It is with a solemn and wistful heart I bring you this news. If you haven't already heard, Pat Morita, or "Mr. Miyagi" as we would probably all better know him, died at 73 years of age on Thanksgiving day. Pat Morita and the "Karate Kid" movies hold a particularly fond spot in my heart as he was one of the sole people responsible for my love of the martial arts and Asian things in general (along with the TMNT and those god-awful "American Ninja" movies my brothers would always rent). But also, if you think about it, Morita was sort of a pioneer for Asians in cinema. Even today, there are very few people of Eastern decent featured on the screen. And those that are are usually relegated to the "Ancient Kung-Fu Master" role. However, if you look back you'll see that Morita was also on the "Happy Days" TV show playing the part of the Diner Owner for a year. A part that even today speaks a lot for Asians acquiring more than just stereotypical roles. He also apparently had a short run as a
stand-up comic back in his earlier days which is news to most of us. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go practice my Crane Stance.
-RaiNny
calamityJANE said...
Ah, so you DID get my text about miyagi. My dad was watching the news and I was listening to it from the kitchen and when they mentioned Morita's death, I believe I heard my dad sigh and shake his head. Yes, I heard him shake his head.
I don't think his role as a diner owner is that much less stereotypical. than the Kung Fu Master role. I mean, Asians are often depicted as the model immigrant who comes to America and runs a business (korean laundromats, indians at the 711, etc.)
RaiNny said...
Actually I read about it online before I saw your text. And as for the stereotype thing...aren't good stereotypes good?
calamityJANE said...
I didn't say it wasn't good. You said that his role as a diner owner "speaks a lot for Asians acquiring more than just stereotypical roles"...so I'm just saying it's not much less stereotypical.
Who cares? Stereotypical or not, Asians are still the master race.