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The ABG: A Label Built On Struggle
Written by Paulina Tep When you hear the term “ABG,” you think of the Asian Baby Girl: she’s got bleached hair, wears heavy lashes, is obsessed with raves, and is a certified bobaholic. The ABG is the antithesis of Western society’s expectations of women: bold and sexy, not passive and dainty. While this is the widely accepted definition of an ABG, I have noticed a shift in how it is presented in recent years. Several other youth subcultures of the past decades have transitioned into a social media “aesthetic,” including the ABG. The ABG style is about visuals now and not culture. My observation is that while the standard ABG…
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The Origin of Manga and Anime
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez Manga and anime are more than just a hobby—they’re art, storytelling, and emotional expression forms that have grown into global cultural powerhouses. Whether you’re laughing through a high school comedy, tearing up during a bittersweet romance, or hanging onto every moment of an intense battle, there’s something in this world for everyone. The roots of manga go way back to 12th-century Japanese scrolls, where artists used sequential drawings to tell stories. In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists like Hokusai helped popularize the word “manga,” meaning “whimsical pictures.” But the real boom came after World War II when Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,”…
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The Hidden Language of Red Envelopes
Submitted by Jodie Li Red envelopes (hóngbāo in Mandarin, lai see in Cantonese) are a symbol of Chinese culture and tradition. These vibrant envelopes are usually associated with Lunar New Year, weddings, and other grand celebrations. But these pockets hold deeper meanings beyond their monetary gifts—they carry wishes of luck, protection, and connection across generations. Origins in Legend The tradition of red envelopes traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). The tale goes that villagers would place coins in red paper under children’s pillows to ward off a demon named Sui. The color red symbolizes fire and vitality, which is why it was believed to repel evil spirits. By…
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The Bizarre Journey of Boba
Submitted by Will Chen Boba has turned into a worldwide phenomenon over the last decade. It has grown to be the perfect drink to grab on the go and is beloved by the younger generation. Here at the University of Delaware, we have a handful of boba shops such as Comma Cafe, Kung Fu Tea, TBaar, and Tiger Sugar. With such a large popularity, let’s take a dive into the origin of boba. Where did it all start? The origin of boba is often debated. However, it is widely believed that in the early 1980s, the owner of a tea store in Taiwan wanted to experiment with serving cold…
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Love Perspectives: How Different Asian Countries Celebrate Love and Relationship
Submitted by Jodie Li Ah, it’s February again—the month of love, affection, and heartfelt connections! Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or family bonds, this is the perfect time to cherish the relationships that matter most. From bromances and Galentine’s gatherings to parent-child bonds and, of course, couples in love, everyone has their own way of expressing and celebrating these emotions. And just as individuals have their unique traditions, so do cultures around the world. Across Asia, countries like China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Philippines each have their own beautiful and distinct ways of honoring love and connection. So, no matter how you celebrate, let this month let you…
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Seeing Climate Change in Action: Where are the Blizzards?
Submitted by Will Chen Winter is one of my favorite seasons of the year to experience. I love the cold air and brisk morning winds. Most of all, I love playing in the snow and watching snowflakes drift down. On winter days, looking out my window and seeing piles of pearly white snow brings me so much joy. However, as each year passes by, the Earth is getting warmer. More specifically, the amount of snowfall in the Northeast has dramatically decreased over the past few years. Many of my happiest memories consisted of snow days, staying indoors, and shoveling the pavement. Nowadays, I only remember sprinkles of snow each winter.…
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Famous Landmarks in Asia to Visit
Submitted by Will Chen As the world’s largest continent, Asia is a place full of diversity and fantastic places to explore. Although I have not yet visited Asia, I plan to in the near future and hope to come across new environments to immerse myself in. Here are some famous landmarks that you should be sure to visit. The Great Wall of China: As one of the seven wonders of the world, I am sure that this does not come as a surprise to you. With over 10 million visitors each year, this landmark is a wonder that each and every person should visit at least once in their lifetime.…
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TV Show Review: Shogun
Shogun, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of 17th-century Japan, seamlessly combines historical drama, political intrigue, and cultural discovery. Following the resilient Lord Yoshii Toranaga, the narrative guides viewers through a tumultuous era in Japanese history. Shogun's meticulous attention to detail in recreating feudal Japan's rich tapestry sets it apart. From elaborate costumes to stunning landscapes, the series transports audiences to a bygone era, immersing them in the intricate world of samurai, shoguns, and political maneuvering.
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How Asian Cultures Are Formed
Asia, often referred to as the world's largest and most diverse continent, includes a variety of cultures intertwined together through generations of history. From the vibrant and exciting Filipino festivals to the beauty of Japanese tea ceremonies, Asian cultures encapsulate a rich blend of traditions, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles. But how are these complex cultural identities formed? Let’s dive into the multifaceted process of cultural formation in Asia, exploring the dynamic interplay of factors that have shaped its diverse tapestry.
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A Letter to My Past and Future Self
Dear Past and Future Me, I sit down to write this letter currently at the age of 20 years, 6 months, and 26 days. I find myself in a moment of reflection, caught between the memories of my past and the expectations of my future. At 20 years old, I stand on the threshold of adulthood as well as feeling like a child. I have thoughts of unrealistic dreams of the future like a child, but harsh realities headed my adult life. However...
