Squid Game 3, Tech Job Woes, Zhongbao's Transformation

Good Morning – November 21, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

HISTORY

The ruling that solidified segregation for non-white students

On this day in 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Gong Lum v. Rice, upholding Mississippi’s authority to enforce racially segregated public schools under the “separate but equal” doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). The case arose when Martha Lum, a 9nine-year-old Chinese-American girl, was barred from attending a white public school in Bolivar County, Mississippi, because she was classified as "colored" under state law. Her father, Gong Lum, filed suit, arguing that she should be allowed to attend the school for white children rather than being forced into a school for students of color. The Court rejected the challenge, ruling that the state had the constitutional power to segregate public education based on race and that Lum's access to a "colored" school satisfied the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This landmark ruling reinforced segregationist policies and broadened their application beyond Black and white students to include other non-white groups, perpetuating systemic racial discrimination in American public education.

TOP STORIES

“Overwatch” D.va voice actor: WestJet has not apologized after flight mistreatment

U.S. voice actor Charlet Takahashi Chung says WestJet has contacted her following her disturbing experience during a flight to Los Angeles — where crew members allegedly mistreated her after she was harassed by another passenger — but offered no apologies.

• Catch up: Chung, known for voicing the character D.va in the video game “Overwatch 2,” first shared her harrowing experience on Instagram on Nov. 9. A video shows how she was allegedly mistreated by flight attendants after she accused a male passenger of repeatedly hitting and pushing her seat and telling her to “f*ck off.” Chung, who was flying from Winnipeg, Canada, to LAX on Oct. 28 for a business trip, told NextShark there was “no indication that [her flight] would turn badly,” adding that she had no “prior interaction whatsoever” with the disruptive passenger. The flight attendant, identified in Chung’s video as Tricia, purportedly harassed her the entire flight, even denying her access to the restroom at one point.

• What now: Social media users overwhelmingly rallied behind Chung to help identify the flight attendant and the male passenger. Commenting on her story’s development, Chung told NextShark, “I do not wish ill will on anyone. One of my hopes in making my experience public was that I wanted those involved to know the impact of their actions.” WestJet previously told NextShark that it “takes all concerns of this nature seriously” as it investigates the incident. Chung said WestJet did contact her recently, but “no responsibility was taken, no apology was given.” The actor emphasized that she chose to share her experience as a way to “not only regain my power as an Asian American but stand up for other women and POC who undergo similar discrimination every day but do not have the platform to speak out against injustice.” Despite the incident’s negative impact on her, Chung has found solace and strength with the community. “As vulnerable as it has been to share about this, I have come to find how sadly common of an experience this is but have been strengthened and given courage by the community and for that I am thankful,” she said.

Chinese women sport Lululemon, carry Stanley cups to create “white woman aesthetic”

A fashion and lifestyle trend dubbed the “white woman aesthetic” has taken over Chinese social media, inviting netizens to share their best activewear looks as their idea of a modern Western lifestyle.

• How it works: The “white woman aesthetic,” which gained popularity on local social platform Xiaohongshu as early as December 2023, typically “requires” two staples: Lululemon activewear and Stanley cups. To boost the ensemble, one can incorporate well-known Western products such as Apple AirPods, Converse sneakers and Tiffany jewelry.

• Why it matters: The trend reflects young Chinese women’s growing desire for a more relaxed lifestyle — a relief from China’s prevailing “996” work culture, in which employees find themselves toiling from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. Many also see the trend as a means to emulate the image of a middle-class white American woman, as China’s middle-class shrinks after the 2021 Evergrande crash. The fad also coincides with the “white people food” trend, in which participants make simple meals like breakfasts with nuts, cereal and low-sugar fruits like blueberries paired with Greek yogurt.

• Reactions: While the trend has gone viral, some netizens are not keen on it. One Xiaohongshu user stressed that some Chinese people simply would not be able to live a middle-class American lifestyle, especially workers “with a monthly salary of 8,000 yuan ($1,100) [who] can’t wake up at 6 a.m. for skincare and exercise.” Another commented, “I feel like I'm looking at a guide on how to look like the white lady soccer moms in the wealthy community near my home.”

