Yan Dan
Asian perspectives on life, culture & everything else

Yan Dan

Asian perspectives on life, culture & everything else

Articles — Page 2

Learning to Say 'No' Was the Most Asian Thing I Ever Did
Personal Essay

Learning to Say 'No' Was the Most Asian Thing I Ever Did

Growing up in a Korean-American household, 'no' felt like a four-letter word. It took me years to realize that protecting my own energy wasn't a betrayal of my culture—it was the deepest form of respect I could offer anyone, including myself.

Jul 11, 2026

We Are Not Your Model Minority: Asian Americans Who Chose Their Own Definition of Success
Culture & Opinion

We Are Not Your Model Minority: Asian Americans Who Chose Their Own Definition of Success

The 'model minority' myth doesn't just flatten Asian American identity—it actively works against it. Here's a look at the artists, activists, and rule-breakers who refused the script, and why their stories matter more than ever.

Jul 11, 2026

Gua Sha, Adaptogens, and the Wellness Industrial Complex: Separating Ancient Wisdom from Trendy Noise
Health & Wellness

Gua Sha, Adaptogens, and the Wellness Industrial Complex: Separating Ancient Wisdom from Trendy Noise

From TikTok gua sha tutorials to $45 ashwagandha lattes, Asian wellness traditions are having a serious moment in the US. But as these practices go mainstream, it's worth asking: what's genuinely beneficial, what's overhyped, and who's actually profiting from centuries of cultural knowledge?

Jul 11, 2026