'Fresh Off The Boat' Highlights Why The 'Bad Asian Driver ... - HuffPost

Skip to Main Content×Main MenuU.S. EditionNewsU.S. NewsWorld NewsBusinessEnvironmentHealthSocial JusticeCrimePoliticsCongressExtremismOpinionEntertainmentCulture & ArtsMediaCelebrityTV & FilmSportsLifeWellnessTravelTechStyle & BeautyFood & DrinkParentingRelationshipsMoneyHome & LivingWork/LifeShoppingVoicesBlack VoicesQueer VoicesLatino VoicesIndigenous VoicesAsian VoicesWomen's VoicesVoices of Disabled PeopleHuffPost PersonalFor Our PartnersWe Are GoldenSpotlight SeasonGamesHoroscopesVideoNewslettersInternationalU.S.U.K.EspañaFranceΕλλάδα (Greece)Italia日本 (Japan)한국 (Korea)Follow UsTerms | Privacy PolicyPart of HuffPost Asian Voices. ©2026 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.×What's Hot NEWSPOLITICSENTERTAINMENTLIFESHOPPINGPERSONALVOICESGAMES

TheStakesAre Real

Complex global events demand clear, independent reporting. We're working to explain the facts, challenge misinformation, and show how the news affects real lives. Help us continue our imperative work. Become a member today.

Join HuffPost

Already a member? Log in to hide these messages.

“Fresh Off the Boat” just took on one of the most annoying stereotypes nearly every Asian-American has had to deal with in their lifetime.

Friday’s episode addressed a common belief that Asians are bad drivers. The stereotype prompts dad Louis to teach his son Eddie how to become the best driver he can be in an effort to shield him from such assumptions. But, in the process, he ends up being overly protective of Eddie.

At one point, Louis pulls over to help a family whose car had overheated. When a police officer pulls up, he assumes Louis is at fault for the family’s car troubles and makes “bad Asian driver” jokes.

Advertisement

Let's be real. People make assumptions about a lot of things. #FreshOffTheBoat is new tonight at 8|7c! #TGIF pic.twitter.com/e9jobNLR0L

— Fresh off the Boat (@FreshOffABC) November 2, 2018

“Normally it’s ... ’we got another crash on Sycamore due to, you guessed it, Asians, over,’” the officer attempts to joke, pretending to speak into his walkie-talkie. “I’m not a racist. C’mon, my training officer was Korean.”

Cue eyeroll.

Ultimately Louis learns that putting a tight leash on his son still won’t protect Eddie from all the racism that he’ll inevitably be exposed to. In fact, his son has already dealt with such comments ― Eddie reveals people often ask him if he’s seen the “Rush Hour” movies, just as the police officer had asked his dad.

Advertisement

The world can be tough! Louis just wanted to look out for Eddie. #FreshOffTheBoat pic.twitter.com/zAdHJVyQ5C

— Fresh off the Boat (@FreshOffABC) November 3, 2018

The driver stereotype doesn’t just lead to unfair assumptions, it’s also untrue. Research shows that Asians are actually the best drivers. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis looked at race and ethnicity in 2006 traffic safety data. The figures revealed that Asians have the lowest fatality rates. Asians also had the highest rate of safety belt use.

And in a move that really should’ve ended the trope once and for all, Takuma Sato of Japan won the Indy 500 last year.

Advertisement

Yet somehow, the idea of the bad Asian driver continues to circulate in popular culture. There’s even this extremely thorough definition of “Asian driver” on Urban Dictionary that manages to pull several stereotypical traits into one entry.

So, FYI, this is really not an accurate representation of Asian drivers.

If ya don’t know, now ya know.

Advertisement

Related

driving

Fresh Off The Boat

asian stereotypes

Takuma Sato

Asian Voices

‘Love Is Blind’ Put This Unfortunate Cultural Reality on BlastA Contestant On A Popular TV Show Used This Racist Word. Many People Don't Even Know It's A Slur.Ming-Na Wen Breaks The ‘Asian Mom’ Trope Go to HomepageLEAVE A COMMENTSuggest a correction|Submit a tipAdvertisement

From Our Partner

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping'sBest FindsLoading...Newsletter Sign UpThe Morning EmailWake up to the day's most important news. Sign up for HuffPost's Morning Email.Successfully Signed Up!Realness delivered to your inbox

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Close TRENDING IN Asian VoicesMore In Asian Voices