Asian Americans Erased
A recent study from Stanford and UC Berkeley researchers reveals that U.S. history textbooks continue to render Asians and Asian Americans virtually invisible.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #62
Chinatown businesses are scrambling to stock up as Trump’s tariffs drive prices sky-high. Trump says he’s talking to China about trade — but China says he’s not. A new survey shows only 1 in 10 Asian Americans expect better days under MAGA 2.0.
We break down why Asians are still missing from U.S. history books, how Vancouver’s Filipino community is reeling after tragedy, and why tensions are boiling between India and Pakistan.
Plus: Seoul celebrates a Michelin milestone, climate change could make rice more toxic, Netflix says no more “Resident Playbook,” and the Asian drag world mourns Jiggly Caliente.
Chinatown businesses in hoarding war as Trump’s tariffs remain in effect
Chinese American businesses in major cities have found themselves locked in a stockpiling frenzy as President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports — which jumped from 34% to 145% in just weeks — threaten their survival.
War within a war
In New York City’s Chinatown, prices for imported goods have skyrocketed in a matter of days. Rice crackers, for one, reportedly jumped from $4.99 to $6.99 after just one weekend.
Trump’s sweeping tariffs have triggered panic buying since early April, with businesses competing to secure inventory before further anticipated price hikes. “Everyone is hoarding,” Andy Wang, who owns Taiwan Pork Chop House, told the Financial Times.
Wang has filled his restaurant basement with supplies ranging from rice wine to plastic containers. But with wholesalers setting rationing measures, he was limited to purchasing just one box of microwave bowls despite ordering six.
“Our lives depend on it”
One worker at Heng Xing Grocery described the severity of the situation for businesses and consumers alike. “We’re stocking up like our lives depend on it, and people are buying it like their lives depend on it,” they told The City.
The store’s shelves have reportedly been packed with medicinal plants and dried seafood imported from China that have no domestic alternatives. Other businesses, however, lack the capital and storage space for substantial stockpiling.
For some, stocks have simply run out as customers stockpiled in panic. “There’s nothing left to sell,” Mei Zhu, whose own grocery store sold out non-imported salt, told Reuters.
Bleak future ahead
Trump’s record tariffs are only part of his broader economic agenda, which currently faces significant public skepticism. According to a new NBC poll, only 39% of Americans approve of his handling of trade and tariffs. Meanwhile, 61% disapprove, making it his lowest-rated policy area.
The impacts extend beyond economics to cultural preservation, particularly in Chinatown businesses in cities like New York and San Francisco. These neighborhoods serve as vital hubs for Chinese American communities, with specialized goods that have few or no domestic alternatives. As a result, small business owners are caught in a diplomatic standoff with very personal consequences that could alter their historic cultural districts.
Trump claims he’s talking to Xi. China says nope.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that communications with China are being made about his sweeping tariffs, but Beijing continues to deny the occurrence of such talks.
What he’s saying
In a Time interview published Friday, Trump claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping “called” him and that his administration has “made 200 deals” — without specifying involved countries — on tariffs. When asked to confirm that number, he responded “100%” and added that announcements would come “over the next three to four weeks.”
Trump has maintained this position despite questioning, telling reporters he has spoken with Xi “many times” but sidestepping when asked specifically about conversations since imposing tariffs. Earlier in the week, he signaled a potential retreat from his Chinese tariff, stating that the current 145% rate would “come down substantially,” though not to zero.
“Purely misleading”
China, for its part, has repeatedly denied any communication with Washington. “China and the U.S. have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached any agreement,” the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Saturday, calling such assertions “purely misleading.”
Previously, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun slammed Trump’s claims of active discussions as “false news.” The Ministry of Commerce echoed this position, adding that Trump should “abolish all unilateral tariffs on China to find a solution.”
What’s next
The conflicting narratives have created confusion among officials and markets. Speaking to ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted not knowing whether Trump has spoken with Xi and acknowledged that his own interactions with Chinese counterparts focused on “traditional things” such as financial stability and global economic early warnings.
Unsurprisingly, the trade tensions continue to impact the global economy. Last week, a German shipping group reported customers canceling 30% of China-to-U.S. shipments due to the dispute, while the International Monetary Fund has slashed growth forecasts for both nations.
With a loophole allowing tariff-free direct shipments from China to American consumers set to expire Friday, economic pressure on importers is expected to get worse.
Asian Americans are not optimistic about Trump
Just 1 in 10 anticipates better days in MAGA 2.0, according to a new survey
Only 10% of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults expect their community’s racial and economic fortunes to improve during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a Stop AAPI Hate report released on Thursday.
