Chicago, Il (Irving Park Metra)/Where do you think people come from?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: Well, you've asked the right person. I will give you an unexpected but long answer.

The creationists say we're made by God in one day or whatever. The evolutionists say we evolved from lower animals, but there's actually evidence that says we were modified by intelligences, alien intervention.

There's a guy, Lloyd Pye, who has done research on this. I'm not a UFO guy but I will say this: the universe has been around for 12 and half billion years, the earth has been around for 4 billion years. We're only 300 years into our technological age and we've been able to do all types of things. There are certainly other intelligences out there. Our plans when we go out there into the galaxies are to change planets and to find life on other planets. Why would we think they would do anything less? I tend to agree with him.

I think the creationists are wrong and I think the evolutionists are wrong. I believe that anthropoids that were not intelligent were here on earth. Other intelligences came and tweaked things on earth and were able to create human beings. They changed chemicals and genetics. We can do that. Give our medical people 1000 years. Think of what we've done in 50 years. They're going to be doing things way beyond. They'll be able to lengthen our lives, regrow limbs... Did the intelligences know that this was what they were going to create? [shrugs] Anthropoids are apes that are not human...chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, yetis, abominable snowmen--Lloyd includes those. He's certain they existed. Science has a tendency of ignoring things that it can't explain and doesn't want to explain. We're both extremely critical of scientists.

I'm an independent researcher. My friends are independent researchers. Part of it is speculation, but it's also based on things that we think science is ignoring. I started out just interested in how we got here. I've been studying it since I was about 20. It has tentacles that go everywhere-- ancient history, metaphysics, astronomy, astrology, geology... I read probably about 100 books a year. Never stop.

Question: How long will it be before we eliminate war and why do you think that?

Chicago, IL (Lincoln Park)/If you knew you would die in a month, what kinds of things would you do?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: All the things that I haven't been doing. That's what I would do.

First, I'm overweight. Now, when I see something that is bad for me, I try to not to eat it, but if I knew I was going to die, whatever I want to eat, I would. I won't do things that are bad, but it's a dangerous question, eh? What if you ask someone bad that question? I'm not a bad person. I would...just the things that I haven't done, like the example of food. I'm not gonna kill nobody. Maybe I'll die with a piece of chicken right here [motions to left hand] and a piece of ham right here [motions to right hand.] I'm going to die happy.

Question: Where do you think people come from?

Rockford, IL/What is your opinion of adoption for gay couples?

Welcome to my Rockford home for Thanksgiving! Flora is an exchange student from Nanking, China that my mom and Steve are hosting. She's here to study and apply for a masters degree to become a nurse anesthetist an American university.

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: It's a controversial topic. I think it's so weird because something--a topic like that-- will only come up in Western countries. In China, it would never happen...at least not right now. In China, if people are homosexual, they completely conceal themselves from the public. Even their close friends and families don't know.

Personally, I do not like this idea because from a psychological aspect, kids will get confused. Based on medical knowledge, childhood is very important, especially in learning sexual preference. I believe that kids will be greatly influenced by their gay parents. It seems like we forfeit their right to be a straight person, although until today, we don't have the medical studies to actually prove this, but I think it would be cruel to do that kind of medical study on innocent kids.

I can understand homosexual couples wanting to be married, wanting a family and kids but just like any controversial topic, they always claim that it is their right, but they are thinking mostly of their own happiness and joy, not of the child. I think it is selfish. I just don't want them to give their influence to kids. Adults...it's their decision, but when kids are raised in their family, then they will be taught to accept absolutely that it is natural.

I ask her to tell me more about the attitude toward homosexuality in China.

Most Chinese people are not that open to see homosexuality as in the states. All the family members will think it's a shame to their families. That's why they try to conceal it from the public. As far as I know, some people even get married and have children, but they have a close boyfriend or girlfriend. In China, at home, in the workplace, in college, no one will mention it because it's not a hot topic in China. I think only young and educated people, only those who study English, will discuss it in classes as they learn about controversial issues in America. If people dare tell others that they are homosexual, and if they have family, their family will shun them. Chinese parents always have high expectations on their children and to declare that you are a homosexual, absolutely it is a shame, based on Chinese culture.

