Mr. Miyagi's resolve to fight only when there was no other option cemented him as an 80's movie icon. Miyagi taught restraint and passivity, a stark contrast to White protagonists at the time who went around killing Asians. Here to help us explore "More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story" is Guy Aoki from the Media Action Network for Asian Americans. We discuss Hollywood's historic lack of Asian representation, and why it's more important than ever to fix it with the rise of anti-Asian hate.
Pat Morita stand-up comedy: ABC/Disney/youtube.com
Mr. Miyagi JC Penny scene: Delphi II Productions/Columbia Pictures/youtube.com
Mr. Miyagi drunken scene: Delphi II Productions/Columbia Pictures/youtube.com
Spider Man 2 violin player: Columbia Pictures and Marvel Enterprises/Disney/youtube.com