Asian representation

Illustration of Mei from Disney's 'Turning Red.'

‘Turning Red’ Marks a Turning Point for Disney

While the film, directed by Domee Shi, is the first from Pixar to be solely directed by a woman, its significance goes far beyond that.…

March 21, 2022

Will the New Live-Action ‘Avatar’ Series Be Any Good?

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

Fans definitely have some mixed feelings about the Netflix remake of this beloved cartoon — and rightfully so.…

September 15, 2021

In an article about 'Shang-Chi,' an illustration of protagonist Shaun

‘Shang-Chi’ Is a (Mostly) Unique Addition to the MCU

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

What the newest Marvel fare lacks in substance it mostly makes up for in style. But is that enough to differentiate it from the franchise's previous works?…

September 10, 2021

In an article about techno-orientalism, neon signs of cyborg women float with a string of red paper lanterns among them.

Revisiting the Racial Fears of Techno-Orientalism and Cyberpunk

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

There's no question that cyberpunk draws heavy influence from East Asian culture and aesthetics, so why aren't Asian characters and creators given their dues within the genre?…

September 9, 2021

In an article about 'Never Have I Ever,' an image of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar.

‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 2 Sees the Growth of Its Flawed Protagonist

Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

Even as fans pick sides in the story's love triangle, the series ultimately remains about the continued personal development of its main character, Devi.…

August 23, 2021

Illustration by Julie Chow of Kim's Convenience cast

The Last Season of ‘Kim’s Convenience’ Leaves a Murky Legacy

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

In the wake of the dissatisfying ending to CBC's popular television sitcom, actors are speaking out about their poor experience on the show and fans are grappling with the controversy.…

June 23, 2021

Illustration of Raya in 'Raya and the Last Dragon'

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Signals an Important Shift for Disney

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

While Disney’s newest film isn't perfect, it marks a change in how the studio operates creatively and prompts questions about how the studio will approach future releases.…

March 26, 2021

The ‘Mulan’ Remake Fails at Nuanced Asian Representation

Cathleen Luo, Columbia University

While ambitious, Disney's live-action version of the beloved tale falls short of portraying three-dimensional characters, instead relying on broad generalities about Chinese culture.…

September 22, 2020