The portrayal of adolescent Asian descent minorities in shows or movies produced in the West are rife with characteristics of the 'model minority.' This stereotype frames them as universally successful, particularly in academics, portraying them as disciplined, hardworking, and non-confrontational. On a base level, the show 'Never Have I Ever,' with its protagonist Devi, does succeed in subverting this stereotype as it portrays her as a complicated person who is far from the perfect and studious teenager that the stereotype entails. While academically excelling, she is shown as impulsive, at times selfish and prone to making bad decisions driven by her insecurities.
However, I feel like the 'model minority' stereotype has moved beyond this basic definition and evolved into a bigger plotline trope where this academic success is often shown as a burden with the character (in most cases) rebelling against tradition (usually in the form of overbearing parents who are imposing their cultural values). How this trope is usually shown to end is with the parents coming to understand the woes and perspective of their child and reconciling with them within a short span of a movie or season. This risks oversimplifying this complex relationship which isn't as easily resolved as depicted in media. This, I feel, is the largest stereotype that 'Never Have I Ever' is somewhat able to break as the relationship between Devi and her mother Nalini is posed between the aforementioned premise and is shown in a more realistic and emotionally dense method. Their relationship has constant ups and downs and isn't shown as something that'll be fixed within a few episodes but is an evolving process of understanding each other and trying to bridge both of their distinct worldviews.
You have nailed the identification of the model minority stereotypes in this Show. I think your point about the stereotype being positive in appearance only links to Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, explaining how the West portrays the East in reductionist ways. This model minority trope diminishes Asian experiences and delegitimizes their struggles, as do most non-white representation in Hollywood. Moreover, your blog would have been more holistic if Devi’s character’s intersectionality was explored. Not just her Asian origins, but also the specific struggles she faces as a female.
Great observation! Adding to your point, another strength of Never Have I Ever is how it portrays intergenerational conflict within the context of cultural expectations. Devi and Nalini’s relationship isn’t just about clashing personalities—it’s also shaped by their Indian-American identity, where Nalini’s traditional values often contrast with Devi’s desire to fit into a Western teenage lifestyle. This adds depth to their conflicts, showing how cultural nuances further complicate parent-child relationships.
It’s also refreshing how the show gives space to Nalini’s perspective, making her more than just a strict mom trope. By exploring her grief, loneliness, and struggles as a single parent, the show creates empathy for her character, emphasizing that reconciliation requires effort from both sides.
Lastly, Never Have I…
Even though I really despise Devi's character in Never Have I Ever, I really appreciate the point you made in your blog. Despite cringing at almost everything Devi did in every episode, I still watched the entire show, and the only really good storyline of this show was the complex relationship between Devi and Nalini. The show was able to show the complicated dynamics and trauma of a desi family and how it is always brushed under the rug, and the new generation tries to talk to their parents about it, but the parents do not want to talk about it. I think the only reason I made it through the show was because I related to the up-and-down relationship Devi had with her mom.…
i really enjoyed reading this blog post as it analyizes the depiction of Asian teens from a different perspective. Most of the times, asians and particularly south asians are shown in media as academically inclined with no social life; geeks and nerds esentially. Devi from never have ever reinforces but subverts this stereotype in multiple ways. Even though she is shown as an overachieving south asian kid, as the article mentions, there is more to her personality which adds depth to her character, which is something that is not usually done in western media. She is shown to have a complex relationship with her family, friends and her love life which adds layers to her identity as a south asia…
This blog successfully handled the model of minority stereotype and how you have evaluated the relationship of devi and her mother as a process of growth. However, it would be more valuable if there was an increment of how devi's life has evolves as an American-Indian teenager in her identity and identified the cultural gaps alongside. Similarly, how her experiences as a young woman navigating through challenges such as friendships, grief and romance are influenced through cultural norms of her family or the way she tends to perceive her independence in America.