I appreciated when the son explained that their father's views are a product of "the truth of his experiences", rather than outright discrediting them. While those experiences may have lead to misguided generalizations, I felt it important that they were validated compassionately, and not used to imply he was some kind of obsolete monster. This leaves the door open for a more productive, and very necessary dialog.
I agree with this. Discrediting their truth will not get us anywhere in finding common ground, and it can possibly lead to more misunderstanding. As much as we want them to see things through our eyes, we also have to try to see things through their eyes and understand to some extent where they are coming from. We may not fully understand because we didn't go through it ourselves, but having that kind of realization that these notions are products of experiences and not anything random will hopefully help us have more constructive conversations.
@@ethanhuang7593 I agree. The daughter's character essentially represent many of the SJW (not true ones but the virtue signaling ones) where they assume people that don't agree with them need to "educate" themselves. It aligns with many of the critical race theories out there today. I do think there are some good points mixed in but majority doesn't stand up from a logical standpoint.
totally agree, but man it's so hard to have the conversations still because everyone just quickly jumps to conclusions or overgeneralizes so much about the issues when they are actually really complicated.
I love how the message at the end is to listen and not be forced to change your mind. Listen and know there’s more to the someone else’s story that will shape their beliefs and we don’t have to always be forcing ourselves to convince others on what we believe is right.
Yeah, and some people can't separate that a difference in opinion does not mean an attack on one's identity or that the other person is not listening to you. That assumption turns into rage, anger, frustration, etc. which no one can ever think ever clearly when that happens. Isn't it funny? Listening is the easiest thing to do, bc technically you're just supposed to sit there. Such inaction seems to be the hardest thing to do. (I know there's more to listening lol, but it's literally not to respond immediately and to sit with a thought tho!)
I guess it makes it feel more realistic to me, since I find myself feeing awkward in situations like these but I shouldn’t let conversations end because of it
This: "Whatever he believes comes from the truth of his experiences." I think our conversations have to start at this understanding. Thank you for yet another thoughtful, thought provoking film. As the credits rolled I thought about how much I appreciate all that you at Wong Fu have shared with the world.
I appreciate the small canto phrases scattered throughout the dialogue, very relatable to a lot of Chinese people living here in the states. Not to mention about all the convos about current events. Wong fu really captured the energy of how inter-generational Chinese families work, great work y’all!
Chinese (Asian in general?) parents always go to the market to pick the fruits. Even if we as children pick the "right" ones, there is always a comment about the fruits being imperfect or not the right fruits. Chinese parents always want to do it themselves. They also have so much stories tell about their immigration story. Thank you WongFu for the powerful and yet relatable short film.
Literally started tearing up as Wes talked. I've been watching Wong Fu for years but never have I felt so moved, empowered, and understood by them. Guess it just makes me realize how much I need to hear people address these issues from the Asian perspective. Thank you for all you do Wong Fu.
Same. I cried during that part thinking about a bit of the details my dad is only now starting to share. Only a few details, not the full story, bc it's not the kind of memory anyone wants to remember or repeat. But it's news to me more than I have ever heard if it wasn't for quarantine. Also watched wongfu since I was in middle school. I'm 23 now. Never related to the romantic love/ break up themes lol cuz I've never been in a relationship, though I enjoyed most of them. But this one! Is a first - in the way I was impacted. I've never cried with a wongfu video. It's like they were in my house and remade the conversation with my parents. These are certainly the view points and conversations happening or being shut down - and not just Asian households. I've had many convos with my friends on how it going with the parents as well. Very interesting and different for everyone. The parents aren't one glob of ignorant people, they have thoughts and the "why" reason is not what you may expect.
I like the point about not having to change his mind. I mean you can’t open up to someone and expect them to fully understand you from the first go. He’s not a bad person for denying some things or arguing other things. I think the key with anyone is to just be patient and talk to them over time to help them realize the truth rather than just tell them and expect them to immediately side with you. Not sure if that was the message here. But I’d like to think she got through to her dad. Even if it’s just. A tiny bit. And her dad also left an impression for her; a lesson. It’s all very important for us to be patient and kind to each other.
This touched on so many aspects of growing up in an Asian-American/Canadian household and I think beyond the grander message of this short, it was the smaller nuances of a parent picking what they think is the best fruit, being heavier handed with looking after your kids even after they reach adulthood, and differences in values and priorities, that really hit me. Our immigrant parents often bring a lot of traumatic and extremely challenging life experiences with them into parenthood as they raise us. It can be hard to keep this in mind when our values and priorities clash. This short did an amazing job simply acknowledging that giving our parents and their past experiences space when having these difficult conversations and not rush into disregarding their points of view. Any kind of change always takes time but it takes an openness and willingness to get their first.
Having these conversations with my parents was really difficult, and still is, but they needed to happen. It's hard to have opposing views especially with the people we love and care about the most. It was frustrating when they did not go the way I was hoping, but this film has made me see things from a new perspective and not feel so defeated when I can't get things through to my parents. thank you so much for this film.
I agree with all of this. I felt very defeated, but my therapist made me realize that my parents’ views are valid as well. And all I can do is try to understand them, and hope they will try to understand me.
I’m legit crying. This is so amazing and I’m so happy you guys made this. I’ve been a huge fan of WongFu for so long and to see a short so thoughtful and heartfelt about something that is literally life or death to me is an experience I never thought I’d have. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and with every fiber of my being.
Baba is able to maintain a calm discussion and trying to be reasonable from the beginning of Emma mentioning the BLM movement...OH I WISH I COULD START A CONVO LIKE THAT. SOME OF US GET THE SLIPPER SMACK IMMEDIATELY HAHAHA
the problem I have after watching this short is that the children, just as I am often guilty of, thinks that they have the right perspective and what their dad thinks is outdated, wrong, or even racist. However, the part where the son said there is a lot the dad leaves out when he tells his children about his life hits hard. It is true that many asian american grew up with relatively comfortable upbringing. While many asian americans have a very abstract understanding of racism, or at the very least had a life that is relatively untainted by it. The racism that many first generation asians is very much real, and is often painful. That is especially true because many first generation asian immigration, especially chinese immigration doesn't always brought with them technical skills. They often have to grind their way up with very menial jobs with very long hrs. I always had the theory that as you descend the socio-economic status in terms of jobs, the ugliness of human behavior starts to rear its head. So it is actually quite understandable that some first gen take offense to having their kids call them racists, or at least imply it, when they are very much the victim of racism throughout their time in the US. I will keep what I think about the BLM movements to myself, however, I think it's important to understand that fir gen immigrants aren't hateful people, or racist; they don't have time to be, and they're certainly not stupid either. Instead of coming at them thinking they're wrong, or is racist, listen to what they have to say, ask, pry even, I think many will find that it's not as clear cut as many second gen would think.
@@V___156 you're right, I may have been too hasty with statement. 1st gen asian and specfically chinese immigrant can absolutely have racist opinions and thoughts, in fact, I know they do. What i meant is, you're not gona find a 1st gen immigrant committing overt racist act like ganging up on a old man and beating him, at most you will catch a dirty look and some shit talking behind the back. Most of 1st gen immigrants trying to provide for their family are too busy working 10+ at a crappy menial job. In fact, i will contend that most of the time racist opinions first gen immigrants do stem from negative experience with other races. For example, my dad is a big rig driver and he always talk shit about people of latin descent, because they have always given him a hard time at the dock when he is picking up crates because he spoke broken english, and sometime misunderstanding can get physical. So is it really that he is racist against latino people? or does he simply from his experience dealing with latino people in his daily life has formed negative opinions? I can see arguments on both side, so i think it's important for 2nd gen asian americans not be so quick to judge their parents, because what they experience in corporate america really does not reflect in what their parents experience everyday.
