Journal (5/18)

Virtual Webs of Real People- Sandip Roy

In the article Sandip Roy talks discusses the South Asian LGBT community on the internet. The gay scene in India is more visible and is portrayed in magazines, parties, films and festivals. The author relates this occurrence to Internet and role the internet has in the LGBT community. The author contrasts the LGBT experience in the west to the experience in South Asia. Though the two groups experience different issues relating to their own culture, they still have the similarity of use of Internet. The author explains some advantages of the Internet. The internet is seemed as godsend as it  is a place to learn and socialize. There is easy access to information and images while there is still an importance of anonymity and privacy. Though there is a creation of safe sex with the anonymity, the internet also has disadvantages. One interesting downfall of the internet was how it lulls people into the comfort of keyboard activism. With the easy use and access, it is harder to resist the temptation with only working with people online. I thought this was interesting because it showed a different side of LGBT activism movements. Rather than the common defiant protests, LGBT communities in South Asia are able to come together online and discuss issues or learn more with peers that are similar and have the same interests. This creates a sense of comfort and belonging as the internet is a tool for organizing.

FIlm: Kelly Loves Tony

I thought this film was interesting as the video showed a raw footage of the two teens everyday experience of their daily struggles as parents. Kelly gets pregnant and this reminded me of the Laotian teenagers who get pregnant. Her boyfriend Tony has follows the stereotypical framework of the model minority young male as he was part of a gang and committed crimes. Kelley demonstrates certain acts of going against her tradition when she refuses to drink the ginger tea. The film also relates to the article of Cambodian refugees as Tony is facing legal problems where the ISIS is getting involved to deport him. Because he is not a citizen and has already committed more than two crimes, he is eligible to be deported. Kelly is scared as Tony’s past is being used against him. I thought it was admirable how the admist all the struggles of raising a kid, and the legal issues with Tony, Kelly is still motivated and determined to go to college to get her education and reach her goals.