Karate Kid; A “manly” movie

When I saw the previews for Karate Kid I just about jumped out of my seat with excitement! I LOVED those movies! And of course Daniel LaRusso wasn’t too bad either…But there was something about that movie that stuck with you as a young teen…aside from the “wax on, wax off” line!

But for some reason, I can’t help but to feel, it’s about damn time they highlight a “manly” young male character and not these pussy ass male characters like Paulie Bleeker from Juno or better yet how about the Jonas brothers.  These guys have no character, personality, confidence, leadership skills….I could keep going on and on (although I guess young girls would argue they do have looks).

But get this! On a Children’s TV Report Card the show Jonas scored horribly in all categories (no surprise there).  But the ones I was most interested in were the following:

Interpersonal/Emotional Style: How characters are portrayed in terms of their communication styles and interactions with other characters. Do they display characteristics such as assertiveness, confidence, sensitivity, kindness, adventurousness, etc.? Score: A big fat “F”!!

Leadership & Independence: How characters are portrayed as leaders or followers. Do they act independently, initiate conversations and actions, show respect for others, etc.?  Score: A big fat “F”!!

Something has seriously gone awry with the portrayal of males in movies and in tv shows now-a-days, but alas!  Karate Kid! Well, the remake that is.  Nevertheless, it is a classic from my own childhood that I remember with fondness.  And, btw, we all thought Daniel LaRusso was pretty hot even though he wasn’t some buffed up, drop dead gorgeous hunk.  However, there was something transcending about the transformation of a wimpy, scared, boy into a confident, determined, and loyal young man who refuses to be bullied that made him hawt!

I think that this transformation is what serves as a positive model for young boys/men.  So, before you start thinking that the reason I would think Karate Kid is a “manly” movie is because it’s full of martial arts “violence”, I counter that and remind you that Karate is actually not about violence, or hurting, or getting revenge.  Karate is based on the premise of defense and protection.  And as I mentioned before, the character of the Karate Kid models a young man and his transformation through the learning of Karate (as well as culture) which allows him to see a bigger picture of the world and of himself. It’s teaches that perseverance and determination, dedication and confidence.

These qualities seem to be diminishing, or aren’t as valued as they once were.   They are qualities, that as parents, we may not be doing a very good job of teaching.  This millennial generation  of kids have been so coddled that they expect success and results without much effort.  For example, the attitude that “we’re all winners”.  When I was growing up playing sports, the only team that got trophies was the winning team.  Now, shit every team and every player gets a trophy! Even if they played like shit!  Even if they didn’t even TRY!  C’mon!  Are you serious? (I’ll talk more about millennial kids a later post; it’s a very interesting generation and understanding it could help us as parents be better parents.)

Anyways, while I would never want, or encourage my boys to model male characters (whether they are on tv or in a movie), these characters do in some way, shape or form manage to influence and mold the way boys in society perceive themselves and how they should present themselves.  And while it’s always been “cool” to be the “dumb” handsome guy, it’s uplifting to see the reemergence of a classic movie that doesn’t restrict itself to those “manly” stereotypes.

I leave you with a clip of Jackie Chan speaking about the movie.  Peace Out!

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