has yet to pack a thing. From experience, he will not pack much. On surface level, life in the past eight months appeared uneventful, but with one through nine, he might be wrong.
trần.qúy.hạc
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
three days.
one.
After a four hour drive, with a stop in Indianapolis, we arrive at Indiana University. My friend's apartment, similarly laid out like my own in Chicago is a spacious, comfy place. The campus itself is the epitome of a college campus, something I have never experienced being in an urban campus. So many attractive international Asian girls. Oi doi oi! I meet Roger, Kenny's roommate.
The three of us head to Sopon, a fastfood Korean joint. We all order Bulgogi, devouring every piece. Then we drive around, soaking in the crisp cool summer night air, then head back. Lounging around the air conditioned apartment, relaxing is what we do. Roger and I then watch hours of Korean and Japanese dance clips on no other than YouTube.
I sleep at 5 AM.
two.
With only five hours of sleep, I am fatigued as Kenny awakes me from my short slumber. What lies ahead is Cincinnati, Columbus, and Athens. All of which are located in Ohio. So the day begins. An hour and a half later, we arrive in Cincinnati. Realizing we crave Vietnamese yet again, we actively search for a joint. The food is quite mediocre. Nothing to boast about.
Cincinnati's downtown is only a mere fraction of Chicago's. Unimpressed, we head towards Columbus. Two and a half hours later, we arrive in C-Bus, Ohio's largest city. Kara and Chirag meet us. We tour Ohio State University. It seems like a very nice campus. Walking into Larry's Bar, we sipped on some slushy margaritas. Seeing familiar faces from Viet Nam is always an enjoyment. I have an appointment with Gerard, from EAP, in Athens and thus we part ways and Kenny and I are again on the road.
An hour and a half later, we enter a secluded area, appearing to be Athens. Tree-lined brick roads, the city reminds us of an old colonial town. We meet Gerard and Arata at a nice little bar, where they sell Tiger. How fitting. Memories of Viet Nam flood in. After a few drinks, and a couple of hours, we bid farewell. Kenny and I grab some coffee, two espresso shots. A five-hour ride from Athens to Bloomington feels more like two.
Sleep? No. Roger, Kenny, and I go to their friends' house. Sitting on the roof, we converse, enjoying the warm summer night. All hungry, we decide to go to Waffle House. Belgian waffles and hash browns hits that spot. Drive back and sleep.
three.
The alarm, Kenny's voice, buzzes at two p.m. It is much too early to be up. I snooze on for another thirty. Despite the Waffle House breakfast, we're still hungry. We head to Siam House for Thai. Pad Thai, decent, but not as flavorful and tasty as Noodles in the Pot. Supplies needed for their apartment, I drive them to Target. Like every other Target in America, this one is filled with attractive females. They buy tons of shit.
Six p.m. is soon approaching and what lies ahead is even more driving, this time by myself. Passing the redneck towns of Indiana, the downtown of Indianapolis, the cornfields between the two states, I arrive in Chicago somewhere around nine p.m. I much want to hang out in the city, but instead I speed home. Drained, I head upstairs, but first make myself a banh mi gio, with all the condiments.
As the day has come to an end, I now realize that despite how uneventful I feel my life is, the introductions with new folks, and the interactions with old ones brings forth a sense of enjoyment and excitement, even though they are short lived. Communication and discoveries, however minute they may seem, bring some new aspect to one's life, as they have within the past three days of mine.
end.
tran, quy hac.
After a four hour drive, with a stop in Indianapolis, we arrive at Indiana University. My friend's apartment, similarly laid out like my own in Chicago is a spacious, comfy place. The campus itself is the epitome of a college campus, something I have never experienced being in an urban campus. So many attractive international Asian girls. Oi doi oi! I meet Roger, Kenny's roommate.
The three of us head to Sopon, a fastfood Korean joint. We all order Bulgogi, devouring every piece. Then we drive around, soaking in the crisp cool summer night air, then head back. Lounging around the air conditioned apartment, relaxing is what we do. Roger and I then watch hours of Korean and Japanese dance clips on no other than YouTube.
