Representation Analysis

The hit Netflix original Never Have I Ever stereotypes an Indian family living in America. The protagonist Devi is a first-generation American, and her family follows many Indian traditions. She is stereotyped by having the need to have perfect grades and only date an Indian boy. Devi also feels this pressure her entire life that she had to go to Princeton. Again, it is stereotypical that since Devi is Indian, an Ivey Lee college is forced upon her. It's not just Devi who is stereotyped; the entire family is. Her cousin is forced into an arranged marriage, which is stereotyping that Indians can only have an arranged marriage. Davi's dad also uses a fake Indian accent, which is concerning as not all Indians need to have an accent. The entire idea of Indians living up to certain stereotypes is not representative at all.

On the bright side, there is a great representation of people with Down syndrome. Paxton's sister has Down syndrome in the show. She is shown in a good light, as she doesn't let her disability define her. She works at Old Navy and shows a true passion for passion. It's one of the things she and Devi bonded about. She aspires to be a fashion designer, and it shows how people with Down syndrome can be whatever they want and don't let their disability define themselves.

There is also representation of the LGBTQ+ community, as one of Devi's best friends, Fabiola, is lesbian. She is shown in the beginning to be a little nervous to come out, but after seeing how supportive her friends were, she felt more comfortable. Netflix did a good job of having Fabiola represent that the LGBTQ+ community can be welcomed and included rather than being the outcast. Fabiola is shown having a few girlfriends throughout the duration of the show, making the show very inclusive. Having Fabiola also helped others come out while watching the show.              Link to scene video

Representation is also shown for women. In Never Have I Ever, women in STEM are one of the main motifs throughout the TV show. Devis' cousin is a biologist and felt sexism during her time in the lab. She had to prove to men that she was just as smart, and sometimes even smarter. She proved that her talents had no relation to her gender. Fabiola is also a woman in STEM. She is part of robotics at her school and was frowned upon when she first joined the club. She had to prove that she was smarter than all of the boys there and then encourage other girls at her school to join.

 

Overall, in the show, the women are very strong. Devi's mom became a widow and never let her go. Shed continued to be a strong, independent woman, although many people took pity on her as she had recently lost her husband. Devi became paralyzed from the waist down, and everyone told her she would never walk again, but she proved them all wrong and persisted until she did. The women in the show confidently proved everyone wrong and were represented very well.