Anti-Black Rape Jokes, Representation, and Real Talk about BEEF
The new hit Netflix show, not the protein
As of right now, Beef is the #2 trending show on Netflix. I watched it all the way through a few days ago, immediately recommended it to my other Black lady friend, psychoanalyzed it with multiple people, and hailed it to be a work of modern cinematic genius–a beautiful step forward regarding Asian representation on TV.
Then I discovered David Choe’s “jokes” about gleefully sexually assaulting a Black woman.
Once upon a time, it was easier to separate the art from the artist, especially when the art was good. But I find that it’s harder and harder for me, and countless other people, to do so. When the news broke out about the resurfacing of this disgusting interview where Choe proclaims his actions against this unnamed Black massage therapist, none of his castmates said anything. No one in his inner circle of Asian entertainment pros made a statement saying that they denounced his actions, that they think what he did (or supposedly did) was wrong, or even that they hope the victim is ok. It was, and still is, radio silence.
The question that’s being discussed around the Asian entertainment journalists on Twitter is, “Is this really the kind of representation we need?” Obviously, not all representation is good representation. The Black community has Candance Owens, Clarence Thomas, and hundreds of other loud, wrong, and problematic people (we would love to give them to Home Depot as soon as possible but, alas, we, as a community, cannot find the return policy on our countless receipts). Every community has their version (more or less) of this, but what happens when bad people do good work? Where do people stand then, beside the work (which is also beside the person)?
At the end of the day, the silence of Ali Wong and Steven Yeun (who are looooooong time, very close friends of David Choe), only helps to perpetuate the violence that happens against marginalized women, particularly Black women. This is a prime example of why there’s a difference between people of color (POC) and Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC). We are all under the foot of white supremacy, but some of us have deeper institutionalized struggles than others that are oftentimes highlighted within communities of color.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Have I seen 6 tweets in the past 5 minutes from Black creators talking about how they’ve removed Beef from their Netflix watchlist because of this situation? Yes. Do I support their decision? Yes. Am I saying that none of us should watch Beef, or that if you liked it after hearing that news, that you’re a bad person? No.
Art is meant to be a reflection and criticism of our reality, and the art of this series extends far beyond the screen. For example, I’ll be connecting Beef and Bell Hooks through a mini study on lovelessness tomorrow. But I think there’s something more important that everyone, especially people who aren’t Black women, should take away from what’s happening regarding the Beef cast:
Intersectional justice and the representation that really matters starts with you. How do you handle situations where injustice is happening at the expense of someone else’s safety? Do you believe them? Is their pain just as valid as yours? Do you combat injustice when you see it in your own social circles, or do you “no comment” your way through uncomfortable situations until the storm passes (regardless of who else survives)?
In the David Choe interview, there was one woman in the room and she stood up for the victim as all her co-hosts and Ch0e were laughing. She was the only person to call Choe a “rapist” and tried to change the tone of the interview. While she couldn’t stop them from digging a deeper hole (because, obviously, none of those men respect women), she tried.
I just finished watching Beef yesterday and just found out through your news letter about the cast controversy. I knew he gave me an ick from from the start and thought it was just me criticizing his acting. Any way, I feel you on being less and less able (and willing) to separate the art from the artist. I really enjoyed the show, but doubting about recommending it. To highlight your question “ but what happens when bad people do good work? Where do people stand then, beside the work (which is also beside the person)? ” I ask myself this constantly and lately my answer has been to denounce and remove my support. Whether it’s unfollowing or not promoting, but definitely talking about it when given the chance.