I also agree with what you said for the most part except for the “most” Asians only have an abstract idea of racism and basically implying that Asian Americans don’t know what “real” racism is. I think that’s pretty unfair and continues the heavily encouraged notion that Asians don’t go through racism. I understand that’s not what you’re saying but it implies that and I feel like while it seems like that cuz we don’t hear a lot of Asians being vocal about their experiences w racists, it’s more like we’re ignored and silenced to the point where no media covers Asians being beat and targeted and subconsciously forces a lot of us to think what we face don’t matter so we never try to make it public.
This is a well and collected perspective. I relate and resonated with the father's perspective most in this film. However, call me a racist if you wish, but as I get older, I despise all race as we're all flawed human beings. It isn't the color of our skin that we evoke such violent crimes among each other but rather the animal characteristics that are innate within us.
You know what? I feel sometimes we are exact split images of our parents. Like how we hear our parents is exactly how our parent hear us out. It takes special special people with special special patience to break that out of that pattern of behavior, to be able to defend, listen, be patient, EVEN when your parents or someone else disapproves, over speaks, or just flat out shuts down our opinion. Yeah imagine doing that lol. But it takes this awareness! Conversations are interactions. They're about respecting and understanding others opinion. I also really liked what you said about kids coming to parents as if they are wrong and we are right. Yes. This is where people mess up. And it's easy to forget when anger is in control. Totally get it. Also @Jordan Smith Thank you so much for posting bc I completely missed what @Edmond Xiong said about 1st gen not being racist. I remember nodding as I read that! Here I am talking about awareness and I didn't catch myself, let alone being able to catch the person who wrote it. Im such a fool! Just want to say I appreciate comments like these and don't take offense. I feel we are all racist in some type of way, theres no way that there can be somebody without a trace of thought of a racist thought. Unless they Jesus lol. @Lil. M I get what you mean. Like, it's not a race issue, it's a mentality thing. Which yes it is a mentality. But, you can't deny that race is also the reason for violence, like in terms of BLM and structural racism and stuff, to be specific and not broad. Since I'm not too sure if we are talking about the same thing. And also to continue, color of people's skin is the root of U.S. history as well. White supremacy and stuff. I'm not too educated in racism outside of the U.S. However, racism rings true. The U.S. is uniquely outspoken and outright about it, or maybe that's just the times now. It's also important not to put it aside completely.
I really appreciate and admire WongFu's storytelling. This hit close to home. If it had dissolved into yelling, I would have clicked away for being too close. As it was, the dad giving Emma that fruit as an olive branch was something that happens for me most weeks.
Y'all just made me cry😭😭😭😭, when their dad asked for the names..😭, i just broke down. Thank you Wong Fu for this insightful short, so good to see a good way on how to have these conversations.
this was genuinely amazing to watch; it was so thoughtful and rings so true, and captures the frustrations, disconnects, and love we have with our family members. Thank you WongFu!!!
As soon as i saw the thumbnail i knew what it was going to be about. This is almost exactly like my family's conversations except it ends at the storming off. It's been tough but yes, understanding both sides helps. They don't agree that this issue affects us too, but just talking about it is some progress for now.
I feel like I had the same conversation with my mom. She kept saying it was best to keep quiet and not get involved. She doesn't mean to sound uncaring or uninformed. She is very open and welcoming of and to people of all races.she just doesn't have a wide and thorough knowledge of current events beyond what is said on mainstream news. But we are talking and she's receptive to learning more.Good video.
"Quiet and not get involved" is sadly a very common motif in Asian upbringings. I understand the reasoning since it's the safer approach to life but silence in the face of critical societal issues just enables the incorrect cycle to continue. But like the brother said, the mentality of 1st gen asians gave them their current successful lifestyles so they have no reason to question the validity.
Do you speak out as loudly on behalf of Asians as you do on behalf of Black people? What about when it's a Black person victimizing an Asian person, as is often the case?
@@nemonymous89 I do. I stand for equality for ALL. I put the responsibility for shitty behavior on the INDIVIDUAL actually doing it and not the entire group of people they have been categorized into. Every group finds it easier to cling together and lump a group of people that is different as a singular unit, especially if individuals within that group has acted against them in any negative way. Is any group of people completely pure and perfect? Absolutely not. No matter what some people might think. Can we learn from one another and side by side help elevate all of us? Yes, we can and should. It sucks when Asian-Americans get unfairly judged and attacked, especially by people who are going through the same disrespect/disregard that early asian immigrants experienced as they helped build this country. Or by people that never felt like an outsider or made to truly feel unwelcome in the country. The majority of Americans not from England were all considered "less than" at one point or another. If we would all embrace one another's differences,as well as the similarities, I think this country would be a lot better and positively different than today, with all the petty divisions. I do not like or agree with dumbasses attacking asians. Do I blame the BLM movement for the actions of individuals perpetrating violence? No, I do not. I blame the individuals guilty of these acts. (and not just black people have attacked Asians) I understand your anger, frustration, and fear. I felt it too when I first learned of the attacks. We must rise above the stupidity of the few and strive to make all our lives better. I choose to support the BLM movement because until black lives truly become just as important as the rest of America, none of us is truly free and categorically equal and living in a just country.
@@StimPakTskAwwYea i totally agree. I don't blame or think less of my mom for expressing her feelings on things. I am very happy that she and I have a good enough relationship that we can talk about these things. And that she is receptive to my feelings as I try to take her's in consideration, as well. I have learned so much from my mom and have so much respect for her and what she has gone through in life here and in Korea. Every generation is different and can learn so much from one another that this sharing enhances all of us. I have deep respect for my patents and other elders
I wish I had the language skill to have a conversation like that with my parents. I try to talk about racism whenever it comes up but I can barely hold a conversation about the weather, let alone the nuanced discussion about systemic racism in their language.
Wow what a powerful and insightful short. As second generation we often forget or don’t know about the challenges the first generation dealt with in order to survive and making a living in America. We all need a reminder about listening to empathize in order carry more productive conversations about these difficult subjects. On a side note, always love seeing Cantonese incorporated in the shorts too.
I saw the tweet from 18 hours ago saying this would release tomorrow (today) and was like hmmm lemme check. Lo and behold it was uploaded 6 mins ago! The timing!
Girl, me too. I decided to watch this while eating my lunch at work. I was like wow, eating and crying in my car. Lol. People probably think I'm emotional eating. 😂😂😂
thank you for making a short like this, it was super relatable to my conversations between my parents and i for the past few months. difficult conversations to have but it truly was a long time coming . hoping one day my parents can react in the same way it was portrayed in the short
Oh wow, my heart, ❤ this hit the feels. Honestly, I can't tell you how much this reflects the parent-child relationship. Our upbrings are different but we all just want the best for each other. So glad that you guys posted this. The conversation seems so mature, the classic switch to making it personal and how she explains patiently and her dad and brother look through to making progress instead of winning the argument. In our own homes reconciling these differences in experience, how they shaped our experiences and sharing them with our parents will be more challenging, more painfully personal, and discouraging. But always remember that when you share yourself to your parents and vice versa it's from a place of love. It was nice to see that in a video
I live in the Bahamas, a multi cultured mostly black nation that experience a small level of police injustice. This episode really touched me to the point of tears. Our definition of Who We Are, I truly painted by the experiences we have throughout our lives. One can never speak fully on another person's understanding of situations, but I love the way that you guys showed what it takes to be willing to open up and allow not just change but better understanding of each individual's experience. If we are all looking for a better tomorrow this will start with communication no matter how difficult and maybe. Please stay safe. I love and appreciate every member of your team. Please keep your creative stories coming
Sometimes we younger gen assume we know what's best, other times older gen assumes they know best. I'm glad that both sides are trying to understand their POVs. That's how we resolve our differences...one step at a time :)
this video made me uncomfortable in the best way--it so clearly reflected the dinners i've had this past year. it was beautifully heavy and emotional. sidenote: love the fruit apology
Damn, that mexican standoff between the daughter and the father with the son silently assessing the situation is exactly the one I had with my sis, only replacing the dad with my mom (and with a less positive outcome irl, but well, such is life...). It's crazy how in one single short, you guys can encapsulate so well the experience of so many asians living abroad (we live in Belgium). I've been following you for years, and has been a silent fan for as long, but I feel like this is the first time you made a short that really hits this close to home ! Thank you for your growth as filmmakers, you were already great in the years prior, but i feel like here, the wisdom and vécu have levelled up quite a notch ! As a fellow filmmaker (in animation) this was really inspiring.