POLITICS & POLICY

Even after loss, Kamala Harris could still stand defiant against Donald Trump

Despite losing the election, Vice President Kamala Harris may yet play a pivotal role in defying President-elect Donald Trump as Democrats push to confirm judicial nominees in the waning days of the Biden administration. With Senate Republicans employing procedural roadblocks to delay confirmations, Harris’ constitutional power to break Senate ties could prove decisive in overcoming GOP obstruction. “This is something they want to clear the decks on,” a senior Harris aide told NBC News, underscoring the administration’s urgency to surpass Trump’s first-term record of 234 judicial confirmations. Despite Trump’s demand on Truth Social for Republicans to “hold the line” and block confirmations, Democrats are determined to maximize the lame-duck session. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to continue pushing through nominees, despite procedural delays that forced nearly midnight sessions. “We’ll keep going,” Schumer declared on Monday, as Democrats teed up votes on 12 judicial nominees. While Republicans, including incoming Vice President J.D. Vance, scramble to unify their ranks, Harris has delayed personal travel to ensure she is available for tie-breaking votes. The effort mirrors Trump’s own success in securing judges after losing the 2020 election, leaving Democrats confident they can achieve similar results before the GOP takes control of Congress.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

HK pro-democracy tycoon says he counted on Trump to stop national security law

Pro-democracy advocate and media mogul Jimmy Lai revealed in his trial in Hong Kong on Wednesday that he had hoped Donald Trump could intervene to stop the imposition of Beijing’s national security law in 2020.

• Catch up: Lai, 77, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Prosecutors allege he was a central figure in a network that sought foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China. This includes accusations that he met with U.S. officials, such as then-Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2019, to solicit support. Lai denied these allegations in court, stating he merely relayed the situation in Hong Kong during his meetings. Lai’s defense has framed his meetings with foreign officials as standard exchanges and emphasized his refusal to advocate for Hong Kong’s independence, calling such notions “crazy” and a “conspiracy.”

• What Lai is saying: Lai’s testimony highlighted his belief that Trump’s intervention was crucial to counter Beijing’s imposition of the national security law in mid-2020. He reportedly instructed the Taiwanese edition of Apple Daily to avoid publishing material critical of Trump, underscoring the urgency he felt at the time. He also spearheaded a campaign urging Hongkongers to write letters to Trump, a move his colleagues initially resisted but eventually supported at Lai’s insistence. “If the national security law was imposed, Apple Daily would be finished,” Lai told the court, adding, “Maybe [Trump] could just ask China not to do it … a call to Xi Jinping, whatever.” The law ultimately came into force on June 30, 2020, prompting Lai’s arrest and the eventual closure of Apple Daily in 2021.

• What Trump is saying: In an interview with conservative podcaster Hugh Hewitt in October, Trump pledged to secure Lai’s release if he is re-elected. “One hundred percent, yes,” Trump said when asked whether he would intervene with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Lai’s behalf. Trump cited his previous successful negotiations with Xi, such as securing the release of detained American basketball players in 2017, as evidence of his ability to act effectively. Trump’s remarks have further highlighted Lai’s case as a litmus test for Hong Kong’s judicial independence. Diplomats and rights advocates continue to call for Lai’s release, with a coalition of politicians and experts from at least 22 countries and the European Parliament condemning his prolonged detention as “inhumane.”

“How is Imelda?” Trump asks Philippine president about his mom in first call

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had his first phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday. The conversation, which Marcos described as “friendly,” reportedly focused on personal connections and the longstanding alliance between the two nations.

• How’s mom?: Trump, a longtime acquaintance of the Marcos family, asked, “How is Imelda?” prompting Marcos to relay her regards. The exchange highlighted Trump’s familiarity with the Philippines, where the former first lady remains a polarizing figure. Imelda, now 95, was sentenced in 2018 to at least 42 years in prison for diverting government funds into private Swiss foundations during her tenure as Metro Manila governor and minister of human settlements under martial law, a period marked by her husband Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s authoritarian rule. Despite the conviction, her advanced age and health have kept her from serving jail time.

• Strengthening ties: The call transitioned into broader topics, including the Philippines-U.S. alliance, which Marcos emphasized as "deep and enduring." Marcos highlighted the significance of Filipino American voters in Trump’s victory, noting their support in the U.S. elections. While bilateral ties have strengthened under the Biden administration, Marcos expressed optimism about maintaining and enhancing the relationship under Trump, citing plans to meet with the president-elect soon after his White House return. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, during a recent visit to Palawan, reaffirmed the “ironclad” Mutual Defense Treaty, underscoring bipartisan support for the alliance amid concerns over Beijing’s aggression in the region.

