I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I’m going to mention what happened in Charlottesville, VA this past week.

“You will not replace us” they chanted, while carrying tiki torches.

Keep that image in your head.

Fried chicken and tacos in fast food chains across the country. Chinese take-out in neighborhoods with their fried rice and kung pao chicken. Hummus and pita triangles along with veggies dot dinner party appetizers, along with chips and salsa, guacamole, and queso. Sushi sold in supermarkets for a quick dinner. Chicken tiki malsala and nan for delivery like pizza. Wheat gluten and tofu as meat substitutes. Soy right next to milk in the dairy isle. Siracha mayo on sandwiches. Fermentation classes on kim chee. Bubble tea and Thai rolled ice cream on instagram. Bao shops around university campuses. Ramen and beef noodle soup are comfort food in the winter, while a white male chef is teaching us how to eat pho (this one still doesn’t make sense). Banh mi have become bowls (I can’t even). I’m sure there’s lots lots more that I have left out.

“You will not replace us” they chanted, while carrying tiki torches.

Tiki torches.

"You will not replace us”

Oh, but we already have.

(This post was originally posted in Asian Arts Initiative's blog during the artist's residency in 2017)