Thank you for doing this. I think this was really well written. The uncomfortableness and the tension in this video speaks to a lot of us with parents and grandparents who are still learning everyday about racial judgements and racial equality. Thank you Wes & Wong Fu. I really liked this one, as much as it was outside of the regular shoots I truly appreciate this. ❤️
This was amazingly well done and on such an important topic. I definitely appreciated different sides of the conversation being represented by the characters. It's so important that we value everyone's stories and listen to each other. Thank you for making this short film 💜
I wish my conversations with my dad was as calm as this. It gets too heated every time that I adamantly refuse to talk politics/social issues with him now. :/
Which parts of the conversation sets off the defense mechanisms? And don't just generalize every part lol. Hope you get to break it down. One word can mean one thing to one person and and whole different thing to another. Sending a message and receiving the message are 2 different departments.
@@sidesideful Trust me. I have tried to have a proper and civil conversation with him for years but he's too stubborn and biased to try and see things from my perspective. He's the type that watches videos/news with a bias for his values and points it back to me as if they're 100% facts. It's as if he's just looking for ways to fight me about things I believe in that he disagrees with because he thinks my beliefs are "radical", lmao. Apparently supporting same sex marriage, trans rights and BLM are "radical". I love my dad but I've fully accepted that we will never see eye to eye on some things.
@@sidesideful to be honest, i just wish he would listen without starting an argument with me when I am trying to get my point across and mind you, I'm being as civil and as logical as I can be. I even try to see things from his perspective as difficult as it is for me to listen to his prejudices. I've just come to accept that I can't change his mind. But he can't change mine either.
Im only at 4:32 and Im already loving it. Thank you Wong Fu! We stan an influencer/company that uses their platform to spread whats right and break down misconceptions
This hits home. I felt a slither of hope for the first time talking to my parents about the most recent BLM protests and this was after many MANY conversations. I hope children of Asian immigrants continue to have these conversations, and not give up on helping our families understand what Black people have gone through for far too long.
Right and I also want to add that lately for me, I've been careful about using the word "helping". I don't know . . . It should a mutual help. In a sense to not imply that our view is the right point of view. It's sticky, bc no ones opinion, perspective, or experience is necessarily right or wrong. And nothing wrong with how you said it, I know what you meant. :)
@@nam5do Hi, could you elaborate, if you don't mind? Who do you see as the victims that BLM is terrorizing? Do you feel victimized as well, in any way? (I won't hate on you, I promise, if you even reply. I have a lot of time.)
Do you speak out as loudly on behalf of Asians as you do on behalf of Black people? What about when it's a Black person victimizing an Asian person, as is often the case?
@@nemonymous89 Which part of the comment made you think of these questions? Like, what do you feel is happening often, or do you feel we are not doing enough? I can't tell what you're asking or trying to say. And lastly, is there a better way to ask questions - to empower people to come together, rather than to pit groups of people against each other? (And please excuse me if I may have interpreted your questions in the wrong way.) But I mean, is there really any right or wrong ways to stand up for others? Discrimination is discrimination no matter who it's against. And in my opinion, it's not about how loud or softly you are in standing up for justice. Actually, I think you need both! You need loud protests to get people's attention, but you also need people at the table, where the real confrontation is at, with those who are in power. I feel its that you either continue to follow the rules that are made for certain people to fail and certain people to succeed, or you think critically and resist the system as you go, as you can, which is not easy at all. Like if you were to just get a new job, you're not trying to look like you bend the rules all the time and doing your own thing all the time, but you figure out how to write your case notes better so people can get the healthcare they need. I mean - it's a random and not solidified example, but the point is, it's not easy. Oh my goodness sorry my comment became so long. If you made it this far, thanks.
Thank you WongFu for creating a short about such a tough yet necessary topic. It's so relatable and reflective of a lot of conversations and arguments that have taken place amongst family and friends since May. I appreciate the various layers that were covered in this. The second time I viewed this, I started to tear up a bit. Please create more content like this that delves into tougher and relevant subject matter.
Super thanks for the short film! It is so important. I had a mildly prolonged emotional release solely from the familiarity of the discomfort throughout the conversation. The discomfort not only limited to current circumstances, but the difficulty in sparking and igniting and continuing difficult conversations with immigrant parents who actively resist being challenged. The consequences of such difficult conversations both good and bad linger.
Wesley, as a Hong konger, I feel that we are deeply connected through this short. The dream of demanding justice, the struggles between generations ... we are all experiencing it, in different forms
as a long time fan and follower of Wong Fu's content, this was by far one of the most heartfelt, genuine and real pieces I've seen. From the occasional Chinese phrases mingled with English, all the way down to the subtle nuances of how Asian parents show their love to their kids (food - fruit). I found myself feeling like the 4th person at the table, part of this conversation that I myself have been part of so many times. The way the dad and son reacted throughout this video immediately brought me back to my own dad. So many moments and parts of dialogue hit SO close to home. Thanks Wong Fu, this will be so difficult to top but as usual, I can't wait.
Another awesome short as expected from WongFu. What's crazy is I feel that Asian Americans don't exactly speak with their parents about everything (for me, at least); mainly because I feel Chinese people like to express their emotions through action (mad = slipper, caring = "here, eat these fruits"). But as I grow older I realize that it's WAY better to communicate with your parents about things in general to get a better understanding of one another just like in this short-to hear those stories that they've lived and what their perspectives are on these issues.
Raw and beautifully captured, very accurate vibes. Support and love from a british chinese who has had a similar experience with immigrant parents. Also really enjoyed that the way to connect to parents is first by connecting to them personally. Thanks Wes, bringing this to life through film gives me more confidence and hope.
I’m so happy to see a video like this about the uncomfortable conversations! It’s something I started to do with my parents too a few years ago and it’s continuing because that’s what’s needed! There needs to be a change. Every little action matters. Change will happen. But it will not happen if we don’t take any action, if we don’t start asking the questions, if we don’t start to listen to understand others, cultures, and generations.
Dang Wong Fu. Why are yall making me cry on my lunch break? Lol. Im emotional eating now. 😂😂 I love this short film. Yall really did that. 👏👏👏👏✊✊✊✊ I shared it with my family as well.
I remember a time when my dad told me how when he first came to American he would save his pennies so that he could go to the payphone booths to make calls to his family in China. And when he was waiting in line, other people thought it was okay to cut in front of him or push him out of line because he is Asian and he looked different. They thought that they could mistreat him and get away with it because he was the minority. And sadly, they were right. He didn't want to cause trouble because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to explain his side of the story and would be misinterpreted. So growing up, we were taught to 1) avoid trouble, 2) don't start trouble, and 3) stand up for ourselves because I was born here, I speak English, and I don't deserve to be pushed around. This taught me when it might be good to avoid confrontation and when I should stand up and confront. I am privileged to have the confidence and the ability to stand up for not only myself but for others who are still afraid to speak up.
Thank you guys for making this short film. The stories and lines are related to some people I know in some ways. The short film has got me lots of thoughts about how to talk with my parents in a respectful and emphathizing way.
I was in Hong Kong during the 2019 protests and at the beginning of the year, they gave us a speech where they taught us, "We listen to understand, not to change." Thank you so much for this film.
