It is interesting, as Corner Gas is how people talk to and deal with each other in rural and small town Canada, the same can be said for Kim's Convenience in Large and medium size cities. The way that Appa talks is how many older people in in a big city say things and see the world. And not only in the three big cities, in the medium size cities as well. I would not be shocked if this show is getting good numbers in places like London, Kingston, Kamloops, and Brandon.
As far as Appa getting away with not-politically correct humor, I think that's also very Canadian. Because he's an immigrant he can say things and see things in a different way, and his prejudices could be exaggerated just simply from his perspective. It's kind of the beauty of the show. Appa can speak out things that most of us may think in Canada, but at our age, we can't say. Having him be Korean also allows the show a heck of a lot more leeway with humour. Being Asian is actually a real asset here, and not just for semantics.
And like the characters Becker and House before him, and to some extent Archie Bunker, in the end Appa is a good person, and his prejudice does not come from hate. I love the scene where he scolds Janet for calling a customer black, and then says he's not a black that steals because he's wearing brown shoes.
His only real hate if for Japanese - and hilariously Japanese cars - but Ins Choi has made sure that he gets roasted by Janet everytime he does it.
This show works on so many levels looking at Canada, and not just Asian or immigrant culture.
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kickingasses
8 years ago
the hate for Japanese is deeply rooted in Asian Countries invaded by Japan during World War 2 and earlier. they committed many atrocities during war, which I will not comment further for sometimes I get comment rage. LOL
The reason why appa/the father works in this show is he tries to understand others and not judge them right away, giving him a genuine personality in trying to treat everyone with respect, except spoiled white kids with their mothers and the Korean Pastor that take advantage of their generosity.
also, I have to mention, for clarification is that I am Korean Canadian, so I know what they went through and I actually have friends that actually went through the family-run grocery store harsh life.
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music_man_fan
8 years ago
Ya, I think a lot of students these days learn that in high school, which is maybe why the Toyota jokes are so funny to younger people, and why it's getting such a good demo rating. I watched it together with extended family and the teenagers got those jokes right away with big laughs. Sometimes the funniest jokes are rooted in pain, as the writers allow you to laugh at it, which is why this show is so good.
The one thing I'm finding is how much this is helping the Korean family store culture in Canada. At my convenience store in my neighborhood, the lovely man who runs says it's incredible how much people talk with him about the show. He proudly has a Kim's Convenience Poster near his cash register and laughs about how many situations has happened to him.
I think CBC has a big hit on their hands that will grow bigger once people give it a try and actually watch the show.
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