Television shows often perpetuate harmful stereotypes Many TV shows portrayal cultures in dated and insensitive ways

By Toby Moses Sports Editor

With television and movies being mediums that reach billions of eyes across the world, portraying diverse casts of characters is extremely important. Shows like Star Trek, Roots and Good Times broke down racial barriers and aided in overcoming discrimination that plagued America in the early 20th century. Modern TV shows often value diversity and include characters of various races and walks of life; however, not all portrayals of races are respectful and accurate. Movies and TV shows can often perpetuate harmful stereotypes against different races, ingraining their often young viewers with prejudiced perceptions of others. For children, seeing characters on the screen that look like them is truly invaluable, as it provides young people with a sense of belonging. In my personal life, all the portrayals of people like myself on televisions and in movies were negative, inaccurate and heavily based on stereotypes. While stereotypes against other races are taboo in television and movies, it seems as if Indian characters are free reign to be as discriminatory and inaccurate as possible. Being Indian, seeing characters of my race in the media was always a negative experience. Without a positive portrayal of Indian characters in media, children like myself grow up without a character to look up to or relate to.

Many shows and movies targeted at adult audi- ences perpetuate stereotypes, which can be fine when used in a comedic context. One example of a character like this is seen in “The Simpsons”. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, a convenience store owner with a thick South Asian accent, is a clear example of stereotypes against Indian people and other South Asians. Although the character was based on stereotypes, I was never personally hurt by his portrayal. Sure, the trope of Indian people owning convenience stores is annoying, but Nahasapeemapetilon was a fleshed-out and interesting character in the show. He had a doctorate, a loving family and was treated like a friend by the other characters. Not all Indian viewers felt the same way, however. Nahasapeemapetilon, originally voiced by a white actor, was eventually cancelled due to public backlash. While many supported this decision, put off by his stereotypical portrayal, Nahasapeemapetilon is a polarizing character for South Asians. Many viewers, Indians included, want him to return. Some make the argument that his portrayal is fine, but the public backlash merits his removal. And while he is a controversial character in his own right, he is far less harmful than other interpretations of South Asian characters.

“The Simpsons” is mostly watched by young adults and older, but shows and movies targeted at younger audiences also portray South Asian characters through the lens of stereotypes. When a show is intended for these young and impressionable audiences, children can easily mistake stereotypes with reality. One show that portrays Indians in a disrespectful way is “Phineas and Ferb”. Admittedly, I loved to watch the show when I was younger, not fully realizing the show’s flaws until I grew older. Baljeet Tjinder is an Indian character in the show, and the only person of color who appears in most episodes. Firstly, Baljeet’s voice actor, although Indian, uses a fake accent for the show. While this is not uncommon, why not simply hire a voice actor with an authentic Indian accent? Next, and most importantly, Baljeet’s portrayal in the show is downright terrible. From constant bullying from other characters, to saying he needs to get good grades or his parents will reject him, Baljeet was an unlikable character that most viewers saw as the punching bag of the cast. Now, the term Baljeet is used in a derogatory way against Indian people, which I myself have heard plenty. Even in high school, people have called me Baljeet or said I look like him; needless to say countless Indian chil- dren have received this treatment across the country. Plentyofchildrengrowingupwatchedtheshow

“Jessie” on Disney Channel, myself included. The one Indian character in the show, Ravi, almost mirrors the portrayal of Baljeet. Ravi is played by an Indian Actor, Karan Brar, who originally has no accent. In the show, however, Ravi has a comically heavy Indian accent; it is clear that the producers of the show believed an Indian accent would get laughs from the audience. Ravi is a nerd, struggles mightily to talk to women and is bullied by other characters. That may sound familiar, because Baljeet is portrayed in almost the exact same way.

With “Phineas and Ferb” and “Jessie” no longer running, I hope that future TV shows and movies will provide Indian children with adequate role models and accurate representations. As diversity becomes more important and celebrated in society, we must overcome the harmful stereotypes that have plagued marginalized groups for decades. When TV producers decide to include an Indian character, there is no need to slap on a ridiculously thick accent and make them socially inept. By respecting the cultures of others and creating realistic characters, the futures of countless South Asian people across the globe will improve.