Thank you for this. This is the kind of conversation I have with my Papa over and over again. Sometimes I find myself being Emma, and sometimes I find myself being Steven. Most of the time, I'm still figuring out to navigate these table conversations... Watching this situation unfold reminded me that mine and my Papa's experiences hold truth and that if we take the time to truly listen to each other, we can hear the lessons we're both wanting to share. The next time I find myself talking about BLM and trying to express to my Papa why it's important, I'll remember to listen to him as much as I'd want him to listen to me.
This is so beautifully done ❤️ I tried having a conversation like this with my dad but he always just gets angry and yells about how he doesn’t want to hear about it and doesn’t have time to learn or read about it. My mom is an abc so she understands and supports what I say. Unfortunately they’re divorced and my step mother is white and conservative so I doubt she would have a conversation about blm with him. It’s crazy how being an immigrant can change one’s perspective so drastically. I just wish he would at least be open to having a conversation instead of immediately walking away. Great job wes and everyone at wongfu ❤️
Hey, watched this after seeing your wrap-up vid for 2020. I wasn't expecting to cry- thank you so much for hitting home in a way that I never expected a youtube channel could
This short is well done. However, there IS a risk when putting yourself in the crowd. One of my friends DID get Covid-19 after going LA BLM Protest in June. People should find out other ways to protest in this particular time instead of gathering in person. The main purpose of protest is to express your ideas and show what you support. There are so many alternative ways to make it work, isn't it?
Stop supporting any businesses that are anti-equality of life would be the best way. Money motivates. And this is already being done in many places, but without bringing the matter to awareness to like businesses know this is a movement, it's difficult to get the momentum required to make change. Change worth having usually comes with risks and some things are worth putting our lives at risk first. Playing it safe means slower change and more senseless lives lost in the meantime. It just all depends on whose lives you want to prioritize.
Thank you for always being openminded and honest. Sometimes, as in this case you put words to the ideas I can't quite explain. Sometimes it's difficult to reach across cultures and time/generations even when you are sincerely trying.
Wow, this really shed light on the situation i have been having with my mom. Recently has been the first time I have ever shared my beliefs with her and I’ve noticed that we do not share the same perspective. This hit home. This makes me realize that I do need to pay attention to her own realities that allow her to think the way she does.
I had a similar experience with my mom when I was doing a small fund raising project for LGBTQ youth hotline in my country. She didn't understand why I was so passionate about the cause when I was not one of them ("wait, are you?!"). She eventually came around, but not before a few long emotional conversations. She grudgingly admitted that she'd love me just the same if I were to come out. (I was young and had never had a romantic relationship) I told her how lucky I was to have her and how important it was to protect those who wouldn't get the same answer from their parents. Oh this film brings me back the memory. I will call mom now ❤️ Thanks again Wong Fu!
Conversation and being open minded in every way is the actual way to a peaceful co-existence between humans. I love how Wongfu is trying to tell the younger generation to try to listen and understand the perspective of the older generation in order for them to understand their children. The world is so "my way or the highway" now that people forget everyone thinks they're right in their own mind based on their own experience. It's a collective. Awesome short as always.
Mad respect WongFu! Addressing such real world issues and providing heart-touching content! Keep up the great work! Don't let haters stop such a powerful team!
This is scary how relatable this is to my family. It's not necessarily the topic in discussion, but just the relations between myself (the son), my sister and my father. There's a subtle happy end in this video. I wish it was that easy.
always a pleasure Wong fu team thanks for your constant hard work and dedication to your craft been a fan for a while and this never gets old always finding new ways to connect your community also see Benson helping new film enthusiast on tiktok love the work you do.
Only 6 minutes in and Wong Fu has accurately captured many of the nuances of an inter-generational chinese-north american family. Watching this video made me relive the conversation I had with my mom a couple of weeks ago, the exact arguments being made, the back and forth. Just- wow. Keep up the amazing work!
I'm not an immigrant, but I though this was an incredibly powerful and valuable video. It's often hard to talk to people with a different point of view, especially our parents, but that is part of what makes it so important to make the effort. Well done, Wong Fu....another sterling effort.
I love how this shows a scenario of how Black Lives Matters as a Household conversation within Asian communities and I would imagine this would be for other Race & Ethnic groups. In this current climate within fragmented Relationships of Minority Groups in the States and throughout the World we can do our best to take advantage of this moment to all Rally and Unify pushing Society and Government for True Equality for all.
even as a south asian this really hit home, especially in lockdown, since we've been having these conversations with our families a lot. thank you wong fu for telling this story so beautifully. i have very little words to express how much this short means to me. it is a difficult conversation to have for both parties involved, but it is extremely necessary and i'm so glad you guys pointed that out in such a well-worded way. big love from singapore!
I love how the conversation is absolutely necessary, and having the content shared upfront justifies the material. But it definitely is an intense and heavy watch. A part of me know that this direction is best and most valid for the importance of the topic; but I also wish that the message is shared with more story telling. It would be an interesting and effective watch if the message is also understood by the audience as opposed to being fed the information. Regardless, great job and kudos on your direction. I like that Wesley has a message at the end.
The Wong Fu Team did such a good job opening our head strong young Asian American eyes & mind to understand what/how our parents think, the struggles coming to a new place, and etc. The messages & lesson was clear! *At least for me ;)* Thank you!
Not finding the video difficult to digest, it's what we've been facing in Hong Kong for more than a year. Always do what's right, but also gotta respect what the elder generation has gone through
The dad reminds me of my grandma. She is always inviting her family and friends over despite all of the stuff going on. The way she put it, "I trust God to protect me".
I appreciated when the son explained that their father's views are a product of "the truth of his experiences", rather than outright discrediting them. While those experiences may have lead to misguided generalizations, I felt it important that they were validated compassionately, and not used to imply he was some kind of obsolete monster. This leaves the door open for a more productive, and very necessary dialog.
I agree with this. Discrediting their truth will not get us anywhere in finding common ground, and it can possibly lead to more misunderstanding. As much as we want them to see things through our eyes, we also have to try to see things through their eyes and understand to some extent where they are coming from. We may not fully understand because we didn't go through it ourselves, but having that kind of realization that these notions are products of experiences and not anything random will hopefully help us have more constructive conversations.
Rondy Wooten Exactly!
WTH? Somehow the kids truth is the “truer” one???cmon now ??
@@ethanhuang7593 I agree. The daughter's character essentially represent many of the SJW (not true ones but the virtue signaling ones) where they assume people that don't agree with them need to "educate" themselves.
It aligns with many of the critical race theories out there today. I do think there are some good points mixed in but majority doesn't stand up from a logical standpoint.
totally agree, but man it's so hard to have the conversations still because everyone just quickly jumps to conclusions or overgeneralizes so much about the issues when they are actually really complicated.
I love how the message at the end is to listen and not be forced to change your mind. Listen and know there’s more to the someone else’s story that will shape their beliefs and we don’t have to always be forcing ourselves to convince others on what we believe is right.
Yeah, and some people can't separate that a difference in opinion does not mean an attack on one's identity or that the other person is not listening to you. That assumption turns into rage, anger, frustration, etc. which no one can ever think ever clearly when that happens. Isn't it funny? Listening is the easiest thing to do, bc technically you're just supposed to sit there. Such inaction seems to be the hardest thing to do. (I know there's more to listening lol, but it's literally not to respond immediately and to sit with a thought tho!)
when you see a lot of objects metaphors, it's the wesley chan.
Wesley Chan, the Best Man
Also Canto!! Haha
Really like how Wes create the flow of conversation
I like how it was slightly uncomfortable the whole time
Very real. Love Wong Fu for this
I felt the lack of music really underscored the importance of this conversation!
