Netflix's Squid Game has taken the world by storm with its thrilling plot, intense action, and gripping characters. The show follows a group of people who are in dire financial straits and are willing to participate in a deadly game to win a massive cash prize. While the show has been praised for its representation of diverse characters, there has been some controversy surrounding the portrayal of the Indian character.
Who is the Indian character?
The Indian character, named Ali Abdul, is played by actor Anupam Tripathi. He is one of the main characters in the show and is a migrant worker from Pakistan who is struggling to support his family. Ali is shown to be a kind-hearted man who befriends the main character, Seong Gi-hun, and becomes one of his allies in the game.
Representation of Indian characters in Squid Game
Squid Game has been praised for its representation of diverse characters, including Ali Abdul, who is one of the few non-Korean characters in the show. However, some viewers have criticized the show for perpetuating stereotypes about Indian characters. Ali is shown to be a devout Muslim who prays regularly and wears traditional clothing. While this may seem like an accurate representation of some Indian characters, others feel that it reinforces negative stereotypes about Muslims and South Asians.
Controversy surrounding the portrayal of Ali Abdul
Some viewers have also criticized the show for the treatment of Ali Abdul's character. In one scene, Ali is shown to be hesitant to participate in one of the games because it involves gambling, which goes against his religious beliefs. However, he is eventually persuaded to play and ends up losing all of his money. This has been seen as a negative portrayal of a devout Muslim character who is forced to compromise his beliefs for financial gain.
Response from the creators
The creators of Squid Game have responded to the criticism by stating that they did not intend to perpetuate negative stereotypes about Indian characters. They have also stated that they were inspired by real-life migrant workers in South Korea and wanted to show the struggles that they face. However, some viewers feel that the portrayal of Ali Abdul was still problematic and reinforces negative stereotypes about Muslims and South Asians.
Conclusion
The portrayal of the Indian character in Squid Game has sparked controversy and raised questions about representation and stereotypes. While the show has been praised for its diversity, some viewers feel that the portrayal of Ali Abdul was problematic and perpetuated negative stereotypes. It is important for media creators to be mindful of the way that they represent diverse characters and to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
