"Whitewashed" Netflix Series Has Elicited Criticism From Viewers

Netflix‘s 3 Body Problem quickly became one of the platform’s most popular series, but it isn’t without flaws, according to viewers.

3 Body Problem is based on The Three-Body Problem, a Chinese novel by Liu Cixin, and the first in a trilogy about Earth facing an alien civilization.

In addition to criticizing the series’ writing, confusing plot points, and the acting, some viewers also called attention to another issue: whitewashing.

“Separating the setting/cultural context from the plot (mankind’s first contact with an alien civilization, essentially) seems so unnecessary and flagrant to me,” wrote one Reddit user. “Key character motivations, plot points, and themes are tied with the traumas of the Cultural Revolution.”

Netflix’s Whitewashing of 3 Body Problem
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Though the 3 Body Problem adaptation has a racially diverse cast, given the source material, some viewers were hoping for a larger Asian cast as well as a faithful exploration of China’s Cultural Revolution.

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Viewers also called attention to two of the 3 Body Problem‘s creators, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, who also worked on Game of Thrones.

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Despite the significant steps taken toward improving Asian representation, some viewers feel like the whitewashing of Asian characters is still normalized, and further changes must be made.

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Whether you loved Netflix’s 3 Body Problem and want more, or you’re looking for a different take on the story, there is another live-action adaptation of the book available.