Entertainment
By Jamie Carter
Updated: March 13, 2020
Originally Published: March 13, 2020
My daughter Mia is a spirited, determined child. She’s incredibly bright, possesses a vivid imagination that often leads her to creative adventures, and wholeheartedly believes she can be a superhero. Just recently, she helped me cast my vote for Elizabeth Warren (a moment that brought a tear to my eye) after being shocked to learn that no woman has ever held the presidency. In every way, Mia embodies the brave and quirky heroine of her own story, and I couldn’t be prouder.
While it’s wonderful to share animated tales of fairy princesses with my little girl, nothing compares to her watching shows that feature girls who are making waves in the real world. Thankfully, I don’t have to search far, as Netflix has just dropped a new series celebrating girl empowerment.
Produced by the talented Mario Lopez, The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia centers on a Latina teenager with aspirations as vast as her intellect. At just fifteen, Ashley (portrayed by Sofia Martinez) attended college at the age of nine and is currently the youngest individual to earn a PhD. When she’s presented with an opportunity to move across the country to work for NASA, our determined protagonist seizes the moment, eager to escape her overprotective mother and live with her easygoing uncle.
Mia erupted into giggles as she watched Ashley in the pilot’s opening scene, where she’s recording a secret vlog about her new NASA role. As Ashley vents about her controlling mom and her desire for independence, her mother knocks on the door, prompting Ashley to hastily fabricate a story about “packing out loud.” Mia could barely contain her laughter as Ashley awkwardly fumbled for excuses, reminding me of my own goofy teenage antics.
These delightfully awkward moments reveal a relatable female character who is as hilariously human as she is driven. While Ashley possesses extraordinary intelligence, she also yearns for experiences like her first kiss and learning to apply makeup. Essentially, she’s an ordinary teenager—if that teenager happened to have an extraordinary IQ. For Mia, watching Ashley navigate the complexities of being a genius teen opens up a world of possibilities for her own future. Ashley’s intelligence, charm, and humor resonate deeply with my curious, playful daughter.
You might be asking why you haven’t heard of this fantastic series before. I’ve been pondering that question myself. Why would Netflix choose to debut such an endearing sitcom, reminiscent of classics like Doogie Howser, M.D., featuring a lovable Latina girl, yet not promote it widely? The answer may lie in the troubling statistics surrounding Latino representation in media, coupled with the poor viewership of previous shows like Netflix’s One Day at a Time, which featured an all-Latino cast and faced cancellation after three seasons.
A 2014 study highlighted that Latino characters on television are often relegated to roles as criminals, law enforcement, or low-wage workers, frequently depicted in sexualized contexts. Despite being one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the nation, Latino representation in mainstream, English-speaking media remains dishearteningly low due to a scarcity of encouraging stories and roles. Frankly, it appears that streaming platforms like Netflix are opting for caution by withholding strong marketing for programs like The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, which is incredibly disappointing.
Representation matters. Every child deserves to see inspiring characters on screen who look like them. So if you haven’t had the chance to watch this charming Netflix series yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. Your daughters (and sons) will appreciate it.
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In summary, ‘The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia’ is a delightful show that should not be overlooked. It provides young viewers with a relatable and empowering character, showcasing the importance of representation in media. Don’t miss out on this series that could inspire the next generation of bright minds.
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