Join us for a book talk with Dr. Hiba Aleem, Department of English, Writing, and Communication at Emmanuel College, Dr. Karen A. Ritzenhoff, Central Connecticut State University, and Dr. Micky Lee, Suffolk University.

About Contemporary Asian Popular Culture Vol. 1 Squid Game, Utopias, and Dystopias
"This first of two volumes explores how contemporary Asian popular culture reflects and critiques social issues. The authors, from different scholarly backgrounds, examine how shows like Squid Game present a scathing critique of oppressive socio-economic structures, conceptualize national heterotopias, utopias, and dystopias, and facilitate understanding of identity formation and discourses of resistance." (Further information about Volume 1)

About Contemporary Asian Popular Culture Vol. 2 Cultural Dynamics and Global Impact

"This second of two volumes explores broader cultural, economic, and socio-political dynamics exchanged between Asian popular media and the world. The authors analyze how the said media navigate complex global markets and technological advancements. They discuss how dissemination and consumption of Asian popular culture, such as early Chinese-language movie theaters, Netflix, subtitling of Asian content, impact the popularity of cultural contents. They also examine the portrayal of ajummas (middle-aged women) in Korean TV and film, along with the varying representations of utopia and dystopia embedded in Asian science fiction. This volume illustrates the soft power of media in transnational exchanges." (Further information about Volume 2)

Cosponsored by the Emmanuel Department of English, Writing, and Communication, the History Department, Asian Student Association, and the Library Learning Commons.

Emmanuel Community Access:

• Contemporary Asian popular culture. Vol. 1, Squid Game, utopias, and dystopias
• Contemporary Asian popular culture. Vol. 2, Cultural dynamics and global impact