‘Wasians’ are embracing the spotlight. But not everyone feels seen | CNN

When Icelandic Chinese musician Laufey dropped her latest music video last month, starring a cast of mixed white and Asian celebrities, the internet went wild. “Laufey collecting wasians like pokemon,” read one social media comment, using a portmanteau to describe people of mixed white and Asian descent. “WASIAN AVENGERS,” another comment cheered. The term “Wasian” has been used since the early 2000s, but it has recently blown up on social media thanks to the emergence of several high-profile figures — many of whom starred in Laufey’s music video, including Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, “Heated Rivalry” actor Hudson Williams and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” actress Lola Tung. EDITOR’S NOTE: This feature is part of CNN Style’s series Hyphenated, which explores the complex issue of identity among minorities in the United States. “Wasian” is just the latest among many attempts to shorthand biracial groups; elder millennials may be more familiar with reclaimed terms like mestizo in the Philippines and the Hawaiian hapa haole which are more​ broadly applied to any mix including Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries. In Laufey’s video for the song