97-04-16 May is Asian Awareness Month

OHIO STATE CELEBRATES ASIAN CULTURAL DIVERSITY   

     COLUMBUS -- The complexities and uniqueness of Asian
diversity in culture, language and peoples will be explored as
The Ohio State University celebrates Asian Awareness Month May 1-
31.

     “Many times Asian students are stereotyped as studious
people, with no life apart from class,” said Lakshmi Raman,
graduate administrative assistant in the Office of Asian American
Student Services. “By increasing awareness of the diversity of
Asian students, we hope to combat stereotypes that can create
barriers between students.  There are over 3,000 Asian students
at Ohio State, so better awareness can create a more open and
receptive environment for students of all ethnic backgrounds.”

     The celebration kicks off with an Asian Food and Cultural
Fair, May 1 from 5 to 7 p.m in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N.
High St.  The fair will highlight the diversity of Asian cultures
with food and entertainment.  A Talent Showcase will follow at 7
p.m. in the Ohio Union East Ballroom, providing a noncompetitive
forum for Asian students to display their talents.

     May 9 at 4 p.m. in the Ohio Union Memorial Room, K. Scott
Wong, professor of history at Williams College, will examine the
impact World War II had on Asian Americans and the creation of a
new social identity for many, while calling their place in
American society into question.  From 7 to 10 p.m., Japan Night
will be presented in Royer Activity Center, 85 Curl Drive, with
martial arts, a tea ceremony, origami, calligraphy, music and
food.  Admission is $1.

     Other activities include:

     -- The acting troupe Here and Now, May 15 from 7 to 10 p.m.
in the Ohio Union Conference Theater.  The cast, primarily
college students from Southern California, brings to life the
story of Asian American life through the eyes of a younger
generation.

     -- “Asia and How It Got Its Name.”  Historian Saii Johari
will present a lecture on the populating of Asia based on the
writings of noted paleontologists and anthropologists Kwang-Chih
Chang, Ivan Van Sertima and Runoko Rashidi, May 19 at 2 p.m in
the Ohio Union Memorial Room.

     -- An Asian Festival combining 13 Asian groups based
throughout central Ohio, highlighting their arts, culture and
food, May 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Franklin Park in the
International Center, 1777 E. Broad St.

     -- Ohio State student Anita Prabhakaran will perform
Bharatha Natyam, the most popular classical Indian dance form
known as one of the subtlest expression of Indian culture and
Hindu mythology, in the Ohio Union Conference Theater May 28 at
7:30 p.m.

     -- Asian luncheons in the Ohio Union Terrace Dining Room,
May 2, 9, and 16.  A variety of Asian cuisine will be served from
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The cost of the buffet style lunch and
drink is $6.50.

     All activities are free and open to the public unless
otherwise noted.  For a complete calendar of events, call Asian
American Student Services, (614) 292-0625.

                             #

Contact: Lakshmi Raman, graduate administrative assistant, Asian
American Student Services, (614) 292-0625.


[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Thu, 17 Apr 1997 10:42:16 -0400 (EDT)]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.