Film has proved to be an effective medium to influence and shape the thoughts of movie-goers. Issues involving stereotypes have become areas where directors and scriptwriters explore; and in the process, engaging audiences to either develop, reinforce or challenge generalizations that were imbedded in our culture and society.
Utilizing the genre of teenage comedy, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle manages to accurately showcase stereotypes that are already existent for a long time in our society. Asian-Americans have long being stereotyped as hardworking, intelligent and submissive 'geeks' who wanted a piece of the American dream. The two lead characters actually live up to the stereotype by displaying intelligence and excellence in the things they do. However, their achievements were met by opposition by punks, colleagues and even law-enforcers. Despite their positive attributes, Asian minorities are still not being accepted by some sections of the American society and some see them as threats or regard them as second-class citizen. The film managed to accurately capture these various stereotypes put forth by the Americans against Asians, and actually reinforces the stereotyped attitudes that already capture our minds a long while ago.
On the other hand, the introduction of Kung Fu movies such as Enter the Dragon illustrates the point that film can be used to dismiss certain notions of stereotype. Previously, Chinese male characters were reduced to an emasculated role as perceived by the western media. New action era produces yang gang icons such as Bruce Lee whom, through the media, creates an identity in which Asian males can indulge in glorified violence to honor traditions and justice. This is certainly a far cry from the image that portrays Asian Chinese males as meek and lacks ability to play bigger roles in the western societies. Similarly in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, the lead characters managed to prove that they can move out of the perceived stereotype that were held against them, and actually reject considerations such as submissiveness by rebelliously standing up against the western antagonists. At the same time, both Harold and Kumar also proved that they are not socially inept in a foreign land and that Asians are able to find an identity that fits into American culture (ironically through the usage of drugs and sex).
In conclusion, film allows stereotype issues to be put into various perspectives and actually challenge audiences to discover for themselves how realistic or inaccurate some of these perceived opinions are. As multiple stereotypes are being presented throughout the two films, movie-goers are exposed to the different views and attitudes that certain fractions of the society held against those who are different from them. Filmmakers managed to use film as a medium to describe the various stereotype issues to the audience. Then, it will be up to the audience to think through and decide which school of thoughts and what sort of stereotype they would like to subscribe to.
Utilizing the genre of teenage comedy, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle manages to accurately showcase stereotypes that are already existent for a long time in our society. Asian-Americans have long being stereotyped as hardworking, intelligent and submissive 'geeks' who wanted a piece of the American dream. The two lead characters actually live up to the stereotype by displaying intelligence and excellence in the things they do. However, their achievements were met by opposition by punks, colleagues and even law-enforcers. Despite their positive attributes, Asian minorities are still not being accepted by some sections of the American society and some see them as threats or regard them as second-class citizen. The film managed to accurately capture these various stereotypes put forth by the Americans against Asians, and actually reinforces the stereotyped attitudes that already capture our minds a long while ago.
On the other hand, the introduction of Kung Fu movies such as Enter the Dragon illustrates the point that film can be used to dismiss certain notions of stereotype. Previously, Chinese male characters were reduced to an emasculated role as perceived by the western media. New action era produces yang gang icons such as Bruce Lee whom, through the media, creates an identity in which Asian males can indulge in glorified violence to honor traditions and justice. This is certainly a far cry from the image that portrays Asian Chinese males as meek and lacks ability to play bigger roles in the western societies. Similarly in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, the lead characters managed to prove that they can move out of the perceived stereotype that were held against them, and actually reject considerations such as submissiveness by rebelliously standing up against the western antagonists. At the same time, both Harold and Kumar also proved that they are not socially inept in a foreign land and that Asians are able to find an identity that fits into American culture (ironically through the usage of drugs and sex).
In conclusion, film allows stereotype issues to be put into various perspectives and actually challenge audiences to discover for themselves how realistic or inaccurate some of these perceived opinions are. As multiple stereotypes are being presented throughout the two films, movie-goers are exposed to the different views and attitudes that certain fractions of the society held against those who are different from them. Filmmakers managed to use film as a medium to describe the various stereotype issues to the audience. Then, it will be up to the audience to think through and decide which school of thoughts and what sort of stereotype they would like to subscribe to.