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HAFU: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan

Posted on: May 2nd, 2022 by tommyj

HAFU: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan
By: Jacqueline Penhosphoto

Hafu1Mixed, Bi-racial, multicultural, mixed breed, mulatto, mestizo/a, HAFU: These are just a few of the terms most people who are more than one race have been called or must hear on a daily basis. If I have to answer the question, “what are you mixed with? One more time I’m going to scream from the top of my lungs. The interracial experience has been an adventure the past 20 years of my life. Watching HAFU hit home with me, the journey was deliciously enlightening and heart rending at the same time. A must watch for any one who is blended or wishes to understand the mixed-race experience. Definitely worth taking a mental and visual journey at the next showing. Its not everyday a film touches your core in a therapeutic and holistic way. Growing up mixed, being pressured to choose one nationality, culture, and race has been second nature to my daily repertoire.

These are some of the similarities many of the HAFU’s experienced in the film. HAFU, a film about being/having mixed roots in Japan. Being bi-racial, Multi-racial, or multicultural can be stressful in any country or society. HAFU presents the mixed factor in an a organically genius documentary, sharing the stories of 5 HAFU’s living in Japan. Do we need to be categorized? HAFU seeks to answer this question, and many important ones similar to it, as it proudly displays the new wave of multicultural families in Japan. As, I mentioned the term “hafu” literally means “half”- this term has both negative and positive connotations in Japan. Similar to the word mulatto or mixed breed in the United States. The film shows how mixed race people living in Japan not only long to be acknowledged, but accepted and understood. “Directors Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Tagaki, HAFU’s themselves, present five intimate stories featuring people whose ethnicity and nationality are called into question every day of their lives.”

The film was presented at the Asian Film Festival 2013, in San Diego, Ca. There’s David a 28-year-oldHafu3 who’s lived in Japan nearly his entire life and is now looking to give back to his mothers village in Ghana (David’s father is Japanese). Or 9-year-old Alex, who leaves Japan to live with his mothers family in Mexico after traumatically being bullied for being different (Mexican and Japanese). Then there’s Sophia who lived in Australia her entire life, but comes to Japan to learn about the language and culture she barely knows. HAFU opens a dialogue about what it means to live in an increasingly global world and accepting our differences. It is my hope that times are changing and that people see, that, Diversity rocks!

Israeli president visits Arab town, massacre site

Posted on: October 27th, 2014 by tommyj

(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (AP […]

Candidate Watch – Lan Jefferson

Posted on: October 9th, 2014 by tommyj

vote4lan-campaign-pic-generalCommissioner Lan Jefferson Makes it Through June Primary To Face 12-Year Incumbent in November 4th General Election!

San Diego: Commissioner Lan Elizabeth Jefferson is a candidate for the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees. If elected, Lan would become the first African American and Asian woman to sit on the Board. Lan is passionate about the power and potential that a quality and affordable community college education can provide to every San Diegan. “I believe education is a bridge to improving the quality of life for everyone and the link to economic security and empowerment,” said Lan.

As a sixteen-year San Diego resident, Lan has experienced the changes over the years at the community colleges. Lan wants to ensure San Diego community colleges meet their mission, “To provide accessible, high quality learning experiences to meet the educational needs of the San Diego community.” and are held accountable to all the communities they serve. Lan’s priorities are to keep tuition affordable; improve graduation rates and college preparation; promote educational opportunity and economic empowerment; recruit and retain quality culturally competent faculty; develop community partnerships and collaborations; maximize technology and environmental initiatives; and increase working families ability to connect to a strong workforce.

Lan has a Masters of Social Work in Public Policy and Social & Economic Development from Washington University. She has volunteered on behalf of San Diegans on many occasions, including as a Citizens Equal Opportunity Commissioner for San Diego City, Planning Committee and Redevelopment Project Area Committee Board Member of North Park; Graduate Advisor at UCSD, SDSU and USD; Leadership Enhancement Coordinator for San Diego High Schools; Reading Tutor for Oak Park Elementary School; and Public Library Storyteller in North Park. In addition, Lan is a LEAD San Diego Graduate. A program designed to inform and inspire leadership and civic engagement on regional issues.

Click to hear why Lan Jefferson will be a great advocate for rebuilding the values of Community Colleges, as a San Diego Community College Board Trustee.


How Top Fitness Instructors Maintain Such Great Hair

Posted on: October 7th, 2014 by tommyj

Anna Kaiser, founder and CEO of AKT […]

Apple’s 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Rumored To Adopt New Operating System That Could Integrate Mac OS, iOS

Posted on: October 7th, 2014 by tommyj

The iPad Pro could be Apple’s first […]

Supreme Court Rejects Gay Marriage Appeals From 5 States

Posted on: October 7th, 2014 by tommyj

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court turned […]

Is it Worth Wearing A Facemask Overnight?

Posted on: October 5th, 2014 by tommyj

Is it Worth Wearing A Facemask Overnight? […]

Apple iPhone 6 finally cleared for launch in China

Posted on: September 30th, 2014 by tommyj

How much does your iPhone really cost? […]

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong undeterred by tear gas, barricades

Posted on: September 29th, 2014 by tommyj

HONG KONG –  Hong Kong’s police on […]

Pastor Brent Jones Joins KJLH Radio

Posted on: September 19th, 2014 by tommyj
BRENT JONES
brent-shape-name-lens-flarePastor Brent Jones Named as New Artistic Director for KJLH Radio Free Choir
Christina Smith 
Media Relations, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Record.

 

Pastor BRENT JONES, a Southern California native, has been a part of gospel music for over 12 years. Many of you are familiar with Brent’s group T.P.(Total Praise) Mobb. They have such a unique gospel sound which consists of a rich blend of harmonic R&B with a hip hop flavor. Jones brings such high energy and passion to reach young people through his music. Pastor Brent Jones keeps making noise in the music industry, and he is excited to announce his newest endeavor. The accomplished gospel songster and talented director has inked a deal to become the new Artistic Director for the Radio Free Choir of KJLH 102.3FM, the performance group out of Los Angeles.

 

Brent Jones gospel music started at the age of 7 years Old. Brent remembers sitting in church with his mother, looking at the choir and the choir director. They were having so much fun. The director’s name was Charles Kinnard. Brent told his mother after Sunday service that the fun Mr. Kinnard was having he wanted to have that kind of fun. Brent really didn’t know what to do. But he knew Mr. Kinnard played the piano/organ and taught the choir music. Within 48 hours, Brent’s mother had a piano in the family room for Brent to start piano lessons. 10628730_10204698272922707_620556592242268707_oGod has blessed Brent with producing two successful gospel projects, Brent Jones and the T.P. Mobb and Beautiful. Jones’ CDs have great tracks with feel-good grooves and an anointed lyrical message that speaks about everyday life. Brent’s group is known for their hip hop high fashion dress and dance moves that appeals to youth looking for a different Christian expression. With his group, Jones always presents an element of surprise to his live audience, dressing to reflect different themes of his music.Brent is focused on his mission to provide a choice in music for youth around the world. Jones desires youth to choose gospel music – with its positive messages – instead of secular music.
In a recent interview, Pastor Jones stated “It is an honor to work with KJLH 102.3FM, Andre Russell and the legendary owner music icon Stevie Wonder. The choir master is in the house to elevate the Radio Free Choir to the international level.” This good news comes on the heels of the success of Jones’ latest album, “Joy Comin,’” which debuted in the top 10 on the Gospel Billboard Charts in August. Making appearances at choir workshops all over the nation, and with a television show in the works, Jones is one very busy man, and he has no plans to slow down any time soon. For more information, visit www.mandaterecords.com.