Death of the Books by Erica Kot

Literature would probably never die. With enough people, there will always be new stories made and old stories retold. However, the medium carrying it may. With the advent of the internet, there have been a lot of books and novels that have been moved from paper to screen. Budding artists and writers are taking advantage of the lack of a publishing cost and more publishing freedom to show their works to the public. While this means that there’s more people and therefore more works, does that mean that traditional books have gotten obsolete? I think not.

Firstly, consider the book. The book is a tangible thing, meaning that physical touch is possible. Although it may not be as convenient to take the books with the person, especially when one has many books, it feels (to me, at least), a lot more satisfying. It’s a completely different feeling, and science also backs this.The tactile feeling means that you’re more likely to absorb more information because of the memory association. It’s actually also harder for you to get distracted from the book, since the internet is farther away and things like keywords are less likely to distract the reader.

Secondly, consider the process. Publishing a book is actually a lot harder than it seems. There are multiple edits from draft to book. It’s not as if online works are inferior. There are indeed some very good online series out there, but then a work being able to be published is its own seal of approval, making it so that there is at least a certain quality to the work.

Therefore, I don’t think that books will become redundant. Sure, webnovels and webcomics are very nice, but I think books will still be able to stay relevant in their niche for at least a little while longer.

(305 words)

Media's Many Advertisements by Erica Kot

In recent years, many media sites, such as Youtube, have gotten a lot more ads. I remember a time when an ad would only pop up once in a while, and usually it’s easily skipped. Nowadays, I can’t watch anything without at least one 15-second ad popping up, or having the classic 2-ad combo on top of my video. Of course, ads are nothing new. In fact, the acts of advertisements are around as old as the media that carried them. I guess money is just that irresistible.

Advertisements,however, are a necessary evil. They are a way to give content creators money, which can let them produce more content we enjoy. It is a way for the audience to give back to the creator, which is good.

But then with more media being more ad-filled, it might come to the situation that the media might become ad-saturated, thus driving users away from the platform. After all, it is less than pleasant to be forced to watch that many ads before being able to dive into the content that we want. I really believe that it’s the platform’s responsibility to balance ad revenue and actual satisfaction. After all, without the people, social media is nothing but an empty stage.

(209 words)

Social Media-Has it Gotten Too Demanding? by Erica Kot

Social media. Like it or not, it’s probably inescapable for the average modern person. At some point in their lives, you will make a social media account. At least, it was the scenario for me. I myself actually started to use social media seriously only fairly recently, say, three or four years ago. At first it was merely for fun, just an Instagram art account to occasionally post art on. But then recently, I’ve seen more and more people start to up their game in Instagram: whether it be posting reels (short videos), or just posting a lot in general. Which makes me start to think: is this too much effort?

To truly talk about that, we have to start with the algorithm. The algorithm is something that recommends posts that the viewer might be interested in. The more you post, the higher the chance of seeing your own posts. And this is where the problem lies. Feeding the algorithm can be very tiring. Take Instagram as an example. The algorithm could demand a post every day, or every two days for the user to stay relevant, but then pumping out that much content takes time and effort. And not everyone can spare that. 

Blindly chasing the algorithm will only lead to burnout, and there has been a lot of examples, for example Youtube creators quitting en masse because the algorithm has gotten too much for them. It’s important to understand that there are limits, and to take things easy when you have to.

(254 words)

The Disparity in Protagonists by Erica Kot

It is no secret that I like reading. In fact, one of my pastimes is to scroll through many different types of manga. But as I read more and more, I realised something. While mangas with a male protagonist often get to have a lot more freedom in terms of topics and occupation, mangas with a female protagonist would inevitably be heavily related to romantic love. And in the mangas with female protagonists, there’s often a big strong man who’s being the “great” one in the picture: you know, the one who saves the world in the name of love. Or at least, that’s the cliche, as I know of. Not that there’s any particular problem with it, just that it’s rather constricting.

Females just seem to not be very heroic. This could possibly do with the age-old trope male heroism that is drilled into us. Fairy tales are a great example of such a trope in work. Stories like Ashputtle (later Cinderella) teaches little girls the importance of marrying the right man, and despite the dubious morals, it still is told to little girls after only a little modification. Of course, nowadays, after years and years of hard work, marriage no longer is the only thing that can define a woman’s happiness. But it is still crushing to see weak fictional women in modern media, whose sole purpose in the work is to be pretty.

