A captivating Netflix series celebrated for introducing diversity into a traditionally homogeneous British period drama left me feeling overlooked. I devoured the entire season of “Bridgerton” in one weekend, eager to see how a racially diverse cast would manifest in a genre that typically features only white actors. It was an opportunity to witness a reimagined history, and I was excited to engage with it.
As I settled into my dimly lit living room, the screen came alive with picturesque landscapes, lavish gowns, and the drama of tightly laced corsets or their passionate removal. I reveled in witnessing actors of color in positions of power, rather than relegated to roles as servants or maids. The queen and the Duke of Hastings, both portrayed by Black actors, brought a refreshing change, along with numerous other minority faces within the elite circles.
I celebrated this new vision. However, as I continued to absorb the opulent visuals, an unsettling realization dawned on me. As an Asian American viewer, I felt invisible. In the diverse main cast, I saw no one who resembled me; not a single significant character of Asian descent graced the screen in a series that claimed to embrace inclusivity.
Yes, there was the actress playing Lady Richmond in the episode “Oceans Apart,” her black hair elegantly styled in the dress shop scene. She exchanged silent glances with her companions, only to fade away moments later, serving merely as a backdrop to the story. Similarly, the queen’s lady-in-waiting appeared momentarily in “The Duke and I,” seated expressionlessly behind the queen, hardly making a mark.
While “Bridgerton” is heralded for its groundbreaking diversity, it relegates Asian characters to the sidelines, akin to decorative vases—present but not impactful. For an Asian American, this absence in mainstream media reinforces a sense of invisibility. It feels akin to envisioning a reformed high school as an inclusive space yet still lacking a seat at the lunch table.
This reflects the status of Asian Americans, caught in a racial triangulation between Black and white, a concept articulated by Professor Claire Jean Kim. In a romantic Regency-era narrative, Asians are present but fleeting—our voices muted.
I can hear critics urging me to lighten up; after all, “Bridgerton” is merely a fanciful period piece filled with romance and escapism. The series offers a playful, anachronistic waltz set to contemporary tunes, yet it serves as a significant commentary on racial diversity and inclusion—one that still overlooks many minority groups.
As a fan of Regency dramas, “Bridgerton” starkly highlights my own racial invisibility. Cathy Park Hong aptly describes time travel as a privilege exclusive to white individuals. If I could journey back to any era in American history, I would likely face dire consequences—enslavement, violence, or being ostracized. This reality extends to British high society, where I struggle to envision a place for myself.
Comparing “Bridgerton” to the classic “Pride and Prejudice,” I found solace in the character of Lizzy Bennet, seeing aspects of my own immigrant experience reflected in her story. Yet, onscreen, the overwhelming whiteness and privilege rendered me unable to connect.
When “Bridgerton” promised to dismantle racial barriers, I hoped for authentic representation; its absence feels ghostly. Just like Jenna, the young Asian American girl in a viral video who recognized herself in “Hamilton,” I yearn for that moment of validation. Representation is undeniably important.
I’m not entirely dismissing “Bridgerton.” It’s an entertaining escape into a romanticized past, and many viewers have enjoyed it—over 63 million households tuned in during its initial weeks on Netflix. While it can’t cater to every audience, can it not strive for increased inclusivity under the banner of diversity?
Produced by Shonda Rhimes, known for her diverse casting choices in shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bridgerton” could extend its reach. Imagining an Asian American character within this context might be more challenging than envisioning an Asian doctor, but if history is being re-envisioned, why not broaden the portrayal?
In its upcoming season, it would be refreshing to see an Asian duchess or countess, or perhaps a Latinx baron? If we can accept Black actors in roles historically reserved for white characters, then surely, I too deserve a moment where I can see myself reflected onscreen.
Search Queries:
- How does “Bridgerton” represent diversity?
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- Analysis of Asian American visibility in television.
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Summary:
The Netflix series “Bridgerton” is celebrated for its diverse casting, yet it leaves Asian Americans feeling overlooked, as there are no significant characters of Asian descent in its main storyline. While the show reimagines historical narratives, it often relegates Asian faces to the periphery, reinforcing feelings of invisibility. Despite the show’s popularity, the absence of substantial representation calls into question the authenticity of its diversity claims, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusivity in media portrayals.
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