The non-partisan Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) just launched its 30 second television commercial / public service announcement (PSA), “Embrace Your Power,” starring Kelly Hu and George Takei.
Upon first look, I’m not too sure what to think of the ad. I’m a bit disappointed that the ad portrays stereotypical images of an ancient Chinese woman asking her master, an old Chinese wise man for advice - considering that this is a PSA about voting in America, and shows Kelly Hu kicking some butt with her kung fu moves… I mean, for one thing, not all Asian Americans have “masters” and know kung fu… The background music is also a bit stereotypical of your typical kung fu movie…
What I do find cool is that Kelly Hu and George Takei are actively promoting Asian Americans to vote. Back in 2004, CAUSE did create a more “modern” PSA “The Least Likely,” targeting young Asian Americans stating the fact that Asian Americans between the ages of 18 to 25 are the least likely to vote of any demographic within the United States and encouraging that group to vote:
In taking another look at the 2004 PSA, I guess that PSA also uses “fantasy” imagery and special effects to draw the attention of Asian Americans, but it didn’t rub me a little negatively like the new PSA. Personally, I’d prefer having a PSA rooted more in reality and something a bit more serious - but I guess given the age demographic - I understand why CAUSE might have gone with that direction.
On a related note, Kelly Hu is a big time supporter of Barack Obama, and appears in this previously produced YouTube video, “Kelly Hu, Asian Americans for Barack Obama” from earlier in the campaign. It would be nice if there were more prominent Asian Americans actively promoting for candidates on both sides. Where is Asia America’s Oprah? Unfortunately, I don’t think she exists yet…
Other posts you might be interested in:
Blog RSS Blog Comments RSS
Cynthia wrote:
Kudos to Kelly Hu and George Takei for utilizing their political voices. As for Asian America’s version of Oprah, we have Lisa Ling! Here is a woman who is articulate, intelligent and vocal in exploring issues of interest to Asians and Asian Americans. Just to name a few things she has spotlighted— China’s Lost Girls, Asian American adoptees, life in North Korea, Yao Ming (before most people knew who he was)… I think if Lisa Ling were to share a message to our community about voting and political involvement, her words would also carry a lot of weight.
Posted on 15-Aug-08 at 4:55 pm | Permalink
John wrote:
Cynthia - true, I didn’t think of Lisa Ling. But what I meant when I mentioned Oprah was an Asian American as well known and well regarded as Oprah. I don’t think Lisa Ling nor any Asian American woman (or man for that matter) has gotten to that level yet.
Posted on 17-Aug-08 at 9:22 am | Permalink
Rob wrote:
hahaha.
I always thought that the phrase “Asian Americans shouldn’t complain about poor representation when they’re horrible at representing themselves” was quite fitting.
They’re still missing the gong.
Posted on 17-Aug-08 at 2:31 pm | Permalink
Jason wrote:
O m g. this is a tragic tragic tragic PSA.
Looks so half-assly done!
Really, who is behind this group? I mean… do Asian Americans have to do martial arts and kung fu to get out the freakin’ vote?
I find Kelly Hu’s own youtube videos more inspirational than this load of poop!
Yes on LISA LING!
Posted on 18-Aug-08 at 11:24 am | Permalink
8Asians.com » New survey: Asian Americans could play key role in outcome of presidential: An Asian American/Asian Canadian Blog wrote:
[...] Unfortunately, as I had blogged about earlier today, the state of Asian American civic involvement is still pathetically low when it comes to getting involved or even voting (remember, young Asian Americans (between the ages of 18 to 25) are the least likely to vote of any e….) [...]
Posted on 06-Oct-08 at 4:50 pm | Permalink
8Asians.com » CBS News: the Asian American Vote in Virginia: An Asian American/Asian Canadian Blog wrote:
[...] got wrong was that newsreporter Ramy Inocencio states that Asian Americans vote in high numbers - which is WRONG. Asian Americans between the ages of 18 to 25 are the least likely to vote of any demographic [...]
Posted on 28-Oct-08 at 3:40 pm | Permalink