Best of the Worst: Ghetto Blasters, Terror in Beverly Hills, Killing American Style

No, I don't make those jokes nearly at all anymore. "The way I figure it, even if you think they're occasionally a little insensitive, it's not worth complaining about it unless you think they are genuinely racist in their beliefs." ...Says the person who is likely subject to very few, if any at all, of the most commonly used stereotype or bigoted jokes. Surely you must see that you are one of the worst judges of what is worth talking about and objecting to. Take a look at the term "microaggression" and its effects on people over years of enduring small slights against them. It is measurable and harmful, and cheap jokes like you describe are precisely in this category. I didn't say this video had the worst Asian accent impression. But it was the latest in a series of videos with Rich's impressions, some of which slurred "r"s and "l"s. This gives a clue as to the tone and meaning of his actions. It is not a faithful, respectful imitation in all likelihood.

Ross Llewallyn

The ending was worth the money! Also I feel like I bought some friends, thanks RLM!

Dave Ressler

OMG the ending cracked me up! Rich is a genius.

Chris Anderson

The difference being that "That's My Boy" had a script. This is conversational banter and for all intents and purposes, improv. It's a different kind of comedy not contingent on the standard set-up and pay-off style of joke. Your comparison doesn't hold.

There exists no hard line between loving impressions and stereotypical characterizations. Rich has in past episodes slurred his "L's" into "R's" and made what to a reasonable observer are derogatory imitations. Just to be clear, I'm not precluding the possibility that someone could do an impression with these elements that felt respectful, prodding, and funny. But he did not do that. Talking about how this bothers me is not disparaging Asians by speaking for them. I have been specific about how I listen to different people and try to understand. Not speak for them. I pondered if these characterizations were a dissuading factor to that group of people enjoying the show. I didn't say that would happen and don't know. But a few people have agreed with me.

Ross Llewallyn

Watch this: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjIuPSuYSOY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjIuPSuYSOY</a>

John

I called you arrogant for a reason. Unfortunately I cannot recall where I heard this, but it was an Asian man talking about white people/Americans screaming racism. He said that saying things were racist and pretending that you know what Asians feel is racist in itself and arrogant... it comes off as you think that Asians are too dumb to decide on their own if something is indeed racist. I can understand where you're coming from when you say, "I've reformed a lot of my terms and humor over the past few years to make the people around me more comfortable and to be a little more respectable to groups I feel are put down a lot in our culture, too." When I was younger I did what everyone else of my generation did... called things "gay" and what not. Luckily I've moved passed it, and I now cringe when people refer to things as "gay" or call people a "homo" as an insult. I just don't have a problem with impressions. People do all sorts of impressions in comedy. People do impressions of effeminate gay men, black comedians do impressions of street thugs, Asian comedians do impressions of white people, white comedians do impressions of everyone, and so on and so on. It would be one thing if the guys from RLM were known white supremacists or something, but they're not it's all clearly done in the name of comedy. It's not like Rich is going around wearing a conical hat, with thick glasses and buck teeth, with chop sticks doing the impression.

John

Thanks for the measured reply. Yeah, it's off the cuff, and I understand that. I never said this was the worst offense I've ever seen. Not by a long shot. But, it has been an enduring thread that I just hadn't seen pointed out so far. But I've reformed a lot of my terms and humor over the past few years to make the people around me more comfortable and to be a little more respectable to groups I feel are put down a lot in out culture, too. It didn't break my ability to be fun and spontaneous in conversation! I've also suggested that RLM adopt Kabazinski's "name one good thing" idea. One could argue similarly that that suggestion would burden their "off-the-cuff" style, but I think that would be great fun and a good balance. Kabazinski being there on the show also made them be a little nicer and more charitable to the films, which again didn't kill the fun, but made it more interesting.

Ross Llewallyn

I didn't say everything needs to be politically correct, depending on one's definition of PC. I'm putting forth my opinion on their style. I'll let them decide if they care enough to keep me and others as viewers and be inclusive. I can laugh at myself, and I am a huge fan of comedy. But I don't demand that marginalized people be able to "laugh at themselves" when people pre-judge them throughout their lives based on those same things. That is the height of arrogance (which you strangely accuse ME of). Again, it's up to what RLM decides to do. Multiple people have agree with me, and this entire comment section includes a tiny fraction of their viewerbase. So you have no idea what their viewership wants. You conflate me with activism (which I'd agree with in other circumstances) when all I initially did was make a comment on a page about my reaction to an episode. You know, like everyone else. Only afterward did people respond aggressively to me. And again: I'm the arrogant one when you have referred to me, at various points, as a white knight, uptight, arrogant, a douche bag, and a wannabe? So you have any idea how presumptive and egregiously offensive it is to suggest that I hold and argue the positions I do not because I believe them, but because I want women's affections? I'm the arrogant one when you say this without ANY self-reflection: "You wouldn't see me bitching on here if one of the RLM hosts was a minority and was doing an impression of a white person." You know next to nothing about racism if you find that equivalent to joking about stereotypes of Asians or other ethnic groups (in the US). One is punching up, another punching down: a cornerstone of comedy. You know nothing of other people's experiences if you believe your ability to weather jokes at your expense necessarily translates to people wildly different from you.

