Labubus, TikTok and KPop Demon Hunters: how childhood went east Asian
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Today in Focus
This episode is titled:
Labubus, TikTok and KPop Demon Hunters: how childhood went east Asian
Notable Quotes
"I had a fever and it was the Labubu fever and the only solution to feeling better was more Labubu."
"Being Asian in America growing up in the 80s and 90s felt a little bit like having a preview of what was going to come next."
"Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."
"In a lot of ways, childhood now is inherently global."
"The biggest markets in the world, the largest audiences in the world are in Asia."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of Today in Focus, host Noshin Iqbal speaks with cultural expert Jeff Yang about the evolution of childhood culture influenced by East Asian media. Yang introduces 'Labubus', quirky toys that have become popular collectibles and a fashion trend among kids, symbolizing a larger shift where East Asian culture is gaining supremacy within global childhood environments.
The discussion notes that children today grow up not just with traditional American characters like Mickey Mouse but also embrace anime and K-pop, showcasing a blend of cultures in their entertainment diets. Yang reflects on how American cultural dominance that prevailed from the 80s to the early 2000s is waning, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a re-evaluation of content consumption.
Digital streaming platforms like Netflix have opened up access to Asian content, thus normalizing it within mainstream cultures. Yang explains how younger generations engage with and appreciate East Asian culture more openly, attributing this phenomenon to the influence of social media, which continuously feeds them Asian pop culture.
The episode highlights the strategic export of South Korean culture through K-pop as part of a government-backed initiative to boost the country's international image. The discussion also encompasses the importance of soft power in global politics, emphasizing how representation in media can humanize and influence perceptions of Asian cultures.
Ultimately, the episode concludes that the new reality showcases a global childhood, where children have the diverse cultural buffet at their fingertips, a stark contrast to the past cultural hegemony of the United States.
The discussion notes that children today grow up not just with traditional American characters like Mickey Mouse but also embrace anime and K-pop, showcasing a blend of cultures in their entertainment diets. Yang reflects on how American cultural dominance that prevailed from the 80s to the early 2000s is waning, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a re-evaluation of content consumption.
Digital streaming platforms like Netflix have opened up access to Asian content, thus normalizing it within mainstream cultures. Yang explains how younger generations engage with and appreciate East Asian culture more openly, attributing this phenomenon to the influence of social media, which continuously feeds them Asian pop culture.
The episode highlights the strategic export of South Korean culture through K-pop as part of a government-backed initiative to boost the country's international image. The discussion also encompasses the importance of soft power in global politics, emphasizing how representation in media can humanize and influence perceptions of Asian cultures.
Ultimately, the episode concludes that the new reality showcases a global childhood, where children have the diverse cultural buffet at their fingertips, a stark contrast to the past cultural hegemony of the United States.
Key Takeaways
- East Asian culture is reshaping global childhood identity, overshadowing previous American pop culture dominance.
- Trends like Labubus and the rise of K-pop and anime highlight this shift in youth entertainment.
- Digital platforms like Netflix have made Asian content more accessible, normalizing it for younger audiences.
- Cultural exports, especially from South Korea, are strategic attempts to enhance national soft power.
- Representation in media is crucial for shaping perceptions and humanizing cultures in the context of global soft power.
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