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The Representation of South Asian Women in American ComedyAlina M. AndradeUniversity of Arizona The Representation of South Asian Women in American ComedyIntroduction South Asian women are not given the opportunity to appear in comedy television shows, like men who are minorities. A comedy show usually does not portray a lead role for South Asian women or men. They can be the supporting actor or guest. South Asians are not being represented as much as white Americans because South Asians are not able to play different characters that have a different racial back ground. Evidence 1As said in the Article South Asians and the Hollywood Party: Peter Sellers and Brownface Performances, “An influential racial performance of South Asian in the United States was Peter Seller’s Indian character Hrundi V. Bakshi in the film The Party (1968) directed by Blake Edwards (Page 1).” This is an example of men being recognized more than women because it is also said in the article that south Asian men are recognized in animation because of Apu from The Simpsons (1989-) (Page 1). There is nothing about South Asian women being portrayed in any television show or movie especially in animation. I find it despondent to read that South Asian women are not involved as much as South Asian men. Women deserve to be heard and treated the same because we women are brilliant, rebellious and goal-oriented. Evidence 2When it comes to South Asian men and women appearing on American comedy television they are not prone to the leading role. American comedy TV shows are most led by white Americans, for example Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory with Kunal Nayyar as the supporting actor, Karan Brar known as Ravi from Disney Channels comedy television show Jessie, and Maulik Pancholy from 30 Rock. They are all supporting actors who are scrutinized from their appearance and accent. “Blake Edward’s The Party (1968) features Peter Sellers in dark-brown makeup (brownface), playing the bumbling Indian actor Hrundi Bakshi (Page 2).” Some South Asians are not being used as actors, but are represented through white Americans. Including their accents because not all of them are born with the Asian accent that most people assume, the actors I mentioned before are great examples. The South Asian actors that were mentioned are not women at all. South Asian Indian women are not being characterized in comedy shows in America.Evidence 3An exceptional, brilliant and beautiful South Asian actress that received the leading role of an American comedy television show is Mindy Kaling who plays Mindy Lahiri in The Mindy Project. She is the only South Asian woman who has portrayed in a leading role in a comedy show. “I get a lot of tweets and input from young Indian or young Indian American women who feel inspired with what I have done and I love it and it’s daunting and frightening because there is not any Indian female comedy leads in anything (Mindy Kaling on Being a South Asian Show Runner, 0:46-1:04).” I find this shocking because with what Mindy Kaling indicated about women who are not in any female comedy leads has me feel vulnerable. Women are deserving and incredible people who can do anything as shocking and awe-inspiring as Mindy Kaling. She mentioned that “she gets really jealous of the Danny McBride and the Steve Carell’s because they have the opportunity to play anything without anyone criticizing or thinking of racism. When she wants to play a “fun character with big flaws she thinks she is speaking for all Indian American women.” (Mindy Kaling on Being a South Asian Show Runner, 1:04-1:27).” Evidence 4To hear her say that it’s not as easy to play a character that is black or white because of her Hindu appearance saddens me. I know it can be found offensive to others because of their background, but people should remember it’s a comedy show. It’s unfair that other famous comedians who are white Americans are given the opportunity to play someone who comes from a different racial background. Mindy Kaling or any other South Asian women should be given the opportunity to develop a character that is different from the way they appear. “I have this thing where there ethnicity in some form, but I try not to rely on it or deny the fact that I am Indian, you turn on the show and you will know that I am Indian, I can’t hide that (Mindy Kaling on Being South Asian, 1:43-2:01).” She explained that the show had tried to have her play a different race on “The Mindy Project” where she had to pretend to be black, but they found it offensive for people to see it because she is not part of that racial background (Mindy Kaling on being South Asian).” Conclusion In conclusion South Asian women are not being depicted in American comedy television shows as much as men. They are being denounced from their appearance because of their ethnicity and are not given the opportunity to play the lead role in a comedy show as much as South Asian men. White American men who are comedian actors are being given the chance to pretend to play South Asians and other racial backgrounds because they can represent them in an easier way, such as being covered up with makeup and clothing that would represent those different racial backgrounds like Peter Sellers from “Blake Edward’s The Party (1968).” Women should be given the chance to play in a lead role to represent their extraordinary racial background that can inspire young women to do the same so they are able to believe in themselves and love who they are and where they come from. ReferencesSouth Asians and the Hollywood Party: Peter Sellers and Brownface Performances. Retrieved from Paley Center for Media. Mindy Kaling on Being South Asian. Retrieved from ................
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