This blog was inspired by the book Banana Boys by Terry Woo. It is intended to be a forum to discuss the unique lives of Chinese-Canadians and the social challenges they face as they straddle two different cultures.

Thanks to Pair Networks, Blogger, Site Meter, and ezboard for providing the services needed to keep this site running smoothly.

1. Why is this blog called "Banana Blog" when it doesn't talk about fruit at all?
2. What in the world does "jook sing" mean?
3. I am a banana/jook sing and I can't read the Chinese text just below the title. What does it say?
4. Who are the Banana Bloggers anyway?
5. The topics and articles are so intriguing. Can I post my comments on Banana Blog?
6. I love Banana Blog so much that I want to become a writer. How do I apply?
7. I would love to contribute, but I can't write. What else can I do to help?
8. The question I have isn't answered on this page. Where can I find the answer?

A banana is a tropical fruit that is yellow on the outside and white on the inside. When applied to the context of a person, it means the person is yellow on the outside and white on the inside. In other words, the person is Chinese in appearance, but is basically no different than your average gway lao (white guy).

This is the term used by Chinese people to describe bananas. Literally, jook sing means "hollow bamboo". It has basically the same connotation as a banana where the outside looks Chinese, but the inside is hollow. Parents and grandparents like using this term.

Don't ask me, I can't read Chinese either. I got this poem from an image search in Google. Apparently, it is "a seven word poem" from 1190AD. You can find more information on this site.

We are just a bunch of Chinese-Canadians living "normal" lives. You can find out more about us on our biography page.

You cannot post directly on Banana Blog unless are a Banana Blogger. See below on how to join and become a part of our team.

You can, however, make comments about each post by clicking on the "comments" link associated with it.

We also have a public message board called Banana Board where you can post comments about current or previous topics or even suggest new topics of your own. Anyone can read and post messages.

If you wish to write directly to a Banana Blogger, you can find the appropriate contact information on the Banana Biographies page. Alternatively, you can click on the name associated with the post to send a message to the author.

In order to become a Banana Blogger, you must pay us one-million dollars (see next question).

If you cannot meet such demands, I would suggest sending an email to us at join@bananablog.net.spam and tell us why you want to become a Banana Blogger.

There may also be occassions where we are looking for "guests" to contribute to the blog. When this is the case, we will post this information in the "Format" section of the blog and also make an announcement on Banana Board.

And one last thing, you don't have to be a banana to write for this blog.

If you want to volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@bananablog.net.spam and we will find a spot for you.

Or if you have spare cash floating around, you can make a donation through paypal by emailing us to help pay for our operating costs.

The best thing to do is post your question on Banana Board. Someone should be able to give you answer on there.

If still cannot get a satisfactory answer from there, you can send us an email directly at feedback@bananablog.net.spam.