HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

Is 'The Circle' racist? Netflix show slammed for problematic portrayal of Crissa, Frank and Yu Ling

'Hopefully one day, Asians can be portrayed equally and nicely in media too. #TheCircleNetflix' a viewer wrote

Netflix's famed reality series 'The Circle' has been releasing new Season 4 episodes weekly, and viewers have already reported that the latest season is a notch higher than previous seasons. Part of that positivism stems from the cast's emphasis on playing the game rather than acting nice, yet, unlike in previous seasons, several of the participants have sparked controversy online for their supposed not-so-nice behavior.

Some of the show's players have been called out for making racist statements and plotting to remove people of color from the show. Fans have been noticing the pattern since the first week and have noticed the intensity increasing with each episode. Fans haven't been feeling this season of 'The Circle,' and one of the reasons is due to the undertones of racism. From Alyssa to Bru to Nathan, everyone is being scrutinized on social media for their actions on the show.

RELATED ARTICLES

'The Circle' Season 4: Fans hail Frank Grimsley for his courage to open up, call him the winner

'The Circle' Season 4: The portrait game raises some serious questions regarding Nathan's true identity

After they became influencers, Alyssa persuaded Yu Ling to block Crissa. In Episode 7, titled 'The Party Divide,' it is shown that Yu Ling and Alyssa, as influencers, have blocked the erstwhile basketball star. Yu Ling enters Crissa's room to deliver the shocking news. Crissa is saddened and astonished because she thought she had a wonderful relationship with Yu Ling. Yu Ling seemed to regret and be disappointed with her decision after speaking with Crissa. She tries to blame Alyssa and explains that Alyssa never trusted Crissa. Fans believed Alyssa pursued Crissa for no apparent reason, even if they sensed Carol was a catfish among them. Fans called out Alyssa on the Internet soon after Crissa's blocking: "Alyssa’s weird ass got crissa out from the circle cus she’s racist and homophobic i can’t make this up." Considering Crissa is Black and a lesbian.

As the show progressed, Nathan and Bru's continual attempt to put Frank's genuineness into question has irked the fans. Frank, who is not only a fan favorite but also well-liked among the players, has been dubbed "Mr. Nice Guy." Bru and Nathan, however, seemed to be constantly doubting his honesty. Bru seemed to think Frank has too many guards up and doesn't open up enough, while Nathan, who joined the show later in the season, appeared to be threatened by Frank's popularity. To knock him off the ranking, he paints a dubious portrayal of Frank (depicting him as a snake), wondering if he is a person that can be trusted. This did not sit well with some other contestants on the show, as well as internet viewers. The theory that Frank was being ganged upon gain further importance since he is Black man.

Fans took it to Twitter to express their anger: "Nathan is racist too. It’s hard to watch. WHAT is with his weird fixation on Frank? He is the ONLY person who has a problem with him. And for no reason at ALL #TheCircle"

Hollis Jane Andrews, an actress, also took to Twitter to criticize Nathan and Bru, as well as the show, for their racist portrayal: "The way Alex/Nathan and Bru are targeting Frank feels racist to me!!! This happens almost every season on The Circle."

Another dodgy portrait was created in the same "portrait game." Everson seemed to have a lot of questions about Yu Ling after speaking with Carol (played by John) following the elimination. Everson, who was one of the last players to join the troupe, discovered how Yu Ling was implicated in both Crissa and Carol's blocking, despite their initial alliance. This appeared to have caught Everson off guard, and he attempts to draw attention to it through his painting of Yu Ling. Bru regarded Yu Ling's portrait as "stuff of nightmares." Rachel called it out for being evil and emitting "bad energy." Viewers interpreted this as yet another racist jab because of her Asian descent.

One of the fans wrote: "@CircleNetflixi did not enjoy seeing eversen’s depiction of @styuling as an evil asian monster which looked not unlike old, racist asian propaganda. Hopefully one day, Asians can be portrayed equally and nicely in media too. #TheCircleNetflix"

Another Twitter user wrote: "These people ganging up on Yu Ling is giving very racist vibes #TheCircle"

'The Circle,' which premieres on Netflix on Wednesday mornings, will conclude on May 25. Apart from the drama, the season has been fantastic so far. Those who haven't been following the season should make it a goal to catch up and see what more is coming on Netflix shortly.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.