@@dinannananna the awkwardness
its not uncomfortable, its different
I guess it makes it feel more realistic to me, since I find myself feeing awkward in situations like these but I shouldn’t let conversations end because of it
This: "Whatever he believes comes from the truth of his experiences." I think our conversations have to start at this understanding. Thank you for yet another thoughtful, thought provoking film. As the credits rolled I thought about how much I appreciate all that you at Wong Fu have shared with the world.
"let's listen to understand and empathise, not just listen to respond" - this was powerful and really put something simple into perspective thank you!
I appreciate the small canto phrases scattered throughout the dialogue, very relatable to a lot of Chinese people living here in the states. Not to mention about all the convos about current events. Wong fu really captured the energy of how inter-generational Chinese families work, great work y’all!
Chinese (Asian in general?) parents always go to the market to pick the fruits. Even if we as children pick the "right" ones, there is always a comment about the fruits being imperfect or not the right fruits. Chinese parents always want to do it themselves. They also have so much stories tell about their immigration story. Thank you WongFu for the powerful and yet relatable short film.
"When a conversation is hard, probably it is the one worth having" - credits to whoever originally said this.
Literally started tearing up as Wes talked. I've been watching Wong Fu for years but never have I felt so moved, empowered, and understood by them. Guess it just makes me realize how much I need to hear people address these issues from the Asian perspective. Thank you for all you do Wong Fu.
Same. I cried during that part thinking about a bit of the details my dad is only now starting to share. Only a few details, not the full story, bc it's not the kind of memory anyone wants to remember or repeat. But it's news to me more than I have ever heard if it wasn't for quarantine.
Also watched wongfu since I was in middle school. I'm 23 now. Never related to the romantic love/ break up themes lol cuz I've never been in a relationship, though I enjoyed most of them. But this one! Is a first - in the way I was impacted. I've never cried with a wongfu video. It's like they were in my house and remade the conversation with my parents. These are certainly the view points and conversations happening or being shut down - and not just Asian households. I've had many convos with my friends on how it going with the parents as well. Very interesting and different for everyone. The parents aren't one glob of ignorant people, they have thoughts and the "why" reason is not what you may expect.
I like the point about not having to change his mind. I mean you can’t open up to someone and expect them to fully understand you from the first go. He’s not a bad person for denying some things or arguing other things. I think the key with anyone is to just be patient and talk to them over time to help them realize the truth rather than just tell them and expect them to immediately side with you. Not sure if that was the message here. But I’d like to think she got through to her dad. Even if it’s just. A tiny bit. And her dad also left an impression for her; a lesson. It’s all very important for us to be patient and kind to each other.
Ugh I did not mentally prepare for something this deep and meaningful and emotional when I clicked on this video. Once again, great work WongFu Team.
Gotchu.
This touched on so many aspects of growing up in an Asian-American/Canadian household and I think beyond the grander message of this short, it was the smaller nuances of a parent picking what they think is the best fruit, being heavier handed with looking after your kids even after they reach adulthood, and differences in values and priorities, that really hit me. Our immigrant parents often bring a lot of traumatic and extremely challenging life experiences with them into parenthood as they raise us. It can be hard to keep this in mind when our values and priorities clash. This short did an amazing job simply acknowledging that giving our parents and their past experiences space when having these difficult conversations and not rush into disregarding their points of view. Any kind of change always takes time but it takes an openness and willingness to get their first.
Having these conversations with my parents was really difficult, and still is, but they needed to happen. It's hard to have opposing views especially with the people we love and care about the most. It was frustrating when they did not go the way I was hoping, but this film has made me see things from a new perspective and not feel so defeated when I can't get things through to my parents. thank you so much for this film.
I agree with all of this. I felt very defeated, but my therapist made me realize that my parents’ views are valid as well. And all I can do is try to understand them, and hope they will try to understand me.
I’m legit crying. This is so amazing and I’m so happy you guys made this. I’ve been a huge fan of WongFu for so long and to see a short so thoughtful and heartfelt about something that is literally life or death to me is an experience I never thought I’d have. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and with every fiber of my being.
Baba is able to maintain a calm discussion and trying to be reasonable from the beginning of Emma mentioning the BLM movement...OH I WISH I COULD START A CONVO LIKE THAT. SOME OF US GET THE SLIPPER SMACK IMMEDIATELY HAHAHA
Baba is too reasonable an Asian parent for this to be convincing hahahahaha
the problem I have after watching this short is that the children, just as I am often guilty of, thinks that they have the right perspective and what their dad thinks is outdated, wrong, or even racist. However, the part where the son said there is a lot the dad leaves out when he tells his children about his life hits hard. It is true that many asian american grew up with relatively comfortable upbringing. While many asian americans have a very abstract understanding of racism, or at the very least had a life that is relatively untainted by it. The racism that many first generation asians is very much real, and is often painful. That is especially true because many first generation asian immigration, especially chinese immigration doesn't always brought with them technical skills. They often have to grind their way up with very menial jobs with very long hrs. I always had the theory that as you descend the socio-economic status in terms of jobs, the ugliness of human behavior starts to rear its head. So it is actually quite understandable that some first gen take offense to having their kids call them racists, or at least imply it, when they are very much the victim of racism throughout their time in the US. I will keep what I think about the BLM movements to myself, however, I think it's important to understand that fir gen immigrants aren't hateful people, or racist; they don't have time to be, and they're certainly not stupid either. Instead of coming at them thinking they're wrong, or is racist, listen to what they have to say, ask, pry even, I think many will find that it's not as clear cut as many second gen would think.
@@V___156 you're right, I may have been too hasty with statement. 1st gen asian and specfically chinese immigrant can absolutely have racist opinions and thoughts, in fact, I know they do. What i meant is, you're not gona find a 1st gen immigrant committing overt racist act like ganging up on a old man and beating him, at most you will catch a dirty look and some shit talking behind the back. Most of 1st gen immigrants trying to provide for their family are too busy working 10+ at a crappy menial job. In fact, i will contend that most of the time racist opinions first gen immigrants do stem from negative experience with other races. For example, my dad is a big rig driver and he always talk shit about people of latin descent, because they have always given him a hard time at the dock when he is picking up crates because he spoke broken english, and sometime misunderstanding can get physical. So is it really that he is racist against latino people? or does he simply from his experience dealing with latino people in his daily life has formed negative opinions? I can see arguments on both side, so i think it's important for 2nd gen asian americans not be so quick to judge their parents, because what they experience in corporate america really does not reflect in what their parents experience everyday.
I also agree with what you said for the most part except for the “most” Asians only have an abstract idea of racism and basically implying that Asian Americans don’t know what “real” racism is. I think that’s pretty unfair and continues the heavily encouraged notion that Asians don’t go through racism. I understand that’s not what you’re saying but it implies that and I feel like while it seems like that cuz we don’t hear a lot of Asians being vocal about their experiences w racists, it’s more like we’re ignored and silenced to the point where no media covers Asians being beat and targeted and subconsciously forces a lot of us to think what we face don’t matter so we never try to make it public.
This is a well and collected perspective. I relate and resonated with the father's perspective most in this film. However, call me a racist if you wish, but as I get older, I despise all race as we're all flawed human beings. It isn't the color of our skin that we evoke such violent crimes among each other but rather the animal characteristics that are innate within us.
@@bats9218 Yup although you should perhaps re-read my comment.
You know what? I feel sometimes we are exact split images of our parents. Like how we hear our parents is exactly how our parent hear us out. It takes special special people with special special patience to break that out of that pattern of behavior, to be able to defend, listen, be patient, EVEN when your parents or someone else disapproves, over speaks, or just flat out shuts down our opinion. Yeah imagine doing that lol. But it takes this awareness! Conversations are interactions. They're about respecting and understanding others opinion. I also really liked what you said about kids coming to parents as if they are wrong and we are right. Yes. This is where people mess up. And it's easy to forget when anger is in control. Totally get it.
