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Conclusion
In an era defined by 9/11 and Covid-19, how we write and talk about Asian/Americans matters. How they are depicted in our screens matters, as they may be the only Asian/Americans some parts of America actually interact with (Ono & Pham, 2009). As I conclude this study, I cannot help but wonder: Would the term “China virus” have gained as much traction without this history of anti-Asian racism? Would that Asian/American woman in Brooklyn have fallen victim to an acid attack if her assailant had seen her as a person, and not a device of China in their evil takeover of Western civilization? It is too bold to say that media programs are panaceas for racism. However, to say it has no effect at all is also a misconception. With Netflix growing in cultural importance, it is key to keep an eye on the streaming platform as it expands its catalogue.
While there are many important think pieces and articles written on Asian/American representation, the quantitative and random nature of content analysis this study utilizes will hopefully provide activists, scholars, creatives, and businesspeople with a fresh perspective on the issue. Going forward, further studies should and can be conducted; there are many directions that this can go, whether it be simply a study with a larger sample, a study that focuses on representation behind the screen, a study that focuses more on variables of personality, violence, or interpersonal relationships for Asian/American characters. There are so many different steps that can be taken. As such, my hope is that this is not the end of the conversation, but only the beginning of more conversations to come.