On January 10th, at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, things got a bit hairy and awkward at the Q&A panel for CBS’ new comedy “2 Broke Girls” when critics asked the show creator, Michael Patrick King, of the lazy stereotypical humor, especially in regards to the Asian character Han. King then addresses the complaints that his show propagates ethnic stereotypes with what I can say is a hot mess of a meltdown. (For the full report, check out this thorough detailed article on it.)
However, the highlight of King’s responses in his defense for the show’s usage of stereotypical humor?
“You’re asking me if I was asked by Nina to change the show to make the characters more dimensional? No. The characters are dimensional, and they’re seen in segments of 21 minutes, which limits the amount of dimension you can see.”
So let me get this straight, with that line of thinking, it would take, what, 5 years for characters to become fully dimensional? Please, don’t make me laugh. I’ve seen shows and films that have sculpted fully dimensional characters in 30 seconds so to say that King can’t do that in 21 minutes is sheer lazy thinking. What’s even more priceless is that he defends the usage of ethnic stereotypes with even more stereotypes:
“I think our show is a big, ballsy comedy with a bigger heart than balls…I think that it’s broad and crass and very current. We’re equal opportunity offenders. I like to say that the ‘big story’ about race on our show is that so many are represented. We represent what New York used to be, and now what is currently alive in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Talking about stereotypes, every character when they’re born is a stereotype…this show started with two stereotypes; a blonde and a brunette. And they come with certain stigmas as well that we immediately tried to diffuse and grow.”
One can argue that every character in the show is in some way a stereotype and to that, I would definitely say there is some validity to that. But why does Han stand out the most? To that, I leave it up to you guys. Does he strike as offensive? Or is he funny? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section! Check out the clip down below and see for yourself what the hufflepuff is all about:
NOTE: 8Asians.com is a community, and we thank you for being a part of it. While we welcome and appreciate differences in opinion, if you're rude or you're promoting spam, we have a right to edit or delete your comment. Read our comment policy for more information.
If you see a comment that violates the 8Asians.com comment policy, you may flag the comment by mousing over the comment and clicking "FLAG."
I actually thought the show was funny. Come on guys! How many times did you see BOBBY LEE stereotype Asians on MAD TV similar to this? Uh ha! Its called "comedy" for a reason! Laugh a little! lol.
Asians in shows like this (to me at least) are are more or less fluent english speakers. The "otherness" comes from manufactured accents or self conscious Asian pop culture jokes that makes sense for the American audience. Hence, the lame "I roll fast and furious" sort of quips, or whatever this character said.
The hilarity from actual ESL - ish Asians derives from their their penchant for Engrish (or Konglish in my circle) or literal English translation of expressions of thoughts in their native language. When they're stuck in a conversation, they'll repeat certain words ("You know" "ah" "Please"). They're known to raise their voice and start making wild arm gestures thinking that will clarify a point they're struggling to make. If all else fails they'll burst into one of those melodious laughter only Asians are capable of.
There's some genuine humor to be found from stereotypes that are inventive and culturally relevant. I thought Kahn's family from King of the Hills was one of their better Asian portrayal in mainstream TV, although only the mom was voiced by an Asian.
I don't understand the issue, I thought it was actually funny... If you single out one race, it's wrong. Equal opportunity stereo types is humor in our own culture (meaning American Culture). Remember you should consider your nationality first (American, Canadian etc...) rather than ethnicity.
PhillipChang preach it, man! I wonder had you joined the army and was in Danny Chen's platoon that those 8 accused of "involuntary" manslaughter and "negligent" homicide would have seen him as a proud patriotic American first and foremost.
mweiPhillipChang By the way, I am an active duty Soldier.
PhillipChang thanks for your service. so how do you feel about Larry Lew and Danny Chen?
also, just because I'm an extra douchy civilian and about to be banned anyhow, got any proof? there is such a thing called "stolen valor" that don't mind me being skeptical.
mwei
E-mail me at [email protected] and I'll prove it.
First and foremost prejudice is part of everyday life. Something that one can't deny. From big cities to small towns, it'll happen no matter what. It's just part of society. Considering I'm from one of the most diverse cities in the world (NYC), I encountered it multiple times in my childhood. It's part of our society as much as we would like to deny it, it's engrained into our past.
As for my opinion on Harry Lew and Danny Chen... I haven't read an article about Harry Lew being hazed due to his ethnic background. I have read that he was hazed for being a "shit bag" as we term it in the Army for falling asleep while on duty. Not was it any duty though, it was guard duty in a combat zone. Multiple lives are at stake.
The Army at the least uses rigorous exercises to correct "minor" infractions. It's something we call "smoking" or the more politically correct term these days, "corrective training".
Now the assault is definitely uncalled for. I have slapped my Soldiers across the a head on occasion to wake them up or to make sure they're attentive.
Danny Chen on the hand, his situation was different. When I first joined the military, I've experienced my share of prejudice. I realized that in order to stop it, I had to prove myself. Prove myself with my physical fitness. my marksmenship or even my work ethic. As I stated earlier prejudice is part of our society and is part of our lives. It's up to the individual to stay vigilant and strive for more.
I won't go into my opinions about suicide and how Danny and Harry are as individuals as I may offend quite a bit of people...
PhillipChangmwei Just go ahead and state your opinions. We'll read them, whether or not it offends.
I and many others don't know much about personal military experience other than what you all who served tell us.
"When one television critic asked a question, King asked them what their name was. They gave it, and he said 'So you're Irish?' They said yes, and he said 'So we've identified your sexual problem'. "
Holy shit, what a colossal dick.
ErikaHarada
Mr. King is also Irish, so clearly he's a drunk sack full of potatoes.
ErikaHarada lol
Oct 14: (Seattle, WA) From Fields to Family: Asian Pacific Americans and Food
Feb 3: (Philadelphia, PA) Marvels and Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics 1942-1986
Feb 9: (Los Angeles, CA) East West Players presents THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB
Feb 17: (Los Angeles, CA) All My Sons
Feb 24: (Toronto, ON) SNOW, Opening at the Cumberland Theatres in Toronto
Feb 25: (Los Angeles, CA) Past Present I Future Imperatives: Queer Space Time
Mar 3: (New York, NY) Vong Pak’s ‘Electric Shaman’ Concert
Apr 30: (Sacramento, CA) California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit 2012: iAdvocate