Also @Jordan Smith Thank you so much for posting bc I completely missed what @Edmond Xiong said about 1st gen not being racist. I remember nodding as I read that! Here I am talking about awareness and I didn't catch myself, let alone being able to catch the person who wrote it. Im such a fool! Just want to say I appreciate comments like these and don't take offense. I feel we are all racist in some type of way, theres no way that there can be somebody without a trace of thought of a racist thought. Unless they Jesus lol.
@Lil. M I get what you mean. Like, it's not a race issue, it's a mentality thing. Which yes it is a mentality. But, you can't deny that race is also the reason for violence, like in terms of BLM and structural racism and stuff, to be specific and not broad. Since I'm not too sure if we are talking about the same thing. And also to continue, color of people's skin is the root of U.S. history as well. White supremacy and stuff. I'm not too educated in racism outside of the U.S. However, racism rings true. The U.S. is uniquely outspoken and outright about it, or maybe that's just the times now. It's also important not to put it aside completely.
This was heartbreaking and so real...once again the geniuses at WongFu are telling the stories that need to be told.
I really appreciate and admire WongFu's storytelling. This hit close to home. If it had dissolved into yelling, I would have clicked away for being too close. As it was, the dad giving Emma that fruit as an olive branch was something that happens for me most weeks.
Y'all just made me cry😭😭😭😭, when their dad asked for the names..😭, i just broke down. Thank you Wong Fu for this insightful short, so good to see a good way on how to have these conversations.
I honestly thought I was watching a 3rd person perspective of what happens once a month at my dinner table lol.
this was genuinely amazing to watch; it was so thoughtful and rings so true, and captures the frustrations, disconnects, and love we have with our family members. Thank you WongFu!!!
As soon as i saw the thumbnail i knew what it was going to be about. This is almost exactly like my family's conversations except it ends at the storming off. It's been tough but yes, understanding both sides helps. They don't agree that this issue affects us too, but just talking about it is some progress for now.
I feel like I had the same conversation with my mom. She kept saying it was best to keep quiet and not get involved. She doesn't mean to sound uncaring or uninformed. She is very open and welcoming of and to people of all races.she just doesn't have a wide and thorough knowledge of current events beyond what is said on mainstream news. But we are talking and she's receptive to learning more.Good video.
"Quiet and not get involved" is sadly a very common motif in Asian upbringings. I understand the reasoning since it's the safer approach to life but silence in the face of critical societal issues just enables the incorrect cycle to continue. But like the brother said, the mentality of 1st gen asians gave them their current successful lifestyles so they have no reason to question the validity.
Do you speak out as loudly on behalf of Asians as you do on behalf of Black people? What about when it's a Black person victimizing an Asian person, as is often the case?
@@nemonymous89 I do. I stand for equality for ALL. I put the responsibility for shitty behavior on the INDIVIDUAL actually doing it and not the entire group of people they have been categorized into. Every group finds it easier to cling together and lump a group of people that is different as a singular unit, especially if individuals within that group has acted against them in any negative way. Is any group of people completely pure and perfect? Absolutely not. No matter what some people might think. Can we learn from one another and side by side help elevate all of us? Yes, we can and should. It sucks when Asian-Americans get unfairly judged and attacked, especially by people who are going through the same disrespect/disregard that early asian immigrants experienced as they helped build this country. Or by people that never felt like an outsider or made to truly feel unwelcome in the country. The majority of Americans not from England were all considered "less than" at one point or another. If we would all embrace one another's differences,as well as the similarities, I think this country would be a lot better and positively different than today, with all the petty divisions.
I do not like or agree with dumbasses attacking asians. Do I blame the BLM movement for the actions of individuals perpetrating violence? No, I do not. I blame the individuals guilty of these acts. (and not just black people have attacked Asians)
I understand your anger, frustration, and fear. I felt it too when I first learned of the attacks. We must rise above the stupidity of the few and strive to make all our lives better. I choose to support the BLM movement because until black lives truly become just as important as the rest of America, none of us is truly free and categorically equal and living in a just country.
@@StimPakTskAwwYea i totally agree. I don't blame or think less of my mom for expressing her feelings on things. I am very happy that she and I have a good enough relationship that we can talk about these things. And that she is receptive to my feelings as I try to take her's in consideration, as well. I have learned so much from my mom and have so much respect for her and what she has gone through in life here and in Korea. Every generation is different and can learn so much from one another that this sharing enhances all of us. I have deep respect for my patents and other elders
I wish I had the language skill to have a conversation like that with my parents. I try to talk about racism whenever it comes up but I can barely hold a conversation about the weather, let alone the nuanced discussion about systemic racism in their language.
Wow what a powerful and insightful short. As second generation we often forget or don’t know about the challenges the first generation dealt with in order to survive and making a living in America. We all need a reminder about listening to empathize in order carry more productive conversations about these difficult subjects. On a side note, always love seeing Cantonese incorporated in the shorts too.
I saw the tweet from 18 hours ago saying this would release tomorrow (today) and was like hmmm lemme check. Lo and behold it was uploaded 6 mins ago! The timing!
Noice.
don't mind me, just sobbing.
Yes
Girl, me too. I decided to watch this while eating my lunch at work. I was like wow, eating and crying in my car. Lol. People probably think I'm emotional eating. 😂😂😂
thank you for making a short like this, it was super relatable to my conversations between my parents and i for the past few months. difficult conversations to have but it truly was a long time coming . hoping one day my parents can react in the same way it was portrayed in the short
Oh wow, my heart, ❤ this hit the feels. Honestly, I can't tell you how much this reflects the parent-child relationship. Our upbrings are different but we all just want the best for each other. So glad that you guys posted this. The conversation seems so mature, the classic switch to making it personal and how she explains patiently and her dad and brother look through to making progress instead of winning the argument.
In our own homes reconciling these differences in experience, how they shaped our experiences and sharing them with our parents will be more challenging, more painfully personal, and discouraging. But always remember that when you share yourself to your parents and vice versa it's from a place of love. It was nice to see that in a video
I live in the Bahamas, a multi cultured mostly black nation that experience a small level of police injustice. This episode really touched me to the point of tears. Our definition of Who We Are, I truly painted by the experiences we have throughout our lives. One can never speak fully on another person's understanding of situations, but I love the way that you guys showed what it takes to be willing to open up and allow not just change but better understanding of each individual's experience. If we are all looking for a better tomorrow this will start with communication no matter how difficult and maybe. Please stay safe. I love and appreciate every member of your team. Please keep your creative stories coming
Sometimes we younger gen assume we know what's best, other times older gen assumes they know best. I'm glad that both sides are trying to understand their POVs. That's how we resolve our differences...one step at a time :)
Amazing!!! Wong Fu coming back strong with these shorts!!! You guys inspire me keep it up!
this video made me uncomfortable in the best way--it so clearly reflected the dinners i've had this past year. it was beautifully heavy and emotional. sidenote: love the fruit apology
Everything. About. This. Short film! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 From the message, to the perfectly placed canto phrases.. Well done WongFu!!
love the swap between the cantonese and english and the BLM/asian and all races fight! very relatable
Damn, that mexican standoff between the daughter and the father with the son silently assessing the situation is exactly the one I had with my sis, only replacing the dad with my mom (and with a less positive outcome irl, but well, such is life...).
It's crazy how in one single short, you guys can encapsulate so well the experience of so many asians living abroad (we live in Belgium).
I've been following you for years, and has been a silent fan for as long, but I feel like this is the first time you made a short that really hits this close to home !
