Blog posting - Representation
Cobra Kai is a popular series that relates to many of the
specific representation related concepts we've covered in class. For instance,
masculinity, trauma, and redemption are among some of the key themes explored
through the identities of Johnny Lawrence—the bully stuck in his ways—and
Daniel LaRusso—the Karate Kid who never give up.
Johnny Lawrence, the
ultimate bully, does not change much from The Karate Kid except he's an
alcoholic struggling to get by. The series progresses with a more complex look
at the character—the idea of toxic masculinity surrounding his upbringing and
how it hinders his life. Ultimately, Johnny's path to redemption is full of
failed attempts to distance himself from the fighting and the bullying from
which he feels he is trapped.
Daniel LaRusso, the Karate Kid, is portrayed as an adult
with flaws in his life, but the filmmakers create a composite of nostalgia and
a new character, still emotionally hurt by his antagonists of the past.
Instead, he's a exaggerated character as
they try to make him contemporary and resonate with an adult audience decades
later. LaRusso's message now is one of acknowledging the past in the present
with purpose where success has already been determined.
Cobra Kai masters the risky situation of identity. If Johnny
and Daniel need to make amends for their actions, the series shows an
unconventional version of masculinity by asserting that those who are most
revered are just as pathetic and weak, meaning ultimately, both men need the
same mindset and drive to be successful.
Cobra Kai also teaches us that that the ways people and
things are represented is not always true. While masculinity, trauma and
redemption are the main theses, Johnny and Daniel are characters designed to connect
with the audience on a deeper level, which helps further represent these themes.
This also represents that anyone can be what they want, even those not
represented in the media.
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