The Netflix show “Physical 100” bucks negative stereotypes around Asian physical ability while expanding the often narrow definitions of what strong, fit, and masculine bodies look like, experts say.
A reality show that centers around superhuman physique and strength could have the power to, in part, challenge long-standing perceptions of Asian bodies, experts say.
“The major contribution here is that it completely destabilizes the ways we link up race and ability,” said Stanley Thangaraj, author of “Desi Hoop Dreams: Pickup Basketball and the Making of Asian American Masculinity.”In the nine-episode season, athletes compete in a series of seemingly impossible physical challenges, from a one-on-one deathmatch to pulling a 1.5-ton ship across sand to participating in the real-life version of the punishments doled out by gods in Greek mythology.
“We often don’t think of Asians as being able to compete in physical competitions. But in a show like this, race is not the criteria for being the underdog,” she said. “It’s actually like because they’re a dancer or a model, a farmer.”The body diversity on the show is also significant in complicating Western perceptions of physical fitness and strength — which are often limited to manufactured, Hollywood six-pack abs, Chin said.
But with an entire show dedicated to athletes, all with unique stories outside of just mainstream institutions rife with gatekeepers like basketball or football, “Physical 100” helps change the game.“It is not a strength that is couched in mainstream sports where there’s so many barriers and such difficulties entering into that realm,” he said. “Here the focus on strength through a wide variety of abilities and comportments allows us to really see a near possibility.
Some of the contestants also display unchecked sexism, Joo said. Many of the male competitors regard their female peers as weaker links, unable to see them as formidable opponents. And in some of the co-ed deathmatches, male contestants received backlash for how they appeared to behave against their female competitors.Joo said it coincides with a heightened attitude against gender equality in South Korea.
And while the vast collection of strong, athletic Asian bodies on the show is a powerful sight for Western audiences, the focus on physique and physical fitness has become increasingly integral to success in Korean society, Joo said. That’s not always healthy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Physical:100' contestant Kim Da Young admits she was a school bully | allkpop'Physical: 100' contestant Kim Da Young admitted she was a school bully and apologized.On February 24, Kim Da Young wrote on her…
Read more »
![[SPOILER] The final winner of 'Physical: 100' revealed | allkpop](https://i.headtopics.com/images/2023/2/23/allkpop/spoiler-the-final-winner-of-physical-100-revealed-spoiler-the-final-winner-of-physical-100-revealed-1628825188790898694.webp?w=640)
[SPOILER] The final winner of 'Physical: 100' revealed | allkpop[Warning: Spoilers Ahead]CrossFit athlete Woo Jin Yong rose to the top and became the final winner of 'Physical: 100.'Woo Jin Yong won the Netfli…
Read more »
Des Plaines teacher charged with battery after accused of physical contact with 4 students: policeThe teacher is accused of pulling the students' ears, striking them in the head with a folder or closed fist, and pushing their heads towards the tables they sit at, according to police.
Read more »
Overnight ‘physical altercation’ in Montgomery leads to murder arrestMontgomery police say an overnight incident on Erskine Street ended with a homicide.
Read more »
How anxiety affects the body: 5 physical symptoms, according to scienceFrom tension headaches to digestive issues, here’s how anxiety affects the body.
Read more »
'Physical: 100' faces allegations finale was manipulated | allkpop'Physical: 100' is facing allegations the finale was manipulated.According to reports on February 25, the final episode of the popular Netfl…
Read more »