I see your point and I don't think its a bad thing by any means. I just don't think there is any malicious intent in anyone involved with this movie nor is it worth getting too worked up over. Its not like this is going to raise an entire generation to disrespect Asian culture or anything.
I mean, if an Asian came over here and got McDonalds mixed with Wendy's or mistook my AR-15 for an M-16, I wouldn't get all hot and bothered about it.
I agree that there is no malicious intent. I firmly believe that calling the movie 'The Karate Kid' is a marketing ploy and not at all intended to shit on Chinese culture or martial arts. And I think maybe the thread's content may not accurately reflect the actual degree of frustration being expressed by some here. A movie's title is HARDLY thing that shoudl be evoking anger about social and racial injustice.
It's just such an easily avoidable thing. Somebody in the studio had to have brought up the notion:
Consciescious (SP) Objector: Hey guys, there's no actual karate in this movie. It's kung fu. It's, you know, clearly Chinese.
Studio head: People are stupid and won't see it if we don't make it as plain as day to Joe Average moviegoeer that this is a remake of the Ralph Macchio/Pat Morita movie. And we are in this to make money.
Consciescious (SP) Objecter: Uh...okay, then!