In the Hawaiian language, "hapa" means half. But though the years, "hapa" has also come to mean someone who is half Asian/Pacific Islander and half-white, It's a shortened form of "hapa haole," which means half-white -- and is used to describe both people of mixed ethnic heritage and for Hawaiian music with English lyrics.
Artist Kip Fulbeck, who himself identifies as being hapa (he's of Chinese, Irish, Welsh and English background), came up with the exhibit Part Asian, 100% Hapa, now on display at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
(Above, a definition of "hapa" on the wall.) We headed to the museum on Saturday, and got inside free thanks to "Target Free Family Days," sponsored by the retailer.
For his project, Fulbeck too pictures of hundreds and hundreds of people of mixed heritage -- all from the shoulders up, standing in front of a white backdrop and not showing any emotion at all. The participants were then asked to write on a sheet of paper their take on what defines them.
Visitors are also invited to take a Polaroid, write their own story and then post them on the wall in the museum. We had a pic of Evan taken; his writing, of course, consisted of chicken scratch.
The special Target-sponsored day also included a professional storyteller and a make-your-own sock puppet station. It also included free admission to the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Located in the same courtyard as the Japanese American National Museum (seen above), the democracy-themed space currently includes an exhibit focused on minorities who fought on behalf of the U.S. in World War II (despite experiencing widespread discrimination back home).
The Fulbeck exhibit doesn't take long to see, but it's a worthwhile trip -- especially for the hapas in your life. But hurry -- the exhibit ends its run on Oct. 28.
Japanese American National Museum
369 E. First Sreet, Los Angeles, 90012
213.625.0414
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