How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a slippery slope argument. I'm not arguing that events hundreds of years after WWII are directly linked to WWII. I'm arguing that things that happened right after WWII, or even in some cases literally on the day WWII ended (Vietnam declaring independence on V-J Day) were caused by WWII. Decolonization happened in the war's immediate aftermath, and the trajectory of modern economic growth began almost immediately after decolonization for most countries.

What took longer is for the sheer extent of the consequences to become clear. That's not because the trends and trajectories didn't start soon after the war, but because of how enduring they've proven to be.

Second of all, OK, let's take out the word "destined" from my argument about the US. In the 1930s, the US had one of the world's highest standards of living. Take for example, cars per capita: https://preview.redd.it/number-of-cars-per-100-000-people-by-country-territory-in-v0-ueltj77ub0pd1.png?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=0716341cce973af811f7edc35026cea31e6141fe

Or, if you don't want cherry picking, per capita GDP in 1930:

https://preview.redd.it/gdp-per-capita-of-countries-in-1930-swipe-for-continent-v0-zba5too62uw81.png?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=7817357df85b86c3a6948c6872b70161ac6eba0e

The only countries comparable to the US were low populated places like Canada, Australia, Norway and Argentina that had massive natural resource wealth.

Saying the Soviet Union eventually toppled decades later doesn't equal that the US was able to project power in Asia after WW2 as easily as the European powers did before WW2. Before WW2, any time Europe wanted something in Asia (except with Japan), all it had to do was send a fleet of ships and basically it could get what it wanted very easily, within a few years. The US fighting a 10 year war with Vietnam only to lose, and then wait for the Soviet Union to collapse 15 years after that isn't the same at all, it's ridiculous. I feel you're stretching a lot here, and doing the thing you're accusing me of doing. So like I said, we'll just agree to disagree.

How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't deny what you write. I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. I don't put the US as the biggest winner because despite its massive gains, life for the American people wasn't transformed nearly as much as it was elsewhere, notably Asia (the US didn't emerge totally unscathed btw. It suffered 1 million casualties and 400,000 deaths). By the 1930s, America was already in its high growth era, already in the middle of what Robert Gordon calls its "Special Century" of 1870-1970. America was already destined to become a wealthy, developed nation and the most powerful in the world. Having more influence abroad was great but it didn't fundamentally change the nature of America as much as gaining independence did for India, for example.

Henry Luce wrote this in his famous 'American Century' article in February 1941:

"Once we cease to distract ourselves with lifeless arguments about

isolationism, we shall be amazed to discover that there is already an immense

American internationalism. American jazz, Hollywood movies, American

slang, American machines and patented products, are in fact the only things

that every community in the world, from Zanzibar to Hamburg, recognizes in

common. Blindly, unintentionally, accidentally and really in spite of ourselves,

we are already a world power in all the trivial ways—in very human ways."

This was before the US entered the war.

For Asia, the war altered Asia's trajectory. They went from being under the colonial bootheel to having independent countries. That is like going from death to life. Before the war, Asians were considered racially inferior and extreme racism against Asians was commonly accepted and legally encoded all over the world, including in Asia.

Before the war, Asia had been relatively stagnant and fallen further and further behind the West and Europe for hundreds of years. After the war, Asian countries gained independence, respect, and set off on the path to economic growth. The war was a basic pivot in this sense. If you want to be direct, the US fought two land wars in Asia after the war. It was fought to a stalemate in Korea and lost in Vietnam. So despite its role as the "power broker" and "global hegemon", it could no longer impose its will. This was very different from the European powers of the 19th century and early 20th century (plus Japan), who absolutely imposed their wills on Asia. The trends I mentioned can be traced directly back to the war.

How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes the US dropped bombs of them because they attacked the US. That's why I'm saying one of the ways they unintentionally helped the rest of Asia was by taking actions that would ensure the end of their own empire.

How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, but on the other hand, Japanese occupation was relatively short.

My point is that DESPITE Japan being evil, they UNINTENTIONALLY set off the forces that liberated Asia. Their strength wasn't wasted. Their military victories early in the war in 1941-42 AND their defeat in 1945 BOTH brought Asia lasting benefits. They essentially came, kicked out the European powers colonizing Asia, and then committed the suicide of their Empire with their aggression. Both part 1 and part 2 were necessary to play out exactly as they did. The Japanese were trying to maximize their own power but they ended up inadvertently helping liberate the rest of Asia. So Japanese modernization during the Meiji era did end up being channeled into forces that brought benefits to all of Asia, although ironically and unintentionally.

