Uneasy Friendships, Viet Coffee Craze, and Japan's Game-Changing Invention
Ramaswamy & Musk unite, Vietnamese coffee rises, and Trump targets birthright citizenship.
Welcome to Issue 2 of The Rebel Yellow!
In this edition, we dive into the fiery dynamic between Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk—unlikely allies tackling government inefficiency despite a history of sharp critiques. Ramaswamy’s pointed comments on Musk’s China ties and Tesla’s global entanglements reveal a deeper story about power, influence, and the ripple effects on Asian American communities.
We also continue our deep dive into the Vietnamese coffee renaissance. Meet the bold innovators redefining the U.S. coffee scene with rich flavors, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial grit. From specialty brews to sustainable practices, these trailblazers are brewing more than coffee—they’re crafting a story of resilience and connection.
Let’s dive in!
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Trump doubles down on push to end birthright citizenship. Should you care?
Donald Trump has once again reignited his call to end birthright citizenship. In an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, the president-elect declared his intent to “absolutely” dismantle the provision guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This rhetoric is not new, but the implications of such a move extend beyond undocumented immigrants — it touches the core of Asian American communities and challenges the broader ethos of inclusion and diversity in the country.
What the law says
The 14th Amendment was adopted in 1868 to guarantee citizenship to freed enslaved individuals. Its language is clear: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Legal scholars generally agree that this right cannot be altered by executive action, and even conservative-leaning courts are unlikely to reinterpret the amendment’s scope to exclude children of undocumented immigrants.
In the landmark 1898 case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional right to citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. Wong Kim Ark, the son of Chinese immigrants, had been denied re-entry into the U.S. under the Chinese Exclusion Act. The Court’s decision cemented the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, holding that birthright citizenship applies to all born on U.S. soil, except the children of foreign diplomats.
While Trump and his allies have long argued that the clause “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” excludes children of undocumented immigrants, this interpretation is widely considered a misreading of constitutional law. Any significant change to birthright citizenship would likely require a constitutional amendment, an arduous political process that demands a supermajority in Congress and ratification by at least 38 states.
The incoming administration’s plan mirrors global trends aimed at restricting citizenship. Countries like Australia, India and the U.K. have eliminated or restricted their versions of birthright citizenship. The U.S. remains an outlier in the West, where countries like Canada and Mexico uphold similar policies. Trump’s rhetoric, however, often misrepresents the global landscape. Despite his claims, over 30 nations still offer unrestricted birthright citizenship. His argument appears to be less about aligning the U.S. with international norms and more about appealing to his political base.
Why Asian immigrants should care
Asian immigrants make up a significant share of both legal and undocumented populations in the U.S. According to 2022 estimates, 13% of all Asian immigrants — approximately 1.7 million people — are undocumented. Of these, Indian and Chinese nationals account for the largest subgroups, representing 35% and 20%, respectively. In fiscal year 2024, over 90,000 Indian nationals and 78,000 Chinese nationals were apprehended attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. These figures underscore the vulnerability of Asian immigrants to policies targeting undocumented populations.
However, the revocation of birthright citizenship would reverberate beyond undocumented communities, directly impacting legal immigrants and their descendants. As the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., Asian Americans have a vested interest in maintaining the principle of jus soli (citizenship by birth). Here’s why:
It puts mixed-status families at risk: Trump’s plan to eliminate birthright citizenship would disproportionately harm mixed-status families, where U.S.-born children live with undocumented parents. These children, who were granted full citizenship, would face legal uncertainty under Trump’s vision.
It undermines family reunification: The ability of U.S.-born citizens to sponsor family members for legal permanent residency — a practice critics deride as “chain migration” — has been a cornerstone of Asian American immigration stories. Eliminating birthright citizenship would jeopardize this mechanism, narrowing pathways for family reunification.
It sets a precedent for broader exclusions: Legal Asian immigrants should be wary of policies targeting undocumented populations. Restricting birthright citizenship, for one, could pave the way for other draconian measures, such as increased scrutiny of visa applicants or challenges to citizenship for children born to legal non-permanent residents.
It threatens diversity: Asian Americans have historically thrived under policies that embrace multiculturalism and diversity. Trump’s proposal not only threatens these values; it also risks alienating a demographic that has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic and cultural fabric.
