ISSUE 13: Feelings

CW: This is a post about gun violence.

THE YELLOW PAGES is a weekly newsletter recommending Asian and AAPI films, music, writing, and other inspiration — all the artsy things I wished for growing up!

Last week I had the Lunar New Year post scheduled to send, unaware of the mass shooting that had occurred the night before in Monterey Park. I immediately called my mother, who had been staying in that exact area during her recent holiday visit — unable to really process this feeing of saying “恭喜發財” to her (as I have every year since I could talk) — then in the next breath, breaking the news to her about this tragedy. The familiar cycle of anger/despair that accompanies gun violence was different this time. Because of Lunar New Year? Because of who held the gun this time? Because of their race? Because of their age?

Then, less than 48 hours later, Half Moon Bay.