I think that it’s fine to have weak women. After all, we have to recognise that not every woman is born strong. However, when every fictional woman follows the same pattern, it starts to get bland. And it being bland isn’t the only problem. With such a lack of role models for women, it actually lets the little girls dream less, because they can’t see themselves in that role, because there’s no one to influence them into the role. This could lead to severe problems like growth-stunting because they didn’t see themselves as someone who is capable of growing and reaching new heights.

However, it also wouldn’t work to just shoehorn women into roles simply because we need one. It is a problem to have a lack of female protagonists, but arguably a bigger problem if tokenism happens. Tokenism is something that happens when something is done merely for the sake of ‘doing something’, and it’s problematic because of lazy and/or writing. If a work’s sole gimmick is ‘having a female protagonist’, it could lead to the misconception of ‘female protagonists make the story bad’, which isn't true because the story itself has problems. It’s also bad because it’s not true gender equality, yet it creates the illusions of achieving so.

All in all, I think that making good female protagonists is important. It feels great to see a good story with a nice protagonist, but there should be a fair chance for both guys and girls to see themselves represented.

(488 words)

You Are What You Eat - Why We Should be Picky About the Content We Consume  By Savio Shi

You have internet addiction, I have internet addiction, everyone and their pet goldfish has their eyes glued to the screen these days. While curing this addiction is going to be nigh impossible, in the meantime we could at least be smarter about what content we’re shoving into our psyche. 

While mindlessly scrolling instagram or youtube shorts may seem harmless outside of completely ruining your productivity and causing you to later feel intense self-hatred and guilt because you procrastinated instead of doing the important thing you were supposed to do, there's more. Our mind latches onto more than you think, so just because you can’t remember anything you learnt after spending 3 hours on Youtube doesn’t mean you haven’t been influenced in ways that you don’t realise. That’s why watching reviews or analysis videos are not a substitute for your own critical thinking. That doesn’t mean you shouldn't consume that kind of content, seeing what other people think can be a great way to understand different perspectives and to inspire you to think more deeply. However, it is in our human nature to be lazy, and after a long day of work or school, most people (Me included) would rather turn their brains off than to engage with intellectually stimulating content. So, what should we do?

As with other matters in life, I try to strike a balance. I’ve found that a good compromise between putting my brain in standby mode and overheating my brain is just doing one simple thing. After watching something, ask yourself “Do I agree with this? Why or why not?” before going to the comments and seeing what other people think. It’s like a small speed bump to stop your brain from going complete auto-pilot. 

Yes this is actually a callout post to my brain. Hey Mr. Brain, you seeing this? Stop going on auto-pilot! S.T.O.P. STOOOOO-

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The Internet: Where Nuance Goes to Die (A rant by Savio Shi)

The internet is great. But it is also terrible. So terrible.

What frustrates me so much about going online is seeing all the terrible takes people have on the full range of topics, from politics to videogames. Discourse on ANYTHING always devolves to two sides with equally extreme opinions, with both sides pointing fingers at and making fun of the other side, while believing their side is obviously morally and intellectually superior when in reality both sides are equally stupid. This is why I do not like to take sides for most issues, as I have no desire of being associated with either flavour of idiocy. Even if I agree with certain points of one side, I do not want to be labelled as supporting the “X” side because then people will automatically assume you share ALL the opinions held by that side, which is never true.

But why is the internet like this when real life doesn’t seem nearly as extreme? It has to do with how it works. On the internet, only the most shocking and polarising content gains attention because that’s what elicits an emotional response from people. For example, a post about how the new live action Dicky Tai movie was “Ok” will almost never get as much attention as a post like “I cried 17 times while watching it! It cured my blindness and saved my failing marriage, it’s the pinnacle of human achievement!!!!” or a post like “This movie gave me every cancer all at once and after watching it my wife decided to leave me”. People are just naturally going to be drawn to extremes regardless of if they agree with it, that’s why “rage bait”, which is content designed to cause outrage even exists, because it gets clicks. What’s happening here is that we often only hear about the opinion of the louder minority, while most of the nuanced takes sink to the bottom of obscurity since they don’t get as much engagement.

