Culture

Clarissa Santiago

“We Used To Be Made Fun Of For That…” From Marginalization to Mainstream: The Sudden Surge of Asian Appreciation on Social Media

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Hello! I’m Clarissa Santiago, a fourth-year ProCom student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Throughout my years at TMU, I found a love for graphic design and content creation. My interests focus on media culture and visual storytelling, where I enjoy designing content that is both visually engaging and meaningful for audiences.

Outside of school, I work as a freelance communication designer, collaborating with individuals to visually communicate their ideas and meet their specific needs. Through this work, I apply my skills in design, storytelling, and audience engagement in real-world scenarios. I also run a YouTube channel where I create lifestyle vlogs focused on navigating life in your early twenties, beauty, student experiences, and Filipino culture. Through this platform, I aim to share authentic experiences, connect with others, and highlight cultural identity and everyday storytelling.

As a first-generation Filipino-Canadian, I advocate for mental health awareness and the recognition of Asian heritage. My capstone is an extension of current social affairs that have changed in recent years.

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Over the last twenty years, social media has shifted from a platform for exchanging information to a tool that bridges the gap between culture, environment, and storytelling. The topics of race, mental health, and gender identity were less mainstream in public conversations. People within the Asian community, alongside other cultures, have faced exclusion and underrepresentation in media outlets. They are often portrayed in limited roles, such as the “model minority” or a stereotypical martial arts expert, which fails to represent the diversity surrounding Asian culture. Recently, there has been a significant and visible surge of appreciation for Asian pride and global acceptance. Popular things that were common in the Asian community became a global phenomenon after years of hearing: “Ew…You like that?” This shift has been driven by the popularity of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where people can share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and build communities by creating a safe environment for marginalized groups.

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