A thematic analysis of asians in beef: stereotypical portrayals or subverting expectations?

Abstract

Tutora: Mercè Oliva Treball de fi de Màster en Estudis Internacionals sobre Mitjans, Poder i Diversitat

This study utilized a thematic analysis and looked at Netflix’s TV series Beef. It looks at the representation of Asians/Asian Americans and identifies if the characters’ traits are stereotypical or not. The literature review includes studies about model minority, perpetual foreigner, and the over/de-sexualization of Asian men and women. In these results, it talks about the portrayal of these characters having more emotional depth, familial pressures to be providers for the family, and rich vs. poor depictions of asians. Overall, Beef humanized Asian/Asian American characters that both defied and conformed to antiquated stereotypes.