Keeping this in mind has made it a bit more comforting for me whenever I lose my mind at how seemingly everyone on the internet can only think in black and white. However, I’ve recently come to another solution, which is that I should just go online less and touch more grass. 

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Sifu - Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation? By Savio Shi

You enter a hallway illuminated by dim, flickering lights. Standing between you and the end of the hallway are twenty thugs, some armed, some not, all of them ready to turn you into mincemeat. Little do they know, you are a master of Pak Mei kung fu, and they are about to get the butt-kicking of a lifetime.

This is the fantasy that the game Sifu provides, and it absolutely kills it. Many gamers raved about the intricate and exhilarating combat system, the unique revival mechanics, and the tough as nails difficulty. However, the game is not without its critics, namely some western journalists criticising the portrayal of Chinese elements in game, some even accusing it of being guilty of cultural appropriation. First, Sloclap, the developer of the game, is a French based game studio. While the game's portrayal of Pak Mei kung fu was quite accurate as they had an actual master do the motion capture, the same can't be said for the use of the Chinese language and cultural elements. One language issue is the inconsistent use of Cantonese and Mandarin romanisation. The game's title is Sifu, which is the Cantonese romanization, but the game uses Mandarin pinyin for some in-game text and romanized terms, such as “wuguan” for 武館 and “Wude” for 武德. There are also some awkward uses of Chinese sprinkled in the game, which admittedly did take me out of the game at first as a native Cantonese speaker. Others have also pointed out that the Chinese elements feel more like set-dressing for the aesthetic, such as the liberal use of incense burners and talismans, objects that hold religious and cultural significance to Chinese people.  

That being said, I disagree. While there are obvious areas for improvement, I think many people overlook one key factor that separates appropriation and appreciation; intent. It’s obvious that this game is a love letter to action cinema, but more specifically to Hong Kong action cinema. The numerous references to classic Hong Kong action films and the cinematic and satisfying combat that perfectly replicates the thrill of an expertly choreographed action sequence clearly reflects the developer’s passion for kung fu classics. The fact that they aren’t even Chinese makes it more impressive that they were able to accomplish this, considering there aren’t any locally made action games that managed to gain an international audience. As Hong Kongers, we should be proud that there are people overseas that appreciate our culture so much they were inspired to create something of their own. It’s so cool to see big budget games that feature HK like Shadowrun: Hong Kong (Tactical RPG), Sleeping Dogs (GTA in HK), the upcoming Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown (Driving game set in a 1:1 recreation of Hong Kong Island). That being said, it’s high time that we start representing our own culture again. I’d love to see more locally made games featuring HK elements become international hits, fingers crossed!

Word Count: 497

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a Modern Classic By Savio Shi

Anime is now more popular than ever, with many titles such as My Hero Academia, SPY X FAMILY, Bocchi The Rock and Jujutsu Kaisen garnering mainstream attention. However, for every Death Note there’s a “I’m a Loser Who Does Nothing But Play Video Games All Day and Now I’m Reincarnated As a Super Powerful Half-Demon Half-Angel With The Power To Destroy The Universe With Only a Fart” (This is a parody of many trashy self-insert, wish-fulfilment “Isekai” animes where the protagonist gets transported to another world and becomes ridiculously overpowered and is surrounded with attractive women who fall head over heels for the protagonist despite his lack of any positive personality traits. And yes they really do have titles like this.) While there’s no shortage of good anime, great anime can be hard to come by. Friern: Beyond Journey’s End is one of them. 

Frieren has one of the most memorable opening episodes of any shows I’ve watched, period. It begins with the end of the journey, after Frieren and her party of heroes successfully defeated the demon king. Here we’re introduced to a lovable cast of characters, including Eisen the steadfast and stoic Warrior dwarf, Heiter the alcoholic human priest, and Himmel the human Hero, the leader of the party. Frieren is a cold and detached elven mage, and the protagonist of the series. As an elf, her lifespan is extremely long, which has caused her to perceive time much more differently than her peers. After Himmel’s party is celebrated for their monumental achievement, they part ways, each having new goals and aspirations. Many years later, Frieren revisits her old friends only to find that they’ve all grown old. Her friends have all missed her greatly, but Himmel in particular had missed her the most. Himmel had always paid special attention to Frieren, and the two shared a special bond, though it was a somewhat one-sided one. After the four went out to see the shooting stars one last time, Himmel the hero passed away. 

