15

Apr

Fish Face Asians in Aotearoa New Zealand

I tried to have blond hair blue eyes too, but I still look Asian. Somehow my black hair brown eyes are more attractive. I was born that way!

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A milestone to remember when I received my first hate post on my Facebook Page out of no where. Instead of being really angry about it, I left it there. And then posted – “Just got my first racist message on my page! Seriously mate, you’ve just made a fool outta yourself.”

ImageSo I am Asian. I am Chinese. Technically, a 1/16th Manchurian Chinese and the rest, Han Chinese. Born in Hong Kong to a British Colony; before it became the Chinese Colony. (A matter to be discussed at another time.) From one British Colony to another, we have now settled in New Zealand.

Much like my fellow Asian friend, SMNZ’s John Lai, we seems to go through rather similar experiences. Reading his latest blog, Asian By Accident (and his drawing of Dragon Ball Z) brings back memories. My parents were not Tiger Parents because they never expected me to be amazing in my studies. However, my mom did all she can to make sure we have the best education so we can be ahead of everyone. Like all other Chinese kids, I did do ballet as a kid. But between sleeping and getting up at 9 to do ballet, sleeping won. And then, my grandmother thought it is better that my sister and I learn to swim instead of going to dance classes. And then my dad thought it was better for the girls to learn Teakwondo instead for some self-defense skills. My sister never stayed on, and I did.

Unlike John, we relocated because Hong Kong was going to become a Chinese colony and that freaked everyone out. So between UK, Singapore, and Australia, we have chosen New Zealand simply because it is a lot prettier. Yeah yeah, you would think if we have chosen UK, Singapore or Australia, my life would be a lot better than now too.

I was Asian by accident; in a different space. Suddenly my Asian-ness became a focus. Everyone assumed that I know everything about being Asian. The culture, the language. I’ve worked really hard to please their curiosity so I’ve learnt as much as I can about the different Asian communities.

And then like John, I’ve started my own business, not because I want to be inspirational like he is; nor because I found a gap somewhere so I want to be creative and come up with something smart. But it is because I want to pursue something that many Asian mothers will see as their worst fears – politics. Mom still extremely worried that I can’t make it, and that it is no good for me. Why can’t this girl just settle with office work, marry a nice guy and have a family, aye?

Messages like the one I received last night is one of the reasons why I want to pursue politics. I am not a hard-core advocate; I don’t believe that any race is better than the others. As a matter of fact, my family often talks about the Mainland Chinese culture because it is so alien to us. We can never understand why the Mainland Chinese want to do a dump in the middle of a shopping mall; nor why they squat in public spaces. I just want to help share the views and do something for the community that helped my grow. Nah, not world peace – if I thought that was important, I would have run for Miss Chinese New Zealand.

Like what John, and my friend Oliver said, I think our parents just wanted the best for us. Similar to every other migrants that settled in New Zealand for many generations.

And yeah, mom, I am actually doing alright. Maybe not as much money as I hope to earn; nor as normal as you wish I am. But I am really content. <3 you. ;-)

 

Follow up – 22 April 2013

Follow on from the posts – an article titled “warning on racist campaign” was featured on the NZ Herald. (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878942). My advice to everyone, regardless of their ethnicities, is to treat this with respect. I do not encourage more abuse or attack; nor I think anyone should confront this and therefore result in any physical harm. It is important that we discuss racism and discrimination in an open, respectful and positive manner. This is an important discussion that needs to be discussed and not be scared.

36 days ago Short URL 11 Comments

Hello World!/Personal/Uncategorized

07

Sep

[Now Hiring] Long Term Partner

After reading the Dailymail article about a man who wrote an application letter to a woman who said on Facebook she is looking for a boyfriend, I did ponder why aren’t anyone writing a list of the characteristics of the boy/girl people are looking for? Afterall, like a job, we are looking for the person that best fit the role, right?


So I’ve done a bit of research and came up with my list.