Thank you for your growth as filmmakers, you were already great in the years prior, but i feel like here, the wisdom and vécu have levelled up quite a notch ! As a fellow filmmaker (in animation) this was really inspiring.
thanks for watching, supporting, and sharing your story too
can't agree on the part how they use less than 15 minute to deliver all the sentiments
I wasn't ready for how much of my own family I would see in this. Thank you for your work and this message 🧡
Thank you for doing this. I think this was really well written. The uncomfortableness and the tension in this video speaks to a lot of us with parents and grandparents who are still learning everyday about racial judgements and racial equality. Thank you Wes & Wong Fu. I really liked this one, as much as it was outside of the regular shoots I truly appreciate this. ❤️
"even when you are fine, I will always worry"
I love this so much ❤️❤️ Great job, Wes and Wongfu team. Added to my favorite shorts of yours
This was amazingly well done and on such an important topic. I definitely appreciated different sides of the conversation being represented by the characters. It's so important that we value everyone's stories and listen to each other. Thank you for making this short film 💜
I wish my conversations with my dad was as calm as this. It gets too heated every time that I adamantly refuse to talk politics/social issues with him now. :/
Which parts of the conversation sets off the defense mechanisms? And don't just generalize every part lol. Hope you get to break it down. One word can mean one thing to one person and and whole different thing to another. Sending a message and receiving the message are 2 different departments.
@@sidesideful Trust me. I have tried to have a proper and civil conversation with him for years but he's too stubborn and biased to try and see things from my perspective. He's the type that watches videos/news with a bias for his values and points it back to me as if they're 100% facts. It's as if he's just looking for ways to fight me about things I believe in that he disagrees with because he thinks my beliefs are "radical", lmao. Apparently supporting same sex marriage, trans rights and BLM are "radical". I love my dad but I've fully accepted that we will never see eye to eye on some things.
@@justpartytattoos What's something you wish you could hear from your dad? In terms of how you wish the conversations would go?
@@sidesideful to be honest, i just wish he would listen without starting an argument with me when I am trying to get my point across and mind you, I'm being as civil and as logical as I can be. I even try to see things from his perspective as difficult as it is for me to listen to his prejudices. I've just come to accept that I can't change his mind. But he can't change mine either.
BLM is a terrorist organization
Im only at 4:32 and Im already loving it. Thank you Wong Fu! We stan an influencer/company that uses their platform to spread whats right and break down misconceptions
This hits home. I felt a slither of hope for the first time talking to my parents about the most recent BLM protests and this was after many MANY conversations. I hope children of Asian immigrants continue to have these conversations, and not give up on helping our families understand what Black people have gone through for far too long.
BLM is a terrorist organization
Right and I also want to add that lately for me, I've been careful about using the word "helping". I don't know . . . It should a mutual help. In a sense to not imply that our view is the right point of view. It's sticky, bc no ones opinion, perspective, or experience is necessarily right or wrong. And nothing wrong with how you said it, I know what you meant. :)
@@nam5do Hi, could you elaborate, if you don't mind? Who do you see as the victims that BLM is terrorizing? Do you feel victimized as well, in any way? (I won't hate on you, I promise, if you even reply. I have a lot of time.)
Do you speak out as loudly on behalf of Asians as you do on behalf of Black people? What about when it's a Black person victimizing an Asian person, as is often the case?
@@nemonymous89 Which part of the comment made you think of these questions? Like, what do you feel is happening often, or do you feel we are not doing enough? I can't tell what you're asking or trying to say.
And lastly, is there a better way to ask questions - to empower people to come together, rather than to pit groups of people against each other? (And please excuse me if I may have interpreted your questions in the wrong way.) But I mean, is there really any right or wrong ways to stand up for others? Discrimination is discrimination no matter who it's against. And in my opinion, it's not about how loud or softly you are in standing up for justice. Actually, I think you need both! You need loud protests to get people's attention, but you also need people at the table, where the real confrontation is at, with those who are in power. I feel its that you either continue to follow the rules that are made for certain people to fail and certain people to succeed, or you think critically and resist the system as you go, as you can, which is not easy at all. Like if you were to just get a new job, you're not trying to look like you bend the rules all the time and doing your own thing all the time, but you figure out how to write your case notes better so people can get the healthcare they need. I mean - it's a random and not solidified example, but the point is, it's not easy. Oh my goodness sorry my comment became so long. If you made it this far, thanks.
Thank you WongFu for creating a short about such a tough yet necessary topic. It's so relatable and reflective of a lot of conversations and arguments that have taken place amongst family and friends since May. I appreciate the various layers that were covered in this. The second time I viewed this, I started to tear up a bit. Please create more content like this that delves into tougher and relevant subject matter.
Super thanks for the short film! It is so important. I had a mildly prolonged emotional release solely from the familiarity of the discomfort throughout the conversation. The discomfort not only limited to current circumstances, but the difficulty in sparking and igniting and continuing difficult conversations with immigrant parents who actively resist being challenged. The consequences of such difficult conversations both good and bad linger.
Wesley, as a Hong konger, I feel that we are deeply connected through this short. The dream of demanding justice, the struggles between generations ... we are all experiencing it, in different forms
as a long time fan and follower of Wong Fu's content, this was by far one of the most heartfelt, genuine and real pieces I've seen. From the occasional Chinese phrases mingled with English, all the way down to the subtle nuances of how Asian parents show their love to their kids (food - fruit). I found myself feeling like the 4th person at the table, part of this conversation that I myself have been part of so many times. The way the dad and son reacted throughout this video immediately brought me back to my own dad. So many moments and parts of dialogue hit SO close to home. Thanks Wong Fu, this will be so difficult to top but as usual, I can't wait.
🙏🏼⚠️✌🏼
I had this EXACT conversation with my parents and now I got tears in my eyes.
Deep conversations with our parents. This is what we strive to have with our own parents
Wesley looking at every comment.
mebbe.
Another awesome short as expected from WongFu. What's crazy is I feel that Asian Americans don't exactly speak with their parents about everything (for me, at least); mainly because I feel Chinese people like to express their emotions through action (mad = slipper, caring = "here, eat these fruits"). But as I grow older I realize that it's WAY better to communicate with your parents about things in general to get a better understanding of one another just like in this short-to hear those stories that they've lived and what their perspectives are on these issues.
Raw and beautifully captured, very accurate vibes. Support and love from a british chinese who has had a similar experience with immigrant parents. Also really enjoyed that the way to connect to parents is first by connecting to them personally.
Thanks Wes, bringing this to life through film gives me more confidence and hope.
I’m so happy to see a video like this about the uncomfortable conversations! It’s something I started to do with my parents too a few years ago and it’s continuing because that’s what’s needed! There needs to be a change. Every little action matters. Change will happen. But it will not happen if we don’t take any action, if we don’t start asking the questions, if we don’t start to listen to understand others, cultures, and generations.
I love the shorts that Wong Fu creates. It's really amazing and I love that they are still creating after all these years.
Dang Wong Fu. Why are yall making me cry on my lunch break? Lol. Im emotional eating now. 😂😂 I love this short film. Yall really did that. 👏👏👏👏✊✊✊✊ I shared it with my family as well.
I remember a time when my dad told me how when he first came to American he would save his pennies so that he could go to the payphone booths to make calls to his family in China. And when he was waiting in line, other people thought it was okay to cut in front of him or push him out of line because he is Asian and he looked different. They thought that they could mistreat him and get away with it because he was the minority. And sadly, they were right. He didn't want to cause trouble because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to explain his side of the story and would be misinterpreted. So growing up, we were taught to 1) avoid trouble, 2) don't start trouble, and 3) stand up for ourselves because I was born here, I speak English, and I don't deserve to be pushed around. This taught me when it might be good to avoid confrontation and when I should stand up and confront. I am privileged to have the confidence and the ability to stand up for not only myself but for others who are still afraid to speak up.
This looks like my house when I was a kid. Our families have the same taste 😅☺️
We had that exact same dining table and chairs. Promise.