It was only at his funeral that Frieren suddenly realised that she hadn’t treasured her time together with Himmel. Tears fall from her face as she regrets not getting to know him better when she had the chance. It was an extremely profound and emotional moment that moved me as well. This prompted Frieren to change her perspective on life. She begins to realise that her near immortality has caused her not to value her often short-lived connections with humans, and so she embarks on a new journey, making new friends while reminiscing on her past friends, keeping them alive in her memory and carrying them onto the future. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is about a lot of things. But its most powerful theme is that ultimately, we are the culmination of the people in our lives. This resonated with me deeply, as I’ve been fortunate enough to have made many meaningful connections with people from all ages and backgrounds. Some helped me understand myself better, some taught me things I never would’ve known, and some stood by my side in times of need. I may not be as long-lived as Frieren, but in my short 20 years I feel as though I’ve already made a lifetime of wonderful connections. Some of those connections will last longer than others, but just as Frieren realised, it is not the amount of time spent together that matters. If you treasure the time spent together, it will stay with you for a lifetime. I am Savio, but I’m also a collage of all the people who’ve been kind enough to let me be a part of their lives, and words cannot express how grateful I am for everyone who has made me the person I am today, but I’ll still give it a shot: Thank you.

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Netflix Avatar The Last Airbender IS STUNNING! by Rone Niño Lam

Recently I have FINALLY finished the Netflix adaptation of Avatar The Last Airbender and I can say with 100% conviction that the show is worth watching,

One of the reasons that I truly enjoy the show is because of the stunning visuals that were lovingly placed by the visual artists! The colors in the show are vibrant and bright, they immediately grab your attention as soon as they appear on the screen. For example, many of the wide shots of when the main characters come to a new nation are absolutely GORGEOUS. The stunning landscape always made me pause the episode when they appeared on screen, I would always do an audible gasp and say "OH MY GOD!". Just taking in the vast landscape was always a treat for me. Me being a HUGE fan of the original cartoon series, just made the entire experience more worth it!

Aside from the vibrancy of the entire show, the fighting scenes in which the bending powers were incorporated made me SO happy as an ATLA fan. The way they were choreographed to display the intensity and stress that the characters feel during these fights is phenomenal! One fight scene that is always noteworthy is the fight between Katara and Zuko in one of the final scenes of the season, the way Katara finally proved herself as a master water bender to a formidable foe like the Fire Prince, Zuko will always be memorable to me!

Man. I could honesty gush on more and more about this show but that could take forever to read! So I'll end it here. (づ◡﹏◡)づ

Written by: Rone Niño Lam

-267 words

Waymond Is An Awesome Guy by Rone Niño Lam

Well, I still remember fondly watching Everything Everywhere All At Once on my laptop in my room. Although it was a really trippy experience at first, the more I researched EEAAO on YouTube and other sites, my affinity for it began to grow. ESPECIALLY for one of the main characters, Waymond Wang. The main reason why I love him as a character is his kindness.

On the surface level, Waymond may just seem to be a quiet, funny, and silly husband of Evelyn's but the film later dives pretty in-depth"ly" into why he does the things he does in the film--- He uses his kindness and silliness as a way to navigate through the harsh climate of the reality that we are all forced to live in where EEAAO explains this through an emotional scene where Waymond was trying to convince Evelyn to not use any more violence.

I am a family-orientated person through and through and the way Waymond loves his family and was silently proactive in helping them as well truly reminded me of my own family and how I could love them in the same way he does. This helped me vividly remember the aforementioned scene left on me.

That is why Waymond is an awesome guy. (* ^ ω ^)

Written by: Rone Niño Lam

-210 words

Why I Highly Dislike Professor Higgins! by Rone Niño Lam

I am just about halfway through watching My Fair Lady and by golly, I really highly dislike Professor Higgins because of his narcissistic, sexist, and gaslighting behaviour. Particularly towards Eliza Dolittle.

