Rather than relying on conventional forms of media (eg television and newspapers, both English and Asian language) for views on issues, we should be approaching AA's directly.
A good example is during the Billy Sing controversy, we never actually got to hear from those in the acting industry. All we needed was one or two in the industry to give us their views and Geoff Davis' claims would have been refuted and he would have been exposed for the lazy,arrogant bumpkin that he is.
I actually did attempt to get something out of Kylie Kwong, because she is a third-gen Australian, and from watching her tv shows I gathered that identity was important to her. Or maybe that was all an act for the cameras? "Oh look she's Choinese, she's sooo authentic". I only got the standard answer from her PA and I posted the response. Now some people may disagree with me for doing this (yes I did get emails), saying that "hey she's one of the few successful Chinese-Australians chefs, why are you attacking her (shock horror)?" and "why are you doing it publicly?"
Well, why shouldn't I? Because she is successful, I should leave her alone? Isn't this part of our problem, that we're afraid to speak up or afraid of the consequences if we do speak up? Now to be frank, I'm not here to make friends so that means nothing is off limits and I will do my best to keep both Asian and non-Asian bastards honest, whoever they may be. I do not proclaim to represent all Asian Australians either, just myself.
Maybe the next time something like this happens, we will be able to put enough pressure on the AA and force/encourage them to air their views instead of keeping their mouth shut.
Being Asian Australian by race is not enough. You need to be true to yourself and true to your identity, and that means being true to your "community". Otherwise you're just one of THEM (oriental Australians - there're plenty out there).
Anyway, hope you enjoy and get something out of the interviews.
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