Note: this is just for fun – don’t take it seriously and of course you don’t have to agree with my list!

  1. I need to be head over heals with you. Once that happened – there is no turning back!
  2. Wanted to be in a long-term relationship and wanted to have children. I’ve openly said that I wanted children – if you didn’t get it by now that I wanted a family, Google search me. (Don’t worry I am not looking for someone to get married and have children tomorrow.)
  3. A gentlemen who will do little things like decide which restaurant to go to, make the booking, open the doors, drive, won’t walk too fast when I am in heels, hold hands.
  4. Political awareness. I am turning into a politician, so even if you aren’t a political geek, be aware. Undoubtedly I will talk to you about politics and would be good if you don’t find this annoying.
  5. Respectful. I work with people of diverse background; gender, ethnicity, religion, age, occupation, etc. You don’t have to agree with their beliefs, do what they do, but I expect you to respect it. At least in the public. Not cool when someone I am dating with is openly racist when I work with the ethnic communities. Nor is it okay to tell me that religion is stupid when I have a family who have religious background.
  6. Intelligence. There’s nothing sexier on a man than smart. But not to be a smart arse. If you know what I mean.
  7. Trustworthiness. When I share my secrets or personal life with someone, I won’t tolerate them being thrown back in my face or aired publicly. I need to know that I can trust my partner to never do this.
  8. Emotional suppportive. I want someone who will be supportive when I am at my weakest. Which happens a bit. (Ain’t as strong as one may think I am)
  9. Attractive. Yes this is very shallow but I like attractive people. :D
  10. Sexual Compatibility. I love a positive sexual experience. I see sex as the most intimate and loving thing one can do with their partner. It is important for me!
  11. Emotional Maturity. Someone who is willing to look at themselves with an objective eye. Someone who looks not only to the fulfillment of their own needs, but with a concern for the needs of others. I am not a needy person but I don’t appreciate someone making me feel worse when I am not happy. Or depressed.
  12. Being loyal and not seeking other women. If you don’t like me no more, just be honest. I won’t ask you to sit down and talk about it. I will cry and call you names, but I will get over it.
  13. Great kissing required.
  14. Being financially mature and responsible.
  15. Respect each other’s personal space and time – happy for you to have your boys time, but so should the girls. I want my time away from you, and that doesn’t mean I am going to cheat on you.
  16. Socializing willingly and pleasantly in groups or with friends, both his and hers. I do a lot of networking events. Too many.

Application closes until the right candidate is recruited. You maybe subjected to extra interview processes by random people like colleagues, friends and families. Don’t worry too much. They ain’t scary.

I think I am ok with the list. Should I add to this you think? :D

 

Love
Bevan

257 days ago Short URL Comments

Hello World!/Personal

02

Jul

It’s Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region’s 15th Birthday. Happy? Um

1st July 2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 15 years ago, Hong Kong marks the “hand-over” as a British Colony to a “Chinese Colony”. Return of the mother-land was well accepted, and even looked forward to.

Hong Kong after the fireworks that celebrated the 15th Anniversary.

Hong Kongers were looking forward to Hong Kongers taking their own leadership and decide the fate of Hong Kong.

Hong Kongers have r been more proud of themselves. The University of Hong Kong asked 1,016 residents to rate how strongly they feel themselves as “Hong Kong citizen.” On a scale of zero to 10 — 10 being the strongest — the average rating was 8.23, the highest in 10 years of regular polling.

The rating for their feelings about being a “Chinese citizen” averaged at 7.01, a 12-year low.

The question of identity was a direct results of the dissatisfaction many Hong Kongers have had about Mainland China. Hong Kongers increasingly believed their rights and democracy is slowly given up to the Communist Chinese, a concern raised by the last Governor, Chris Patten.

Ten of thousands of Hong Kongers marched down Causeway Bay on the 1st July, not to celebrate the anniversary, but to protest against the increasingly corrupted society, the new Chief Executive Officer, C Y Leung, human rights issues in China and the lack of democratic process in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers marched down Hong Kong’s busiest area with flags of Hong Kong. The flags of Colonial Hong Kong.

