Asian Community Sites & Forums: Where They Went & What's Used Now
In 1991, the internet was launched to the public, changing the way we would connect forever. Asian Avenue, a platform connecting Chinese ethnic groups and the broader Asian diaspora, launched in 1997, just 6 years later. This was run by co-founders Benjamin Sun, Peter Chen, Grace Chang, and Michael Montero. A year later, the New York Times described it as “unusually successful.” At its peak, the site had 2 million users, with more than 5,000 online at a time. It became a hub for the American Born Chinese, Australian Born Chinese, British Born Chinese, and other Chinese people groups to speak out. In 1999, SKYY vodka displayed an advert of a Caucasian woman with chopsticks in her hair, and many users called out cultural appropriation. What was particularly unique about Asian Avenue was that the user page was completely bespoke. Most young people, especially from the ESEA community, learnt HTML specifically to create their webpage. Moreover, there would be a profile of the week, where the users with the most views would feature on the homepage. Users would communicate through the guestbook, leading to new friendships and fostering community ties similar to those found in the London Chinese Community Centre. The dynamic profile pages and excitement of user of the week created a buzz. Asian Avenue was a pioneer in connecting Asians online and became a virtual meeting space to discuss topics and cultural events in the UK and beyond. There is currently no information about why Asian Avenue disappeared. The Rise of Community Forums The early 2000s was an era of discussion forums. At a time when Dance Dance Revolution became popular, this led to the launch of the Dance Games forum. Although not strictly for Asians, many of the fans were from the community. They would arrange to meet at arcades and spend their weekends on the DDR machines, and afterwards go to bars and clubs. This became a regular routine, building a network of friends which would still stand the test of time. British Born Chinese Discussion Forum vs. DragonLink Then came the British Born Chinese Discussion Forum and DragonLink. Both were dedicated websites for the Asian community, with the former more focused on British Chinese, and the latter for all “Orientals in the UK”. This was before the term became derogatory. There was some stereotyping and healthy competition between the two. The British Born Chinese Discussion Forum was considered more mature and civilised, whereas DragonLink was considered more for younger party-going Asians. Much of the community parties were promoted on these forums. Both would organise their own ‘Meets’, and ESEA club night organisers would advertise on the forums. DragonLink would advertise community news. There was a dedicated user profile page, where users could rate each other based on attractiveness. A girl with perfectly straightened hair in a red dress looking to the side would consistently feature over 9/10. On both forums, users would post in dedicated topic boards and were very active in keeping up with discussions. Facebook’s Dominance and the Decline of Forums Facebook launched in 2004 and became hugely popular. Discussions became stagnant on these forums as users connected with each other directly on Facebook. Users were more hooked on checking each other’s profile pages with personalised updates rather than discussing topics on a forum. As the engagement dwindled, the British Born Chinese discussion forum and DragonLink created pages in Facebook Groups. This saw a migration of discussions, leaving the original sites derelict. Fragmentation in the 2020s Fast forward to the 2020s and Facebook usage has decreased amongst all age groups, with only 1/3 of under 25s reportedly using the site. As Instagram rules supreme, this platform has fragmented the community connection experience. Today, the Asian diaspora follows some dedicated Asian community Instagram pages with event updates, but there is no central hub to promote these. Moreover, Instagram does not feature a community forum, so the community don’t have a space to discuss topics. The British Born Chinese group on Facebook boasts 16.5k users, but the user experience is somewhat less organised and tailored to the community. The Future: Maccha's Role in Reconnecting the Community Maccha aims to bridge the gaps faced by the ESEA community and Asian diaspora in building connections, finding friends, and sharing real-life experiences. In a time when traditional hubs like the British-Born Chinese Forum and the London Chinese Community Centre have shifted focus, Maccha provides a modern digital platform where American-born Chinese, Australian-born Chinese, British-born Chinese, and all ESEA members can connect in one place. With dedicated spaces for discussion, discovering cultural events across the UK, and organised meetups, Maccha paves the way for a new chapter.
Simu Liu’s Cultural Appropriation Claim Ignites Community Response
In early October 2024, Simu Liu found himself in a TikTok uproar. The Asian-Canadian actor famous for his roles in Marvel’s Shang Chi and Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience called out “cultural appropriation” to two Quebec-based entrepreneurs of a CPG company selling boba. Why did the Asian community react so strongly to the pitch and the other dragons’ reaction? Creating Distrust Towards the Asian Community When the business owner said, “you never know what’s in boba tea,” this immediately created distrust in ethnic food. This propaganda of distrust towards Asians has been a growing theme and has exposed the community to more discrimination and harassment. Not Being Heard The Asian community has experienced outright racism, but much of it is subconscious bias and subtle racism. Other ethnicities experience this too, with Michelle Obama stating in her experience, “there are daily slights, in our workplaces where people talk over you, or people don’t even see you” (The Light Podcast). When Simu Liu expressed his concern for cultural appropriation, he was interrupted by other judges. At the same time, none of the judges tried to understand his point of view, instead challenging him and making the entrepreneurs an offer. This is the daily frustration that the community faces, and watching it televised made it personal. Lack of Recognition for Boba's Heritage The business owners stated they started the business due to the “trend” of boba and believe they can sell the company to Pepsi for $1B in 5 years. Simu inspected the can and pointed out that there are no mentions of where boba comes from – which is Taiwan. They also claimed that boba was “not an ethnic product anymore,” a tone-deaf move that demonstrated the company’s willingness to erase the heritage of boba. This struck a nerve with ethnic minorities, who are reminded yet again of others’ willingness to profit from their products without giving them a stake. Some internet users went as far as to call this modern-day “colonialism.” Mixed Reactions: “Who Cares, It’s Just Boba” There were, of course, opposing opinions, even from the Asian community, with attitudes like “who cares, it’s boba,” or “Pizza has various versions in different countries.” But it’s not just about the food. Those five minutes of Simu sitting on the panel reminded us of the struggles that the overseas Asian community faces – from being treated with distrust, to not being heard, nor recognized. The judge who had her offer accepted by the boba company has since withdrawn, showing the impact the community can make when we speak up. Final Thoughts The backlash surrounding Simu Liu’s callout of cultural appropriation over boba reflects the underlying frustrations felt by the Asian community and Chinese ethnic groups globally. Whether it’s American-born Chinese or British-born Chinese, the issue is not just about food but rather about cultural recognition, respect, and fair representation. Moments like these, whether in popular media or everyday interactions, resonate deeply with the ESEA community and others who feel their heritage often goes unacknowledged. As we’ve seen, the response was loud and impactful, with the Asian diaspora rallying together to raise awareness. The London Chinese Community Centre and similar organizations will continue to be vital spaces where cultural discussions can thrive, helping create a world where Asian heritage is celebrated, not sidelined, even when popular trends like boba make their way to the global stage
