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How Netflix’s “Beef” Explores The Dangers Of Emotional Suppression
The importance processing your emotions no matter where you come from
A24’s latest ten part comedy drama series Beef, featuring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong is a self-destructive tale of two people who find solace in getting revenge at each other after a road rage incident gets a little out of hand. The show tells an amazing story that not only highlights common cultural and generational problems Asian Americans face, but it explicitly showcases the dangers and effects of long term emotional suppression.
Warning: This story contains mild spoilers for Beef, but it is available to watch on Netflix now.
Defining Emotional Suppression
Emotional suppression is defined as the conscious or unconscious act of inhibiting or controlling one’s emotions. It is often occurred in an effort to conform to social norms, avoid conflict or negative reactions, or cope with stressful situations and societal pressures.
It involves suppressing or minimizing the intensity of one’s emotional experiences, and may involve ignoring, denying, or numbing one’s emotions. As a result, emotional suppression can be harmful to mental and physical health, as it can lead to feelings of distress, anxiety, and depression, and can interfere with one’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Its Place In Asian American Culture
While emotional suppression is a common coping mechanism in many cultures, it is particularly prevalent in Asian American culture due to its strong emphasis on family, respect for authority, and the importance of saving face. As a result, Asian American children are often taught to prioritize their family’s needs and reputation above their own. This can eventually lead to a sense of obligation for them to meet cultural expectations and maintain harmony within the family.