I sleep at 5 AM.
two.
With only five hours of sleep, I am fatigued as Kenny awakes me from my short slumber. What lies ahead is Cincinnati, Columbus, and Athens. All of which are located in Ohio. So the day begins. An hour and a half later, we arrive in Cincinnati. Realizing we crave Vietnamese yet again, we actively search for a joint. The food is quite mediocre. Nothing to boast about.
Cincinnati's downtown is only a mere fraction of Chicago's. Unimpressed, we head towards Columbus. Two and a half hours later, we arrive in C-Bus, Ohio's largest city. Kara and Chirag meet us. We tour Ohio State University. It seems like a very nice campus. Walking into Larry's Bar, we sipped on some slushy margaritas. Seeing familiar faces from Viet Nam is always an enjoyment. I have an appointment with Gerard, from EAP, in Athens and thus we part ways and Kenny and I are again on the road.
An hour and a half later, we enter a secluded area, appearing to be Athens. Tree-lined brick roads, the city reminds us of an old colonial town. We meet Gerard and Arata at a nice little bar, where they sell Tiger. How fitting. Memories of Viet Nam flood in. After a few drinks, and a couple of hours, we bid farewell. Kenny and I grab some coffee, two espresso shots. A five-hour ride from Athens to Bloomington feels more like two.
Sleep? No. Roger, Kenny, and I go to their friends' house. Sitting on the roof, we converse, enjoying the warm summer night. All hungry, we decide to go to Waffle House. Belgian waffles and hash browns hits that spot. Drive back and sleep.
three.
The alarm, Kenny's voice, buzzes at two p.m. It is much too early to be up. I snooze on for another thirty. Despite the Waffle House breakfast, we're still hungry. We head to Siam House for Thai. Pad Thai, decent, but not as flavorful and tasty as Noodles in the Pot. Supplies needed for their apartment, I drive them to Target. Like every other Target in America, this one is filled with attractive females. They buy tons of shit.
Six p.m. is soon approaching and what lies ahead is even more driving, this time by myself. Passing the redneck towns of Indiana, the downtown of Indianapolis, the cornfields between the two states, I arrive in Chicago somewhere around nine p.m. I much want to hang out in the city, but instead I speed home. Drained, I head upstairs, but first make myself a banh mi gio, with all the condiments.
As the day has come to an end, I now realize that despite how uneventful I feel my life is, the introductions with new folks, and the interactions with old ones brings forth a sense of enjoyment and excitement, even though they are short lived. Communication and discoveries, however minute they may seem, bring some new aspect to one's life, as they have within the past three days of mine.
end.
tran, quy hac.
Friday, August 10, 2007
aspirations: Budapest and thereafter.
Upon returning from Viet Nam last December, I look back on the experience in both positive and negative light. It was a life-changing experience, indefinitely imprinting Viet Nam in my future endeavors. Yet at the same time, there are so many more things I should have done. I wish I had involved myself more in the non-profit field, offering any type of assistance and help to those in need. I wish I had visited children who lie victims to Agent Orange. I wish I had conversed with more locals other than xe om drivers about their struggles and toils within their lives. I wish I had done something more beneficial for my brothers and sisters who live half way across the world.
I view my future with great potential, where endless opportunities exist. I just need to take them when offered. Up next is Budapest, Hungary. A country in development, moving beyond the Communist political system and government controlled market system for almost two decades now, yet still trailing behind its neighbors just westward. There lies a great opportunity for me to look into non-profits and non-governmental organizations. My desire for Budapest is not only to experience the culture and inherit much knowledge through the contrasted education system from the States, but also to contribute to the growth and development of the country. I intend to involve myself into some sort of social based non-profit, working with the impoverished, the lower class who do not have the opportunities; the poverty. I am enrolled in "The New Underclass" at Corvinus, and I hope this assists me in pursuing an internship or volunteer placement in a non-profit or NGO. Help those in need and understand their situation.
