Having grown up with many East Asians, I often times see people confuse East Asian aesthetics with looking 'amateur' to American eyes. I have not seen the show myself, but I wonder how much of this is going on.

But, honestly, I'm surprised you were surprised by the political bent. I thought it was common knowledge that the Chinese government's suppression of traditional chinese art led to a diaspora. I guess having a Chinese piano teacher who fled for similar reasons changes your perspective.