The big picture
Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship is part of a larger narrative framing immigrants as a threat to national identity and resources. While his rhetoric focuses on undocumented Latin American immigrants, the impact, as argued above, could conveniently ripple across all immigrant communities, including Asians.
Surprisingly, Trump in his NBC interview struck a sympathetic tone toward “Dreamers” — recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. “We have to do something about the Dreamers,” he said, acknowledging their success in the country and vowing to “work with the Democrats on a plan.” Needless to say, this sentiment stands in stark contrast to his broader immigration policy, which includes the use of military assets to execute mass deportations. This inconsistency ultimately underscores the precariousness of immigrant protections under his upcoming administration.
As Trump’s proposal gains traction, Asian Americans, regardless of immigration status, must recognize the stakes. Birthright citizenship is not just a legal safeguard; it is a symbol of the American promise that all individuals, regardless of origin, are entitled to equal rights and opportunities.
Jon M. Chu’s Golden Globe snub is the only wicked thing about “Wicked”
If you follow the Golden Globes like I do, you know they always serve a mix of celebration and controversy. But this year, its failure to acknowledge “Wicked” and its director, Jon M. Chu, feels particularly egregious.
A dazzling adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon, Chu’s film is more than just another big-screen musical — it’s a heartfelt reimagining of one of America’s most beloved tales, brought to life with visual opulence and emotional depth. By snubbing “Wicked,” the Golden Globe Foundation missed the chance to honor a visionary who not only pushed creative boundaries but also made a cultural and cinematic event of the year.
A fresh take on a timeless story
The original “Wicked” musical, with its roots in Gregory Maguire’s subversive novel and Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable score, has captivated audiences for two decades. But its long-awaited shift to the silver screen was fraught with challenges. One critical question: How does one preserve the magic of the stage while embracing the unique allure of cinema? Enter Jon M. Chu, whose previous work (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”) proved his knack for crafting lush, visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories.
In “Wicked” Part 1, Chu delivers a spectacle that’s both grandiose and intimate. The world of Oz comes alive with stunning production design — Shiz University’s turreted castle, the mossy forests and the shimmering Emerald City all feel both familiar and refreshingly new. To those entering it for the first time, “magical” is an easy understatement. The contrasting palettes of Glinda’s candy-pink whimsy and Elphaba’s deep green melancholy underscore the film’s central theme: the intersection of light and shadow, good and misunderstood. Chu’s visual storytelling heightens the emotional stakes, allowing the audience to connect with Elphaba’s isolation and Glinda’s growth in ways the stage couldn’t fully capture. Unsurprisingly, “Wicked” received a nod for best motion picture – musical or comedy, as well as best original score – motion picture cinematic and box office achievement.
Stellar performances
The success of “Wicked” hinges on its performances, and Chu’s casting choices were nothing short of inspired. Cynthia Erivo, who received a nod for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy for her role as Elphaba, is a powerhouse of vulnerability and strength, her velvety vocals imbuing each song with raw emotion. Ariana Grande, who received a nod for Best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture for her role as Glinda, balances bubbly charm with a surprising depth, her comedic timing and soaring voice making “Popular” and other signature numbers truly shine. And then there’s the legendary Michelle Yeoh, whose Madame Morrible is a study in quiet menace, adding layers to a character often played as a caricature. Bowen Yang, in a smaller but impactful role, injects much-needed levity while also offering a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in major studio films.
These performances are a testament to Chu’s ability to draw out the best from his actors. His directorial choices — whether it’s fostering on-screen chemistry between Erivo and Grande or allowing Yeoh to imbue her character with subtle complexities — showcase a filmmaker who understands both the technical and emotional aspects of storytelling.
The challenges of adaptation
Clearly, adapting a cultural juggernaut like “Wicked” is no small feat. Chu faced the daunting task of meeting the sky-high expectations of longtime fans while introducing the story to new audiences. By splitting the film into two parts, he allowed the narrative to breathe, giving weight to the characters’ arcs and the story’s political undercurrents. I believe this decision wasn’t merely practical; it was a creative choice that honored the source material’s complexity while embracing the cinematic medium’s potential for world-building.