Returning back to the States next year, I'll only have six months before I graduate. I hope to gain some non-profit, NGO experience for I greatly desire to return to beautiful Viet Nam and help my country through social development. There are so many issues in Viet Nam that need to focused on. I hope my experience in Budapest and in Chicago thereafter contributes in the long term of my endeavors in Viet Nam come summer of 2008.
I view my future with great potential, where endless opportunities exist. I just need to take them when offered. Up next is Budapest, Hungary. A country in development, moving beyond the Communist political system and government controlled market system for almost two decades now, yet still trailing behind its neighbors just westward. There lies a great opportunity for me to look into non-profits and non-governmental organizations. My desire for Budapest is not only to experience the culture and inherit much knowledge through the contrasted education system from the States, but also to contribute to the growth and development of the country. I intend to involve myself into some sort of social based non-profit, working with the impoverished, the lower class who do not have the opportunities; the poverty. I am enrolled in "The New Underclass" at Corvinus, and I hope this assists me in pursuing an internship or volunteer placement in a non-profit or NGO. Help those in need and understand their situation.
Returning back to the States next year, I'll only have six months before I graduate. I hope to gain some non-profit, NGO experience for I greatly desire to return to beautiful Viet Nam and help my country through social development. There are so many issues in Viet Nam that need to focused on. I hope my experience in Budapest and in Chicago thereafter contributes in the long term of my endeavors in Viet Nam come summer of 2008.
Friday, August 3, 2007
living space
Following an excruciating day of work at the Lego camp, I decided to head to the windy city to enjoy day five of the week. As I was speeding on the highway, I received a call from my friend, Lan, whom I will be living with, along with her sister Mai when I return from Budapest, Hungary. Upon answering, they mentioned that they were in the apartment, asking me if I wanted to come check it out. I did.
It is located on Harrison and Damen, near Medical District, and probably four to five blocks south of the United Center (Chicago Bulls games galore come beginning of 2008!!). As I neared the apartment complex, it was nothing I imagined it to be. The building probably stands twenty stories high. Our apartment is on the tenth floor, with a pretty captivating view, the entire city skyline to the right of us.
As I was entering the building, I noticed this particular living space was occupied by many minorities, which I am very excited about, very multi-cultural. As we got off at floor ten, we were greeted by a handful of little Indian youths rolling and tossing tennis balls in the hallway, and their two elder babysitters who happened to be a married couple. The husband seemed excited that we were moving in; new neighbors. He greeted us warmly and introduced himself. Gandhi. He said, "It's very easy to remember". Surely is. With such welcome, I am very glad that I will be living in this apartment complex. I'll be able to meet some very interesting folks of different backgrounds. Who knows, perhaps we'll have an international potluck in the lobby. That'd be fun.
tran.quy.hac
Sunday, July 8, 2007
passing the threshold.
As of late, I have been critically thinking about my future. My final year of college is soon approaching. Five months in Budapest, five months back at DePaul, then my college years are over. Not only that, a few of my friends have recently graduated and are now entering what we call it as the "real world." Essentially these two factors got me thinking.
[..........]
On that note, I wanted to say congrats to my friend Julie Nguyen. She will be working for VIA, Volunteers in Asia, in Can Tho, VN for a year teaching English. It is often times hard to pack up your bags and leave an environment so confortable to us and enter what seems so foreign. It definitely takes courage to do such a thing. If you're reading this Julie, I also wanted to make a blog post, like Chris Ty, and write you a few words. This journey, different from the previous, back to the motherland is definitely bitter-sweet. But knowing you, and always enjoying your great, fun, happy personality, you will forge great friendships over there, as well as impact those who you work with. It will be yet another life-changing experience. You definitely have made my life a little brighter, always seeing you smile in VN, and NY! I know you'll do the same for those in VN this time around. I wanted to wish you the best of luck and if you ever need anyone to talk to you've got my contact info.
[..........]