Higgins discovers Eliza Dolittle on the streets of London selling flowers, then Eliza and him have a pretty big argument about him jotting down notes on her cockney accent. Through this interaction, where the audience is first introduced to his self-absorbed and extremely sexist attitude toward Eliza due to her cockney accent. Throughout the first half of the film, Higgins plainly dismisses Eliza as a "thing" for him to do his Phonetic experiments on. He always disregards Eliza's feelings as nothing at all and only cares for his own and his achievements. I mean come on even the people around him, such as Ms. Pierce and Colonel Pickering scolded him on his unreasonable behaviour.

I was really mad watching this half of the film so far, the sexist commentary of this film is blatantly obvious and right in your face which I really appreciate the film for. I truly dislike Professor Higgins with a mighty passion because of his frankly disgusting behaviour. I really hate people like this because they always treat people like absolute doorknobs without any regard for basic human decency and for their feelings.

This is where I'll end my rant about Mr.sexist. (`皿´＃)

Written by: Rone Niño Lam

-227 words

Why I love Black Cinderella by Rone Niño Lam

When I first found out about this particular movie through a random YouTube video. It piqued my interest right away, the reason being that I have always been fascinated with media including underrepresented groups especially Filipinos and black people.

The movie is called Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella which to my surprise features BOTH a black princess and a Filipino prince! I can tell you with absolute certainty that the movie highlights both the actors and actresses in a good manner without relying on any stereotypes. The film does an excellent job of highlighting parts of what makes them special through their various wonderful costuming, singing, and dialogue.

What I love especially about this film is that it never made the actress who played Cinderella, Brandy Norwood's race and appearance the focus of the film but instead focuses on her character alone: her dreams, wishes the sort. A lot of films don't really do this for black people because stereotypes and cast typing make it easier to make any sort of monetary accomplishments rather than treating them as actual human beings. (which sadly does not make them any money).

Also final note on why I love this movie in particular is COME ON Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother. Absolute queen in the film, full of magic and joy to be had!

That's pretty much some of the reasons why I love Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Written by Rone Niño Lam

-234 words

The Rising Wave of C-Drama in the U.S. - By Beidi

In recent years, the U.S. has seen a blossoming interest in international television, with audiences eagerly exploring shows beyond Hollywood's offerings. Among these, Chinese dramas, commonly known as C-dramas, have started to carve out their niche, winning over viewers with their unique stories and cultural richness.

C-dramas are television series produced in mainland China, featuring a wide range of genres from historical epics to modern romances, fantasy adventures, and even gripping crime thrillers. What's intriguing about these shows is not just their exotic appeal, but also the fresh perspectives and deep storytelling they bring to the table.

One reason for the surge in popularity of C-dramas is the increasing accessibility provided by streaming services. Platforms like Netflix, Viki, and iQIYI International are investing in bringing these shows to a global audience, complete with subtitles in multiple languages. This has opened the door for U.S. viewers to dive into shows like "The Untamed", "Eternal Love", and "Nirvana in Fire", without worrying about language barriers.

But what truly sets C-dramas apart is their content. They often delve into China's rich history and mythology, offering viewers a chance to immerse themselves in stories that are vastly different from the Western narratives they're accustomed to. From the intricate palace intrigues of dynastic sagas to the moral complexities of wuxia (martial heroes) tales, the plotlines are as diverse as they are captivating.

Moreover, C-dramas tend to focus heavily on character development and emotional connections, creating a viewing experience that resonates on a deeper level. Relationships, whether familial, platonic, or romantic, are explored with a depth that can feel both novel and relatable to U.S. audiences.

The production values of C-dramas have also seen significant improvement, with many series showcasing high-quality cinematography, elaborate costumes, and impressive special effects. This level of detail not only enhances the visual pleasure but also helps to transport viewers into the world of the drama.

Additionally, the cultural exchange goes both ways. C-dramas are not just passive entertainment; they often inspire viewers to learn more about Chinese culture, history, and language, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation between the two countries.

Despite their rising popularity, C-dramas still face challenges in the U.S. market, including stereotypes and preconceived notions about foreign entertainment. However, as audiences become more global in their tastes and more adventurous in their viewing habits, the future looks bright for C-drama in the U.S.

