Errol M.
Yelp
Austin's Asian Americans generally go about their business, raising valedictorians or whatever, while listening to other people talk about their personal first-world problems. It's not that Asian Americans are unsympathetic, it's simply more efficient sometimes to talk less and do more. Different strokes.
But this spanky-new Asian American Resource Center is an interesting surprise. It's an official City of Austin Parks & Recreation facility, and I'm mildly curious what local behind-the-scenes politics ensued to complete this tax-based venture. I'm just more accustomed to seeing private business developments like MT Market spring out of nowhere.
Having said that, it's a pretty cool place, and I hope it does well. I was here on a beautiful Saturday to support Frozen Rickshaw during the recent "RICE" celebration - I'm not sure that's an acronym or what. It was my first visit to the AARC's park-like complex, and I also attended a panel discussion featuring owners of Austin's Asian-fusion restaurants & trailers. The rest of the sparse assembly room audience was Anglo. It occurred to me this particular City of Austin entity may be less about hanging out, and more about being on display. I think that's somewhat educational. And mildly amusing. Different strokes.