Hyphen magazine - Asian American arts, culture, and politics

Mr. Hyphen 2011 finalist Colin Ehara.

To continue our Five Contestants, Five Days coverage of Mr. Hyphen 2011 (check out all of the contestant profiles thus far), we highlight finalist Colin Ehara.

Colin Ehara is a man of beautiful words with beautiful goals. In his application to this year’s Mr. Hyphen competition, he wrote, “I am maladjusted to injustice and strive to identify both the unjust suffering that affects my life and that of those I love … I understand that I occupy this privileged, bless-ed, fortunate space because of my resilient/brilliant roots, partner, family, and community. I know in no uncertain terms that the reason my light can shine bright is due to my being surrounded by stars.”

Well, if you weren't touched by that, you’re not human.

Colin works as a youth development specialist at Juma Ventures, an organization that serves youth who have the opportunity to be the first in their families to go to college. He is passionate about using all the resources at his disposal (including an MA in Asian American Studies … smart and great with kids, what a combination) to help young people be their best, involved in their communities and responsive to injustice.  

On API stereotypes, Colin says, “My least favorite Asian American stereotype is that we have always been complicit to racism and white supremacy in America. For instance, my grandparents were interned during WWII in American concentration camps, and the idea that we all went passively makes my blood boil. I believe we have and continue to be set up in a plethora of ways to make this look like reality, but the examples of our elders like Yuri Kochiyama, Al Robles, Richard Aoki, Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, and a host of others combat these misconceptions daily.  I maintain faith and hope critically that this 'common sense' perception will someday shift.”

What we can't wait to see (or in this case, hear): Words, words, and words. Colin is as eloquent in person as he is on paper … we have a feeling it’s going to be an inspiring evening.

Mr. Hyphen 2011 is on Saturday, November 5 at the Brava! Theater in San Francisco. Click here for more info on the event and to get tickets.