The Mindy Projects An analysis of the characters created by Mindy Kaling to challenge the stereotypes of South Asians in American television
Some writers in media and film are working to counteract these stereotypes through the creation of diverse and dynamic characters that reverse biases and portray South Asians as relatable people with universal struggles. Representation on screen acknowledges South Asians’ role in American society and history. Mindy Kaling, a multifaceted actress, producer,
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Kaling recently remade the 1994 British romantic comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” in which she rewrote the main character to be a first-generation Pakistani Brit named Kashish “Kash” Patel. In the show, friends Fatima and Basheer “Bash” also provide a holistic representation of South Asians. The genius of Kaling’s characters is their ability to move beyond the stereotypical nerdy, reserved and socially awkward South Asians so often seen in Hollywood. Her characters actively make cultural references and take part in traditional celebrations, but also express occasionally feeling far from their cultural roots. In reality, while South Asian Americans share similar backgrounds, how and to what degree they choose to engage with their culture is a personal decision. To label people as “too Indian” or “too American” confines and simplifies rich histories and traditions into narrow ideas and dismisses the unique identities that arise from living between cultures. South Asian is a term used to collectively describe a large group
Kaling’s characters are not generalized intermediates striving to represent all of South Asia; instead, they each have different complex identities. They are a true reflection of the diversity within the South Asian diaspora. Kelly, Dr. Lahiri, Kash, Bash and Fatima each provide opportunities for the audience to bond over shared traditions and customs, but the audience is also able to look beyond any differences and appreciate them as individuals. Through her work, Kaling explains what it means to be South Asian by providing several characters with varying, but equally valid cultural experiences.
design/ Trianna Nguyen
As a result, South Asians may feel the burden to justify their blended cultural identity to themselves or others. Eventually, misrepresentations can lead to implicit bias and racist behavior toward South Asians. These behaviors can affect their professional and personal relationships.
Kaling’s first major role as a writer and actress was on “The Office,” in which she portrayed Kelly Kapoor, a bubbly, talkative and somewhat clueless customer sales representative. Kaling went on to create, produce and star in the show “The Mindy Project.” The show focuses on Dr. Mindy Lahiri, a vibrant and trendy OB-GYN living in New York City. Lahiri navigates her tumultuous dating life and growing career throughout the show’s successful sixseason run.
of people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and sometimes, Afghanistan. Attempts to cram such a large and diverse group of people into a single character leads to the creation of two-dimensional characters that rely on outdated tropes.
illustration/ Cynthia Lai
They are often portrayed as overly studious, socially inept or stingy with money, as well as focused to the point of neglecting personal relationships. South Asian characters are usually children of strict and insensitive parents, owners of convenience stores or pursuants of STEM careers. These caricatures propagate prejudice, defining South Asian culture as inferior, or even comical. They marginalize the growing group of South Asian Americans who look for representation on screen but find only stigmatizing depictions of their heritage. Prejudiced depictions facilitate the idea of an inherent conflict between South Asian culture and what it means to be American.
director and author, has been praised for creating central roles with nuanced characters that work to represent various aspects of the South Asian experience.
by Zahra Saba
S
outh Asians are often stereotyped in American media or cast as onedimensional side characters. Apu from “The Simpsons,” Raj from “The Big Bang Theory” and Baljeet from the cartoon “Phineas and Ferb” are examples of the clichéd misrepresentation of South Asian Americans.
