Project Outline

To understand how Religion works in Popular Culture one needs to start with the definition of Religion. Religion is defined as “a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices”[1], is not a simple context to understand, it is understood differently by everyone and its understanding is usually based on one’s belief systems. One can worship a belief, a human or a value for it to be considered a religion. In this project I will be exploring the portrayal of East Asian Religion in American films. Specifically looking at how it is represented in the movie Karate Kid. Over the years, East Asian religion’s portrayal has changed in the American from being portrayed just has spiritual teachers to life-enhancing influences.

[1] “Religion”. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion