diabola in musica

because perfection isn't easy

Science is primarily an investigation of our place of the Universe — the place that people occupy in a world which ranges from the tiniest subatomic particles to the furthest reaches of space and time. We do not exist in isolation, and science is a human cultural activity, not a purely dispassionate striving after truth, no matter how hard we might try. It is all about where we came from, and where we are going. And it is the most exciting story ever told.

President Obama spoke at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Annual last Tuesday and explicitly mentioned how important it is to recognize the diversity within Asia America to honor its peoples and to better target policy for each demographic.

And I know it can be tempting — given the success that’s on display here tonight — for people to buy into the myth of the “model minority” and glance over the challenges that this community still faces.  But we have to remember there’s still educational disparities like higher dropout rates in certain groups, lower college enrollment rates in others.  There’s still economic disparities like higher rates of poverty and obstacles to employment.  There are health disparities like higher rates of diabetes and cancer and Hepatitis B.  Those who are new to America — many still face language barriers.

I am still processing the speech. I was in tears when I heard him understand that Asia America is diverse and that each experience is valid. I can’t explain how much it means to me that there is someone not Asian American who understands this, that there is one person for whom no explanation is needed.

I also can’t explain how much it means to me to have that person be the President of the United States of America.

I admit: I am being immature. This morning, I had a very long discussion with family after someone discovered a picture of me in this corset on Facebook. The conversation was civil, but we simply couldn’t see eye-to-eye. (I don’t think we even agreed to disagree.) We are too stubborn, and have too differing views on sartorial choices and expressions of sexuality for women. Though the discussion ended politely, my feathers were still ruffled. So today, when I post this picture of myself in a corset, I am raising an eyebrow at my family. Who are they to say what I can and cannot show to the world? It is a bit immature. Among the points family made were that women shouldn’t be valued solely on looks and sexuality. I don’t disagree. The implication, however, is that there is something wrong with expressing sexuality, that any allusion would diminish whatever value in my intellect and creativity. Instead, I should express my mind, not my body. I disagree. I say that I should do both. There is nothing inherently wrong or inappropriate with celebrating beauty or sexuality. There is also nothing wrong with celebrating something awesome, like a mint green corset that looks great with an orange collar. What is wrong is overvaluing appearance and sexuality to the exclusion of other qualities. Sometimes I want to be recognized for my appearance. Other times I want to be recognized for my mind. I know I am so much more than one or the other. I am both. We can all be both. Every time I post a picture of myself in a corset, I am raising my eyebrow at the world. Zoom

I admit: I am being immature.

This morning, I had a very long discussion with family after someone discovered a picture of me in this corset on Facebook. The conversation was civil, but we simply couldn’t see eye-to-eye. (I don’t think we even agreed to disagree.) We are too stubborn, and have too differing views on sartorial choices and expressions of sexuality for women. Though the discussion ended politely, my feathers were still ruffled. So today, when I post this picture of myself in a corset, I am raising an eyebrow at my family. Who are they to say what I can and cannot show to the world?

It is a bit immature.

Among the points family made were that women shouldn’t be valued solely on looks and sexuality. I don’t disagree. The implication, however, is that there is something wrong with expressing sexuality, that any allusion would diminish whatever value in my intellect and creativity. Instead, I should express my mind, not my body. I disagree. I say that I should do both.

There is nothing inherently wrong or inappropriate with celebrating beauty or sexuality. There is also nothing wrong with celebrating something awesome, like a mint green corset that looks great with an orange collar. What is wrong is overvaluing appearance and sexuality to the exclusion of other qualities. Sometimes I want to be recognized for my appearance. Other times I want to be recognized for my mind. I know I am so much more than one or the other. I am both. We can all be both.

Every time I post a picture of myself in a corset, I am raising my eyebrow at the world.

When I saw the video for Rep. Giffords’ resignation, I couldn’t even cry. Her smile is wide and her spirit is strong, but the space between her words is much too familiar. In them, I hear her struggle to speak, to communicate with the outside world. I hear also the frustration with her new limitations, of being trapped with a body or mind that would not work as it once did. This is the tragedy of a traumatic brain injury. For those of us who are lucky enough to be present, you will forever know what you have lost.

Last night, when I saw her enter Congress for the State of the Union, I burst into tears. There was so much love from her peers, so much pride in her face. We citizens criticize Congress (sometimes rightfully so), but that moment should be congratulated. It is one of pure grace.