Yvonne's Tips For Teacher Blog

Yvonne's Tips For Teacher Blog

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Post 174: Mira, The Royal Detective, Positive Role Model for South Asian American kids

Post 177: Mira, The Royal Detective Gives Positive South Asian Representation


This looks like a great show for kids because of its portrayal of South Asian. This show portrays South Asia to American kids in an authentic fashion. The South Asian characters are no longer Asian stereotypes or sidekicks or played for comedic effect. Instead, the South Asian characters are three dimensiional characters that use South Asia as an authentic backdrop. The voices are authentic South Asian people and the music is also authentic Indian music. If I were a kid again and had lots of time, I would love to watch this cartoon. It gives kids a positive impression of South Asia.

The fantasy city of Jaipur has characters from both Northern and Southern India getting along and showing Indian children a future of a unified India. Now broadcast in America, this show depicts a unified India where all people of India, from the North and from the South all get along with each other.
The fantasy city of Jalpur is a melting pot of different Indian cultures. The same city that is home to Ranjeet and Manjeet (which are typical Punjabi names from the north of India) is also home to Kamala, Sandeep and Priya (typical names from the south of India). North Indian and South Indian culture differ vehemently, but this show brings both together to present a multifaceted but ultimately unified picture of the subcontinent. And it’s not just in the names — the third episode ends with a dance sequence blending Bhangra music (from Punjab) with classical music. This is an explicit representation of Jalpur as a melting pot of Indian culture: an avenue for immigrant nostalgia and cultural unity. (Karunya Bhramasandra,  How Mira Royal Detective tackles South Asian Representation)
It uses authentic Indian names with authentic Indian voices. Bhramasandra did mention that the show uses some tropes that Americans associate with Bollywood, but used in an authentic manner. Instead of perceiving Asians in a negative way, this darling cartoon gives Asians a positive image for young Americans and adults alike. When a South Asian American sees positive role model of themselves, they can then feel good about themselves and their heritage.

“Mira, Royal Detective” is the first of its kind. The influence it’s having on Americans, South Asian or otherwise, has the potential to change the way America perceives the subcontinent. And, perhaps more importantly, it can change the way South Asian Americans see themselves. Our previous “role models,” now notorious for being, at worst, racist caricatures, include Apu from “The Simpsons” and Raj from “The Big Bang Theory.” We can do better. As an article from The Juggernaut says, having a positive South Asian role model, especially for children, “means that future generations of diaspora kids can grow up feeling more seen and perhaps more curious about their heritage.” And perhaps more comfortable with it. (Karunya, Bhramasandra)
I only watched the trailer but was entranced by the characters, the setting, the dialogue and the plot. I do wish this show was on all the regular TV channels, and not just on the Disney Channel, because I feel that a monumental show likes this that shows South Asians in such a delightful manner deserves to have much more exposure so that more American kids can get a fun yet authentic image of Asians. I feel, the more positive representation of Asians in the media, especially as Karunya puts it, "in this tragic time."

In an Asian American Experience class, you can have students watch the Mira, The Royal Detective trailer on Youtube and you can ask your students, what impression do you get of South Asian music? decor? names? values? from this cartoon? Are the South Asian people different or the same as people in your family? or friends?

What do you know about South Asia? Have you eaten South Asian foods? Have you visited South Asia? What more do you want to know about South Asia?









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