As a matter of fact, the issue related to the definition of race always attracts particular attention. According to Coates, “race is a social construct” and the product of social context. In Karate Kid, the conflict that includes race is determined by the social differences between Chinese and American people. In the film, Cheng and other students of Master Li are fanatically obedient to kung fu, and their teacher learns to be merciless and enduring. In addition, Cheng is against the friendship between Dre and Mei Ying.
Although genuine reasons for his attitude are not clear, they focus on differences between boys, their families, and ways of living. In turn, Dre is depicted as a common, slightly self-centered American adolescent – however, he has emotions and feelings unfamiliar to Chinese peers. His fear and compassion help him prevail over his rivals and show them that blind obedience may lead to inappropriate consequences.