In conclusion, the growing popularity of C-dramas in the U.S. is a testament to the universal language of storytelling. These shows offer a window into a different world, one full of rich narratives and deep cultural significance. As more viewers give them a chance, C-dramas are poised to become a staple in the diverse landscape of American entertainment.

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YouTube Shorts: The Quick Entertainment Fix Taking Over Screens in the U.S. - By Beidi

In a world where quick and easy content is king, YouTube Shorts has emerged as the newest player on the digital stage in the United States. This feature allows creators to make short, snappy videos that deliver entertainment in 60 seconds or less. It's YouTube's answer to the rising popularity of short-form video platforms like TikTok, and it's changing the way we consume content—one short clip at a time.

YouTube Shorts came about as a response to the ever-decreasing attention span of the general public and the increasing demand for content that's both engaging and quick to digest. In the busy lives of most Americans, finding time to sit down and watch a 30-minute video is a luxury. Shorts offer a way to sneak in a laugh, learn a new trick, or catch up with a favorite creator without having to carve out a significant portion of the day.

One of the biggest draws of YouTube Shorts is its accessibility. Since it's rolled into YouTube, a platform that already boasts over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, Shorts has a massive built-in audience. It's easy for viewers to stumble upon Shorts while browsing their regular YouTube feed, which has led to its rapid growth in popularity.

For creators, YouTube Shorts presents an opportunity to reach a wider audience, experiment with different types of content, and increase their visibility. The shorter format lowers the barrier to entry for content creation, encouraging more users to become creators. With features like the Shorts camera, which includes a variety of editing tools, and the Shorts Fund, a 100-million-dollar initiative to reward creators, YouTube is investing heavily in this bite-sized content.

But what does this mean for the average viewer in the U.S.? YouTube Shorts offers a diverse buffet of content, from comedy sketches and how-to guides to music performances and daily vlogs. The sheer variety means there's something for everyone, and the algorithm quickly learns to serve up personalized recommendations based on what you like to watch.

However, the rise of YouTube Shorts isn't without its challenges. The platform must continually work to balance monetization opportunities for creators while keeping the content viewer-friendly. Plus, with so much content being uploaded every minute, maintaining a high standard of quality and filtering out inappropriate material becomes a Herculean task.

YouTube Shorts illustrates the ever-evolving landscape of online entertainment. As more people in the U.S. look for quick content fixes, Shorts is poised to satisfy that craving. Whether you're in line for coffee or taking a quick break from work, these bite-sized videos promise to fill every spare minute with content that's fast, fun, and tailored just for you. The future of digital entertainment is here, and it's shorter than ever.

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Understanding the U.S. Ban on TikTok and Its Broader Implications - By Beidi

In the digital age, social media platforms have become more than just spaces for sharing selfies and viral dance videos. For many, apps like TikTok are a hub of creativity, connection, and even income. However, when a social media giant becomes the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war, users and policymakers alike are thrown into a whirlwind of debate and decision-making. Such is the case with the U.S. government's move to ban TikTok, a decision that has sparked conversations about national security, free speech, and the future of international apps on American soil.

TikTok, for those who might not be familiar, is a wildly popular app known for short-form videos. It's a launchpad for trends, a platform for activists, and a new frontier for marketers. But despite its playful exterior, TikTok has found itself embroiled in controversy, with the U.S. raising concerns about data privacy and the potential for foreign influence.

The crux of the argument for banning TikTok revolves around its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company. U.S. officials are worried that the Chinese government could pressure ByteDance into handing over data on American users, which could be used for espionage or to manipulate public opinion. While there's no public evidence to confirm these fears, the very possibility has been enough to put TikTok in the hot seat.

Advocates of the ban assert that national security must come first, and if there's even a slight chance of a breach, action should be taken. They point to China's National Intelligence Law, which mandates that Chinese organizations and citizens support state intelligence work, as a cause for concern. In their view, the ban is a necessary step to protect American interests.

Opponents of the ban, however, see a different picture. They argue that TikTok has gone to great lengths to separate its U.S. operations from its Chinese parent company. The app has even proposed aggressive measures to safeguard U.S. user data, including storing it on American soil and walling it off from other parts of the business.

Critics of the ban also worry about the precedent it sets for internet freedom. TikTok has become a digital town square for millions of Americans, particularly among the younger generation. Shutting down a major platform raises questions about free speech and the government's role in regulating the internet.