Ross Llewallyn

Rich Evans has done none of the following: 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. 2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination. 3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

Jon

I am so impressed by your ability to pick a definition so broad that it includes nearly everything. You could have just used the dictionary but that wouldn't help your case since it defines racism in a more specific way--ya know, the way normal humans use the word.

Jon

I've already read your other replies, which is what prompted me to say this. Like someone else said, you're coming off as a reactionary Tumblr user, not to mention an arrogant douche bag. None of your other posts addressed most of what I said. I'll say it again: the best part of RLM is that they don't pull punches and they say what they're thinking. Not everything in this world needs to be politically correct. If you don't like their style, then move along. While what I've said may sound like I'm insensitive to people of color or whatever, that's the farthest thing from the truth. If you can't laugh at yourself, then you're taking yourself too seriously. Stop trying to change what most of us love just because you and a handful of other people feel the need to be wannabe internet activists.

John

I'd encourage you to look up the sociological definition of racism. It's not just about purposeful acts of the KKK; it includes institutional and persistent prejudice and completely unintentional microaggressions.

Ross Llewallyn

Yes. Your oh so subtle mind that conflates cultural insensitivity and ignorance with full-blown racism. Way to go, scholar. You nailed it!!

Jon

Wow, you nailed it. You boiled it all down to a pithy definition that completely, totally encapsulates the subtleties I was trying to express and the nuanced nature of the topic. Bravo.

Ross Llewallyn

Read my other comments in this very thread where I address most if not all of your dismissive, myopic, or strawmanned points. You're the one who doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about.

Ross Llewallyn

Get over it. Quit being a white knight and don't be so uptight. Everyone makes "insensitive" comments about everyone. Comedians do it all the time. If you can't laugh at yourself then you're taking things too seriously. You wouldn't see me bitching on here if one of the RLM hosts was a minority and was doing an impression of a white person. It's not like Rich is spouting anti-Asian propaganda. And to the guy complaining that they couldn't identify that the SOS tape was "clearly" Japanese. You can clearly see in the video that they aren't doing a bit. Just because you're half Japanese and can probably spot it easy, doesn't mean that everyone else in the world can. I'm glad that RLM doesn't pull any punches and say what they want to say. If you want watered down comedy that appeals to the politically correct masses, go watch reruns of Jay Leno hosting the Tonight Show or something. Nothing more annoying when some 20 something year old white person feels the need to try and become the champion of political correctness when they don't even know what the fuck they're talking about.

John

Never did I expect to read so many posts from someone crying about racism. And it is also interesting to learn that racism means anything said about a culture that you don't like being said. Way to go, Ross L. You have enlightened (sic) us all.

Jon

"they aren't really jokes... its funny cause he's fat; its funny cause she's old; ...he has a funny voice..." - Jay(& Mike) HITB(34):That's My Boy "Jokes" made at the expense of others race, culture, etcetera and their perceived differences to your own are cheap and lazy. There is no need to defend mistakes made by employees at RLM, or jump down the throat of others who point it out. "Offensive" is a pretty loaded term but it can still be used to describe something accurately; you don't need to be uber-sensitive to recognize it.

Aaron

I don't speak for all women, but I don't have an issue with rape/sexist humor. If something does bother me, I'm simply not going to watch. I won't complain if something offends me.

Domo

I think RLM knows their audience quite well. And, a big reason they're getting my money and growing in popularity is that their comedy and commentary is honest and not directed by a focus group. If you want politically correct, socially-sensitive-to-every-imaginable group entertainment, try network television.

Shane DeMonica

Forgive me if this is too cavalier (and perhaps off-topic), but what do you think of all the apparent insensitivity to rape? I'm a man and am not personally offended, however I can't help but be bothered that others might be.

The disputes in the comment section had me expecting something much worse than what was in this episode.

To Pedro Mizukami, I can't respond to you directly because the thread is so narrow, but RLM does the "Can't remember famous celebs names" constantly. It doesn't matter if it's a director or an actor, and their race or gender isn't the point. I'm female, and am no way offended by the times they' either mis-pronounced or put another actor's face up for women like Carey Mulligan, Charlize Theron, and Amanda Seyfriend. For their Drive review, they didn't even mention the actress' name, but put up another picture of Ryan Gosling. It's a running gag they've been doing for years. Why should anyone here think their gags are a crime when it personally offends them, but not the 50 other times they've done the gag to other races or another gender?

