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Description
This thesis examines the emerging significance of bubble tea as a part of a larger cultural identity of second generation Asian-Americans and how it has transformed between generations in the United States. From a seemingly simple drink to the global

This thesis examines the emerging significance of bubble tea as a part of a larger cultural identity of second generation Asian-Americans and how it has transformed between generations in the United States. From a seemingly simple drink to the global phenomenon that has shifted in connotation to a highly sophisticated crafted drink that has led to the “third-wave coffee shops” and a “third place” for many Asian-Americans today. Specifically, I analyze the ways that bubble tea has become almost synonymous with the Asian-American youth culture due to a shift in globalization, migration, and cultural power. Through a qualitative analysis as well as a social observation of the audience and targeted groups of consumers as each local shop, I will examine the influence of bubble tea. With this work, I show how bubble tea reflects a sense of “home” and an identity rooted in immigration to Asian-American pop culture today.


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Barrett Honors College theses and creative projects are restricted to ASU community members.

Details

Title
  • Iconography of Bubble Tea as an Asian-American Cultural Identity
Contributors
Date Created
2020-05
Resource Type
  • Text
  • Machine-readable links