Flag of Hong Kong (current)

Flag of Hong Kong (Colonial)

The appointment ceremony of Mr C Y Leung on 1st July was conducted in Mandarin and English, while Hong Kong’s official spoken language has always been Cantonese and English. The celebratory ceremony was also filled with performances that could be seen only on CCTV.

Whilst the rest of the world are anti-colonisation, Hong Kong was in a unique place where people would rather be a colony. There seems to be more freedom, more democracy, people also had a better life.

Hong Kongers are in a battle to regain their freedom, their voice, their identity, and their democracy. A battle that Hong Kongers may never win.

324 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

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30

Apr

Exotic Single Asian Women

The gorgeous Marilyn Walker and I did an interview for my friend, Sapna for The Asian Radio Show last Saturday, about what its like being single in the Asian community.

Marilyn Walker and I at The Asian Radio Show

Being an older single Asian woman is not easy. the Chinese called them 老处女、老小姐、老姑婆、倉底货、剩女、中女、卖剩蔗、箩底橙、摄灶罅、败犬。 The Japanese called them 負け犬. None of these are good words – it all implies an older single woman a loser.

There is a cultural element in pressuring Asian women to be married – Asian, with a very Confucius upbringing, believe for one to be successful, one needs to be able to manage a family. A girl who has a successful career is not enough if she cannot find a mate and have a family. Raising children, supporting your husband and looking after your parents and parents in law is more important than having a successful career.

In the show, both Marilyn and I spoke about how us Asian chicks are seen as either a bar girl who get picked up by an older white man, or a mistress. Many white men finds independent, successful, slightly older Asian women very attractive. Do a little search on “Asian Porn”, in the Western world, and you will find a lot of East Asian looking girls, who aren’t necessary 18 – 22 years old.

Older independent Asian women are attractive because:

  1. Asian women are supposedly submissive – they know how look after the men well;
  2. Independent women mean she does not need to be looked after and needs little care;
  3. Asian women don’t age the same way – so even though they are 30, they look like 20-something – and more mature women are easier to talk to than a teenage girl;
  4. and, Asian women is just more exotic. Right?

"Chinese" is a sexual orientation?

While single, older Asian women maybe more attractive it is simply sad that we are still being seen as an exotic erotic object. Sure, what girls don’t like to be told they are beautiful, smart, and perhaps, even someone’s fantasy?

Asian women do not need the pressure to be an erotic object; nor the pressure to set up families. The important thing is the freedom for any women, of any ethnicity, to be able to do whatever she wants to do and be whoever she wants to be.

387 days ago Short URL Comments

Hello World!/Personal

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18

Apr

非常给力的新西兰访问

从香港远道而来的Global Exchange In Leadership Initiatives (GEILI) 于4月2日到11日到了奥克兰做了有关世界公民和社会企业的访问。

 

有如其名，GEILI希望「给力」给香港年青人一个平台，让世界不同的青年组织交换有关文化和志愿工作，并让希望建立非政府机构或社会企业的年青人能得到不同的学习机会、经济支援和全球青年领袖的网络。

 

GEILI in Auckland

这次到访新西兰是希望亲身感受本国丰富多元文化并帮助青年领袖与新西兰的机构连接，从而发掘和发展商机。

 

这次和GEILI的创办人李家麟和秘书长何文彦带同四个青年领袖前来。在本地的华裔青年团体Future Dragonz与同样来自香港的奥克兰市政府种族事务顾问小组成员庄家欣协助下与社会、商界和政界不同人士碰面。

 

他们第一天参观了Orakei Marae，由Ngati Whatua的Dane Tumahai代表欢迎他们到达奥克兰。Tumahai讲说了很多有关毛利的文化、历史和语言，大家对于毛利人和华人的文化之间的相似度感到非常诧异却熟悉。Tumahai 对于可以迎接这一群优秀的年青领袖也感觉非常荣幸，希望可他们可以把在新西兰学到的带回香港，为两个之间的关系做更大的贡献。

