Promise Tomorrow
Brendan Duggan and Michael Garfinkle composed “Promise Tomorrow” in memory of their classmate and friend Roee Grutman, 17, who in February became the third teenager in Newton to commit suicide this school year. “Sat there for hours and I swear I didn’t move What to say what to think — it was all in my […]
More Than Half of Asian American Teens Are Bullied in School
According to survey data released in 2011 by the US Justice Department and Education Department, Asian Americans endure far more bullying in U.S. schools than any other ethnic group, and compared to other teens, Asian American teens are three times as likely to face bullying on the internet. A report released last year by the […]
NECN Broadside: Historical musical sparks controversy at Mass. HS
Broadside: the news with Jim Braude Historical musical sparks controversy at Mass. HS: Thoroughly Modern Millie at Newton North High School Note that they reversed identifying Susan Chinsen ( a Newton North graduate and CEO of the Asian American Film) and Joy Bautista (a teacher and administrator at Boston Arts Academy and representing Massachusetts Asian American Educators […]
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ play draws controversy in Mass. over racial stereotyping
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ play draws controversy in Mass. over racial stereotyping from Monitoring, Exposing & Fighting Against Anti-Semitism and Racism: Anti-Semitism, Pro-Jewish, Philo-Semitism, Positive Jewish Issues & Unique Jewish Identity Two characters Ching Ho and Bun Foo, are hapless Asian laundrymen controlled by Mrs. Meers, a third character with chopsticks in her bun, who speaks in a […]
The Colbert Report’s Racist Tweet
Racism against Asians is often “unawares”—a form of racism that flies under the radar due to its widespread acceptance as the norm. Its interactive dynamic resembles that of an unwritten social contract. Asians in the West are expected to accept patronizing remarks and racist taunts so demeaning that perpetrators would think twice before dishing them […]
20 Years Ago, Identical Racism Reaction in Boston Suburb
Anita, a Chinese immigrant senior, described the reaction of the Drama Club Students as: “Why are the Asians making a big fuss? It’s just a play.” We were going through the play point by point, and there were lines that specifically Cara was going over, and people were asking what’s wrong with that? She was […]
Millie Flap Makes it Abroad: in The Telegraph
US high school show triggers race row A production of Thoroughly Modern Mille at a suburban Boston high school runs into trouble over its antiquated portrayal of Asians By David Millward, US Correspondent for The Telegraph The link is here. When Julie Andrews starred in Thoroughly Modern Millie, which opened in 1967, it received huge critical acclaim. […]
The Boston Globe: Musical is little more than staged racism
WHAT IS most shocking about Joan Vennochi’s argument about the “Thoroughly Modern Millie” controversy in Newton is her attempt to substitute censorship for the issue that belongs at the center of this discussion: racism (“ ‘Millie’ fight creates a chilling effect,” Op-ed, March 20). It is not only “some Asian-Americans” who “were insulted” by characters in the […]
Rebuttal to ‘MILLIE in Newton: Turn Stereotypes into Lessons’
Someone sent me video of a local comedian’s youtube video of a character I’ve seen him portray once before. To call it infantile and racially insensitive would be a gross understatement. For the targets of his ridicule, it’s every bit as offensive as a mean-spirited performance in blackface. But because it’s against one of the […]
Support Celebration at NNHS
Your donations make Celebration happen! Celebration has been a fun and safe post-prom party at Newton North for 18 years; it is a tradition for seniors. (For an example of what Celebration can look like check out the New Orleans themed event from two years ago by clicking HERE.) This post-prom party is funded by donations from Newton North […]
