The whole situation not only filled me with frustration, but also sadness. It was so irritating to see my culture appropriated and mocked. I’ve seen it so many times with small things like clothing, but I’ve also seen it with social issues, like China — and Asian people in general — being blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Michelle Yeoh held up that golden statue with an enormous smile, it was finally proof that we could be storytellers. We could be symbols for opportunities and second chances. 

With the growing popularity of Hollywood movies featuring Asian protagonists, ASPIRE set out to address on screen characterizations in media.

[mediagrid cat="18808"] To celebrate the Asian New Year and showcase the vibrancy of Asian culture, the Asian Studies Initiative at Boston University partnered with multiple cultural groups to host an...