WHAT'S UP, DUK?

This blog entry by Kristin McKnight
The story: "Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes?"

The analysis:

This article argues that Long Duk Dong is one of the most offensive stereotypes in Hollywood. However, Long Duk Dong is just one of many offensive stereotypes present throughout Hollywood. Long Duk Dong is a character from the popular high school comedy Sixteen Candles. The same year there was the Asian-American character in Revenge of the Nerds. Even before them, there was Bruce Lee. More recently there was Harold from Harold and Kumar and Jackie Chan's character in Rush Hour. These Asian-American stereotypes aren't any different from the African-American, Mexican, or Borat's Kazakhstan character that are portrayed in Hollywood films. American comedy is widely based on stereotypes. It arises from early Minstrelsy that we discussed in class with Jim Crow and Zip Coon's representations of African American stereotypes and our fascination with the other.

If the actors themselves do not have an issue with portraying these stereotypes, then we shouldn't have a problem with laughing at them. Gedde Wantanabe, the actor that portrayed Long Duk Dong says, "I was making people laugh," he says. "I didn't realize how it was going to affect people." Not only has it affected the people watching, but it has affected other Asian-American actors. Their situation has improved a little since 1984 by more roles becoming available. But, they seek more roles that are simply American and not ethic. For the years to come, we will probably see more strong roles portrayed by Asian-American actors, but those stereotypes are always going to be present.
Other problems arise from these stereotypes being present in Hollywood throughout society. The article brings up how these stereotypes are imitated among high school students. Asian-American kids are bullied because of the characters portrayed in these films. Not only in film but television shows reinforce these stereotypes for laughs. This is partly responsible for why racism is still prevalent in our society. If we take these offensive portrayals of races and cultures so lightly racism is always going to exist.