I ask her why she thinks there is a difference in attitude towards homosexuality between the China and the United States.

American culture honors change. They welcome change and they are not as afraid of making mistakes. When it comes to progress, making mistakes is not a big deal and you can improve or just start over. Chinese culture is 5000 years old and in China, mistakes are terrible. You are taught from when you are little that even the smallest mistake is unnacceptable. At school, you learn to keep quiet because the more you talk, the more chances there are for you to make a mistake. It's a kind of psychological harm. Most Chinese people do not have that confidence because your parents, peers, teachers tell you 'you can't do that,' 'that's stupid,' 'it's just a daydream.' It's a culture of conformism; the government teaches us since we're young to be the same, not different. If you do something different, people will think what you are doing is something dangerous, and it will make people feel unsafe around you and they will teach you a lesson for that. That's why most Chinese people try to stay away from politics. Nowadays even thought it seems improved, that nothing as horrible as the Cultural Revolution will happen again, it is still better to take the safe road that your forefathers took.

Question: If you knew you would die in a month, what kinds of things would you do?

Chicago, IL (Bus 66)/ What do you think the food you eat says about you?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: It says a lot about your character and community. I don't like sweet stuff. I don't consider myself a sweet person. I like strong flavors and I think my personality is very strong too. Yes.

Question: What is your opinion of adoption for gay couples?

Los Angeles, CA (Miracle Mile)/Do you think that men and women have more equality in our generation than in the past and is it enough?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: I can only speak for the American situation but for my generation versus my mother's generation, it seems to be more equal, but that's just my personal experience. But I think different levels of equality and inequality exist in the same time and region. (For there to be full equality,) it would take more self awareness for women. It's an agreement to have an equal status. I'm not that big of a fan of "feminism," in quotes, because I think a very specific social strata is attracted to it and it's offputting to other women.

Question: What do you think what you eat says about you?

Culver City, CA/What can we,as human beings living in the 21st century, do to make sure that future generations of chickens will not be so mistreated?

At the Three Apples exhibit, a celebration of 35 years of the cuteness, glory and sass that is Hello Kitty.


Fun fact: Officially, Hello Kitty weighs three apples...hence the name of the exhibit.


© Jasmin Chang 2009
Answer: We actually just watched a video on chickens in our food science class! They seemed happy, but they should have activities to do instead of just having them as machines that produce eggs. They're animals. Instead of just having them for our benefit, we should treat them better. They should have a better life. People should go in and check often to see if they are being mistreated because there is still a lot of animal testing that happens.


Question: Do you think that men and women have more equality in our generation than in the past and is that enough? Will we ever be equal to men?

Los Angeles, CA (Del Rey)/How will you demonstrate love towards someone today?

The two guys have been traveling by walking, hitchhiking and taking the bus up and down the west coast from Portland to San Francisco to Los Angeles since the beginning of the summer.

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: When I go into the Jack in the Box right there to get a salad, I will lean over the counter, not for a kiss...that might be moving too fast...but to say thank you for the salad and I love you for the salad.

Question: What can we do, as human beings living in the 21st century, to make sure that future generations of chickens will not be so mistreated?

Los Angeles, CA (Playa del Rey)/What part, in your life, does the ocean play?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: I would say very occasional inspiration. When I occasionally go to the ocean, I feel inspired...relaxed...mellow...contemplative...renewed..(nods) I've driven by it in the past couple of weeks, but I haven't really visited in months.

Question: How will you demonstrate love towards someone today?

Los Angeles, CA (Mar Vista)/How has the economy affected your life?

© Jasmin Chang 2009

Answer: My friends don't have jobs anymore, so I have to spot them whenever we go out.

Question: What part, in your life, does the ocean play...as a California resident or a coastal resident?