Media representation of different communities has been a problem for decades to come and has not been addressed accurately. In a world where being different attracts hate crimes, the narrow-minded media has the weight of the responsibility to be inclusive and representative. Individuals being themselves and expressing themselves honestly is an unparalleled challenge and in the words of Otis Milburn, “I don't want to have to change who I am in order to hang out with you.” Here to explore a more all-encompassing and all-embracing society is
Perspectoverse’s Shreya Datta.
Dialogues like this often portray the uniqueness and the truthfulness of the show that is “Sex Education”. Hollywood shows, Netflix period dramas and Amazon Prime Video’s violent thrillers often go overboard with their visual effects, sounds and the devil in disguise CGI while they forget about inclusivity and make statements that cause perpetual damage. Netflix’s “Never Have I ever”,which was renewed for a third season, proves this point rather unwittingly. The show portrays a cis-gendered Indian girl who happens to be “science nerd” and is in “search for an American boyfriend”. An outlook on the American dream could not be more wrong, almost vile.
The basic definition of representation in the media is simply how media, such as television, film and books, portray certain types of people or communities. So what was the problem with “Never Have I Ever”? The problem becomes increasingly clear as one progresses deeper into the show. Indians are portrayed to be science-hungry and miserly who only work to get their daughters married off to “businessmen”. India, as a diverse country, has its fair share of problems, women who work and don’t get married, the entire concept of the LGBTQIA+ community, men expressing themselves in any way they want, individuals wearing ripped jeans and kids taking up humanities are often shunned from society and considered “outcasts''. The problem with the show began when they depicted exactly that with no form of representation, and portrayed the protagonist’s dream of having an American boyfriend as a solution to all her problems. Poorly researched writers who happen to know little to nothing on mental health issues like eating disorders, depression and anxiety seemed to have been forced to write a show for teenagers in the 21st century.
“Wonders never cease.”
Season three of the critically acclaimed “Sex Education” was like a breath of fresh air. Old faces, new faces, different perspectives, a well written plot and a brilliant cast were some of the best features of this show. The name suggests how progressive its outlook is as it travels through the mind of society, making everyone think and observe. Otis Milburn, the protagonist of the show who looks very dashing in his moustache, tries to get over his love interest Maeve Wiley, while trying to battle the constructs at school surrounding virginity, academics, sexuality and friends. Maeve Wiley, a complex female character who is reputed to love ‘complex female characters’ , is a literature enthusiast and befriends Isaac and his brother Joe. Isaac, a disbled artist, is a gentle, talented and honest individual who proves that not every show being run by a celebrity fires disabled actors when they become “difficult to work with.”
Other side characters seem to unfold slowly as more is revealed about everyone. Character development is another important aspect of this show. Eric Effiong (Ghane being his home country), an openly gay Nigerian who is not afraid to express himself without barriers, enters a relationship with a closeted bisexual and his previous bully Adam Groff. As their relationship unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident how toxicity can tear apart both individuals. Adam learns to grow and talk about his past trauma and difficult relationship with his estranged father and tries his best to love unconditionally and unequivocally. Jackson, surrounded by women at home, has trouble adjusting with his new position as Head Boy and has a crush on the new student nicknamed Cal. Cal is a non-binary student at Moordale who instantly becomes one of the new principle’s targets due to their personal gender nonconforming dress code. Non-binary representation is especially less in the media and Sex Education sets the bar where it is supposed to be.
As the students of Moordale face new obstacles with the new principle, the central theme remains to remove the taboo around sex and virginity. It accurately narrates experiences and welcomes various opinions and perspectives. Sending off a strong message, it deals with homophobes, sexist cis-gendered men, transphobes and militant feminists in a way that is new to the world, through discussion. Discussing accidental pregnancies, STIs, usage of contraception, assault, consent and other sensitive topics is the only way the shadow of doubt can be removed.
Another central theme of the show was dealing with grief. In the words of Harvey Specter from Suits, “When loving someone, the fear of losing them remains.” Dealing with grief of the passing of a loved one or being bullied by the kid who thinks he rules over other students, comes in stages and everyone does so in different ways. From teaching cis-gendered men to cry and let their emotions out, to letting coloured individuals, LGBTIAQ+ community members and other non-conformists know the belong, the show does all this in the span of eight episodes.
Lastly, shows and television programmes doing justice to everyone is their job and seeing the media do so occasionally, is like a cup of coffee at the end of a long day. Like Otis Milburn said, “We all have flaws, and our bodies do things we have no control over. But we can always control being truthful.”
Written by Shreya Datta
Illustrated by Anushka Doshi
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This is AMAZING and SOO TRUE!! Absolutely love the show :D