 

接着几天他们与不同的创意工业人士、萨摩亚学者、香港新西兰商会代表、新西兰亚洲学院、孔子学院等人士碰面和交流。他们也到了Waterfront Auckland聆听了市政府对于海滨发展等的计划，惊觉奥克兰和香港两地的海滨计划有着很多相同之处，也让其中几个成员发掘投资的机会。

 

当天一团人到市政厅和奥克兰市长林·布朗闲谈。布朗对于他们非常有兴趣，问了很多不同的问题。更巧的是其中四人与布朗坐同一班飞机到广州，市长在飞机上跟他们继续喋喋不休，还相约了其中几人在香港的时候一同饮茶。

 

市长表示奥克兰目前的焦点在儿童和青少年、绿色城市发展和创业工业上，对于他们的到访时间非常吻合，因为大家有着同样的价值观和抱负。希望这次的交流能让大家正真的为香港和奥克兰两地做出进一步的发展。

 

青年团也参与了纽西兰华联会的年度全国体育大会，当天有超过几百人从全国不同地方聚集在奥克兰，让GEILI各位大开眼界。他们与种族事务部部长Judith Collins和种族事务国会私人秘书Melissa Lee闲聊，对于可以和这么重要的政治人物见面觉得是一种荣幸，也感受到本国政府对于华裔和种族事务的重要性。

 

其中一名参加者，陈詠恩对这次的活动发表了一段非常值得细味的感想：「大约9日的新西兰之旅，大部分的时间都被安排跟不同的社会企业的领袖会面，交流各自对社会企业的见解及理想。作为将届毕业的我，能在踏足社会前接收到不同的概念及思想价值，对将来的思考分析力，确有莫大裨益。在从商理念的收获固然丰富，但最令我反思及赞叹的却是奥克兰人的谦恭之心。奥克兰市内拥有超过200个不同的种族文化，但当你踏足这片土地的一刻，却自然的感到一份和谐、一份打从内心的宁静。我们有幸跟不同文化背景的人民交流，却发现他们每一群人都努力保留自己的风俗，希望得以延续，然而，亦积极融入奥克兰本土的文化。你也许会感到好奇，怎么这小小的城市没有多一点激烈的纷争？ 「尊重每一个人」大概是奥克兰市长以及每位新西兰人的座右铭。当我回到自己的家，看到每日的新闻报导，问题油然而生：怎么一个比新西兰更细小的地方，会有如此多的示威与不满，会有如此多的投诉及谩骂。
其实人的生活要求好简单，我们只想要一个「安乐窝」！」

 

GEILI in Auckland 2012

本地的年青人也跟他们做出交流。他们对新西兰的好奇、大家的交流、女孩子之间的闲聊、对于何家惠的身体和视觉残疾却对生命不屈不挠和开朗的精神非常敬佩。何道：「生活在大城市的我，很少接触大自然。这次到纽西兰，我呼吸到清新的空气，从起床到晚上，耳朵总会听到鸟儿的叫声… 虽然不能用眼睛看片这美丽的城市，但耳朵听见的，鼻子臭到的，手指所摸到的，这一切的感觉都告诉我这是一个美丽的地方。」

 

李家麟对于这次的旅程十分打开眼界：「GEILI奥克兰考察团汇聚了香港和新西兰来自各界的青年代表，探讨华人文化和社会企业的发展。最深的印象是在Easter Tournament的少儿舞龙舞狮表演，感受到令人眼前一亮的新华人文化，和西方文化融合并具有活力的新西兰多元文化。与巿长Len Brown会面和参观Waterfront 项目看见了奥克兰是充满活力的国际都市，将会成为融合全球文化的世界之都，也是国际的模范。这次协助筹办活动的青年代表Bevan和Future Dragonz的行动力和成就，令我印象深刻，看到新西兰拥有得天独厚的天然和人文资源，并且结合了政府的开放和优秀的青年人材，在国际上具有绝对的优势。 」

