Here We Root

Transcript

Solo by Mayu Yamashita

What causes dandelions to transplant themselves?
It could be for many reasons.

Hello! My name is Shu Lan Lin (林書蘭).
I moved to the U.S. from Fujian in 2008.
I came here because of my parents.
I am a nurse and want to be a writer.
I have lived in Flushing for over 12 years.
I have heard so many interesting immigrant stories
from my friends, family friends, and my neighbors.
I have written all of them down.
When I told these stories to my artist friends from different backgrounds,
they all think these should be shared with more people,
and they are inspired to create and input their talents as well.
Here we are, we want to share their stories with YOU.

Ensemble dance

Just like dandelions, we relocate ourselves for many reasons.
Some are here because of family, just like me
Some are here for their children’s future
Some are here for freedom or escape
Some are here for a new lifestyle
Some are here for education
Some are here for their dreams 
Some are here for adventures

Regardless of the reasons,
As we just land in this new world,
Everything looks, sounds, and feels strange.
Our lives were completely turned upside down…

Transplanting a plant takes some dirt and water
Getting a legal immigration status in the U.S.
takes millions of paperwork and hard work
These papers can define a person's life path.
How cruel and ridiculous!

Mothers (Solo by Maya Lam)
I know some strong women who had to leave their little kids behind

and came here alone in order to create a better future for their children

After years of perseverance with working and battling with immigration process
These hard-working mothers were finally able to bring their loved ones over 

Dreamers (Duet by Eric Hang-yu Liu & Mayu Yamashita)

I know some other people who have come here to chase their artistic or career dreams.

They enjoy having more freedom to express themselves

despite having to struggle with the cost of living and the tedious visa applications.

In this different land, they are happy that more people are supportive of

Who they truly are, and what they choose to do with their life

According to them, Life here is more colorful,  interesting and exciting. 

The Person Alone (Solo by Tsubasa Nishioka)

However, some, not so fortunate, are still separated from their loved ones. 

I know some middle-aged men who remain undocumented after years of living here,

And they cannot return home

Because their familes back in their hometowns need the dollars they earn to survive.

They have no choice but always to work

seeing their family is their only dream. 

A piece of paper can define a person's and a family’s destiny.

How cruel and ridiculous! 

Ensemble Dance

Fortunately, there are some strong Chinese communities

where they can somehow feel a sense of belonging. 

They can still speak their mother tongues,

eat their hometown food,

and connect with people who share the similar culture.

As for me, having this community has made my life much easier,

while I adapted to this new country.

Especially the wide options of Chinese food always please my stomach

and those of many others.

I know some people, who moved to another state,

still come to visit Flushing regularly to get some Chinese food…

Virginia Lady (Solo by Shan Y. Chuang)

Excuse me! excuse me! Flushing is so busy like usual 欸，不對，好像比以前更擠了！

After 8 hours of driving, Finally I arrived in flushing! I was gonna meet my friends here at 6pm. But I arrived a bit early. I guess I’m just gonna walk around and see how flushing has changed. 

It is unlike boring Virginia at all. You can barely see a person around, and not even to mention good Chinese food! 真實鳥不下蛋的地方！

Oh Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, My name is Jiawen Fan, 范佳文，everyone call me 小范

I used to live in Flushing for 9 years. 

Since I moved to Virginia because of my partner.

I miss Flushing’s Chinese food every single day. 真是太委屈我的胃了!

Also, The cabinets in my kitchen are almost empty.

I am running out of dry mushrooms, rice noodles, and dry goji berries, 

還有乾貝，木耳，和豆瓣醬.

There is nothing like the Flushing Chinese community in Virginia.

太難買到我想吃的了

Here I am, making a special trip back here.

I am gonna eat tons of food and buy tons of Chinese-grocery staples.

I also heard there are a few newly opened restaurants, maybe I should try all of them

but there are some old ones I miss too

Oh my god, it is so hard to choose. there are so many choices. it gives me a headache!

我想请教你们，你们说我要吃什麼好呢?

What do you think I should eat in Flushing? 

Interaction with the audience

你們真是太熱情了, thank you so much for your suggestions.
Oh! I see my friends there. Please excuse me. I gotta go and grab some food with them!! 

my stomach is complaining already.

I am gonna try all the food you’ve told me. See ya!

Ensemble dance - Food!

Food is certainly one of the most important parts of our heritage.

As we preserve our culture, bring incredible food, and contribute to the country here,

we unfortunately still face the challenge of

discrimination and hatred in this problematic society.

A young lady who lives two doors next to me told me

about her unpleasant experience…

Duet by Maya & Mayu

It happened to me twice within a week
during the beginning of the pandemic.
I was shocked and scared.
Now I don't really want to recall the details.
But I could never forget what happened.
On that day,I finally got to get some groceries in a Target
I was happy that I got all the stuff I needed.
I was waiting in the checkout line.
Then I noticed a man staring at me in a hostile way
I turned my head and tried to avoid eye contacts
Before I noticed, he was already standing next to me
“Go back to your country. You don’t belong here!” He shouted
Everyone in the line turned their heads toward us. 
I never expected this would happen to me right here in this moment
“Leave me alone” I directed at him.
He became agitated and shouted, “You shouldn't be here.” 
“I said, leave me alone” I raised my voice.
shockingly, He started to swing his fist onto my face. 
Thank god, I am agile and trained in martial arts
I blocked his punch
He seemed shocked that I could block his attack
People around us were stunned by his violent behavior and started to defend me
The man began to retract and became timid

Still, He kept shouting “go back to your country” at me,
while backing away from the checkout area.
Crazy enough.
This happened to me again,
while I was on the subway platform another day in the same week.
Luckily, I am not an easy target.
If it were another woman, they might have broken her nose.
The shutdown has been uneasy for me as a new immigrant artist.
I lost my jobs and gigs.
These haters made it worse.
And I know I am not alone.
Much worse things have happened to many other fellow Asians. 

Trio by Tsubasa, Eric, and Kathy

Ensemble Dance

We deserve to be here! We deserve respect! 
We should not feel unsafe on the street just because of who we are!

Despite terrible things that have happened to fellow Asians
I see many people unite together to fight against hate crimes.
We stand up for ourselves through many different ways:
Some people participate in protests
Some people volunteer and help raise funds
Some people create artwork
We stand together and make our voice heard
Many of us share a similar vision—
We want to form a new life here
Leaving hometown and starting over take courage
Risktaking has been our spirit
Never giving up becomes our attitude 
Making the impossible possible is our practice
Now our lives and stories are based here
Some people strive for their union with their family and loved ones
Some people find liberty in expressing who they are
some people form their new families and nurture future generations
some people find their communities
some people find their passions in life
We all find our places

Like dandelions
We transplant and adapt here
We root and blossom
We shine 
We belong here
Here we root

The End!