Have you ever watched MadTV? I was watching videoclips on Youtube (www.youtube.com) and stumbled across some of Bobby Lee’s gigs on MadTV.
The first one I watched was one of his “Average Asian” shows and I found it really funny, but also very hurtful at the same time. He made fun of all the Asian stereotypes and it was really funny. Yet the feeling of uneasiness came from recognizing the fact that he really hit the nail on the head. Too many times I was just familiar with what was played and I knew what would come as pointe because I encountered the same situation. He’s really gifted and a funny guy.
I know that some people really hate his guts and even among Asians there is a controversy about his roles. What I liked about him is that he makes fun of those stereotypes that exist and since he portrayed it that well I guess it means, that he also knows them well. It’s comedy, yet it’s another way of dealing with racism.
Maybe we’re all reading too much into his roles. I’m not sure about the episode where he played a Korean “adoptee” (as a “baby”), how adoptees will receive it. Personally I found it funny as well. Maybe some of you will feel offended by it. But I had to laugh.
He’s been also in movies and I’m sure we’ll see much more from him in the future. Definitely one more Asian in movies and that’s one thing we can only support, I guess, since the lack of Asian stars in Hollywood is really big.
I wonder what you think of him. Take a look at MadTV. I’m already curious as to what he comes up with next…