 

何文彦表示：「九天的交流确实让香港代表团大开眼界。奥克兰文化共融以及在地华人朋友专业又好客的接待和安排，实为新西兰和香港造就不少合作契机；吸引海外朋友探索更多之余，更持续了我们带领各地朋友扩展新西兰的交流网络，相互学习，为所住城市共谋更美好将来。」

 

虽然交流很重要，但更重要的好好感受奥克兰的怡人景色。凑巧天公作美，几乎每天都阳光普照。美丽的风景、温暖的天气和和蔼的人们让各位离开时都依依不舍，甚至想留下来找工作，开玩笑的说要请市长当推荐人呢！

 

举办者希望这次的交流不但为香港的客人认识到新西兰美丽的人文文化，也希望本地的青年华裔人也踊跃参与不同的社会企业和志愿团体，促进世界公民活动，密切关注和合力改变世界上不平等的情况、了解不公平和贫穷等成因。也希望经过这次的活动我们能有更多从两地三岸前来奥克兰交流的年青人。

399 days ago Short URL Comments

Community Events and Services/Hello World!/Youth

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19

Feb

Racism is heere to stay – even if you are considered a hero

Racism exist regardless of who you are and where you are.

Hong Kong have been asked by the UN to review their terminology of racism. Racism is well and alive in Hong Kong, and even towards fellow Chinese. Hong Kong see any discrimination against fellow Chinese not considered as racism – after all we are all Chinese, right?

Racism exist in Asia – Chinese hates other Chinese, Chinese v Indians, Chinese v Japanese, the list goes on. It was observed by a Gregory Charles Rivers, an Australian living in Hong Kong and a TV star.

As an ethnic minority overseas, racism have a different meaning. Race could become a barrier to achieve. Jeremy Lin, the NBA player who created global sensation is also facing racism. He was born and bred in USA, even though his parents are from Taiwan and of course he looks Chinese. His high school coach, Peter Diepenbrock, did not think he would have any opportunities and will be overlooked because of his race.

The NBA is dominated by African-Americans and being a small Chinese/Taiwanese American was certainly unusual. And you think being as successful as he is now, and being an American born Chinese/Taiwanese, he would experienced less racism than a migrant, right?

ESPN headlined “Ch–k in the Armor” after Lin’s failure to win the 8th game. Floyd Mayweather, a boxer, tweeted “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he’s Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise.”

Lin broke stereotypes – Asians can play NBA! Like the time when an African-American, Tiger Woods who became a major golfer. Bleacher Report did a story about how Lin exposed that racism is still very much alive. Bleacher asked “What’s the first thing that you think of when Jeremy Lin is mentioned?” 56.4% says “remarkable story”; 28.2% says “Asian ethnicity”; 12.8% says “Harvard graduate”; 2.6% says “Turnover-Prone Point Guard “.

Jeremy was born in LA, went to Palo Alto High School, Harvard, and then now an NBA star. Was born and bred as an American. Perhaps the racism did come because Asians who played so well in NBA is unbelievable.

Racism needs to stop – that is people need to see past one’s race. Jeremy Lin managed to get from almost unemployed, D league to now took the Knicks on a 7 straight win roller coaster. Will he ever fail, of course he will, no one is going to keep winning. Is he good just because he is Chinese/Taiwanese, no. Not every Chinese/Taiwanese can do what he does. Why can’t the society ever see past someone beyond their stereptypes such as race, gender, sexuality and all?

458 days ago Short URL 7 Comments

Hello World!/Personal

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15

Feb

You haven’t caught the Linsanity yet?

Jeremy Lin, whose parents grew up in Taiwan, was front-page news in the Taipei newspapers. But China is highlighting its ties to him also.

