Written by Ashwika Vanam
Edited by Anahitha Raffe Sofia
From the stereotypical immigrant accent of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in "The Simpsons" to the nuanced portrayal of South Asia in Dev Patel's latest venture "Monkey Man," Hollywood's treatment of South Asian representation has undergone a significant evolution. Over the decades, the industry has moved from perpetuating stereotypes to embracing more diverse and authentic narratives.
For much of Hollywood's history, South Asian characters have often been reduced to one-dimensional stereotypes, perpetuating harmful tropes and reinforcing cultural biases. Characters like Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, though beloved by many, follow this trend, portraying a dehumanizing perspective of South Asians that relies on accentuated accents and superficial cultural references for comedic effect.
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the owner of the Kwik-E-Mart in the long-running animated series "The Simpsons," is a prime example of a character built from stereotype. Voiced by Hank Azaria, a white actor, Apu's exaggerated accent and mannerisms perpetuate the stereotype of South Asians as convenience store clerks with limited aspirations and backward mannerisms. Despite his popularity, Apu's portrayal drew criticism for its lack of nuance and its reinforcement of harmful stereotypes, prompting discussions about representation and cultural sensitivity in mainstream media.
However, as societal attitudes evolved and calls for diversity and representation grew louder, Hollywood began to respond. Filmmakers and actors of South Asian descent started challenging traditional narratives and pushing for more authentic portrayals. One significant milestone was Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay!", which offered a portrayal of street children in Mumbai, showcasing the humanity and struggles of its characters without exoticizing their circumstances.
Going into the early 2000s, Hollywood witnessed a gradual shift towards more progressive portrayals of South Asians. Gurinder Chadha's "Bend It Like Beckham" presented a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre, following the story of a British Indian girl pursuing her passion for soccer against her traditional family's wishes. The film challenged stereotypes about gender roles and cultural expectations, offering a different perspective on the exploration of identity and belonging.
"The Namesake", also directed by Mira Nair and based on Jhumpa Lahiri's novel of the same name, delved into the immigrant experience, tracing the journey of a Bengali family adjusting to life in America. Through the lens of the Ganguli family, the film explored themes of cultural assimilation, generational conflict, and the search for identity, appealing to the South Asian diaspora throughout the globe.
In recent years, the emergence of actors like Dev Patel has been key in reshaping Hollywood's approach to South Asian representation. Patel's performances in films like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Lion" have gained him applause from film critics across the globe. "Slumdog Millionaire," directed by Danny Boyle, provides a look at the reality of living conditions in the slums of Mumbai, following the journey of a young boy from poverty to unexpected fortune. Patel's portrayal of Jamal Malik earned him widespread praise and launched him as an international star, challenging the conventional stereotype of a “hero” character.
Patel's latest project, "Monkey Man," not only marks his directorial debut but also promises to offer a fresh perspective on South Asian identity and representation, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the complexity of Indian politics. The film, set in Mumbai, explores themes of redemption, identity, and social justice, offering thought-provoking commentary on issues that plague India today.
Modern cinema has seen an uptick in narratives that celebrate the diversity and richness of South Asian culture. "The Big Sick", written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, drew inspiration from their real-life interracial relationship, offering a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love, family, and cultural differences. The film navigated themes of identity and assimilation while challenging stereotypes about South Asian masculinity and romance.
"Crazy Rich Asians", though not centered on South Asian characters, marked a significant milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood. The film's success paved the way for greater visibility and opportunities for Asian actors and filmmakers, fostering a more inclusive cinematic landscape.
The evolution of South Asian portrayal in Hollywood reflects a shift towards inclusivity and representation in mainstream media. While the industry has made significant efforts to ensure diversity in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all voices are heard.. As filmmakers continue to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers, the future of South Asian representation in Hollywood looks promising, paving the way for a more equitable cinematic landscape.
Works Cited
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Hadadi, Roxana. “Revisiting Mira Nair and Kal Penn's 'The Namesake' After 'Crazy Rich Asians.'” Pajiba, 20 August 2018, https://www.pajiba.com/film_reviews/revisiting-mira-nair-and-kal-penns-the-namesake-after-crazy-rich-asians.php. Accessed 26 March 2024.
Hsu, Hua. “The Soft Racism of Apu from “The Simpsons.”” The New Yorker, 16 November 2017, https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-soft-racism-of-apu-from-the-simpsons. Accessed 26 March 2024.
MacInnes, Paul, and Salman Rushdie. “How Slumdog Millionaire is changing film-making in India.” The Guardian, 4 June 2009, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jun/04/slumdog-millionaire-india. Accessed 27 March 2024.
Nevins, Jake. “'Apu was a tool for kids to go after you': why The Simpsons remains problematic.” The Guardian, 15 November 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/nov/15/problem-with-apu-simpsons-hari-konabolu-documentary. Accessed 26 March 2024.
Pahwa, Nitish. “Monkey Man: The controversy behind Dev Patel's compelling new movie.” Slate, 5 April 2024, https://slate.com/culture/2024/04/monkey-man-movie-dev-patel-india-hindu-nationalism-hindutva-religion-politics.html. Accessed 26 March 2024.
Rikhy, Trishna. “'Bend It Like Beckham' Is Still Hollywood's Best South Asian Film.” Esquire, 15 September 2023, https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a44190046/bend-it-like-beckham-20th-anniversary-essay/. Accessed 26 March 2024.
Sims, David. “'The Big Sick' Is the Best Romantic Comedy in Years.” The Atlantic, 22 June 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/06/the-big-sick-is-the-best-romantic-comedy-in-years/531210/. Accessed 27 March 2024.
Sur, Snigdha. “‘The Namesake’: What’s in a Name? Everything.” The Juggernaut, 9 March 2023, https://www.thejuggernaut.com/the-namesake-jhumpa-lahiri-mira-nair-irrfan-khan-kal-penn-tabu. Accessed 26 March 2024.
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