Bruce Lee: A Voice For The Marginalized

"Many people are still bound by tradition; when the elder generation says "no" to something, then these other people will strongly disapprove of it as well. If the elders say that something is wrong, then they also will believe that it is wrong. They seldom use their mind to find out the truth and seldom express sincerely their real feeling. The simple truth is that these opinions on such things as racism are traditions, which are nothing more than a "formula" laid down by these elder people's experience. As we progress and time changes, it is necessary to reform this formula...I, Bruce Lee, am a man that never follows these formulas of the fear-mongers. So, no matter if your color is black or white, red or blue, I can still make friends with you without any barrier." Bruce Lee.

Bruce, pictured here in the dark shirt, sits with his martial arts students in Seattle. He welcomed, and openly taught, students from all walks of life no matter their race, age or gender. Bruce believed the Chinese culture had much to offer the Western world and was not beholden to traditions when it came to whom he would share that culture with. Jesse Glover, an African American (far left) was Bruce's first student. 

Longstanding stereotypes portrayed Asian Americans as the evil villain or servant with slanted eyes, buckteeth and long pigtails on TV and in films. This limited the roles for Asian Americans in Hollywood. After giving a gung fu demonstration at the Long Beach Internationals in 1964, Bruce caught the attention of Hollywood hair stylist Jay Sebring who mentioned him to television producer William Dozier, who was soon to be the executive producer on "The Green Hornet" TV show. After filming a screen test in Los Angeles, Bruce signed a one-year option in 1965 to play Kato in the show.

During the late 60's and early 70's Bruce created two, now infamously remembered, projects "The Silent Flute" and "The Warrior". Whilst "The Silent Flute" (pictured: James Coburn & Bruce location scouting in India) never eventuated, Warner Bros. liked "The Warrior" enough conceptually to develop the "Kung Fu" TV show from Bruce's original treatment. However, Bruce was overlooked for the "Kung Fu" lead role for a more bankable, caucasian, actor. 

Both Bruce and Linda faced racial discrimination during their time together. Bruce in the United States, specifically when trying to further his acting career, and Linda, in Hong Kong as the caucasian wife of an Asian man. Although Linda's parents were initially against her daughter entering into an interracial marriage, they grew to love and admire Bruce for the care, dedication, support and honor he showed towards his young family. Bruce and Linda are pictured here in Hong Kong with son Brandon, and daughter, Shannon. 

In his films, Bruce portrayed the underdog, overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and discrimination. His philosophy, as well as his strikingly unique abilities, spoke to marginalized minorities around the world. He was, and still is, a cultural hero. These same ideals speak to audiences to this day. (pictured: Bruce Lee in "Fist of Fury")

Bruce Lee in his blistering and trailblazing final on-screen performance in "Enter The Dragon". The film was the first ever Hollywood produced movie featuring an Asian-American in a lead role. Bruce's own company, Concord Production Inc. co-produced the film with Warner Bros. - another industry first. 

In 2005, a statue of Bruce Lee was unveiled in the small town of Mostar, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bruce was chosen over other nominees, including the Pope and Gandhi, after a residents poll revealed that Bruce Lee was the only name respected by both sides as a 'symbol of solidarity'. Mostar was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting in the Bosnian civil war and has been extensively rebuilt.

In 2013, a seven foot bronze statue of Bruce Lee was erected in Chinatown, Los Angeles, a short walk from the former location of his Los Angeles martial arts school on College Street. The statue is an increasingly popular landmark for locals and tourists alike, and a beacon of positivity for the Chinatown community as a whole.

Bruce Lee's barrier breaking legacy lives on at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, USA. Read this note from museum visitor "Christine" as she describes the effect Bruce's life example has had on her own life. 

"Bruce had, and continues to have, an immeasurable impact on American and global popular culture through the important role he played in creating a bridge between cultures." On July 18th, 2012, the United States House of Representatives made an official congressional record as a tribute to Bruce Lee, in Washington DC. Take a few minutes to read through the meaningful tribute, penned by the Hon. Michael Honda of California. 

“He was the first Asian superstar to bridge the chasm between East and West, to contradict the outrageous stereotypes represented on film and TV by such “Chinese” figures as Charlie Chan and Dr. Fu Manchu...And it is a measure of what Bruce achieved that he managed to destroy that ancient and prejudiced image, and, instead, ultimately projected an image of a Chinese, who, for once, was not only a hero, but one with whom Western audiences could identify. He stood at the helm and not only made the whole world conscious of his beloved art of Gung Fu, but at the same time raised the status of his own people.” Linda Lee Cadwell.