The nationally representative survey of nearly 1,600 AAPI adults — fielded Jan. 7-15 by NORC at the University of Chicago — arrives as the White House approaches its first 100-day milestone and has made early moves against DEI programs and birthright citizenship.
Stark numbers from the poll
Rising tension: Sixty-two percent of respondents foresee greater hostility toward immigrants.
Safety fears: Fifty-three percent anticipate an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes.
Policy pushback: Just 13% back nationality-based deportations; 14% favor new visa limits on scholars; and 21% would scrap federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) funding.
Readiness to act: Sixty-five percent say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to mobilize against hate and discrimination this year.
Community on edge
AAPIs are the nation’s fastest-growing racial group and roughly two-thirds are immigrants. That status makes them especially sensitive to policy shifts and public rhetoric.
Reports of anti-Asian slurs and threats online jumped 66% in the months after Trump’s 2024 victory, reaching a record 87,945 in January 2025. Advocates worry those digital attacks mirror on-the-ground harassment documented since the pandemic.
What to watch
With survey data showing broad pessimism yet high civic engagement, AAPI groups say the coming months will test both the administration’s agenda and the community’s resolve to protect hard-won rights.
May 15: Supreme Court oral arguments on birthright citizenship.
Late June–July: Expected high-court ruling that could shape immigration law for decades.
Throughout 2025: Possible agency guidance on eliminating DEI programs and the rollout of nationality-based visa limits.
Study finds US history textbooks marginalize and misrepresent Asians
A recent study from Stanford and UC Berkeley researchers reveals that U.S. history textbooks continue to render Asians and Asian Americans virtually invisible — and when they do appear, the portrayals are overwhelmingly negative.
About the study: Using AI to examine 30 widely used high school textbooks from California and Texas, the researchers found that a mere 1% of sentences referenced Asians or Asian Americans. Nearly half of those mentions were tied to war or conflict. “There’s very little discussion about Asian Americans in these textbooks, which is especially surprising for states like California and Texas, which have a huge Asian American population,” said co-author Minju Choi.
Language of hostility: The analysis found that verbs used in connection with Asians — such as “attack,” “invade” and “threaten” — carried significantly more negative sentiment than verbs used to describe other ethnic groups. By contrast, actions linked to Germans or the British included softer terms like “begin,” “want” or “believe.”
Erased contributions and flattened identities: Wong Kim Ark, whose 1898 Supreme Court case established birthright citizenship, is mentioned in only one textbook. None included Japanese American activist Yuri Kochiyama. Even when Asians or Asian Americans are referenced, nearly two-thirds of named individuals in those sentences were white.
Vancouver’s Filipino community mourns 11 dead after SUV slams into crowd
Eleven people were killed and more than two dozen injured when an Audi SUV sped through a Filipino cultural street festival in the Sunset neighbourhood on the evening of April 26, police said. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder; prosecutors expect more counts once all victims, who range in age from five to 65, are formally identified.
Community response
“We want to tell everybody that we’re grieving, and we see and hear the support from around the world,” said RJ Aquino, chair of advocacy group Filipino BC, as vigils began across the province’s 170,000-strong Filipino community.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the “horrific” incident, adding, “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement that he was “shattered to hear about the terrible incident” and extended his “deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” vowing that “the lives lost will not be forgotten.”
Investigation underway
The tragedy struck as crowds were dispersing from the provincially recognized Lapu Lapu Day celebration, which honours 16th-century Filipino hero Datu Lapu-Lapu. According to Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai, festival-goers tackled the driver before officers arrived and that investigators have found no evidence of terrorism.
Police describe Lo as having a significant history of mental-health interactions but say no evidence of terrorism has emerged. Premier David Eby has ordered a review of public-event security and mental-health interventions, pledging to “take the action that’s necessary to ensure this can’t happen again” once investigators determine how the suspect “came to take the horrific action that he did.”
Police continue to collect witness statements and urge anyone with photos or video to upload them for investigators. A 24-hour assistance centre and digital evidence portal have been opened for relatives and witnesses.
India, Pakistan tensions escalate after deadly terror attack in disputed region
India and Pakistan exchanged gunfire for a third consecutive night along the Line of Control in Kashmir as tensions escalate following last week’s deadly attack that killed 26 tourists in the town of Pahalgam.