A Brief History of the British East Asian Community in the UK
The path of the British East Asian Community in the UK is an interesting story of movement, resilience, and cultural energy. From the early days of immigration to the thriving community, it is today, this community has woven itself into the fabric of British society while keeping its unique cultural identity. Their rich past is marked by beating hurdles and changing to new surroundings, all while having strong ties to their roots. As the community has grown, so too has its impact on British society, from food and art to business and education. This lively community stands as a testament to the strength of variety, enjoying both its uniqueness and its contributions to the more excellent UK environment. = Today, the British East Asian community represents a sense of identity, belonging, and link that strengthens the diversity of modern Britain, continually changing the nation’s developing cultural patchwork. This trip represents not only the perseverance of its members but also the lasting impact of their cultural diversity and shared experiences. Early Migration (19th to Early 20th Century) The roots of the British East Asian community can be traced back to the 19th century, when Chinese fishermen and workers came to port towns like Liverpool and London, seeking chances amid the winds of change brought by British rule. These early travelers often faced poverty and social isolation, yet they formed ties that laid the basis for a sense of community. Their desire to create a home away from home led to the creation of close-knit areas where customs and cultural practices were lovingly passed down through generations. Post-World War II Immigration The post-World War II era marked a major turning point, as the UK opened its doors to newcomers from its former countries. This wave brought in not only Chinese workers but also Vietnamese and Hong Kong communitys, each adding their unique tastes to the British cultural scene. Traditional restaurants, food shops, and cultural communities thrived, creating lively hubs of activity that became the heart of community life. Cultural Contributions and Challenges Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the British East Asian community thrived, adding greatly to the cultural mix of the UK. Their tasty food tantalized taste buds, while their art and traditions brought fresh views and creativity to British society. However, despite these successes, obstacles like racism and ethnic ignorance remained. The battle for acceptance and respect became a shared story, increasing the community's determination to boost one another. Post-COVID Problems Faced by the British East Asian Community The COVID-19 outbreak left a long cloud over many areas, and the British East Asian community faced special difficulties. The pandemic was not just a health disaster but also a time of heightened discrimination, as harmful beliefs appeared, targeting the East Asian community due to the virus’s beginnings. These experiences of racism underscored the need for cooperation, kindness, and community support. Mental Health Challenges As lockdowns separated people from their loved ones, many East Asians in the UK felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and worry. The physical separation steps, while important, mistakenly cut off vital social contacts that serve as lifelines in tough times. For many, the lack of family events, cultural holidays, and shared moments created an emotional void, deepening the yearning for friendship and connection. Need for Companionship In this post-COVID world, the desire for friendship has never been more important. Many people are looking for genuine relationships where they can share their experiences, fears, and dreams. The pandemic underscored the value of community bonds—those ties that boost and inspire. This desire for togetherness spread throughout the East Asian community, telling us of the power found in unity and shared experiences. The Importance of Community Support In reaction to these difficulties, community support has become a symbol of hope. Asian community app like Maccha are not just apps; they are lifelines that encourage authentic relationships among people handling their unique paths. Through cultural events, shared experiences, and essential talks, members of the East Asian community can come together to enjoy their roots and build long bonds. Creating Safe Spaces Creating safe places for open conversation and cultural sharing is vital in fighting stereotypes and discrimination. Initiatives that support understanding and acceptance allow individuals to feel seen and respected, strengthening the sense of connection that is so crucial to mental well-being. By getting together to share stories and customs, community members can enjoy their identities while supporting one another in times of need. Encouraging Connections As the British East Asian community tries to rebuild its social networks post-COVID, the value of friendship is strong. Events that celebrate cultural heritage, such as food fairs, tale nights, or community activities, provide perfect opportunities for making deep connections. These times of shared laughter, joy, and understanding build a sense of family among people, telling us all that we are not alone in our travels. Imagine meeting with friends to make traditional foods, sharing laughter as you learn from one another, or participating in cultural events that celebrate your heritage. Each shared experience strengthens the bonds of friendship and society, improving lives with the warmth of connection and the liveliness of culture. Conclusion The past of the British East Asian community in the UK is not just a record of movement; it is a celebration of resilience, cultural richness, and the lasting spirit of friendship. While the difficulties brought by COVID-19 have tried the community, they have also highlighted the need for connection and support. ESEA Community apps like Maccha offer a critical place for people to come together, share their stories, and build meaningful bonds that span national borders. As we move forward, the power of community will continue to play a key role in creating connection and identity. By accepting our shared history and supporting one another, we can build a lively web of relationships that represent the power and beauty of the British-East Asian community. Together, let us enjoy our traditions, support one another, and make important relationships that will stand the test of time.