You haven’t heard of Jeremy Lin yet? Well you better Google him immediately! Jeremy Shu-How Lin 林書豪 is the first Asian American NBA player of Taiwanese decent and a regular church goer. Harvard University graduate, he is currently playing for New York Knicks.

Jeremy Lin has received a lot of attention not because he is Chinese. In fact, the other famous Chinese NBA player, Yao Ming, who is now retired, haven’t received as much attention as Jeremy Lin did over the last few weeks.

Jeremy helped the Knicks won 6 games in a row (as of 15 February 2012), and have scored over 38 points in one game, against another NBA legend Kobe Bryant. He has consistently scored more than 20 points per game. Creating a Lineffect.

Why Knicks won 6 in a row? Because of Jeremy Lin!

Jeremy Lin created an unexpected effect, you can use a programme online to create “Jeremy Lin Word Generator“. “Linsanity” and “Va-Lin-tines” are the only two that I know but undoubtedly you can create more.

Lin also created all these articles about what you can learn from him. (Note, it’s not ABOUT HIM, but FROM HIM. Guess you can always go to Wikipedia to learn about someone) You have the Forbes writing a story entitled “Just Lin, Baby! 10 Lessons Jeremy Lin Can Teach Us Before We Go To Work Monday Morning”, bloggers putting up “10 things we can learn from Jeremy Lin“, and CBS Sports putting up an article “Lin’s meteoric rise, impossible to explain, a tale of perseverance“.

Yes, suddenly it’s not so geeky to be an Asian American Harvard Grad. Even the American Show, “The Talk” had a discussion about Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s comments on Jeremy Lin. You also have the Fung Brothers who created two funny clips about how Asian American boys are just amazing.

Jeremy is not the cutest Asian American guy, nor the smartest even. Undoubtedly he has a star quality, and his achievements were amazing. Some people called him “God”. His impact was translated to Madison Square Garden’s stock, creating a 52 week high of $32.20.

The impact was more than just his star quality but how this is translated into business opportunities. Chinese worldwide are able to have access to Jeremy Lin’s videos globally and is one of the most searched for terms in Chinese speaking world. He has his own Weibo, Twitter and Facebook account. He is also due to visit Taiwan’s President Ma later this year as fellow alumni of Harvard.

Busisses could use Lin-effect to gain more, more than just the rise of stock. Product endorsements and original Jeremey Lin’s jerseys (yes replicas and other counterfeit jersey are already available in Asia!) are just some of the easy things to start off with.

Unlike Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin has a wider influences because of his identity. Being an Asian American, Americans naturally dawn to him because he is an “American” and share American values (as a person who openly talks about God and his believe). Being one of Taiwanese decent, he is able to reach into Chinese who are anti-Mainland Chinese, or unable to connect with the Mainland Chinese. And for many Mainland Chinese, they could only see him as Chinese and can’t wait to get a hold of him.

If a business is smart and wanted a Pan-Chinese connection globally, this is the chance. Americans complained that they are now owned by Chinese (the Chinese owns much of American’s bond and debt) and even Late Night with David Letterman joked about how all Americans will end up speaking Chinese. With Jeremy Lin, one can increase the Chinese-Americans relationship globally and perhaps used as a platform for further diplomatic advantages. Let the Linpossible begin!

Now only if New Zealand can find someone as cool as Jeremy Lin…

461 days ago Short URL Comments

Hello World!/Politics

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11

Feb

Discrimination against Asians in New Zealand

Many Chinese and Indians have been here in NZ for generations. Chinese and Indians have been here since the late 1800s, and because Indians were considered “British Subjects”, that left Chinese no where. Chinese were here when Te Tiriti was signed and they were neither tangata whenua or the Crown. (Note, Indians were considered British Subjects and therefore the Crown)

Chinese paid to live and work here in the early days, where the Pakeha took the profit from the gold mining. They were never considered as natural residents (even if they were born in New Zealand) until 1960s.

And recent report from Human Rights Commission proved that Asians face most discrimination, again, for the 5th year in a row.

