Why would an American, Wesleyan Holiness, old, white lady be such a fan of Asian entertainment?
Not only did the Protestant Reformation give birth to religious freedom as well as contribute to mass immigration to the Americas, but also Oliver Cromwell's English faith and politics[1] had an influence on our Wesleyan separatist ideals involving emphatic modest dress and manner stipulations: no public entertainment, no mixed bathing at the beach, and any dancing was permitted in gender-segregated physical education class or the YM/YWCA. Holiness people were a minority in a high church culture.
Naturally custom dictated that my choice of entertainment was carefully monitored by my parents and later college administration, including my records, popular magazines, radio selections, and celebrity posters on my bedroom wall.
When Ravi Shankar tried to teach, the Beetle George Harrison how to play Indian traditional music in the 1960's and the Indian Sitar, [2]it was Shankar and not the Beatles who had my attention. Now today, when attending India Night on the college campus, oh yes, it is the one time I will dance in public.
Chinese traditional opera and males singing female roles[3] always had my attention when watching Educational Television. Their costumes, makeup, martial arts, and vocals were totally mesmerizing especially when we had no makeup and martial arts classes were too far away.
The Korean Pop male groups remind me of the male vocal groups of the 1960's with modest and neat costumes, lyrics, and dances, that speak only of the joy and sorrows of life, love, and music. Korean dramas generally have clean subtitles and absent of skin-ship or revealing skin. Korean entertainment totally has my vote; especially when the plots are so familiar.[4] Today, the internet allows me a playlist of favorite groups and songs that help me smile, cry, and move. Like the big burst of fun found in "Chewing Gum."[5]
God will bless performers who are so selfless and giving.
After all, God smiles when I dance at India Night and eat with chopsticks.