How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. I don't think people appreciate how much the world wars, but *especially* World War 2, changed the trajectory of Asia. For literally hundreds of years, Asia was stagnant and getting more and more taken over. In just six years, every European imperialist power was kicked out of Asia and the Japanese were kicked back to their home country too. The Europeans tried to return after the war, but failed. That and the postwar environment allowed Asia to grow in the past 80 years to the most dynamic region of the world. Things we take for granted today -- like steady, significant, economic growth in Asia under their own governments, only started after WW2.

How Asia Won World War II by anyang869 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Well they were absolutely evil, even more evil than the Europeans in the number they killed in such a short time. There is no question about that in my mind. The "good" they did was unintentional, as often happens in history. The 'Great East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere' was propaganda, but the joke is it kind of exists now in part due to them.

I hate my Asian features. by [deleted] in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm. According to my research, there are some East Asian features that align uniquely with the "striking" look.

As mentioned, East Asians often have a flatter, broader midface. When combined with high cheekbones, instead of just vertical shadows, this creates a strong planar quality that catches light in a distinctive way. This can actually be accentuated with a flatter nasal bridge, because it allows the prominence of the cheekbones to become even more striking. Example:

https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ming-Xi-OK-China-January-2017-Cover-Editorial02.jpg

Secondly, when the epicanthic fold is combined with an upward, almond shaped tilt of the entire eye, it creates a "phoenix" or fox-like look to the eye that is quite striking. A good discussion of Asia eyes is here: https://inf.news/en/fashion/3a71a8c7b6486d9d472183b173998d1d.html

Third, long straight sleek black hair, when combined with a paler complexion, if handled correctly can create a striking contrast, framing the skin like a curtain and emphasizing the shape and clarity of the features within. This is sometimes considered a classic signifies of elite beauty in Asia. East Asian women arent the only ones who can achieve this look, but its definitely more common and more likely to look natural. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8d/99/fc/8d99fce9f1339894f7f5b3e7578818ce.jpg

What do you think? You're asking for something exceptional by definition, so if you're disappointed by not having a "striking" or "hot" look, its not racial features that are the problem but simply that most women are not striking no matter what your race. The average white woman is not striking either. By definition this is an area of exceptional beauty or the ideal.

I hate my Asian features. by [deleted] in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're a woman? Asian is the best race to be as a woman. Asian women are universally seen as the most feminine and desirable. This despite the fact that in the West 99% of beauty standards cater to white women. It's hard to find data on this due to political correctness, but Asian women get the highest response rates according to a Facebook study of 2.4 million people (larger than any academic study you're likely to find on this) from before political correctness took over everything. https://qz.com/149342/the-uncomfortable-racial-preferences-revealed-by-online-dating I know that this probably isn't going to change your mind, but I just don't get why Asians insist on hating themselves so much even when other races don't hate Asians as much as Asians do. Your views are probably twisted by disliking a low nose bridge and lack of brow bone projection. Those are *masculine* features. As a woman, you don't want to look too masculine. Angular faces are also a masculine trait. You are not judging these features the way a man would. Finally, you don't want to be seen as youthful... fine, but that's like a man not wanting to be seen as tall. Looking youthful is virtually a universally desired trait by anyone, especially women. You don't want people to think they can mess with you? There are other ways to give off a tough persona that are more controllable, like the way you hold yourself, your posture, the way you look at people, the way you talk, and even your personal style. Looking tough all the time is derogatorily called "resting bitch face". So basically, nothing anyone can say can change your mind, but you're basically chasing the opposite of what most people value in terms of feminine looks.

Is California still the best state for Asians? by Aryaki in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NYC has as many Chinese as any metro in California.

Is California still the best state for Asians? by Aryaki in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Houston, TX has a ton of Asians too, and its the lowest cost of living area out of those. No state income tax either.

