Thursday, May 29, 2014

Informing the Stereotypes - Kelly Kapoor and The Office

by Mitchell Isidro

Picking up from where I left off with my “Are You Even Indian?” post, I covered the unique way Kelly freely defines herself to be Indian American and how that reflects the poly-cultural attitude of the younger generation of Asian Americans. I also wanted to make it clear that within the context of comedy shows her portrayal is primarily to humor the audience and should not be seen as offensive. Subsequently, the writers of The Office continue to play off of stereotypes even unto the series’s fifth season. I argue that even as the writers make fun of her “Indianness” with small references to Asian female stereotypes, Kelly's portrayal is largely for comedic reasons which help inform audience members of such racial categorizations.



        It is important to discern what specifically are those, albeit indefinite, stereotypical portrayals of Kelly in The Office such as her depiction as a submissive Asian female. In season 5’s Customer Survey, one of Michael’s opening lines is praising Kelly as the office’s  “dusky and exotic customer service rep” which reflects an inaccurate view  of the “mysterious” Asian American woman shared by some members of American culture. Building off of such a view, Kelly is later found guilty for seeking revenge on Jim and Dwight. However, when she is accused by Michael, she randomly claims that she has been raped to rapidly change the subject in a humorous way despite being a very serious subject. Thus it produces two contradictory portrayals of her character both as a vague reference to a devilish and secretive side of the "mysterious" Kelly with her revenge plot, and as a victimized “china doll.” Again, it is important that I caution that these situations are meant for comedy and therefore should not be appropriated as examples to be critical of the show. I believe that the writers put these small references to Asian female stereotypes in the show to create some sort of awareness about such stereotypes. Even in the next episode “Business Trip” Kelly magically hooks back up with Ryan again after Ryan impresses her with his push ups and then subsequently shares a ridiculously passionate kiss in spite of already being in a relationship with Darryl. This may point to, again, the docile china doll stereotype that is easily manipulated that Kelly finds herself portraying occasionally. Yet, in context this should not be surprising because the shows writers make it a point to make fun of the precarious and unsteady relationship she has with Ryan. Even in a later episode “Moroccan Christmas,” Angela, a Caucasian female co worker, is also found, although sexually, unfaithful to Andy.



        Therefore, Kelly’s portrayal reflects complex nature of human beings and also what it means to be an Asian American female. Her stereotypical portrayals are not always clear at times especially to passive audience members, but I think it is just a way for writers to inform unknowing audiences what these stereotypes exactly may be. It is also wrong to undermine the importance of the show being a comedy  because in such a light hearted show, viewers do not have to take the issues seriously and instead can learn about how human identity is appropriated by show writers to produce some thought provoking material.

Be sure to comment below! I would like to hear your thoughts whether in agreement or disagreement! I think it is important to discuss these even in the context of speaking about comedy shows!

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