2008 Woodie Awards
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Hong Kong Night poorly represented region's culture
Guest Commentary
Culture nights at the University of Oregon are always well received. They are educational, entertaining and promote high levels of diversity and acceptance throughout the student body. I've been an alumnus for two years and have witnessed associations like CSA, Hawaii Club, ISA, JSO, NASU and VSA deliver outstanding culture shows that edify, unite and delight all who attend. However, the HKSA culture show this year displayed a dramatic shift in the long-running ideology of tolerance and respect.
One segment stood out from all others in terms of tasteless stage presence and alienation against another student group: the "Mushu Performance" - a direct reference to the UO Wushu Team. It wasn't the reference that was offensive; it was the manner of introduction and presentation.
Lowered moral standards were starkly apparent with the complete disregard for protocol, integrity and responsibility by HKSA executives. HKSA executives had every opportunity but chose to ignore basic etiquette of formally communicating to UO Wushu of what they intended to do. There was no formal request or proposal for a demonstration made to UO Wushu.
UO Wushu members and many audience members felt HKSA's presentation to be offensive and detrimental to the team's reputation and image. The introduction of the 'mushu' performance was demeaning and infantile. Regardless of who wrote the lines, the emcees were HKSA representatives during their time on stage.
As an obscure and under represented sport in America, wushu is not readily recognized. UO Wushu has promoted the Chinese martial art ever since its founding. Already often confused with the word 'mushu', HKSA's segment only served to further misconceptions and perpetuate ignorance regarding Chinese language and culture. This is extremely damaging to UO Wushu's image since its funding comes from demonstrations that are predominately spread through word of mouth.
UO Wushu members attending Hong Kong Night had every opportunity to leave once the 'mushu' segment began. Instead, they remained seated and respectful to HKSA emcees and performers. Unfortunately, this respect was not reciprocated with HKSA stage managers attempting to target UO Wushu members in the audience with spotlights.
It may not be obvious, but I write from the unique perspective of a person who is a former member of both HKSA and UO Wushu. I'm sure adroit readers will quickly point out my partiality towards UO Wushu. In my defense, it is exceedingly difficult to defend a student association that is led by executives that have failed to uphold their own constitution and goals. Taken directly from its Web site, one of HKSA's goals is striving to "promote understanding and tolerance".
HKSA was once a model student association with members going the distance to create a culture show with performances that exemplify Hong Kong lifestyle and history. Audience members were always impressed, never insulted. Culture night is over, but I'm holding out for the hope that HKSA will select a new committee of executives that understands the meaning of integrity, diversity and tolerance.
David Ng
University alumnus
One segment stood out from all others in terms of tasteless stage presence and alienation against another student group: the "Mushu Performance" - a direct reference to the UO Wushu Team. It wasn't the reference that was offensive; it was the manner of introduction and presentation.
Lowered moral standards were starkly apparent with the complete disregard for protocol, integrity and responsibility by HKSA executives. HKSA executives had every opportunity but chose to ignore basic etiquette of formally communicating to UO Wushu of what they intended to do. There was no formal request or proposal for a demonstration made to UO Wushu.
UO Wushu members and many audience members felt HKSA's presentation to be offensive and detrimental to the team's reputation and image. The introduction of the 'mushu' performance was demeaning and infantile. Regardless of who wrote the lines, the emcees were HKSA representatives during their time on stage.
As an obscure and under represented sport in America, wushu is not readily recognized. UO Wushu has promoted the Chinese martial art ever since its founding. Already often confused with the word 'mushu', HKSA's segment only served to further misconceptions and perpetuate ignorance regarding Chinese language and culture. This is extremely damaging to UO Wushu's image since its funding comes from demonstrations that are predominately spread through word of mouth.
UO Wushu members attending Hong Kong Night had every opportunity to leave once the 'mushu' segment began. Instead, they remained seated and respectful to HKSA emcees and performers. Unfortunately, this respect was not reciprocated with HKSA stage managers attempting to target UO Wushu members in the audience with spotlights.
It may not be obvious, but I write from the unique perspective of a person who is a former member of both HKSA and UO Wushu. I'm sure adroit readers will quickly point out my partiality towards UO Wushu. In my defense, it is exceedingly difficult to defend a student association that is led by executives that have failed to uphold their own constitution and goals. Taken directly from its Web site, one of HKSA's goals is striving to "promote understanding and tolerance".
HKSA was once a model student association with members going the distance to create a culture show with performances that exemplify Hong Kong lifestyle and history. Audience members were always impressed, never insulted. Culture night is over, but I'm holding out for the hope that HKSA will select a new committee of executives that understands the meaning of integrity, diversity and tolerance.
David Ng
University alumnus
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 8
HK Night Audience
posted 4/21/08 @ 1:26 PM PST
Mr. Ng,
I think it is very inappropriate and immature for you to write an article like this about a student association. Like you have mentioned, you were once a member of the HKSA, and also as a part of the Asian community at UO, why would you attack other asian associations like this? I attended HK Night 2008 and also ones in the past few years, and I would say in no doubt that this year's HK Night is by far the best of any other years. (Continued…)
Khoa Quach
posted 4/21/08 @ 3:16 PM PST
Done a better job introducing the wushu team? You dont introduce people by making fun of them, if so.. i wouldn't like to be your friend. his letter is not a immature act and it does take time to get something published in the ODE hence the week later. (Continued…)
Jackie Chan
posted 4/21/08 @ 9:25 PM PST
David Ng, you think you are Jet Li or something?
Someone with a normal last name
posted 4/22/08 @ 1:47 AM PST
At least I have one or more vowels in my last name so people can pronounce it. Talking about ignorance of Chinese culture and language? Your last name is a disgrace to Chinese language. (Continued…)
Brandon Sugiyama
posted 4/22/08 @ 8:49 AM PST
My name is Brandon Sugiyama and I'm an alumnis of the University of Oregon. I'm currently living in the San Francisco bay area and it's been quite some time since I was student at the UO. (Continued…)
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