SHOWS ON NETFLIX THAT ARE PIONEERS OF INCLUSIVITY
BY: LEXI COYLE MCDONALD
LIFESTYLE HEAD
All sources linked to images.
It is true that for a long time, historically, films have been white. From the actors to the writers to the directors, the storylines have been about straight, white perspectives, all experiencing the world from that particular lens. An important note is that these perspectives are not any less valid than any other, but that it was extremely overwhelming for audiences and perpetuated the idea that the world’s realities were eurocentric. Oftentimes, characters who were non-white (or who appeared non-white) were only there for comedic roles or to play a specific stereotype. Many of these performances were degrading, tactless, limiting, and cringe-worthy (at best). The industry is beginning to take steps towards making more diverse productions, so it is crucial that we, as consumers, show our support for shows with more inclusivity, in all of its forms.
Here are 5 Netflix shows with more realistic representation:
1. Never Have I Ever
This is a true coming-of-age, comedy-drama series starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi. It is partially based on the creator’s real experiences growing up. It is about an Indian American high school student who deals with the death of her father.
It is considered a profound breakthrough in South Asian representation and for breaking Asian stereotypes. Devi also has endearing, thoughtful friends (Ramona Young as Eleanor and Lee Rodriguez as Fabiola) who are both ridiculous, kind, and fully developed characters, whose own needs become important plot points to balance out the attention.
2. Atypical
This TV show is mainly surrounding the life of 18-year-old Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), who has autism spectrum disorder. In his senior year of high school, he decides it's time to find a girlfriend, which becomes a journey that sets Sam's family on their own life-changing paths as he seeks more independence.
It is a heartfelt story about being on the autistic spectrum while searching for love and independence. Other explored themes involve the motives behind cheating, feeling estranged from one’s family, and queerness.
3. Sex Education
The series follows the story of Otis Milburn, who is an insecure teenager ambivalent about sex because his sex therapist mother is frank about all aspects of sexuality. After he inadvertently assists the school bully with his sexual performance anxiety, Otis sets up a sex advice business with fellow female classmate Maeve.
They embark on a journey to help their fellow students with sexual problems. The show also discusses elements of being queer and the teenage relationship with sex.
4. Pose
Pose is a series involving ’80s ballroom culture, AIDS, and trans identity that truly revolutionizes visibility on the screen. The show is set in 1987 New York and is about families, specifically the unique ones formed by black and Latinx trans women, drag queens, and artists. It centers on five trans women of color—played by Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, MJ Rodriguez, Hailie Sahar, and Angelica Ross. It has a special focus on the intersection of race, class, sexuality, and gender. The directors also challenged the actors to bring their own experiences to the series.
This makes this very realistic in the portrayal of those who struggle with homelessness, harassment, abandonment, and sex work, coupled with the inherent struggles of being trans, POC women.
5. One Day at A Time
This show revolves around a Cuban-American family living in a Los Angeles neighborhood. It focuses on a single mother who is an Army veteran dealing with PTSD, both her kids, and her Cuban mother. This is a re-imagination of the original CBS sitcom and it tackles relevant issues, such as mental illness, immigration, racism, sexism, and homophobia that Latinos who live in the United States face today.
*Some other notable series available on Netflix are On My Block, Dear White People,Jane the Virgin, Master of None, and Chewing Gum. Looking into these inclusive shows are good ways to show the growing progress that media is making with diversity in the film industry. *
Comentarios