This is the hardest piece I’ve written to date. Even the title is weighted to what can easily be a thesis. The initial idea, which was not of my own, was to write a piece that highlights 5-10 films and artists that honor Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) via the cast, director, etc. that you can stream from home. As we reach the middle of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this is the piece we are using to honor the month. Well, naming and summarizing 5-10 films and artists isn’t gonna cut it. Not for me and the 24 million Americans that identify as AAPI.

West Side Story isn’t an immigrant story. It’s not even about immigrants. It’s another example of white men perpetuating the public, stereotyped narrative of other people. Thulani deep-dives into the layers of inception of Spielberg’s remake.