The Asian population is the second largest group here in Auckland, that’s a fact. As I say all the time it is too late to get rid of them.

Aucklanders have the fun of attending all the Asian festivals, eat the Asian food and buy Asian goods. It is now time to see them as active contributors to this society, not just someone we take advatange on. As a Panel Member I found it a little difficult to believe that there is nothing in the Auckland Plan to meet the needs of the Asian community.

I don’t believe and think it is wrong to see Asians as different and need special needs, contra to what other says. We need to, however, start seeing them as part of New Zealand. Not just part of a migrant community.

Asia consist of more than just Chinese. It is diverse and complex. And for some of us, English can be our first language. The only reason why we couldn’t understand Kiwis sometimes is because Kiwis doesn’t speak the Queen’s English or the American English where many of us used back in our hometown.

Considered China is New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, why is it so hard for Kiwis to just embrace us?
People often feel morally incorrect to discriminate those with disabilities or overweight (or at least openly discriminate), and only 3.6% responded that people with disabilities are discriminated, compared to 39.7% against Asians. Why is it ok to discriminate Asians? Is this the message we want to tell to our Asian trading partners? The message that we want money from you but we actually really hate you?

It is just not ok to discriminate, whether it is gender, age, physical attributes, sexual orientation, ethnicity, occupation, income, etc. Full stop!

Racism is Wrong

465 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Auckland/Business/Hello World!

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11

Feb

Rumours and communications – the difference between Chinese and the West

News of assassination of Kim Jong-Un on Twitter

“Chinese Twitter Says Kim Jong-Un Was Assassinated This Morning in Beijing”, says Twitter. According to Gawker.com, someone called Joe Xu posted on Weibo that Kim Jong-Un is assassinated because there are unusual activities at the North Korean Embassy in Beijing.

Gawker also said the rumours “exploded” on Weibo. Wait, I was only there a few minutes before I log onto Weibo and failed to see anything about Kim Jong-Un. I need to go back and do a search.

The trending posts were about the mysterious death of some swans in Wuhan. Did anyone not pick up Kim’s death, so was it hidden or “harmonised” and deleted? I typed in “金正恩” (Kim’s name in Chinese) and found that there were 123,360 search on him, beating the search on Valentine’s Day gifts (21,365). However, there were nothing on Weibo that suggested he is now officially dead.

Trending on Weibo

As The Atlantic rightly pointed out, why didn’t any Western media scattered around the world reported the mass shut down of the North Korean Embassy in Beijing, even though we know the North Koreans are always a little mysterious?

Kim Jong-Un on Weibo

Why did the English media, including  (the real one, not @BBCLiveNews) suddenly picked up this Weibo post about Kim Jung-Un? Despite the red tape by the Chinese government, there were some interesting posts before, including comments about the Wenzhou train disaster, and little were reported in the Western media.

Undoubtedly the situation in North Korea is a fascination to the Western world. Western media would not understand how Weibo is use in China. It is to discuss social issues, but more often, about life, horoscope, philosophy, celebrities… Social politics do not rank highly on the radar, because it is often removed due to the possibilities of it causing social unrests.

When one visit Weibo, it is important to remember that if a post will cause social unrests, it will be removed. For news like Kim Jung-Un’s death, which could cost so much uncertainty within the community, why would Weibo allows it to flow?

2012 New York Fashion Week trending

Oh by the way, just because over 123,000 people are searched for him does not make this topic “hot” on Weibo.  It is still far from the 289,547 discussion on a 2012 AW New York Fashion Week.

466 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Hello World!/Politics

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29

Jan

Notice of Clarification 澄清啟事

My story about Dragon Baby has gone to a completely different direction than what was intended in the first place. What happened, happened. My friend suggested that I placed a notice of clarification, and this will also be the last time I will talk about this story.