How the dad is not at the head of the table, but he is still sitting in the chair that would be at the head of the table
Thank you guys for making this short film. The stories and lines are related to some people I know in some ways. The short film has got me lots of thoughts about how to talk with my parents in a respectful and emphathizing way.
I was in Hong Kong during the 2019 protests and at the beginning of the year, they gave us a speech where they taught us, "We listen to understand, not to change." Thank you so much for this film.
Thank you for this. This is the kind of conversation I have with my Papa over and over again. Sometimes I find myself being Emma, and sometimes I find myself being Steven. Most of the time, I'm still figuring out to navigate these table conversations... Watching this situation unfold reminded me that mine and my Papa's experiences hold truth and that if we take the time to truly listen to each other, we can hear the lessons we're both wanting to share. The next time I find myself talking about BLM and trying to express to my Papa why it's important, I'll remember to listen to him as much as I'd want him to listen to me.
Wow I’m speechless and crying... thank you guys for speaking out about this. Perfect scenario because this is literally my family
This is so beautifully done ❤️ I tried having a conversation like this with my dad but he always just gets angry and yells about how he doesn’t want to hear about it and doesn’t have time to learn or read about it. My mom is an abc so she understands and supports what I say. Unfortunately they’re divorced and my step mother is white and conservative so I doubt she would have a conversation about blm with him. It’s crazy how being an immigrant can change one’s perspective so drastically. I just wish he would at least be open to having a conversation instead of immediately walking away.
Great job wes and everyone at wongfu ❤️
fruit as dessert, I get that
🍊🍎🍇🍐🥝🍍(And dragon fruit; there's no emoji for this 😥) This is what we eat in my household after dinner.
Hey, watched this after seeing your wrap-up vid for 2020. I wasn't expecting to cry- thank you so much for hitting home in a way that I never expected a youtube channel could
i feel like most asian parents peel the skin off apples & pears
This short is well done. However, there IS a risk when putting yourself in the crowd. One of my friends DID get Covid-19 after going LA BLM Protest in June.
People should find out other ways to protest in this particular time instead of gathering in person. The main purpose of protest is to express your ideas and show what you support. There are so many alternative ways to make it work, isn't it?
Stop supporting any businesses that are anti-equality of life would be the best way. Money motivates. And this is already being done in many places, but without bringing the matter to awareness to like businesses know this is a movement, it's difficult to get the momentum required to make change. Change worth having usually comes with risks and some things are worth putting our lives at risk first. Playing it safe means slower change and more senseless lives lost in the meantime. It just all depends on whose lives you want to prioritize.
Have to say Wongfu is so good at this, from a hongkonger's point of view to watch this. This make me think so much more.
Thank you for always being openminded and honest. Sometimes, as in this case you put words to the ideas I can't quite explain. Sometimes it's difficult to reach across cultures and time/generations even when you are sincerely trying.
Haha I smiled when I saw the blue bowls that they were eating from, I grew up eating from that exact same bowl!
You know it is a Wesley film when there is Cantonese dialogue in the mix
for the culture
@@thewesleychan I understand, and I love it just because I'm canto myself
Wow, this really shed light on the situation i have been having with my mom. Recently has been the first time I have ever shared my beliefs with her and I’ve noticed that we do not share the same perspective. This hit home. This makes me realize that I do need to pay attention to her own realities that allow her to think the way she does.
Wong Fu literally never misses. Always exposes the hard conversations I have in my Black and Asian family. Hits it to a T
I had a similar experience with my mom when I was doing a small fund raising project for LGBTQ youth hotline in my country. She didn't understand why I was so passionate about the cause when I was not one of them ("wait, are you?!"). She eventually came around, but not before a few long emotional conversations. She grudgingly admitted that she'd love me just the same if I were to come out. (I was young and had never had a romantic relationship) I told her how lucky I was to have her and how important it was to protect those who wouldn't get the same answer from their parents. Oh this film brings me back the memory. I will call mom now ❤️
Thanks again Wong Fu!
Thank you, Wes and crew. The emphasis on listening and compassion over demonizing is needed now more than ever.
Conversation and being open minded in every way is the actual way to a peaceful co-existence between humans. I love how Wongfu is trying to tell the younger generation to try to listen and understand the perspective of the older generation in order for them to understand their children. The world is so "my way or the highway" now that people forget everyone thinks they're right in their own mind based on their own experience. It's a collective. Awesome short as always.
Mad respect WongFu! Addressing such real world issues and providing heart-touching content! Keep up the great work! Don't let haters stop such a powerful team!
This short reminded me of a post Wes shared when he had a talk with his mum. Well done!
Precursor
This is scary how relatable this is to my family. It's not necessarily the topic in discussion, but just the relations between myself (the son), my sister and my father. There's a subtle happy end in this video. I wish it was that easy.
always a pleasure Wong fu team thanks for your constant hard work and dedication to your craft been a fan for a while and this never gets old always finding new ways to connect your community also see Benson helping new film enthusiast on tiktok love the work you do.
Only 6 minutes in and Wong Fu has accurately captured many of the nuances of an inter-generational chinese-north american family. Watching this video made me relive the conversation I had with my mom a couple of weeks ago, the exact arguments being made, the back and forth. Just- wow. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for sharing. Good on your for starting the conversation!
I'm not an immigrant, but I though this was an incredibly powerful and valuable video. It's often hard to talk to people with a different point of view, especially our parents, but that is part of what makes it so important to make the effort. Well done, Wong Fu....another sterling effort.
So glad I subscribed to ya'll back when I was a kid. Thank you WongFu, you guys are inspiring us Latinos too.
its been awhile since i've felt this emotional about a short film video! finally wongfu has stepped it up again!
"Even if you are fine, I will always worry." I liked how the fathers perspective was written in this
Is this dejavu? This was my last six months in a short film except not as civil
I feel like this is a rite of passage for Asian American kids, teens, and young adults in the 21st century.
Youre not the only one :')
This hit so close to home, especially trying to have discussions with my parents, in this heated political environment
I love how this shows a scenario of how Black Lives Matters as a Household conversation within Asian communities and I would imagine this would be for other Race & Ethnic groups. In this current climate within fragmented Relationships of Minority Groups in the States and throughout the World we can do our best to take advantage of this moment to all Rally and Unify pushing Society and Government for True Equality for all.
even as a south asian this really hit home, especially in lockdown, since we've been having these conversations with our families a lot. thank you wong fu for telling this story so beautifully. i have very little words to express how much this short means to me. it is a difficult conversation to have for both parties involved, but it is extremely necessary and i'm so glad you guys pointed that out in such a well-worded way. big love from singapore!
I love how the conversation is absolutely necessary, and having the content shared upfront justifies the material. But it definitely is an intense and heavy watch. A part of me know that this direction is best and most valid for the importance of the topic; but I also wish that the message is shared with more story telling. It would be an interesting and effective watch if the message is also understood by the audience as opposed to being fed the information. Regardless, great job and kudos on your direction. I like that Wesley has a message at the end.
The Wong Fu Team did such a good job opening our head strong young Asian American eyes & mind to understand what/how our parents think, the struggles coming to a new place, and etc. The messages & lesson was clear! *At least for me ;)* Thank you!
Not finding the video difficult to digest, it's what we've been facing in Hong Kong for more than a year. Always do what's right, but also gotta respect what the elder generation has gone through
I sent this to my parents, with a short novella of an email about my thoughts. Thank you for producing this, WF
That last shot for the credit roll. So good. This was good Wes. Thanks for putting yourself out there.
The dad reminds me of my grandma. She is always inviting her family and friends over despite all of the stuff going on. The way she put it, "I trust God to protect me".
The script was literally ahead of its time, and yet, merely telling what we did, could, had not seen.
this was so amazing!!!! thank you wong fu for always enlightening & educating people :-)))
Wow I’m not crying because this exactly happened to me, not at all 🥺😭