Catch up
Gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam — located in the Anantnag district of the Indian-administered Kashmir — last Tuesday, killing 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. The mass shooting, believed to be the deadliest attack against Kashmir civilians in 25 years, occurred in a remote valley. Witnesses said the attackers targeted men, particularly those perceived as Modi supporters.
A group called the Kashmir Resistance, also known as The Resistance Front, claimed responsibility for the attack, reportedly expressing anger at “outsiders” causing “demographic change.” India has classified the group as a terrorist organization linked to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, which the U.S. has similarly designated. India’s National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe.
Decades-old conflict
Muslim-majority Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since 1947, with both countries claiming the territory in full but controlling only parts. The nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars over the region, which has now become one of the world’s most militarized places.
Modi’s government revoked Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy in 2019, bringing it under direct control of New Delhi. In the same year, a suicide bombing by a Pakistani militant from another militant group killed 44 Indian troops.
Retaliatory actions
India has implemented several retaliatory measures, including closing a key border crossing, suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and expelling Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan, on the other hand, responded by expelling Indian diplomats, closing its airspace to India and suspending trade.
India’s navy conducted missile tests on Sunday, demonstrating capability for “long-range precision offensive strike” as Modi promised a “harsh response.” Meanwhile, Pakistan’s railway minister warned that the country’s nuclear arsenal of over 130 missiles is “aimed only for India.”
Security forces in Kashmir have launched an extensive crackdown, demolishing homes linked to militants and reportedly detaining up to 1,500 young men. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged authorities to “distinguish between terrorists and civilians,” while Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi described the situation as “collective punishment” of Kashmiris.
Seoul’s first three-star Michelin win leads South Korea’s new fine dining era
South Korean cuisine is strengthening its position on the global fine dining stage, with 40 restaurants in Seoul and Busan awarded Michelin stars earlier this year. The milestone — an increase from 36 in the previous edition — highlights the growing depth and evolution of Korea’s culinary scene.
Michelin milestone
The 2025 Michelin Guide for Seoul and Busan recognized a total of 40 restaurants in February, reflecting the country's expanding culinary influence. Seoul now hosts 37 starred restaurants, while Busan maintains three one-starred establishments.
Among the highlights is Mingles, located in Seoul’s Gangnam District, which became the first restaurant in Seoul's history to earn three Michelin stars. The guide also promoted contemporary fine dining restaurant Evett to two-star status and recognized several new one-star venues, including Tutoiement, Sosuheon and Escondido.
Redefining global fine dining
Beyond the numbers, the latest Michelin awards represent a shift in the global perception of Korean cuisine. Korean chefs are drawing from centuries-old culinary traditions — such as fermentation and seasonal eating — and reinterpreting them through a modern lens.
"Seoul’s restaurants are creating a new gastronomic language that draws from 5,000 years of culinary history yet feels unmistakably contemporary," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guides.
This fusion of heritage and innovation positions Korean gastronomy not simply as an alternative to Western fine dining but as a leader defining new culinary standards.
Long journey to global recognition
Korea’s presence in the Michelin Guide has steadily expanded since the Seoul edition debuted in 2016. Mingles' elevation from a two-star to a three-star restaurant, following seven consecutive years at two stars, reflects the broader maturation of Korea’s fine dining scene.
The Michelin Guide’s expansion into Busan in 2024 and the rising number of starred establishments each year indicate sustained investment by chefs and restaurateurs in raising the profile of Korean cuisine internationally. This trend is mirrored by successes abroad, such as Jungsik's New York location achieving three Michelin stars in late 2024.
Climate change to spur a toxic arsenic surge in Asia’s rice, study warns
Higher temperatures and carbon-dioxide levels projected for 2050 could markedly boost inorganic arsenic in paddy rice, according to a decade-long field experiment published this week in The Lancet Planetary Health. The Columbia University-led team says the change threatens millions of consumers across Asia who depend on rice as a daily staple.
Field trial reveals synergy of heat and CO₂
Researchers cultivated 28 rice varieties in open-air plots across China’s Yangtze River Delta, exposing them to four climate scenarios. When daytime CO₂ was raised by 200 ppm and canopy temperatures by 2 °C — levels consistent with mid-century forecasts — the grain’s inorganic arsenic climbed far more than under either factor alone, the paper notes. Modelling of seven high-consumption countries indicates that such conditions could raise chronic-disease risk from rice arsenic by 44 percent overall and push China’s lifetime cancer cases from 13.4 million to 19.3 million.