Critics have noted some over-reliance on CGI, but even the film’s detractors can’t deny its ambition. Chu’s maximalist style — a kinetic blend of sweeping camera movements, intricate choreography and layered soundscapes — captures the larger-than-life essence of Oz while rooting it in deeply human emotions. For a director whose career has been about breaking boundaries and redefining genres, “Wicked” feels like the culmination of his journey: a film that is unapologetically big, bold and heartfelt.
Undeserved snub
It’s baffling that Chu was overlooked for best director. For starters, his work was not only technically impressive; it was also culturally significant. In an era when Hollywood is grappling with questions of representation and inclusivity, Chu’s vision brought fresh perspectives to a story steeped in American cultural mythology. He reimagined “Wicked” through a lens that resonates with today’s audiences, touching on themes of otherness, power and systemic oppression with nuance and heart.
The Golden Globes have a history of favoring spectacle over substance, but Chu’s “Wicked” offers both in spades. It’s a reminder of what cinema can achieve when a director dares to dream big while staying true to the core of the story. By failing to recognize Chu’s achievement, the Globes not only snubbed a deserving artist, but also dismissed the helm of one of the year’s most important films — a movie that, for a new generation yearning for magic, defied gravity.
Chu’s “Wicked” isn’t just another film; it’s an event, a milestone in the evolution of musical adaptations and a testament to the power of diverse storytelling. While the Golden Globes missed the mark this year, audiences won’t soon forget the magic Chu brought to the screen. As we wait for the second installment, one can only hope that the Academy — and the broader film community — will give this remarkable achievement the recognition it so richly deserves.
Ca phe craze: The Vietnamese trailblazers shaking up the U.S. coffee industry
The strength and boldness of Vietnamese coffee’s flavor are matched only by the entrepreneurial spirit of those who've propelled it onto the global stage. In this second part of our coverage on this beloved beverage, Rebel Yellow speaks with Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans who are blazing a trail in the coffee world and are redefining what it means to enjoy a cup of coffee while honoring their cultural roots.
How about a cup of Vietnamese culture?
Vietnamese culture has been making an indelible mark on the American coffee scene, with Vietnamese cafes and craft coffee roasters opening in major cities like Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, Austin and beyond. These businesses, often helmed by first- and second-generation Vietnamese Americans, are bridging cultural divides and introducing a unique flavor profile to the American palate.
“Vietnamese cafe culture offers something truly unique — centered on self-care, community and ritual,” says Sahra Nguyen, the millennial founder of Brooklyn-based Nguyen Coffee Supply. She tells us that at the heart of this Vietnamese coffee renaissance lies a rich cultural heritage. "As a 1st generation Vietnamese American, my love for Vietnamese coffee and culture is a part of my DNA," she explains. Sahra, who often revisited their homeland with her parents, developed a profound connection to Vietnam's coffee culture.
This deep-rooted connection, shared by many Vietnamese Americans, is driving the trend and inspiring a new generation of coffee enthusiasts. In fact, recent data reveals a surge in interest: searches for "Vietnamese coffee" and "Vietnamese coffee maker" have spiked on Google Trends, signaling a growing curiosity about this distinct beverage.
For Da Vien Coffee founder Vinny Nguyen, Vietnamese coffee evokes fond memories of family traditions. “My dad has brewed his own traditional phin drip black coffee every morning for as long as I can remember,” he recalls. “The rich, inviting aroma fills our home, signaling the start of a new day.”
A symbol of “resilience, grace and charm”
Daisy Dieu Dinh, founder of Dak Lak-based Miss Coffee, emphasizes the cultural and agricultural pride embedded in Vietnamese coffee. “Miss Coffee embodies my respect for the Ede culture and the essence of Vietnamese women — resilient, graceful and charming,” Dinh says. “My hope is that Miss Coffee will not only be a coffee brand but also a symbol of connection between tradition and modernity.”
Vinny adds, “Coffee has become a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, with a growing demand for innovative and specialty beverages. It’s exciting to see it gaining international recognition.”
Silencing doubters, overcoming hurdles
While pioneers like Sahra and Vinny are driving the growing popularity of Vietnamese coffee in the U.S., challenges remain.
“Brand awareness is a major hurdle,” says Vinny. “Many people here aren’t familiar with its unique flavors and traditional brewing methods.”
Since launching Nguyen Coffee Supply in 2018, Sahra has worked to introduce high-quality robusta to American consumers to fight persistent misconceptions, like “robusta is inferior” or “Vietnamese coffee isn’t high quality.” "Robusta beans, known for their higher caffeine content and bold flavor, are central to the authentic Vietnamese coffee experience," Sahra explains.
