Evolution of Asian American Identity in Media

The representation of Asian Americans in mainstream media has undergone significant changes over the years, with visible shifts in both quantity and quality. Initially, alternative media platforms like YouTube showcased unique creators who provided authentic representation, while now larger platforms see increased visibility with successes like 'Shang-Chi' and global hits like 'Squid Games'. However, despite this progress, there remains a tendency for tokenism, where Asian characters are often included to satisfy diversity quotas, failing to depict true community dynamics. This fluctuation reflects a broader conversation on how the portrayal of Asian identities continues to evolve in a complex and sometimes contradictory manner.