💬 ชาวเน็ตแห่แชร์: News Update

Comic Strip Orientalism??

humorous comments here

Fear the Mandarin

I think Phil Yu (aka "Angry Asian Man") summarized this better than I would have.

There's an interview over at CHUD.com with Jon Favreau, director of the announced Iron Man movie in the works, with some more information on the "Mandarin" character:

Q: And he’s a tough character because in his original appearances he's a racist caricature.

Favreau: There are certain fears and certain strengths the character evokes that are applicable, but of course you have to completely remove any of that short sighted cultural ignorance that leads to any sort of bigotry in the storytelling. That isn't to say those fears and shortcomings of Iron Man as relating to that character aren't relevant.

Think about what made the Mandarin someone everybody gravitated to – if you look at the message boards, overwhelmingly that's someone everyone wants to see. He was intelligent, he was powerful, he was mysterious. He was always one step ahead. Despite his suit and technology, Iron Man was always the underdog. Mandarin always had this Machiavellian web he would fall into. He was based in China which was then mysterious because it was Red China. Today China is mysterious in other ways because it's Global China. China is the economic powerhouse that is quickly catching up and will eventually surpass us.

A comic book movie that capitalizes on fears of China's future economic domination. Fun. And so timely. The moment they announced the villain was going to be Mandarin, I knew this was bad news. I'm not planning on seeing this one. Not willingly at least.

I probably am going to see this, if only to see Mandarin's portrayal. I'm sure there will be much to talk about...

Who Wants to be a Superhero?

Is Stan "The Man" getting desperate for ideas? I'm just not so sure how a "Superhero reality show" is supposed to work...???

http://www.whowantstobeasuperhero.tv

Each contestant begins with an original idea for a superhero, a self-made costume, and their best superhero mojo. From thousands of hopefuls, Stan Lee chooses the lucky finalists who move together into a secret lair. There they will begin their transformations — and their competition for the opportunity to become real-life superheroes. Over the course of the series, they will test their mettle, try to overcome their limitations, and do what it takes to prove that they truly are super.

The finalists will leave their former lives behind and live as their brainchild heroes 24/7, all under Stan Lee's watchful eye. Each week, our aspiring heroes will be challenged with competitions designed to test their true natures. No one will be leaping over tall buildings in a single bound; our superheroes will be tested for courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion, and resourcefulness — all traits that every true superhero must possess.

Subtext? or no-text? (pt. 2)

Artist: Jirapat Tasanasomboon
Title: Superman vs Phi Pek
Technique: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 50 x 70 cm
Year: 2004

Jirapat Tasanasomboon was born in 1971 in Samut Prakarn and completed his Master Degree from Silapakorn University in 1999. He applies a pop-art style to his subjects who often feature well known (super)heroes from cartoons such as Batman, Superman and Spiderman as well as science fiction movies. His heroes are depicted in a distinctive Thai setting and are often seen interacting with traditional Thai heroes and mythical figures, most of whom are characters in the Ramakien (Ramayana). It might be seen as an indicator of the complex relationship between Thailand and one of its closest allies. Sometimes a loving relationship, but at other times struggling. Jirapat has participated in several art shows in Thailand and also in Korea (2003).

Jirapat Tasanasomboon

Related Links:
Subtext? or no-text? (pt. 1)
The Oral Tradition and the Many "Ramayanas", by Philip Lutgendorf.
The Poetics of the Ramakian, by Dr. Theodora H. Bofman
Many Ramayanas: The Diversity of a Narrative Tradition in South Asia, ed. by Paula Richman.

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filed under: Asia; Southeast Asia; Thailand; Jirapat Tasanasomboon; Phi Pek; Superman; art

Superman or ghosts?

From an old review of Richard Nisbett's book The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently . . . and Why in the Village Voice, Orienting the East: U. Michigan Psychologist Richard Nisbett Asks: Do Asians and Westerners Think Differently? by Hua Hsu (April 16-22, 2003)

In 1944, the eminent Chinese anthropologist and sociologist Fei Xiaotang accepted an offer from the State Department to spend a year working in the United States. Fei's stint began with all of the excitement and wonder promised by this still-rising star among nations, but as the months drew on he grew exhausted with the fidgety, restless nature that outlined every feature of American life. He returned to China wiser and more attuned to American customs, but thankful that they were not his own: "American children hear no stories about ghosts. They spend a dime at the drugstore to buy a Superman comic book. . . . Superman represents actual capabilities or future potential, while ghosts symbolize belief in and reverence for the accumulated past. How could ghosts gain a foothold in American cities? People move like the tide, unable to form permanent ties with places, still less with other people. . . . In a world without ghosts, life is free and easy. American eyes can gaze straight ahead. But still I think they lack something and I do not envy their life."

I wanna fly like KRRISH!

So KRRISH is playing at the Georgetown in town (has been for a week now and was actually premiered the day of its release at the local IMAX where Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience is supposed to be playing) and I really want to see it (even if I haven't seen Koi...Mil Gaya yet).

Ironically, since we've all heard the urban legends (or might have experienced personally) of children putting on towels and jumping off furniture or rooftops so they (or we as the case may be) can "fly like Superman," it seems that KRRISH can have the same effect. Ugh.

Spider-Man Will Make You Gay

I'm speechless...

http://www2.b3ta.com/spidermanwillmakeyougay/

Japanese Animation class offered at Indianapolis Art Center

First day of class on "Japanese Animation." 3:30-5:30 p.m. today through Friday. $126-132. Indianapolis Art Center, 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis. Information and registration, 317:255-2464. Instructor: Kris Mobley. "Youth and teen class, ages 12-16. "From Tatsunoko Productions' 'Speed racer of the 1960s' to Joe Madureira's recent Fusion style pencils in 'The Uncanny X-Men', Manga has come a long way in America. Come and learn the fascinating history and current significance of this popular comics genre, then take part in the tradition. Emphasizing Manga character design and drawing technique, this course also serves as an excellent introduction to this surprisingly disciplined art form."

http://www.indplsartcenter.org/