The New York Times has outdone itself. Last week, they had a video segment on Aimee and Ping, which I blogged about here in the Art of the Neg. As I mentioned, that was the first time I’ve ever seen a video segment on two Asian Americans married. Usually they’ll cover Asian American weddings…just as long as the guy is white.
But after breaking tradition last week, the NY Times did it again with the story of Rachel and Julius, two Filipino American newlyweds, where the man makes a video for the woman. It’s very romantic, but…what is going on here? Is the world turning upside down? Or is the New York Times embracing a new kind of ethnic diversity in its news coverage?
Not only is it amazing that the mainstream media is crossing this threshold, but storywise, this is an amazing phenomenon too. I think this kind of coverage will reverberate among the literati and pundits who read the NY Times, and it could have longterm positive consequences for society. We don’t hear enough of these stories, and the fact that they’re reporting will hopefully allow more Asian Americans to see themselves as sentient beings. I like both stories because each has a different snapshot of Asian Americans.
If anyone has time, write in to the NY Times, and tell them that you like what you see. Too often we write newspapers when we’re angry or upset. Here is a chance to compliment them on something they’re doing which is right.
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I also wanted more rice than what could fit inside the wrap....
Asian on Asian love? That’s shocking in America.
And Byron, you are truly a romantic at heart–perusing those wedding vows videos like you do.
I know! I was shocked. I needed the New York Times to verify it’s existence, otherwise I woulda thunk it was fiction. No wait…it doesn’t happen in American fiction either….
Larry, I read the Wedding section and get teary eyed every week.