But yes, with Julie going to VN and working for a year, I have also thought about my own future. My initial plans were to take an English teaching job in Korea, since it is so high in demand, I probably could land a job with ease. Likewise, I would have student loans to pay back, and they pay quite generously in Korea. My other half [i am bi-polar, jk] tells me Viet Nam. I want to work in Viet Nam in the future, as a career with development, politics, society etc. and going back to Viet Nam instead of Korea would more likely benefit me, especially with the graduate program I want to engage in at the University of Toronto. Two years in Viet Nam, then grad-school or one year in Seoul, then two years in Viet Nam then grad-school? Life choices; let things happen the way the do I suppose. I know for sure I want to go to U.Toronto though. Ahh!!!
Why am I worrying about this now? :/
tran.quy.hac.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
let's celebrate hegemony!
on the fourth of july, i celebrated America's independence, America's freedoms, America's righteousness, America's hegemony and positive influence around the entire globe. as i drove down main street, i was overjoyed by the sights and sounds i witnessed --upper middle-class white Americans sticking together like a pack of wolves. the american flag decor on every house empowered my sense of being an american, the best of citizens in this global world. i couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my wonderful country, the beacon of supremacy on a global level, during this stupendous celebration.
wandering in my mother's imported korean car, a hyundai accent, to the more "ethnic" suburbs (where i live), i was awe-struck that such decor and "american" celebratory activities were no where in sight. the divisions in thought, in class, in relations, in race, in everything was magnified. how does a puerto rican feel of this day compared to those upper-class white folks, with their white picket fence? the prime characteristics of our multicultural society, yet also a projection of american position on a more global level. the same unconscious attitudes exerted during this celebration on the main street i drove past, and all other main streets in the nation point to the mindset in relation to other cultures, other ethnic groups -- non-recognition, and consumption of personal spheres.
on a brighter note, i did enjoy sitting in my ethnic suburb and chow down on some vietnamese ribs, mussels, pasta salad, bratwursts, and some la fin du mon beers with my father and sister. how multicultural!
tran.quy.hac
Friday, June 8, 2007
nostalgia.
saturday evening, i lay on my back atop sea green patches encompassing a city park, soaking in the magnificent sounds of gospel, gazing into oblivion; i feel nostalgic.on this midsummer day, dwellers of big city number three congregated, connecting in a realm advocating individuality, self. community finally visible, interaction.
blue grey skies linger above, humid warmth tightly hugs my body, flames blistering fibrous meats street side. motorbikes missing, otherwise equivalent.
such sights and sounds flood in memories of recent past. old quarter, swarmed of unhesitating burgesses, autumn airs remain musky, pho hue, ba trieu; doner kebaps, pho cuon dominate.
a friend who shared with me Viet Nam, sits beside. does he recognize these parallels? my curiosity authors en-puzzlement, wonder. shared elements, yet distinctiveness between the two.
twenty one north, one o five east, Ha Noi. here, me. unabbreviated, sheer nostalgia.
Monday, June 4, 2007
on the mind.
as of late, weather in chicago has been quite pleasant. scattered showers here and there, but overall, rays of sun hitting my crisp yellow skin. kevin from california is here. we've engaged in a long list of activities within the past few days--wicker park, michigan ave., millenium park, chicago hotdog, yawps!'s untranslatable event, and peeping through a metal fence hugging Jordan's old house, the United Center.
a dilemma i was in earlier today. three short pages to write for my political science final. a simple three pages. haven't read one page for class, missing one book. topic: compare two books. fuck! luckily, i did one good thing all quarter: take notes, and another great talent of mine, find quotes. finally complete, at ease, relaxed.
tomorrow signifies freedom, in a sense. no more classes, just two finals the week after. that is what the weekend is for. four dollar martinis and a hopeful lively discussion on travels to southeast asia follows my long day of education.
money. i have 177$ in my bank account, with a 110$ credit card bill soon due. as one can see, i am in dire need of, what do we call it, green. maybe o'hare. my friend works there. 2-11 PM shift: duty free shop. no social life, or money? hello craigslist jobs section.
milwuakee, then minneapolis. family in both spots are heading to viet nam this summer. one for three weeks, the other five years. megabus, only 8.50$ total. northwest airlines, free. rarely do i see my extended family. ought to be delightful.
