To start, Glenn, is anything but a stereotypical Asian. He does not play a computer whiz or a kung fu master or a nerd of any kind. He is not portrayed as weak in any way. On the contrary, he is one of the fighters in the show. Previously a pizza delivery boy, his character does not have anything to do with a stereotypical Asian at all. In addition, he also gets with a girl. In season 2, he begins a romantic relationship with Maggie Greene, a white Southern girl from Georgia. Their love and feelings for each other blossoms throughout the show and they are currently married in the latest episode. When was the last time you saw an Asian male having a sexual and romantic relationship on television? Probably not in a very, very long time. Just a few weeks ago, the show's viewers were anxious to find out whether or not Glenn died. Steven Yuen's portrayal of Glenn has created a big fan base behind the character that the possibility of killing such a character was downright impossible to take in and comprehend. That is why the show cannot kill off Glenn; the character is one of the most interesting Asian males on television right now and is breaking so many stereotypes for Asian males.
"The Walking Dead" is the highest rated show in cable television history, and Steven Yuen's portrayal of Glenn Rhee definitely plays a role in that.
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ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteIn the original comic series, was Glenn Rhee's character Asian from the beginning or did the directors cast an Asian as Glenn Rhee to add diversity to The Walking Dead? If he was originally Asian in the comic series, then I think The Walking Dead does a really good job at challenging the Asian stereotypes from Yuen's character. In fact, Yuen's character is one of the major characters of the show and pivotal to its' development. It is refreshing to see more Asian Americans on television without being conformed into a single role.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I never stopped to realize the difference in his portrayal compared Asian American characters in other TV shows and films.
ReplyDeleteIts always nice to see when people stick to the source material, especially so when a lot of originally Asian roles are being casted to non-Asian actors/actresses
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! This is a good example of a more accurate reflection of societal norms. It unmasks the diverse qualities of Asians instead of perpetuating the stereotypes that have affected the Asian population.
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