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.