From 'hapa' to 'Waisan': evolving labels

Does 2026 belong to "Wasians?"

Actor Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry) and Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu recently became household names very quickly. And people are talking about the rising stars beyond just their talents: they’re talking about Liu’s and Williams’ race. Both are half-Asian, half-white, also known as “Wasian” – and some have dubbed this past season “Wasian winter.” But why are Wasians a topic of conversation now, and what does this discussion say about how attitudes around some mixed race identities have changed?

Brittany is joined by Mika Ellison, intern for It’s Been a Minute and Life Kit, to get into the geopolitical and cultural forces around the “Wasian fixation.”

(00:00) Unpacking the 'Wasian Fixation'
(04:38) Geopolitical forces behind Wasians in culture
(09:53) From 'Hapa' to 'Wasian'
(13:38) What does a Wasian story look like?
(19:53) The evolution of mixed discourse
(23:04) Is 'Wasian' a good term?

For more on Heated Rivalry, check out: What's so hot about Heated Rivalry?
For more on identity and the internet, check out: Think you have ADHD? Here's why so many of us are saying yes.

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