Asian Americans reflect on how 'Harold & Kumar' helped weed out stereotypes

This year marks the 20th anniversary of stoner comedy “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” lighting up theaters across the country, but with two Asian Americans at the center of the munchie-fueled adventure, its impression on many people of Asian descent never faded.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of stoner comedy “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” lighting up theaters across the country, but with two Asian Americans at the center of the munchie-fueled adventure, its impression on many people of Asian descent never faded. 

The blockbuster hit, released in July 2004, is one of the only mainstream movies of its decade to star two Asian American leads, John Cho and Kal Penn. For some, the movie validated the experiences of stoners, outcasts, and anyone who didn’t fit the narrow, nerdy trope that dominated perceptions of Asian Americans at the time. Others say the comedy widened ideas of what Asian Americans could be. 

As stoners across the country celebrate 4/20 on Saturday, many Asian Americans among them are reflecting on the stereotypes the film blitzed and the trail it blazed. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/harold-kumar-asian-americans-rcna148068

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