use of my legs. not walking, pedaling. i need a bike, now. i miss it so much. two years prior, my inexpensive mountain bike, stripped away from my legs, never to return. now, pedal-less. working bikes on western has decent bikes i'm told. limited cash equates no gas for da car. despite that, biking over hitting the accelerator without a doubt. in due time.
needs. as they say--water, shelter, food. is that all for me? companionship? seeing the world? happiness? all three i think. soon i'll meet one point five out of the three--glimpsing the world makes me smile. hello eastern europe. hello berlin. hello paris.
goodnight.
a dilemma i was in earlier today. three short pages to write for my political science final. a simple three pages. haven't read one page for class, missing one book. topic: compare two books. fuck! luckily, i did one good thing all quarter: take notes, and another great talent of mine, find quotes. finally complete, at ease, relaxed.
tomorrow signifies freedom, in a sense. no more classes, just two finals the week after. that is what the weekend is for. four dollar martinis and a hopeful lively discussion on travels to southeast asia follows my long day of education.
money. i have 177$ in my bank account, with a 110$ credit card bill soon due. as one can see, i am in dire need of, what do we call it, green. maybe o'hare. my friend works there. 2-11 PM shift: duty free shop. no social life, or money? hello craigslist jobs section.
milwuakee, then minneapolis. family in both spots are heading to viet nam this summer. one for three weeks, the other five years. megabus, only 8.50$ total. northwest airlines, free. rarely do i see my extended family. ought to be delightful.
use of my legs. not walking, pedaling. i need a bike, now. i miss it so much. two years prior, my inexpensive mountain bike, stripped away from my legs, never to return. now, pedal-less. working bikes on western has decent bikes i'm told. limited cash equates no gas for da car. despite that, biking over hitting the accelerator without a doubt. in due time.
needs. as they say--water, shelter, food. is that all for me? companionship? seeing the world? happiness? all three i think. soon i'll meet one point five out of the three--glimpsing the world makes me smile. hello eastern europe. hello berlin. hello paris.
goodnight.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
simple observations: ride home.
this is Armitage
half empty seats
lights flickering, air seeping
we sit patiently, emotionless
gazing at the nebulous cityscape
disconnected, somewhat
south we head, where to?
this is Washington & Wells
my ritual wednesday night ride
half empty seats
lights flickering, air seeping
we sit patiently, emotionless
gazing at the nebulous cityscape
disconnected, somewhat
south we head, where to?
this is Washington & Wells
my ritual wednesday night ride
Friday, February 16, 2007
I have a memory.
Sitting at my friend's dorm currently, and we're talking about Việt Nam. He mentioned Clinton going to this phở joint called
Trần, Qúy-Hạc
Saturday, February 3, 2007
the constitutive other.
Years ago my father would always say on the car ride to some destination, "không có người sấu thì làm sao biết được người tốt?", which loosely translates to the inability to identify a moral person unless present is an immoral. In society today, language, linguistics, lexicon, which are essentially one of the same, help individuals identity our surroundings and ascribe understanding to situations that exist before us. Often times it is this dichotomy of good versus evil which individuals look upon to forge this understanding. But by viewing our surroundings in such a dual way, a chunk of grey, the ham and cheese of the ham and cheese sandwich, is left out. But this claim of constitution is an interesting one.What is man? Can we define man without defining woman? What is beautiful? Can we define beautiful if we do not know what is ugly? These questions can be asked the opposite way likewise. The ways in which we use to identify what is man is dependent on what is not man; woman. Thus, we must look at the qualities which fail to describe man in the forging of a woman's identity. What is for one identity is a consequence of what is not for the other. Thus we can view dichotomies such as this as co-constitutive. What derives from this idea of man and woman is the applications of masculinity and femininity. Although these are different dichotomized ideas, they often run parallel to one another. Man; strong, protector, breadwinner, leader. Woman; fragile, protected, housewife, supporter. Now does that not sound awfully familiar? Why it should!, because that's how the world, well America (damn the ethnocentric thinking!), views it.