Domo

I just hope the hosts realize that this guy doesn't speak for all of us. Love your stuff, guys, please don't change a thing.

Brian

Pedro: Yeah, I wouldn't have batted an eye if this was the only time, but Rich definitely did worse in previous episodes this year, so I felt it worthy of bringing it up. Neat info about that director. I had no idea. Thanks a lot for the thoughtful response. :)

Ross Llewallyn

I do care (being half-Japanese myself). Though this particular episode didn't really bother me, I felt that Wheel of the Worst 5 was cringeworthy because of that running joke with the team not being able to identify what was clearly a Japanese dubbed tape. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, whatever, huh? Not particularly funny. Another thing that really irked me was Mike dismissing José Padilha as "Pablo...something" in the Robocop 2014 episode of Half in the Bag. Not so much because of the "Ha...some Latin American dude directed this thing, who cares," but because Padilha is actually an accomplished, well-known, Golden Bear-winning director, and there was certainly enough material for interesting commentary to be made regarding why, and how, he directed Robocop, right after directing Elite Squad 1 and 2. What we got instead was a barely funny joke, at the expense of a missed opportunity for more context and insight into the remake. Which I'm sure Mike would be more than able to provide... I'm not against humor that pushes the envelope with jokes involving race and ethnicity, as long as it is funny. If it's gratuitous and not funny, it starts to bother me.

Pedro Mizukami

The end had me in stitches! I literally couldn't stop laughing! Rich you are fantastic!

Linzo Colman

8====>

Bojac

I'm going to leave it to the hosts to decide whether they want to be more inclusive or not. Not you. Also, while it's called Patreon, you don't have to be so patronizing to me.

Ross Llewallyn

Move along dear, if you don't like it. I'm sure there's some show out there where they talk about movies and cater precisely to you and make you feel all safe and whatnot.

Bojac

AHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Get a load of this guy!

Linzo Colman

Michael: I am a fan of good comedy and humor. I believe all subjects CAN be funny, but that not everyone can make certain things funny. Making fun of Asian people's dialect when speaking English is rarely if ever elevated above the most juvenile. "It's a joke" is NOT the impenetrable defense of all comedy.

Ross Llewallyn

Not true. I care aswell for example. Stop trying to define what other people (should) care about. If you don't, fine - leave the conversation and stop trying to tell people what they are allowed to talk about.

Robert Schmidl

Your sensitivity or lack thereof is not the point. You don't get to define how other people feel.

Robert Schmidl

Valid point. Thank you for bringing it up. It irks me everytime.

Robert Schmidl

Great episode! Is there going to be one with Canadian action movies (are there any?) as well?

Jacob K

While its completely understandable to want to end racism, it was a joke. You may not have found it funny, but that doesn't mean Rich or anyone else there was taking it seriously. I personally didn't find it all that funny either, it kinda just flew by me honestly, but that doesn't mean I don't understand it was meant as a joke. They make JOKES at the expense of races, nationalities, physical and mental disabilities, and religions too. They make JOKES about sensitive subjects because every joke needs an exaggeration. So while this doesn't mean you have to stop being offended by it, it does mean that they don't have to stop making offense jokes.

Mike Miller

Well, Ross, I'm assuming before you brought it up that number was 0. You can take solace in the fact that very few people are as thin-skinned and uber-sensitive as you.

Bruce Eckerd

:/ I love RLM and the hosts, but it's honestly become a thing for me that I brace for Rich's insensitive impressions whenever I see an Asian actor in one of these films. And as much as I want to be nice about bringing it up, I have to wonder how many Asian viewers get really dissuaded from the channel or just simply insulted by it. Rich is funny, and I enjoy y'all's chats, but can we move away from that racism and using "retarded" as a slur? I thought we were supposed to leave that behind in grade school. I learned to appreciate film much more through watching y'all, and I wouldn't be a patron if I didn't care.

Ross Llewallyn

Great one! The shootout in Killing American Style is hilarious. It reminded me of that scene in Police Squad! : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvJACHg1WGA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvJACHg1WGA</a>

Matthias

Wow.

Keith McCaffety

So I see that the ending was what was being shot in the studio while Jack & Jessi were doing the livestream.

Bojac

Yay! Was looking forward to this all day :D

Magdalena Budziak

Good to see Colin back, it's nice to spice up the cast from time to time. And good idea switching the title back to Best of the Worst. Having two shows titled Half in the Bag could potentially get very confusing.

Mike Miller