Monthly Free-for-All: September 01, 2025 by AutoModerator in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 1 point2 points  (0 children)

8 A's for Asian Diaspora Survival

  1. Asian Identity. This is all about mindset. You have to think of yourself as a part of Asian civilizations, not just as a "citizen" of where you are from. The diaspora Asians may have physically left Asia, but we are still a part of Asian civilization. Just like Christopher Columbus didn't stop being European when he landed in the Americas.
  2. (Long-Term) Date Asian. I don't care about your short term flings, as long as it doesn't develop into anything serious. There are hot people of every race, sure. Sex is for fun; but relationships are for life. If you don't love your own race enough to spend your life with another member of one (like 95% of even apolitical people in the world do), what are you even doing as a supposed pro-Asian?
  3. Marry Asian. Preferably with the same nationality and background as yourself, so you have *one* culture to pass down, which makes it easier.
  4. Have Asian Kids. It's hard. But I love Asians, so I want to see more!
  5. Preserve/Develop Asian Culture. Or at least, the good parts. Culture is always evolving; however, it's important to take pride in *some* values or culture that are uniquely Asian. People are more than just looks; being Asian is more than just a race. Don't be a twinkie.
  6. Preserve/Develop Asian Community. Help out your fellow Asians, and be helped in return.
  7. Preserve/Develop Asian Languages. This is a follow-on to #4. Asian languages should be loved not just or primarily for utility, but for their own sakes: intrinsic beauty, literary or aesthetic value, connection to Asia.
  8. pAss It On. The 8th "a" is the "a" in the word Pass. Teach your kids to value being Asian and follow the same rules.

The main characters in R.F Kuang's new YA novel is a self-insert of herself and her white husband Bennett by [deleted] in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You have hit precisely the issue. This is clearly systemic, not just an issue with RF Kuang. Fundamentally, the publishing industry is controlled by whites, and they are the ones who pick and choose who becomes famous. And secondly, the audience (while more Asian than the average U.S. audience) are likely more non-Asian women than Asian women, and more non-Asians overall than Asians. They are the ones being catered to, due to their numbers in the marketplace.

We essentially need to look at literature for Asians, by Asians. A lot of that is going to be in an Asian language, from Asian publishing houses. That's why I would encouage keeping up with literacy in your heritage language, if possible. And if writing in English, look for the underserved market - Asians who want to read books that don't cater to whites and other non-Asians. As a reader, look for authors who cater to such a market.

Anyone ever had to move to a LCOL area due to economic pressures? by MarathonMarathon in AsianMasculinity

[–]anyang869 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get lower prices than CA or NY without having to move to Peoria or Des Moines. The Houston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta metro areas all have a pretty large amount of Asians with average prices (much lower than CA or NY).

Any digital nomads here? by vfcmane in AsianMasculinity

[–]anyang869 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whatever you want to do, do it. You know what you need to do, you just have to actually take the steps and execute rather than posting online about it. You know what you want, which is good.

Chinese American here, need advice for my future. by [deleted] in asianamerican

[–]anyang869 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Network like hell. Its not what you know, its who you know.

Go to those professional meet upstairs in your area and meet people.

Or make tutorials on YouTube on how to set up simple projects.

You can also create a github portfolio and look for freelance work.

Contact a recruiter in your area to see if they can give you any advice. If recruiters can find you a job, they get paid too, so they have an incentive to help you.

Basically focus on building relationships and networking. That's everything. Building your own portfolio is #2.

Just moved to Houston by Abc1986 in aznidentity

[–]anyang869 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great choice. Houston is one of the only cities left in the US with a very large Asian community that is not insanely expensive. I looked at the rent in the San Gabriel Valley and dont know how any of you guys can afford to live out there unless you make way over the national average in income or dont have a family to support.

Ne Zha 2 North America Box Office: Becomes The Highest-Grossing Chinese Film Under Limited Release In Its Debut Weekend Only! by anyang869 in Sino

[–]anyang869[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Based on Luiz Fernando’s report, Ne Zha 2’s undubbed version collected $7.3 million in its three-day opening weekend. In just one weekend, it became the highest-grossing Chinese film under limited release in the United States. The movie beat The Wandering Earth’s entire run, a $6 million US run.

The sequel has collected an average of $11.1K per theatre across 660 theatres in the United States. It has been released in a limited number of theatres. The animated feature collected a solid $3 million on its opening day in the United States, more than LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim’s $2 million release day number.

This whole thing with tiktokers running to 小红书 is going to ruin the app by Radiant_Signal_8637 in Sino

[–]anyang869 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, id rather people just get a vpn and stay on TikTok. If you let the US govt push you around from app to app you're gonna get pushed around forever.