The Mindy Projects

An analysis of the characters created by Mindy Kaling to challenge the stereotypes of South Asians in American television

South 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.

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.

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.

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, director and author, has been praised for creating central roles with nuanced characters that work to represent various aspects of the South Asian experience.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

“Kash” Khan may seem like a contradictory character, but his behavior reconciles the distinct cultural and religious forces that characterized his upbringing. On one hand, Kash grew up in a predominantly brown neighborhood, enjoys Pakistani food, speaks Urdu and prays at the mosque. On the other hand, he parties, clubs, drinks and dates outside his faith. Still, Kaling avoids the overdone plot line in which a young South Asian with an identity crisis leaves his culture to happily live in Western society. Through his struggles, Kash becomes closer to his family, rediscovers childhood friendships, spends

Bash

Fatima and Kash meet through the local mosque and consider an arranged marriage. She is closer to her religion than Kash. When they spend time together, Fatima and Kash bring chaperones, keep physical contact to a minimum and start talking about marriage early on in their relationship. While Kash never does this with other women, he does not seem uncomfortable adhering to these standards with Fatima. Their interactions “The Mindy Project” was criticized for creating a character who looked Indian but internally was “too white.” Kaling attempts to address this issue in one episode, in which Dr. Lahiri dates an Indian guy and meets people who engage more with their Indian culture. Over the course of the episode, Lahiri realizes she has adopted a lot of white American culture. However, this does not mean she has given up her heritage. She decides to hold a mundan, or head shaving, for her son. This small act represents a much bigger shift in Dr.

more time in community events and gains a greater appreciation for his background. Additionally, unlike most depictions of South Asian family dynamics, Kash’s father is his biggest support. He encourages Kash to pursue acting and supports his romantic relationships. Kash’s father breaks from the typical depiction of South Asian parents as strict and stifling. Kaling shows that South Asian parents, like all parents, have hopes and aspirations for their children and strive for their happiness. Kash ultimately reconciles both sides of himself, not in spite of, but with help from his dad and Pakistani friends. Lahiri’s character. She decides that her Indian background is more important to her than she previously acknowledged. She wants her son, an Indian Italian American, to experience Indian culture as she has. Kaling demonstrates the cultural blending that results from being a firstgeneration American and does not feel the need to justify her character’s “Indianness.” Rather, she emphasizes Lahiri’s cultural experiences and preferences are particular to her.

Kashish Khan

Hollywood often only portrays characters who have resigned much of their culture and religion, assuming they must modernize the Pakistani or Muslim image to make it suitable for film or TV. Kash, like Lahiri, received criticism for being too westernized. While Kash may be similar to many South Asians, other South Asians feel more connected to their roots than Kash. “Less-westernized” characters have much less representation in Hollywood. Kaling attempts to increase the scope of representation through her inclusion of

demonstrate a cultural awareness and sensitivity that arises from growing up in a complex background. Many South Asian immigrants learn early on how to adjust their behavior to accommodate other boundaries and beliefs. In turn, Fatima is also very understanding of Kash. She believes in his acting abilities and never ridicules him for dating, partying or drinking. two characters: “Bash” and Fatima. Bash, unlike Kash, is secure in his Pakistani background. His family, family friends and Pakistani community are integral in his life. Bash does not drink or date. While his choices differ from Kash, they remain good friends. Bash is a typical bestfriend character. He is amiable, funny and persistently tries to make his DJ career take off. Because of this, Bash appeals to the general audience, but he also provides another opportunity for South Asians to find a character relatable.

Fatima

Kash, Bash and Fatima each come from similar backgrounds but hold different principles. Regardless, they still respect each other. Kaling does not portray any one character as better adapted to British society or too assimilated to British culture. By including supporting characters, Kaling portrays a gradient of cultural expression that draws attention to the diverse South Asian community.