1. Having a baby:

I have dreamed about having a baby for more than 6 months. I have expressed this on my Facebook. It is due to my age – being a 30-year-old single woman; I am increasingly worried about missing my chances of having a child of my own. It is selfish for sure, however, I know children born to older women suffer more health problems. It would cost the child more in the future.

Must I have a child now? No. I do, however, want to have a child before I turn 35.

2. Single women having children:

It’s not unusual. Both UK and NZ reported single women wanting children, many of them related to their age. It is not uncommon for single women in their late 20s and early 30s because biological clock is one you cannot control. Women only have so many years before they can have a child.

3. Story in the Herald:

I have agreed to help my friend, Lincoln Tan, to do a story about Dragon Baby because it is an interesting angle for many non-Chinese or non-Asians. As I have previously written, I don’t think Kiwis understand and are ready for the impact of Dragon Babies in Asia and in New Zealand.

4. Sperm Donor:

Saying that I accept the idea of sperm donor does not equal to accepting random offers from random people. By telling people that I want a child does not mean I am publically asking for offers. Should one want sperm donor, one can seek help from a fertility clinic. I have no intention of using one at the moment.

5. Publicity stunt:

I am not promoting anything and not getting paid for this story, and it is not a publicity stunt. As a matter of fact, I need to subject myself to nasty, hatred comments. I have decided to let the comments come public because I respect you’re your view even if it is different.

I am a 30-year-old woman looking for love since 2008. I have thought about having a baby, and I think it is okay for women to have a child before they are married. There is nothing wrong for a single woman to think about having a child or want a child. I am not looking for random men to have sex with to get impregnate. I don’t think anyone can make assumptions on others just based on one article.

I am passionate and spend a lot of my time bridging the gap between Asia and New Zealand through better understanding. That for me is far more important than having a baby in the Year of Dragon.

You are now welcome to unsubscribe me.

有關我的「龍寶寶」的故事已經完全跟原本的事實不符。但發生的已經發生了。我的朋友跟我說我該發一篇澄清聲明，這也是我最後一次對「龍寶寶」發表意見。

1. 有關生寶寶:

我過去六個月一直在想著寶寶。在臉書上也曾經說過。這可能是跟年紀開始大有關係-做為一個30歲的單身女人，越來越擔心我離有孩子的時間更遠。這可能很自私，但我也知到年紀大才生，孩子的健康也有影響。將來對小孩更壞。

我一定現在便有小孩嗎？並不。但我很希望在35歲前生小孩。

2. 單身女人想生孩子:

這不稀奇。在紐西蘭還是英國也有很多單身女人因為年紀的關係而想要小孩。很多二十尾、三十頭的單身女人都擔心她們的生理時鐘讓她們沒法生育，畢竟生孩子是有時間限制的。

3. 在先驅報的報導:

當時答應我朋友Lincoln Tan做有關「龍寶寶」的故事的原因是因為這對非華裔和非亞裔人來說應該是一個很有趣的故事。就如我先前所說，我覺得紐西蘭人還沒真正了解在亞洲這「龍寶寶」對紐西蘭的影響有多大。

4. 捐精:

說能接受捐精並不代表接受陌生人的貢獻。告訴別人我不排斥捐精也不代表我公開要求貢獻。如我須要捐獻，我可以到不育治療院。而目前也沒有這個想法。

5. 宣傳技倆:

我並不是推廣什麼，而我也沒收費，這不是宣傳技倆。其實我卻要接受使人難受和有敵意的評語。雖然大家的看法不同，但我尊重你的意見。

我是一個從2008年開始便在尋找愛的30歲女人。我有在想生寶寶的事，也覺得婚前懷孕並沒問題。覺得單身女人想要孩子也沒問題。我並不是希望隨便找個人生孩子。我也不想大家因為一條報導而有所猜測。

我對做為亞洲和紐西蘭之間作為一個橋樑很有熱忱也花了很多時間。這比在龍年有寶寶更為重要。

歡迎你取消訂閱。

478 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

Community Events and Services/Hello World!/Personal

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