One of Netflix’s most popular series that launched during the pandemic is Indian Matchmaker. Starring Sima Taparia, singles of the show are matched with different people by Sima based on their interests and requirements before looking further into marrying them. This series opens the eyes of viewers who aren’t aware of the challenges and wild requirements people have when looking for a life partner. Furthermore, it shows the societal issues that females have faced in the South Asian Community such as caste, colorism and gender roles.
Many of you may have learned about India’s Caste System in middle school; a system that divides families and ranks them with professions. I remember being told that the caste system no longer exists and isn’t used in Indian society today. However, learning that South Asians continue to show the importance of caste when looking for a partner in arranged marriages is upsetting. The caste system is discriminatory and disrespectful in which it gives labels that are meaningless. You’re praised if you come from a high-ranking caste, and lack equality and opportunities if you’re from a lower caste. This divides our community into groups where people aren’t treated equally. I truly hope that society looks past caste and focuses more on the person itself rather than a label.
Colorism is another big issue that South Asians face around the world today. North Indian women are referred to as beautiful and powerful the fairer their skin is. Fairer women supposedly have a higher chance of getting married as Indian society has made this the “ideal” partner. Furthermore, women who are from the southern parts of India are automatically defined as unbeautiful and unworthy because of their darker skin tone. For years, mothers and aunts have pressured and encouraged their daughters and nieces to use ‘lightening cream’ that will make their skin fairer so they become eligible for arranged marriage proposals and a better future. But that’s the issue; there’s no acceptance and equality as India has defined a certain standard of beauty. Darker-skinned South Asians aren’t considered beautiful, which divides the nation even more and disrespecting women. Women of every skin tone are beautiful and should be accepted and praised for what they’re blessed with. Women in our community should be treated equally and destroy the stigma.
Lastly, gender roles in the South Asian community still exist today. Women are often stereotyped to be house mothers who cook, clean and care for children while their husbands are the money-makers in the marriage. For years it was frowned upon for women to make income for themselves and break away from these roles. However, in the 21st-century women today have their own businesses, work in high professions such as law & medicine and more importantly, don’t need a man. Celebrities that represent these core values of women empowerment include Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling and Indian Matchmaker’s Aparna Shewakramani.
Because of this, men are often intimidated by women in today’s society because of their strong, independent and driven personalities.
Above all, this show certainly surprised me that systematic issues I thought were distinguished are still present today. For those who haven’t watched the show, I highly recommend it. I believe it’s important to bring as much awareness as possible as these are things that aren’t openly talked about enough.