Asian shows on Netflix

I was on my weekly call with Chiawen when he asked, “Have you ever watched these Asian shows on Netflix?”

I sighed. “I haven’t really watched them, or had any interest in them. But like, which ones are you talking about?”

“They’ve got some comedies…like Kim’s Convenience or something…”

“Why, do you watch them?”

“No. Having grown up in an Asian family, I just didn’t find it very funny. I mean, what’s funny about it? The constant assault on my self-worth? Or the lack of emotional connection to my family members?” Chiawen laughed, half-jokingly. (In case you were wondering, yes, I call Chiawen whenever I’m short on blogging material.)

It was the first time I had thought about why I never had a desire to watch shows like Fresh Off the Boat, and opted for Modern Family instead. “Yeah, that makes sense…maybe that’s why I’ve never wanted to see those shows.”

Chiawen chuckled, “I guess it’s triggering for you then.”

Don’t get me wrong…I love my family, but at times I wonder what I missed out on growing up Asian in America. Like, when I visit my white grandparents and play card games with them, since I never did that with my parents or Asian grandparents. Or when I see parents express affection for their kids or tell them, “I love you,” since it’s not really a thing Asian parents do.

Of course, I know that Asian parents show their love through actions instead of words or physical affection. Just this past weekend my mom asked me if I needed anything from Trader Joe’s, and dropped off some groceries on the way home. Early on in the pandemic, she bought paper towels and toilet paper for me from Costco when America suffered a shortage of paper products. She does much more than this, so yes, I know my mom loves me, even though she doesn’t show it in the traditional American way.

So maybe I prefer Modern Family because it’s fun to imagine what it would have been like to grow up in a traditional American family. Obviously, I don’t need to imagine what it’s like growing up Asian in America…I was there. Which begs the question — who’s watching these Asian shows, and how accurately are they portraying the Asian-American experience?

You’d assume more Asian people are watching those shows, but if neither Chiawen nor I are watching them….which Asians are watching them, and why? If you’re not Asian and watching these shows, why are you watching them and what are you learning about Asian-Americans? Feel free to reach out to let me know — I am genuinely curious.