Beyond Shang-Chi: Superheroes, Masculinity, and Asian American Representation

Join the Serica Initiative and the 1990 Institute as we gather film industry and culture experts to demystify changing notions of gender, superheroes, and AAPI representation in entertainment — in Shang-Chi, Eternals, Squid Game, and beyond.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE!

Marvel’s Shang-Chi and Eternals — plus Squid Game, Netflix’s #1 show of all time — raised the game for films and TV centered on Asian American characters, and superheroes to boot. In what ways have these visual blockbusters expanded Asian and AAPI representation in America’s mainstream media? How do their stories subvert or substantiate stereotypes around Asian men and women, filial piety, and Asian familial values? Will Hollywood offerings be affected by China’s and growing social conservatism (with a crackdown on “sissy men”) and an infusion of Korean cultural influence?

Join the Serica Initiative and the 1990 Institute as we gather film industry and culture experts to demystify changing notions of gender, superheroes, and AAPI representation in entertainment — in Shang-Chi, Eternals, Squid Game, and beyond.