Performance for Asian Identity, Ancestry, and the American Dream
This is a Memorial to my Great Great Grandfather
He is the first immigrant in the family in the United States
Due to unjust immigration law, he couldn't bring his family with him
He worked to send money back to family in China
Ultimately he died in America alone without a grave
The Lemon Event is meant to Engrave a smile and his story in your heart
Contestants Pick Lemons for the Competition
The First one to Eat Three Wins $100
Rind is Optional
I wore an Emperor's Costume to be a little goofy
It was time to eat when the gong rang
I'd eat lemons during family events as a "party trick"
I'd always try to make others smile
The lemon eating competition represents the chinese saying of 吃苦 (eating bitterness) which represents the labor of immigrants
Peels fell to the floor in incredible speeds
People were on their third lemon before a minute passed
The winner of the event got to ring the gong
Untaxable; many immigrants work hard under the table in poor condition
I kneel down in honor of the hard-earned cash that my Great Great Grandfather Died for
Costume Change!
I Am No King!
Whats more American than Baseball?
Jackie Robinson Wore the Number 42
I wear this in his tradition of him for his hard work was a sigil for progress
I split this lemon in half and ate it as a testament to how it this is nothing compared to what Robinson or my Great Great Grandfather went through
Both entertainment and a message
Immigrants don't have second or third chances
This is a one strike game
OUT OF THE PARK!
Not everybody gets the same pitcher in life
He wasn't the most accurate, but had incredible spirit
SHE HIT IT WOAH!
Whats more American than a Lemonade Stand?
My parents run a buffet
I'm used to serving and serving food
This is the silent type of labor that people don't notice often
I made Pink Lemonade with Pomegranate Molasses
I Made this Lemonade Stand in Real Time
Simple, but it was through my labor that something was made
Squeeze!
I handed out lemons at the end
When Life Gives You Lemons...