A Piece of my Mind: The Last Airbender

When I found out when the animated show Avatar: The Last Airbender was going to have a live-action movie, I was ecstatic. I absolutely loved every aspect of the show. The story, the animation, the action scenes, and especially the weird hybrid animals. I was weary but optimistic when M. Night Shyamalan was called to direct the film. As long as he doesn't give the movie a lame twist, it was all good. As for whom he casted in this film, I was disappointed.



After seeing the awesome action-packed trailer, the only thing that bothered me was the whitewashing of the characters. As for Aang, I wasn't surprised that the character was going to be played by a white kid. Of course American cinema wouldn't dare cast a person of color as the lead protagonist who is destined to save the world. The kid is ugly (sorry Noah Ringer), but at least he looks somewhat like Aang. But what's frustrating for me was the casting of Katara and Sokka. In the show, the two characters have tanned/dark complexion. For the movie, the actor and actress are pale white. I mean can't you at least cast actors/actresses who look ethnically ambiguous? Nicola Peltz and Jackson Rathbone look pretty Caucasian, maybe not Aryan Hitler youth white, but they're undeniably white. Out of all the young actors and actresses here in the U.S.(and even the entire world), you choose them? Sorry, but I don't think I can watch the entire film seriously when you altered the show I love and adore. As for the casting of Dev Patel as Zuko, I'm indifferent, I'm just glad its not Jesse McCartney.

Yeah, I'm awfully bitter about this. Is it because I'm Asian? Well sort of. When I was young child, I never had an Asian-American actor to emulate myself with. Yeah there was Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, but I was never interested in martial-arts film. I would probably say Ash from Pokemon was my only hero as a child. I kind of assumed this was the chance for the younger generation to emulate with, but I was dead wrong. I guess for now they have to emulate with the background characters.

Westwinds

The sun was setting down. It was time. I had to leave this place. I planned this with my comrade the night before. I no longer wanted to be caged in this strange horse-filled suburbia. With my glistening green Civic, I quickly escaped. I love how practical my car is. This little hummingbird soared across the cyber jungle, with its belly still full of nectar. As I exited, I quickly assumed I was lost. I was surrounded by massive tech firms. "There couldn't be a residential area here." Alas, I was wrong. Nestled within the heart of Silicon Valley was a charming community dubbed Westwinds. As I walked through the narrow streets, each home I passed had a remarkable perk to it. I was especially delighted by the sky blue house with the petunias out front. I finally arrived at my friend's house. I walked up the steps and waited briefly in front of the screen door. His parents, exceptionally friendly yet distant, casually allowed me to walk through into their younger son's room. I passed by their kitchen, eying on their fridge enveloped with family photos. As a photographer, you can't help but be fascinated by the private lives around you. I opened the door. "Hey man, how's it going?" "What's up Leeper?". After our usual greetings, I met his brother and good friend, and introduced myself.

Dedicated to Leeper

Yummy Cow-pie

One day, my friend and I decided to be chickens and crossed the road to the other side. On the other side was Wilder State Ranch, a vast area used for hiking, biking, and grazing for cows. As we proceeded into the ranch, it became clear that the cows were there not too long ago. How did we know? The massive amount of cow-pies along the trail.




Initially, I was disgusted, but however, after continuously encountering each pile of cow dung, I noticed the uniqueness of each one. Each one had a specific shape, color and texture. With a Canon 20D, I quickly started taking pictures.




I ended up stepping on cow-pie, twice. Oh well. It was a fun experience.

Dedicated to Trevaaa

A Sharp Cold Pain

I've always hated this feeling. Why does this happen to me? It is a constant reminder that I can't enjoy this to its full extent. Every time I go for it, it bites back. An annoying icy sensation. The sharp cold pain is triggered from the moment I sink it in. I can feel the pain, tingling and traveling, from the surface to the roots. I bear with it. No, I ignore it. The only thing on my mind is the sweet, quenching, and satisfying creamy taste. I couldn't swallow this, I wanted to savor it. Only gravity will slowly drag this creamy goodness from my tongue to my gut. The day was still scorching. My taste buds, still unsatisfied. I stare at my icy treat. I know this was going to be a vicious cycle, but I simply cannot resist it. I await my fate, and proceed another bite.

Dedicated to and inspired by Cee Leopard.