A Discussion about Asian representation in books/novels originally written in English
I want to have a small discussion about Asian representation in books/novels originally written in English.
Okay, idk if y'all here also love to read written books without drawings (comics), but I do and try to read as much and as often as I can.
Disclaimer before I pose my "question/observation": I am not Asian or of Asian descent or am related or close with anyone that claims of being Asian. I love Indian movies, consume East Asian comics and TV series (Thailand/Taiwan for the win!), watches tone of documentaries on East, West, South, and North Asia, but that's as connect that I am to them. Now that is out there!
One thing I've noticed in YA books, and it bothers the hell out of it, is the fact a LOT of lead characters of Asian descents are half white and a good number of number of them date or love/lust after white boys/men. But, the thing that I've really taken notice of is how a lot of them are biracial and not purely of an Asian ethnicity. Like, I do not mind it (I'm not Asian and it doesn't seems to bother them), but...I cannot help but take notice. I'll mention two insanely popular YA novels right now who has one or two of the things I mentioned: "to all the boys i've loved before" and "the astonishing color after."
One of my all time favorite reads, and a book that pulled me out of my reading slump is "The Ghost Bride," which do not have any of those two things that I've observed and was just AMAZING! I'm not Asian, reiterating once more, and I could relate and felt the wonder and just loved it (world building, history, culture, it is all so beautiful and what truly made that book--read it!)
Moving on, what do y'all think?
I really want people to answer this if they have time. I really want to have a small discussing on why do y'all think this is like that, and if you happen to be Asian I would especially love to hear your input on how you feel about it and how it shapes or make Asian representation different.
