Must watch: ‘Bling Empire,’ a reality show with substance and love
“Bling Empire” is a new reality show on Netflix centered around rich Asians.
It’s like the Kardashians, only better because the stars of the show have a culture that they didn’t have to steal. Imagine that. If you’re a fan of any reality show, please add “Bling Empire” to the watch list.
It’s interesting because one of the main stars, Kevin Kreider, isn’t rich like his friends. He is just another model in Los Angeles, with what many would say is a normal upbringing. Kevin was adopted as a baby into a white family who he loves, but, growing up, he always felt like the odd one out. Kevin was brought into the rich world by Kane Kim, his best friend. Thrown into a whole new world, we watch Kevin try to maneuver his way through the lavish lifestyles where he finds his new family.
That is just one of the many storylines in “Bling Empire”. Of course, there’s drama, rumors and fights. But what’s a reality show without those. They are essential to mindless television watching.
“Bling Empire” is also one of the few reality shows where the stars aren’t white. Seeing people of color living lavish lives breaks down the stereotype that wealth and style exclusively belongs to the white man. Anyone can live lavishly (OK, maybe not as lavishly as the people on “Bling Empire”). “Bling Empire” also breaks from the stereotypes of rich Asians in Hollywood: far from stereotypical “nerdy” Asians, these people are messy, complex people.
But I must confess, I still feel conflicted about the show. The show pushes the boundaries of stereotypes, but as Refinery 29 puts it perfectly, they are producing a new stereotype: the wealthy Asian. To be fair, while each star on the does have a remarkable background, most of them came from wealthy families.
Don’t let any of that put you off! Like I said, “Bling Empire” is a must-watch. As Hollywood makes it long-overdue efforts to progress, we have to take more steps toward breaking the boundaries of representation. “Bling Empire” could be a step in the right direction.
