Knock, Knock: You Ain't Funny

Several months ago, a UCLA student by the name of Alexandra Wallace uploaded a rant about Asians on Youtube. Her ignorant comments led to a frenzy of response videos and angry comments. Ultimately, she was expelled from the university.

But this post isn't about her.


It's about this guy.

David So

David So is a Korean American aspiring comedian/singer who garnered over four million views for his vlog about Alexandra Wallace. I'm picking on So because I just so happened to see his video about Asian stereotypes the other day, but there are many comedians like him. What landed So on my war path was that he not only overused the played out "Asian doing an Asian accent" bit, he reinforced stereotypes that others have fought so hard to prove false.


Sum ting wong?

Hell, yes. Think about the real life situation where someone is trying to learn English as their second language. Maybe they're taking classes, learning from TV shows, or practicing with friends or relatives. No doubt they will have an accent since they grew up speaking another language. So...what's funny about it?

Nothing.

Vintage racist Valentine's card

But people laugh because it reminds them of an image -- the foreigner, the outsider, the other. It conjures up the slanted eye, the buckteeth, the weak, and the dominated. Just as "ching chong" is not a joke in itself, people still chuckle to this day because it carries the common knowledge of the racist symbolism.

My issue with the "Asian accent" is not entirely about the accent because language is affected by one's region. Just don't let the accent be the punchline. Ask yourself, "Would this still be funny without the accent?" Also, don't make up stupid, generalized Asian accents.


"It's not racist; it's funny!"

It's one thing to redefine a word to make it powerful, but it's another thing to respond to stereotypes with more stereotypes. So took it upon himself to be the spokesman of all Asian people in the world and admitted to the audience that 1) we are bad drivers (or, on the other extreme, we are the "Fast and Furious" type), 2) we are cheap, and 3) Asian women are not submissive because they will eventually learn how to say "go to hell" in his annoying "Asian accent."

What's the problem with stereotypes? People jump to conclusions and assume that an individual has certain (often negative, but still negative even when it seems positive) qualities because they belong to a group. When people see an Asian figure(s) reaffirming a stereotype and talking about it in a joking manner, they think it's okay to laugh. They will send the video to their friends, repeat the jokes, copy the mannerisms of the comedian, do the accent, and, eventually, stereotypical beliefs turn into racist actions. This is when comedy turns from silly fun to potentially dangerous.


To be fair, So's work is not completely lacking in humor. He definitely has potential. However, my wish is for him to hone his craft and find a purpose in his style and choice of material. Poking fun at Asian accents is just lazy and unimaginative. And the "huuuuh?" thing. I.just.don't.get.it.


To conclude, let me suggest a simple (because it's freakin' 5:21 am) compromise. The audience should demand for intelligent, creative, and original comedy. Laugh at funny jokes, not words that hurt people. Comedians should tell jokes responsibly. If your material must be based on ethnicity, gender, or the like, make it thought-provoking and positive. Spark debate and discussion, not false perceptions.


Writer's note: Don't call it a comeback!