In this episode Cardinal Times Reporters Kathryn Bird and Sunny Wang explore cultural appropriation and the rise of “Asian Aesthetic” becoming a trend in pop culture, specifically social media. From match, K-pop, and skincare to fashion and lifestyle trends, why are so many people fascinated with Asian culture? We discuss where appreciation can cross into stereotyping and how these trends affect real Asian identities. Through conversations with students and a writer from The Cardinal Times, we reflect on identity, representation, and stereotypes, and what can get lost when culture is reduced to just a trend or aesthetic.

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