Furthermore, there's a conversation to be had about the effectiveness of such a ban. In our interconnected world, where apps can be downloaded and VPNs (virtual private networks) can circumvent geographic restrictions, a ban might not stop determined users from accessing TikTok. It may only drive the activity underground, making it harder to regulate and monitor.

For TikTok enthusiasts and creators, the ban threatens the community they've built and the opportunities they've found. For some, TikTok is more than entertainment—it's a livelihood. Content creators who have amassed significant followings are facing the prospect of losing their audience and income overnight.

As the debate rages on, the TikTok ban holds a mirror to broader issues facing our society. It highlights the growing suspicion and tension between major world powers, the challenges of privacy in the digital era, and the struggle to balance security with freedom. It also underscores the need for international dialogue and cooperation on cyber issues, as the actions of one nation can have ripple effects across the globe.

In the end, the future of TikTok in the U.S. will likely be decided through a complex interplay of diplomacy, legal challenges, and public opinion. What is certain is that the outcome will have lasting implications for the tech industry, geopolitics, and the everyday user scrolling through their feed in search of the next great video.

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Understanding the Media Portrayal of American Born Chinese and Chinese Migrants - By Beidi

In the diverse tapestry of the United States, media portrayals play a pivotal role in shaping public perception of different ethnic groups. Two such groups that often find themselves in the spotlight are American-born Chinese individuals and Chinese migrants. While both share ancestral roots, their representation in U.S. media can differ significantly, painting contrasting pictures that impact their societal perception and experiences.

American-born Chinese, or ABCs, are U.S. citizens by birth with Chinese heritage. They are often depicted as straddling two worlds, navigating the fine line between their ancestral culture and the predominantly Western culture they're born into. U.S. media has historically leaned on stereotypes when portraying ABCs, casting them into roles that either emphasize their 'otherness' or, conversely, highlight their complete assimilation, sometimes at the expense of their cultural identity.

For example, the ABC character might be the 'model minority'—a high-achiever in academics or a virtuoso in classical music—but socially awkward or out of touch with American pop culture. This portrayal, while seemingly positive, actually places undue pressure on ABCs to live up to unrealistic expectations and often ignores the diversity and depth of their experiences.

On the other hand, Chinese migrants, who have moved to the U.S. from China, may face a different set of stereotypes in media portrayals. They are frequently depicted as perpetual foreigners, regardless of their actual immigration status or time spent in the U.S. The focus tends to be on their struggles with language barriers, their work in immigrant-dominated industries, or their efforts to ‘Americanize’. Rarely are their individual stories of resilience, adaptation, and contribution to American society given the spotlight.

This dichotomy in depiction creates a divide where ABCs are seen as 'too American' for the Chinese community and not 'American enough' for the wider society, while Chinese migrants are often viewed as outsiders, struggling to fit into the American cultural landscape.

Additionally, media narratives around Chinese migrants sometimes tilt towards the sensational, emphasizing tales of hardship or conflict. While these stories are indeed part of the migrant experience for some, they do not represent the entirety of the migrant journey. Many Chinese migrants achieve remarkable success and make significant contributions to their communities, yet these positive stories receive less attention.

It's important to note that the media landscape is evolving. There has been a growing awareness and push for more nuanced portrayals of all ethnic groups, including ABCs and Chinese migrants. Shows like "Fresh Off the Boat" began to challenge old stereotypes by presenting a Chinese-American family's life with humor and depth, allowing for a broader range of characters and experiences to be displayed. Similarly, stories of Chinese migrants are increasingly depicted with greater complexity, highlighting their multifaceted roles as business owners, artists, scientists, and more.

Despite these advances, there is still work to be done. The general public must be critical of the media they consume, recognizing when depictions fall into stereotype or provide only a partial view of the rich and varied experiences of ABCs and Chinese migrants. It is also essential for more members of these communities to participate in the media-making process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are told accurately.

As we move forward, it is vital for the media to portray both American-born Chinese and Chinese migrants in a way that reflects their authentic experiences, free from the constraints of outdated stereotypes. By doing so, the media can foster a more inclusive and understanding society that appreciates the diversity and individuality within these communities.

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