John's Random Thoughts and Ideas

Asian slurs and blurs

In 2012, NY tv commentators make derisive comments about the shape of Jeremy Lin's eyes in an attempt at humor. Really? Asian faces have endured the most ridiculous comments and slurs. But the people using them see nothing wrong. Partly because Asians don't complain and mostly because non-Asians still feel they can dominate Asians. How many times have I met a surprised business guest who clearly was not expecting an Asian with my title? How many times have people told me how well I speak English? I recall a speech I gave to 500 university administrators gathered at a conference in Atlanta. I was the only Asian in the room. The day before the association president and I were playing tennis and he won a few points by lobbing over my head. He proclaimed, "....found the chink in his armor."  I said nothing. The next morning it was a bit chilly and a conference goes said to me, ..."there is a nip in the air." When I opened the conference as the keynote speaker I retold these stories as a tongue in cheek, how I was welcomed to the south story. I said, "This chink has no armor and this nip is not in the air." I know the comments wereinnocent. But I also knew most of the people there had little contact with Asians. I use humor to help us laugh at ourselves and maybe raise their consciousness about ignorance. We all are prejudiced, but can we confront it and change?

Sound of the surf as the clouds roll by

Your mind clears
Your body unwinds
Your breath is clean
Your heart is pure
You are one with everything

Out of work

It's a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it's a depression when you lose yours.
           -- Harry S Truman, in Observer, April 13, 1958

When do we stop running?

Never. If we want to live life tithe fullest. Just leaving the World Masters Track Championships. I watched 95 year old men run the 800 meters. Inspiring and a bit scary. :) Tracksters from all over he world gathered to run! All over 50! It us clear that you keep running if you love it and if you can.

Where is your career map?

A new friend of mine, Ginny Clarke, wrote a book called Career Mapping--Charting your course in the new world of work. Excellent guidance for people looking for their careers or changing into new ones. She adeptly addresses the differences in age and stage lifestyles. Check it out. http://mycareermapping.com/

Disruptive inspiration

In a brainstorming session about choosing speakers that inspire or provoke. Need not be mutually exclusive. Thus. I prefer "disruptive inspiration" that makes you think, uncomfortable AND motivated to change and adapt.

Daughter graduates from college

Every parent dreams and hopes for this moment. You push you pull and then they find their own way. Jenna is our first and we celebrate her achievements.

6 word novels

Just heard about this phenomena. Apparently Hemingway started this with, " for sale baby shoes, never worn"

Teenagers go deaf to their parents

I have received a few responses to my post Stop Listening to your Asian Parents . People tell me they didn't to their parents when they were teenagers! That was not a conscious choice, that was human nature. Your parents start talking gibberish when you are 14-18 yrs old. I was trying to tell people to ignore the expectations of parents tattoo on your brain once you are well into your 20's. Make your parents proud by being who you are!

When are we arriving and when are we leaving?