“Now, we see everyone from the New York Times to The Wall Street Journal writing about ‘the rise of robusta.’ Vietnamese coffee isn’t a trend — it’s a necessary part of the global conversation to build a more sustainable, diverse and inclusive industry.”
The rise of specialty coffee and consumer interest in Asian beverages present promising opportunities. Major retailers like Target and Whole Foods have started carrying Vietnamese coffee brands, making it easier for consumers to experience authentic coffee from Vietnam. Nguyen Coffee Supply’s own popular Vietnamese coffee ready-to-drink collection is now available online and in 500 Target stores nationwide.
Daisy believes a focus on sustainability and high-quality production will help Vietnamese coffee thrive. “This is why we have actively supported farmers in adopting sustainable farming methods to meet U.S. and global market standards.”
The journey of Vietnamese coffee reflects the resilience and innovation of its people, bridging traditions and modernity to create something truly extraordinary. For Sahra, Vinny and others leading the charge, it’s about more than coffee — it’s about sharing a story that’s bold, rich and unapologetically Vietnamese.
In part 1 of this series on Monday, we explored the rich history of Vietnamese coffee and its cultural significance. In part 3 on Friday, we’ll dive into the latest trends and explore what’s next for this caffeinated powerhouse.
Shohei Ohtani's presence powers “motivated” Rui to season high in points
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura drew inspiration from 2024 NL MVP and MLB World Series champion Shohei Ohtani’s presence at Sunday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles. He told reporters after the game, “That motivated me too. I want to win here.” Speaking at the post-game conference, the 26-year-old revealed he wasn’t aware his fellow Japanese athlete would attend.
Born in Toyama City, Japan, to a Beninese father and Japanese mother, Hachimura has spoken about facing discrimination while playing basketball in Japan. “They looked at me like a f*cking animal or something,” he told Bleacher Report in 2018, adding that the experience influenced his decision to move to the U.S. After playing college basketball at Gonzaga University, where he became only the fifth Japan-born player to play basketball at the NCAA Division 1 level, Hachimura was selected ninth overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. Speaking to The Associated Press in 2019, Hachimura acknowledged the huge impact of his achievement for his home country, as Japan never had a biracial Black and Japanese person playing in the NBA — one that mixed children like him could look up to. He said, “It’s going to be big and it’s going to be a dream. It means a lot for me, my family, Japanese basketball — the whole country.”
In Sunday night’s game, Hachimura scored 23 points, 14 of which were made in the second quarter with 5-of-6 shooting. His performance helped the Lakers break a three-game losing streak with a 107-98 victory. So far in the 2024-25 regular season, Hachimura has averaged 12.6 points per game, good for 97th in the league, and is tied for 40th in the league in field goal percentage at 50%.
A friendly reminder: Manny Pacquiao 1000% belongs in the Boxing Hall of Fame
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, one of boxing's all-time greats, has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), the foundation announced Thursday. Pacquiao, 45, will be inducted alongside 14 others during a ceremony in Canastota, New York, on June 5-8. Pacquiao received the recognition in the first year of his eligibility.
Starting his 26-year career in 1995 at the age of 16 and retiring in 2021, Pacquiao amassed a record of 68 wins, 8 losses and 2 draws, with 39 of those wins via knockout. His big break came on June 23, 2001, when he served as a replacement for Mexican Enrique Sanchez to fight against the late South African boxer Lehlo Ledwaba for the IBF Super Bantamweight title, also known as the junior featherweight. Pacquiao won the belt using a combination of his lightning-fast footwork and thunderous left hooks as a southpaw. He went on to solidify his legacy by defeating boxing legends like Mexico’s Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera and the U.S.’ Oscar De La Hoya and Keith Thurman.
Pacquiao remains the sport's only octuple champion, claiming titles in eight weight divisions from flyweight (112 pounds) through super welterweight (154 pounds). Reflecting on Pacquiao's prime, Barrera noted at a roundtable discussion in July 2019 that the Filipino boxer is a “strong, explosive, fast fighter,” adding, “psychologically, fighting Pacquiao is tough.” Outside of boxing, Pacquiao was also a former Filipino senator from 2016-2022 and ran for president in 2022.