The problem of this dualism of man-woman and masculine-feminine fails to recognize the possibilities of man-feminine, woman-masculine. Without a reasonable doubt, in society there exists individuals who possess both masculine and feminine traits, but such a dichotomized stereotype/label denies the recognition of these possibilities. Essentially, this idea can be seen with any dichotomies existing in society today. Viewing a woman as either gorgeous or heinous leaves out all the cute girls! (reference from picture above)
Qúy Hạc
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Environment, culture, and perspective.
Black or white. Beautiful or ugly. Skinny or fat. Right or wrong? I find this idea of perspective sometimes quite interesting. Culture has an immense affect on one's beliefs, judgements, ideas, and most importantly perspective. Say if I were to grow up in Việt Nam, then my outlook in life would not parallel the ones that I possess right now.
As an example, in Việt Nam, this idea of skin colour is a much thought about idea. Throughout the country, you will see people, mostly women, outside covered up as if they are allergic to the sunlight. White skin is valued and desired. In the States, one is able to see businesses with names such as, "Sun Palace Tan", "UV Ray Tan", or "Skin Cancer Tan" in every town, suburb, or city.
These differences are due to the distinctiveness of each culture. Can we say that one is right or wrong? Probably not. But with these cultural differences shaping our perspectives and beliefs gives rise to conflict and disagreements. One side believes the other is wrong, and the other, likewise. Often times when individuals, or even groups of people have a certain view on a certain situation, other perspectives are not even considered. They argue one way, and one way only. It is as if no other view can ever be right. How could it be? It does not coincide with my own view! This idea does not only apply to the differences in cultures between the States and Việt Nam or say, Ghana, but even within the states as well. On a political level, both right and left wing politicians and followers seem to fall into this mold of perspective. It is hard for me to even pick a side, although I do lean to a certain way, but I view that those to the extreme ends of both spectrum rarely attempt to understand their opponents way of thinking, and why they may think that way.
What I am trying to spit out is that for me personally, I find it important to try to understand other perspectives on whatever the issue may be--whether or not Durian really tastes like meat, or if views of me being metrosexual may be true. Everyone on this globe is influenced by a different environment, a different culture, which shapes the thoughts formulated within our head. There many be individuals who agree with one another on certain issues, and some not, but to understand how these thoughts have come to be may be helpful to understand differences and can also be quite interesting at the same time.
hạc.
As an example, in Việt Nam, this idea of skin colour is a much thought about idea. Throughout the country, you will see people, mostly women, outside covered up as if they are allergic to the sunlight. White skin is valued and desired. In the States, one is able to see businesses with names such as, "Sun Palace Tan", "UV Ray Tan", or "Skin Cancer Tan" in every town, suburb, or city.
These differences are due to the distinctiveness of each culture. Can we say that one is right or wrong? Probably not. But with these cultural differences shaping our perspectives and beliefs gives rise to conflict and disagreements. One side believes the other is wrong, and the other, likewise. Often times when individuals, or even groups of people have a certain view on a certain situation, other perspectives are not even considered. They argue one way, and one way only. It is as if no other view can ever be right. How could it be? It does not coincide with my own view! This idea does not only apply to the differences in cultures between the States and Việt Nam or say, Ghana, but even within the states as well. On a political level, both right and left wing politicians and followers seem to fall into this mold of perspective. It is hard for me to even pick a side, although I do lean to a certain way, but I view that those to the extreme ends of both spectrum rarely attempt to understand their opponents way of thinking, and why they may think that way.
What I am trying to spit out is that for me personally, I find it important to try to understand other perspectives on whatever the issue may be--whether or not Durian really tastes like meat, or if views of me being metrosexual may be true. Everyone on this globe is influenced by a different environment, a different culture, which shapes the thoughts formulated within our head. There many be individuals who agree with one another on certain issues, and some not, but to understand how these thoughts have come to be may be helpful to understand differences and can also be quite interesting at the same time.
hạc.
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