Hey everyone! Today I really wanted to talk about the amazing show Never Have I Ever. The show created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher is a show I hold near and dear to my heart. It's one of those shows I continue to rewatch because of the perfect combination of drama and comedy. The show focuses on the life of the main character Devi Vishwakumar, a teen girl just trying to get through high school, and all the chaos she gets herself into. There are many other characters in the series, but her academic rival and later boyfriend Ben Gross is one of my favorites. Throughout the 4-season series, patterns in representation of both Devi and Ben's cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds are used to further the plot as well as connect to the audience. If you're interested in watching the series, I have linked the trailer for the first season below.
Devi's character, as a first-generation Indian-American, highlights her culture and heritage through construction and selection. As the series progresses, there is more selection of Hindu holidays and cultural events that originally Devi seems to view as obstacles in her attempt to fit in with her non-Indian friends and classmates. In season one episode "...Felt Super Indian," Devi and her family attend Ganesh Pooja, a religious holiday, where Devi seems to be embarrassed. The specific selection of the scene where Devi's crush shows up at the event where Devi is constructed in cultural attire further emphasizes the discomfort she feels with her cultural identity. This scene is later juxtaposed by a scene in season 4 where Devi seems to accept her culture and embrace it. At her grandma's wedding, there is a selection of a scene where she dances to a Tamil song with her cousin as she is again constructed in a saree. This time, it is evident she's enjoying herself, as she is proud of who she is and her heritage. Typically, Indian-Americans aren't the main characters in media or are very heavily stereotyped, but the way this series represents Indian-Americans seems to be transcendent the common representation. The way Devi is represented aims to connect to other Indian-American teens who struggle to embrace their culture. The show aims to show that people should embrace their culture and love their background.
Although the show is great at showing Devi's character development and is somewhat independent of stereotypes, it also includes a couple of stereotypes about Indian culture. Devi strives to go to Princeton University and cares a lot about academics. Her mom is very strict with her and for the most part, doesn't let her have a boyfriend. Placing a strong emphasis on academics, and having strict parents is a major stereotype of Indian culture. Even if it is not negative, it's still an overgeneralization.
The representation of Ben Gross characterizes him as the stereotypical rich white male also through construction and selection. Typically, the rich white male is shown to be picture-perfect and not emotional, but the way Ben Gross is represented goes against this common stereotype. The construction of Ben's huge home emphasizes how lonely he is. There are a lot of scenes where Ben is shown to be lonely, and there is even a whole episode dedicated to it. The episode "... Been the Loneliness Boy in the World," through a selection of several scenes of Ben being home alone after his parents left him, emphasizes how lonely he feels. This representation goes against the stereotype that rich people are happier and better off. Although he is characterized as privileged, he is shown to also struggle with his self-worth. People could assume his life would be better just because of his money, but the representation of his character shows this to not always be the case.
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