Link to climate change
Previous greenhouse tests looked at heat or CO₂ in isolation, but the new work is the first to examine their combined effect across multiple cultivars in real fields, strengthening evidence that climate change will not only shrink yields but also degrade grain safety. Regulatory limits remain patchy: the European Union enforces 100 ppb inorganic arsenic for infant rice cereal, while the United States has only advisory guidance.
“Rice has always been a food where arsenic is an issue, and climate change is making it worse,” said Keeve Nachman, a Johns Hopkins public-health researcher and study co-author, in an interview about the findings. “This is one more reason to intervene — to control people’s exposure. The number one thing we can do is everything in our power to slow climate change.”
Health burden for rice-dependent nations
Arsenic is already classified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen linked to bladder, lung and skin cancers, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Rice readily absorbs arsenic from flooded paddies; climate-induced soil changes — lower redox potential and shifts in microbe activity — would make the element even more mobile and toxic, the authors say.
“Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer health effects,” lead author Lewis Ziska stated in the study announcement.
The team recommends breeding low-arsenic rice lines, adopting alternate wet–dry irrigation to cut uptake, and expanding consumer-exposure monitoring. Further trials this year will test mitigation tactics under the same elevated-climate conditions.
Asian woman host of Sydney radio show isn’t even a real person …
Australian Radio Network’s CADA station confirmed this week that “Workdays with Thy,” a four-hour weekday program broadcast since November 2024, has been fronted by an AI persona rather than the Asian woman promoted in on-air plugs and marketing images. An ARN spokesperson said the six-month trial was part of wider experiments with new tools: “We’ve been trialling AI audio tools on CADA using the voice of Thy, an ARN team member.”
The disclosure came after The Carpet’s Stephanie Coombes traced the enigmatic “Thy” to a single stock-style image and a cloned voice modeled on a finance-department employee. “What is Thy’s last name? Who is she? Where did she come from? There is no biography, or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show,” Coombes wrote after finding no social-media or industry record of the supposed host.
Industry backlash has focused on transparency and representation. “Australian listeners deserve honesty and upfront disclosure instead of a lack of transparency leading them to trust a fake person they think is a real on-air person,” said Teresa Lim, vice-president of the Australian Association of Voice Actors, noting that CADA’s audience reach was reported at about 72,000 listeners.
Netflix’s “Resident Playbook” apparently won’t have another season
Netflix on April 25 changed the label on “Resident Playbook” — the “Hospital Playlist” spinoff set at Yulje Hospital — to “limited series,” confirming the 12-episode drama was conceived as a single-season story rather than an ongoing show. On the platform, a limited series tag signals a narrative designed to wrap within one season, with no additional installments planned.
The decision comes despite solid performance: “Resident Playbook” amassed about 2.8 million views in the most recent tracked week, ranked in Netflix’s global top three for non-English TV and hit No. 1 in six countries. In South Korea, Nielsen Korea logged a 5.1% nationwide rating for episode 4, the series’ best to date.
Franchise director Shin Won-ho acknowledged fan pressure for new chapters, telling the Korean press, “It really all depends on the viewers. If we receive enough feedback, whether through numbers or overall response, we’ll consider it … I’m still feeling the pressure about ‘Hospital Playlist’ Season 3.”
“Drag Race” star Jiggly Caliente dies at 44
Jiggly Caliente, the Filipino American drag performer who competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and served as a resident judge on “Drag Race Philippines,” died on Saturday at age 44, her family announced on Instagram.
In their statement, the family said the performer — born Bianca Castro-Arabejo — “passed away peacefully … surrounded by her loving family and close friends.” They had previously disclosed that Caliente underwent surgery that removed most of her right leg after complications from a severe infection.
Caliente finished eighth on Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” returned for “All Stars 6” and joined “Drag Race Philippines” as a judge in 2022. She also appeared in TV shows such as FX’s “Pose” and released the 2018 hip-hop album “T.H.O.T. Process.”
Asian LGBTQ+ community pays tribute
Messages of grief and gratitude quickly filled Asian LGBTQ channels. Thai drag star Pangina Heals wrote on X, “I will always miss your laughter … I will miss you, my friend.” Philippine queens Marina Summers and Eva Le Queen echoed the loss, posting “Mahal na mahal kita (I love you so much), Ate Jiggly” and “How do I carry on knowing I’ll never hear your voice again?” respectively.
Bretman Rock, a Filipino American creator, added, “I love youuu Ate Jiggly,” while fellow “Drag Race PH” contestant M1ss Jade So said, “I love you so much! I will miss you!” The franchise itself mourned “a cherished member of the Drag Race family whose legacy will continue to slay — always.”