Why Japan’s discovery of $26.3 billion metal deposit could be bad for the environment

Jackpot! Japan finds massive rare metal deposit worth $26,290,800,000 

A survey by the University of Tokyo anda The Nippon Foundation from April 24 to June 9 has uncovered a vast deposit of rare earth metals worth an estimated $26.3 billion near Minami-Torishima Island. Located 3.5 miles (5,700 meters) below sea level, the deposit contains approximately 230 million tons of manganese nodules rich in cobalt and nickel, crucial components for electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.

• Semi-infinite supply: Researchers noted during the announcement of the discovery in July that the deposits could supply Japan's cobalt needs for 75 years and nickel needs for 11 years, significantly reducing the nation's reliance on imports. The Nippon Foundation said it plans to begin experimental extraction by March 2026, with plans to harvest 3 million tons of these valuable resources annually. The discovery comes on the heels of a 2018 study by Waseda University and the University of Tokyo which first identified the existence of the "semi-infinite" rare earth mineral deposits. 

Risks and concerns: Scientists and environmental organizations warn that harvesting manganese nodules could cause potential damage to fragile deep-sea ecosystems, including habitat destruction, noise pollution and the release of sediment plumes that could smother marine life.The United Nations' Climate Change Conference last year included discussions about deep-sea mining and marine protection as demand for battery metals grows. The International Seabed Authority is also currently working to establish regulations for deep-sea mining.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

UC Berkeley professor warns even top tech students are no longer guaranteed jobs

UC Berkeley computer science professor James O’Brien warns that a tech degree no longer assures employment, even for top-tier students.

• Driving the news: O’Brien, who has worked with film and game companies on integrating advanced simulation physics into special effects and games — and received an Oscar for technical achievement in 2015 — has observed a dramatic shift in the tech job market, particularly for his students. “Previously, a Berkeley CS graduate, even if not a top student, would receive multiple appealing job offers in terms of work type, location, salary and employer. However, outstanding students, like those with a 4.0 in-major GPA, are now contacting me worried because they have zero offers,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post in September. Speaking to Business Insider, O’Brien attributes this decline to a “perfect storm” of trends, including outsourcing, the rise of AI and industry consolidation. Many programming jobs have disappeared, replaced by AI-powered tools that automate coding. Companies increasingly seek versatile engineers skilled in AI strategy and soft skills, while traditional entry-level roles dwindle. O’Brien foresees the problem worsening, warning, “A person starting their degree today may find themselves graduating into a world with very limited employment options.”

• Why this matters: O’Brien’s concerns highlight a broader shift in the tech industry, where employment dynamics are rapidly changing. Once flush with opportunities, tech has reportedly shed over 137,000 jobs this year alone, while postings for software roles are down more than 30% since 2020. The pivot toward AI is partly responsible; companies are investing heavily in large language models and cutting costs elsewhere. Meanwhile, Asian Americans, who make up only 7% of the U.S. population but constitute over 50% of Silicon Valley’s workforce, are disproportionately affected by this contraction. In computer and math occupations, Asian Americans represent 23.3% of workers, an overrepresentation of 16.7%. This demographic is crucial to the knowledge economy yet faces the same diminishing returns on education as the rest of the workforce. Highlighting the growing number of tech workers losing their jobs, O’Brien urges, “We should be doing something about it today.”

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Sick dog who guarded dead owner’s grave for 2 years finds love and hope

Zhongbao ("Loyal Baby"), a dog in China who suffered a severe skin disease after staying by her deceased owner's grave for two years, now looks unrecognizably better thanks to a good Samaritan.

• What happened: Chinese influencer @ganpojiege, who runs a stray dog rescue center in Jiangxi province, first learned about Zhongbao’s story from locals in 2022. He found her at the cemetery with a crippled leg and severe skin issues caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. Villagers revealed that Zhongbao only left the grave site briefly to search for food in the village, always returning to her late owner’s resting place. Despite several adoption attempts, she consistently escaped to return to the grave. After promising Zhongbao’s late owner at the gravesite that he would care for the dog and bring her back to visit, the influencer rescued Zhongbao and documented her recovery journey on Douyin.

• The aftermath: The influencer shared Zhongbao’s remarkable transformation on Nov. 5, showing her fur restored and her health visibly recovered. He likened her devotion to her late owner to Hachiko, the Japanese dog who famously waited at Shibuya Station for his late owner for 10 years. True to his promise, the influencer continues to take Zhongbao to her previous owner’s grave, as seen in another video. Zhongbao’s story has touched the hearts of many. One Douyin user wrote, “I cried when I saw this. Dogs are so loyal.” Another noted, “Sometimes dogs are more loyal than humans.”

