The Karate Kid remake might be a fun movie to take my kids to see this weekend. A bit of Hollywood fluff to start off the summer —especially with one boy who's already a yellow-stripe, and another one who's been asking to try martial arts.
It turns out that the decision to see this movie or not has gotten a bit more complicated. And not because of the PG rating (for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language). The Asian American blog world is sparring over whether the remake is just a rehash of stereotypes that were already embarassing twenty years ago... or whether this major Hollywood production starring two persons of color is a cause for celebration .
In the far corner, we have Aly Morita, daughter of the late Pat Morita (more commonly known as Mr. Miyagi, from the 1980s Karate Kid), calling for a boycott of the new film. In a Hyphen Magazine article by Harry Mok, Morita criticizes the movie — in effect, the movie industry — for perpetuating stereotypes about Asian Americans.
"It’s been 25 years since the original came out, and we’re still dealing with the same stereotypes... Where are the other roles for Asian American actors? Why is the karate master the one role that people can respond to?”
-- Aly Morita, as told to Hyphen Magazine
Morita, has written on many websites, including Hyphen and You Offend Me and My Family about how the role of karate master Mr. Miyagi, both galvanized her father's career and pretty much ruined him for any role other than fortune-cookie quoting martial arts sage. She's also created a "Boycott the Remake of Karate Kid" page on Facebook.
By the way, Morita says she has not seen the new movie. Her boycott is intended to make a statement to the Hollywood powers-that-be and raise awareness among the movie going public.
In the other corner, we have Edward Hong, who writes for the website 8 Asians. Hong attended a special press screening put on by CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Sony. He says he went into it with this “Hollywood Movies That Will Possibly Make Asians Look Bad or Not Have Asians At All As Main Characters” radar on, and came out of the theater shocked at how much he like it.
It was one Hollywood movie that didn’t treat Jackie Chan as a joke. In this film, Chan shows off his serious acting chops in the portrayal of a deeply flawed yet noble character. At one point, one profound emotional moment with Jackie’s character absolutely floored me. I also enjoyed how Jaden Smith took his craft seriously, which not only made me believe he was a real kid but that he also worked his butt off to prepare for the martial arts segments. Most importantly, the chemistry between Jackie and Jaden was honest and genuine, giving this film a lot of heart that I otherwise wouldn’t expect.
-- Edward Hong, 8Asians.com
There are lots of other concerns, such as the fact that the American (even if he is black) guy gets the Asian girl, Karate and Kung Fu are used interchangeably, and why does Jackie Chan get second billing to an eleven year-old (even if he is Will Smith's son)?
As the mother of Hapa boys, I am always on the lookout for books, TV programs, movies, anything that portrays an Asian experience. Something without embarassing, or even worse — inaccurate — stereotypes would be nice, too. The only Asians I saw on TV during my childhood were Pat Morita running the diner on Happy Days, and Connie Chung reading the headlines on the evening news. Will the breathaking landscapes of China and the martial arts action sequences make them feel good about their heritage... or will it plant seeds in their mind that by nature of their genetics they are destined to be a cookie-fortune dispensing martial art instructor? And before you pooh-pooh the second idea, let me remind you that this Connie Chung watching girl did go on to pursue a career in television news.
I am leaning towards seeing the movie. Perhaps without the kids. As a GenXer Mama, I have a weak spot for anything 80s. And did I mention my own kids start karate lessons on Monday? Their karate master is... you guessed it, Black.
This essay was originally published on HapaMama.com
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
oddsox
Ulli K Ryder
Deborah Méndez Wilson
Rebecca Morean
Autumn Whitefield-Madrano
Chauncey DeVega
Salon.com
Comments
I can't say that I understand why the Asian character as the martial arts guru is offensive, but I do know how all groups struggle against stereotyping. I have to admit I have wondered often why there are so few Asian actors playing roles in TV and movie productions. You have raised my awareness today.
Lezlie
It's not so much that the martial arts guru is necessarily an offensive character... but would be nice to have some variety — not to mention depth — of character.
In defense of the film industry, it is hard to put actors against type when you are trying to appeal to the mass market.
If you recall, the Martial Arts genre of the '70s were mostly imports from China. Which, if I understand correctly, were the film versions of Chinese plays that featured Martial Arts and acrobatics. These plays were enactments of Chinese mythology. As a matter of fact, Jackie Chan, got his start in this type of theater.
Also most minority-lead films while stereotypical were written, directed and produced by the minorities themselves: Blaxploitation films. These films, while exploitative, gave empowerment to the minorities.
However, I do see your point. Personally, just take the movies for what they are: entertainment.
R
But why, oh why, didn't they call this "The Kung-Fu Kid"? The fact that Hollywood couldn't even take that step says volumes about how clueless the "visionaries" in charge are.
Anyway. We'll likely be seeing this one (my son is a kung-fu kid, too). The Last Airbender will be much more of an ethical challenge for us when it comes out in July, because white actors have been cast in Asian anime roles. But you know my whole beef about that. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Rated.
Trudge- I haven't seen the Zack and Cody show, but did see a little of Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior, which was cute and spunky.
Martha- please post if you see this movie. We haven't really gotten into the Avatar series, but we see the DVDs at the library all the time and I've been curious.
thanks, guys!
That Karate and Kung Fu are the same thing.
That fighting will solve your problem.
that unless their father is a major Hollywood star, they won't be in a movie.
I won't see it just on the principle that:
a) it's not karate, it's kung fu, and calling it that not only insults both the Japanese and Chinese communities, but the martial arts community as well. Why don't they just call it "The Chop-Sockey Kid?"
b) the kids are too young, and
c) the original is a classic. Same reason I didn't, and will never, see the Willy Wonka remake.
If you do get around to seeing KK2, I hope you'll share your thoughts on it here; I'd be curious to see what you think!
that asked, i took my 6 year old son to see the movie. i left the movie feeling good, which is rare for me. it was definitely hard to see the children physically bullying each other but as tale of growth and strength, it is quite excellent and LOVELY. I also enjoyed the degree of cultural sensitivity in it...which I think was directly tied to the Smiths being executive producers (also why jaden got top billing). It wasn't like "oooh ahhh look at the Chinese people" cultural sensitivity. It was sensitive by making the background normal.
I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Oh and for the first time, I enjoyed Jackie Chan without restraint.