For as long as I can remember, I was absolutely tickled pinkish-yellow with Johnny Rivers’ song, “Secret Agent Man,” only because I “heard” the word Asian in place of Agent. Well, my excitement over a “Secret Asian Man” has now been made legitimate all because of one talented Tak Toyoshima, who evidently heard the same pun as well.
The Japanese American artist is the mastermind behind the insightful & hilarious comic strip under the afore mentioned title. Started in 1999, Tak’s weekly funnies focus on Asian American issues and other thought-provoking content concerning race/stereotypes. Based in Boston, the popular and well-received cartoon is now syndicated in various publications all across the U.S. and on the internet. He even has published a book and operates an on-line clothing/products store. Phew, wow.
And now Tak has taken on yet another mini-project, in the form of twitter-bombing CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. Why? Because she is the host for the “In America” series, which so far has extensively covered biographies on African Americans and Latino Americans. Instead of letting Asian Americans continue to hear the crickets and be misunderstood by the general American public, Tak has asked any and all supporters to help implore the unassuming anchor to look into providing coverage of “their” lives.
It just might be crazy enough to work. Or at the very least make Soledad O’Brien have a sudden massive craving attack for some sushi, dumplings & chicken tandoori…
Check out Tak’s website: http://www.secretasianman.com/
funny i was thinking the exact same thing. (p.s i am black african)