HEALTH & SCIENCE

FDA investigates “forever chemicals” hidden in seafood

The FDA is launching an investigation into the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," in seafood. This initiative, which aims to assess the risks associated with PFAS contamination in the seafood supply, is part of a broader interagency effort to understand and mitigate PFAS exposure across different food sources. The agency is particularly interested in gathering data on its concentrations in various seafoods, the surrounding environment and processing water. Previous FDA studies suggest seafood may contain higher levels of PFAS compared to other foods. The FDA is seeking information from seafood industry stakeholders, researchers and other government agencies to identify exposure routes, understand health risks and minimize dietary exposure to these harmful substances.

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Chinese Gen Zer slaves away at 4 jobs to achieve financial freedom

A 23-year-old Chinese influencer recently revealed that she works four jobs — including a full-time 12-hour shift — on most days to save money. The hard working Gen Zer, who shares her story on her Douyin channel, wakes up at 4 a.m. and prepares for her 5:30 a.m. shift as kitchen staff at a restaurant. During her breaks, she visits a client’s home near her workplace to feed a cat and clean its litterbox. After her restaurant shift ends at 5:30 p.m., she heads to her second part-time job at a dessert shop. At 11 p.m., she returns home and edits videos for her social media account until midnight. Thanks to her side hustles, she earns a combined monthly income of 10,000 yuan ($1,380). She hopes that by doing this, she can achieve financial freedom at an earlier age. While some Douyin users criticized her grueling work lifestyle, the woman clarified that her schedule is not always too intense. “This is temporary. If one day I don't feel well or don't want to work, I'll stop. It's not as extreme as people think, she said.

Couple shares love story spanning 11 years in heartwarming TikTok

A Vietnamese couple has charmed millions on TikTok with their unique way of documenting their 11-year love story. Khanh Trang Dang and Oscar Quach, now living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, have taken an annual photo together holding the previous year's picture since they first became a couple. On Nov. 5, Dang shared a slideshow of these photos on TikTok, offering an adorable visual journey of their relationship's evolution, including the birth of their child, Minzy. The post, simply captioned "11 years," has since amassed over 8.5 million views and 2 million likes. Commenters praised the couple for having the foresight to start the tradition, noting how it beautifully captures their enduring love and the passage of time, with one noting, “You guys are getting more beautiful each year.” Dang humorously replied, “Weight gain keeps the wrinkles at bay.”

3-year-old boy pulls off jaw-dropping breakdance moves in diapers

A 3-year-old boy in China wowed social media users with his amazing breakdance skill at an official dance competition. A video of his performance at the Second National Street Dance Championship in Changsha, Hunan province, was shared on Douyin by Chairman Yang (Snake Man), a winner of China’s premiere Keep On Dancing (KOD) Street Dance World Cup Championship, on Nov. 9. The toddler is seen doing some footwork before flopping his body and wiggling around like he was having tantrums. However, he then gets serious and proceeds to perform advanced dance moves, including a windmill and a head spin. Speaking to Chinese media, the boy’s father revealed that his son, named Beng Beng, learned how to breakdance by mimicking him while he was exercising with a handstand at home. The doting father added that he did not expect his young son to be better than him. Douyin users praised the child’s exceptional talent. “I used to feel like a loser when I was watching Douyin! Now I feel like my son is also a loser,” one wrote. Another commented, “What brand of milk powder do you drink? I want to buy some for myself.”

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Netflix reveals release date target for “Squid Game 3”

Netflix has announced that “Squid Game 3” will debut as early as the first half of 2025, reinforcing its commitment to the blockbuster Korean series. The news came during Netflix’s first-ever International Showcase in Los Angeles, where the platform emphasized its reliance on non-English content to fuel global success. With Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria describing “Squid Game” as “probably” the world’s most popular show — and a whopping 80% of Netflix’s 280 million subscribers watching Korean content — the series embodies the platform’s strategy of bridging cultures through storytelling. Bajaria acknowledged the immense challenge of repeating the first season’s unprecedented success while expressing confidence that Season 2, which premieres on Dec. 26, will meet fan expectations. The stakes are high for director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s sequel, as it continues the gripping story of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) alongside a star-studded cast of returning and new players. As Netflix expands its Korean portfolio with upcoming titles like “Revelations” and “All the Love You Wish For,” Korean storytelling remains central to its global strategy, sustaining what Kim Min-young, Netflix’s VP for Asia-Pacific, calls “a creative ecosystem” that thrives on universal themes and local talent

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.