frankj1 wrote:still trying to sort through the various ethnic differences, so before taking a stab at any of that I would be willing to make what might be an incorrect guess about a generality...it looks to me that America, at least West Coast America, might have watered down what I have been led to believe is traditional Asian respect for parents/elderly. Seems like there's either fake reverence or withheld distaste for them being around.
Yeah, I said I'd hold back on taking a stab at it but I'd also guess that American Asians are being portrayed as viewing Koreans as lower class laborers.
I won't be insulted when you correct me...but if I'm getting warm, I might take a few more guesses.
I don’t know if it’s just a West Coast thing but I believe as most Asians acculturate, their “Old World” values wane, especially with 2nd generation or those that came over while very young and only know life in America. Heck, now that I think about it, it’s not just an Asian thing. Every ethnic group, regardless of their origins, goes through this.
But back to the things that made me laugh.
- George’s mother, Fumi. Her horrendous make-up! Is that what widows of successful Asians look like? And of course her condescending attitude to her Chinese DIL.
- Amy - her stress / anxiety caused by her perceived lack of success or the need to be successful to gain acceptance by her MIL
- Danny - his filial piety towards his parents is SOOOOO Asian! Works extremely hard, no matter how chitty the job may be. Reminds me of the 1st generation Japanese that came to Hawaii as contract workers. Once their plantation days were over, they did what they hadda do to survive and make money.
I don’t know if Koreans are viewed as lower class laborers ‘cause that’s typically not the case in Hawaii. It seems that most of the Koreans that immigrated here are highly motivated to either get a good education (…for themselves or their kids…) or make a lot of money so they’re not apt to accept entry level jobs.
I’ll need to watch a couple more episodes to really get a grasp on each of the characters but I like what I’ve seen so far.
