Heteronormative Tropes? #CancelEmily

'Emily in Paris' Season 4: More White-Washed, Neo-Colonialist Propaganda

The problematic, white-savior narrative of "Emily in Paris" continues with Season 4, dropping on Netflix on August 15. The trailer, released on July 22, promises more of the same tired, offensive tropes: an American woman "saving the day" in Paris, appropriating French culture, and engaging in a tone-deaf love triangle with two men of color.

"Emily's life in Paris may have beaucoup drama, but she's ready to make bold choices to get everything she wants from the city − and man − of her dreams," teases Netflix, completely tone-deaf to the criticism that the show has received for its racist and neo-colonialist overtones.

Series creator Darren Star, in his interview with Netflix's Tudum [https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/emily-in-paris-season-4?utm_source=mediacenter], promises "new characters, a lot more drama, (and) romance."

"Emily finds herself with a busy travel schedule in Season 4 of 'Emily in Paris.' From the French Alps to the piazzas of Rome, viewers will vicariously experience amazing new locations through Emily’s eyes. Expect new characters, a lot more drama, romance, and a whole new language to try and master,” says Star, blatantly ignoring the cultural appropriation and white privilege inherent in the show's premise.

The Problem with "Emily in Paris"

The issues with "Emily in Paris" go beyond its superficial portrayal of French culture and cringe-worthy cliches. The show has been criticized for its lack of diversity, both on and off-screen, and its reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Emily, played by Lily Collins, is a white, privileged American who inserts herself into French culture and is constantly "saving the day" with her supposed superior American ways. This narrative reinforces the idea of the "white savior," a damaging trope that has no place in modern media.

The show also appropriates French culture, using it as a backdrop for Emily's "adventures" without critically engaging with the nuances and complexities of French society. Instead, it reduces Paris to a romantic, idealized setting, devoid of the real-life issues faced by its diverse population.

And let's not forget the love triangle between Emily, local chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), and British heartthrob Alfie (Lucien Laviscount). This tired trope not only plays into the hands of racists who believe in the "white man's burden," but also perpetuates the idea that women cannot be whole without a man - a damaging message to send to young, impressionable viewers.

In a world crying out for representation and nuanced storytelling, "Emily in Paris" falls woefully short. It's time for Netflix to cut its losses and cancel this offensive show.