When
was the last time when you saw a true representation of the South Asian culture
in mainstream media? Patriot Act, a political satire, was helmed by a
ridiculously witty and self-aware man who had a voice that echoed with not only
the South Asian community but also the rest of the marginalized communities of The United States.

He’s a sharp man who knows how to deliver an important piece of
information. His show is full of wits but the true gold mines are the messages
that he cleverly sandwiches in the humor. He has a genuine likeability that
attracts viewers globally. He’s Time’s most influential person of 2019 – he is
Hasan Minhaj.  

Hasan
Minhaj spoke blatant truths through his show Patriot Act. He didn’t shy away
from criticizing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman after the unfortunate
murder of Jamal Khashoggi. He has openly highlighted the religious extremism and
toxic nationalism that’s preexistent in modern-day India. Whether it was
the protests in Sudan or the questionable censorship in China or the collection
of funds to protect the Amazon rainforests – Minhaj discussed everything on his
show.

Despite
selecting heavy topics, his show never felt like an emotional burden. Through
his incredibly fascinating show, he forced us to pay attention to the things that
matter – the things that the white media doesn’t report. The philosophy of the
show was to broaden your horizons and guide you towards enlightenment.  These happening never make it to the front-page headlines of American journalism and that’s humiliating on so many levels.

Above
everything else, he shared stories that connected on a human level. He made it
without ever sensationalizing the South Asian culture or limiting himself
strategically so that he doesn’t lose his white audience. He could’ve easily
made money off his South Asian quirks like YouTuber Lilly Singh. Let’s face it –
her shows are structured as if she craves white validation.

Patriot The act was a show that came once in a lifetime. Minhaj is a breath of fresh air in
a world full of Jimmys. His millennial sensibility, innovative utilization of
technology and authenticity made the show what it was. From politics and
climate change to drugs and taxes – he made everything so palatable!

SO WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

Hasan
Minhaj confirmed the terrible news of the cancellation of his on his Twitter
account and while he was grateful for the opportunity and praise, one could
sense his disappointment. He isn’t the only one.

Fans from all over the world have started petitions, they’re trending their concern on social media platforms and raging with fury because shows like Riverdale
and Love Is Blind got renewed. Honestly, the
streaming website has made really terrible decisions in recent times. They’re
producing shows that encourage paedophilia and cancelling philosophical and
intellectually driven shows like the Patriot Act and The Society.

Something
just doesn’t feel right. Somehow weeks before the elections, Netflix decides to
cancel a political satire show that has not just the massive fan following but critical acclaim as well.

By
cancelling Patriot Act, Netflix has rejected South Asian representation. It has
tried to curb our voice, kick our sentiments, and ignore our cries. Netflix
has reasoned that the show failed to find its place on the streaming platform
and that it simply didn’t gauge enough viewership – all without revealing the
statistics.

It’s
a shame because Hasan Minhaj had a voice that resonated with so many. He knew
how to assert a viewpoint coherently and precisely. From calling out the flaws
existent in the South Asian culture to the evident racism in America and the political
mayhem spread all over the country – the man left no stone unturned.