Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Master Shifu

OK... so maybe Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda (2008) is not a total "mean, old, and gigantic asshole" as the article describes this stereotype of the Wise, Old Asia Asshole. But he certainly does hold some of the qualities of one.
From the beginning, Master Shifu is distant towards Po (the Panda), because he wants him to learn everything there is to know about becoming a real master of kung-fu. Multiple times, Master Shifu is totally mean to Po, and shows him that he as a smaller animal is still much better than Po thinks he is himself.
I think that this character fits into the stereotype well, although not 100%. I think that the stereotype was presented in a milder way that in the Hollywood movies like Karate Kid, because this particular cartoon was aimed at children, a younger audience that the producers probably did not want to alienate entirely.

1 comment:

  1. haha, this is a funny example, I think it is quite relevant. I cant believe there are even all these stereotypes in animated films!

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