Question

With the social uprising that is currently taking place in our country, do you think a film like Rush Hour helps the call to increase the number of Asian characters found in Hollywood films, or do you think an Asian character such as Detective Lee supports the usual Asian stereotypes often found in Hollywood films. Neither? Both? Make sure you use a specific example from the film to support your answer.

Answer 1

In my opinion there is need for more 'Asian' characters in Hoollywood films like Rush Hour. But tht does not mean we can stereotype these characters in oneway only. Not all Asians per se can be smart, even if they are they can be more than just smart and supporting character.

The movie not only focuses on Asian heritage or characters but  also focuses on the relationship between the Asian and African American stars; therefore, the film offers the likelihood of cross-racial identification. Actor Tzi Ma, who plays Consul Han, said, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first Hollywood film with two heroes of color. This movie is really a melting pot”.

Carter’s stereotyping presents Lee with an opportunity to give him the slip. Lee takes advantage of Carter’s ignorance, letting him believe he doesn’t speak English and then ultimately escaping his watch when Carter embarrasses his country by taking the Hong Kong detective to Chinatown. The joke is always on America. On its complacency or its undignified manners or its inability to think about any country other than itself. This scene lets its audience to understand the sensitivity of stereotyping and racism and also that its not necessary to always stereotype things. Not every person, even from the same country, can be same as they think the person will be.