I am Korean American- Edward Hong

Frome “I am Korean American” - Edward Hong, a Spoken Word artist does a Kick-Ass job expressing his own journey from Facial self-loathing to embracing his Korean American identity. His turning point was dealing with the extreme acts of one young man who committed the VTech university shooting just a few years ago. Edward faced his own ‘demons’ and discovered the key to understanding his own father/son relationship has SO much to do with his own outlook on his identity.

URL at IAKA

"I AM KOREAN AMERICAN" is a spoken word performance written and performed by actor and poet Edward Hong, and directed by Steve Nguyen of Channel APA.

From the VTech shooting to jajangmyeon cravings, Edward takes us on his journey from racial self-loathing to embracing his Korean American identity.

In Edward's own words:

I wrote and performed this poem because I want Korean Americans across the nation to think about what their identity means to them. While it's specific to that particular identity, this poem is ultimately about the human nature and the struggles we all face when it comes to the self-hatred that can live inside all of us. It is a reminder to accept the flaws and ugliness within ourselves and turn it into something beautiful. This is what I wish to accomplish with this poem.

Being Korean American has its ups and downs (repressed rage and contradictions, anyone?). However, with our ongoing dialogue on IAKA and personal projects like Edward's, we can learn how to reflect on these inner battles and empower ourselves instead of staying silent.

For more Edward Hong awesomeness, check out:http://iamkoreanamerican.com/2010/01/08/edward-hong/
http://hansarangmovement.wordpress.com
http://www.8asians.com/author/eddlyhong
Posted December 21, 2010 by I Am Korean American

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