Erik 1

As one man once said “Basically, human traits are the same everywhere. I don't want this to soun like “As Confucius say,” but under the sky, under the heavens, there is but one family.” The man who said this quote is the same man who I look up to today and that is Bruce Lee. Today millions of people across the world look up to Bruce Lee the same way I do and see some of his greatest accomplishments, some though may look at Bruce and think nothing of him because of his ethnicity or background. Many people are descriminated against because of their race. This is because many people are still bound by tradition; when the elder generatoin of people says “no” to something, then these other people will strongly disaprove of it as well. If the elders say that something is wrong, then they also believe that is 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 opinion on such thing as racism are traditions, which are nothing more than a “formula” laid down by these elder people's experience. As we progress together and time changes, is is necessary to reform this formula. We must all look at it this wasy no matter if your color is black or white, red, or blue, we can still make friends each other without any barrier. I personally believe that Bruce Lee brought they barrier down for many Asian Americans. In one of Bruce Lee's films Fist of Fury, Lee was simply just going to walk into a park but the man at the gate said he couldn't. The man then point to a sign above their heads which read “'No Dogs And Chinese Allowed.' Lee then fights off a couple of guys then he ultimately ends up kicking to sing in half. Though this was a movie the message it is coveying is very really. The message behind this scene was regarding one race as 'inferior' to another is stupid. Which I could not put it in any better way.("8 Ways Bruce Lee Changed The World." Total Film Movie Features RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2014.) The reason Lee did this was because tensions were really high in

Erik 2

the 60/70's between Asian Americans and Americans. Bruce Lee becoming the star that he was, was actually bad in the eyes of many actually. When I found out that the man Bruce Lee was hated by Americans and actually some of his own people I was actually shocked by this information. How can anybody hate a many who had changed the course of history? In such a short time he managed to revolutionize pop culture, film, philosophy, music, the arts and physical fitness. Since his passing he has become recognized as the king of martial arts film and the grandfather of MMA. No many people can say that they are the grandfather of MMA(Mixed Martial Arts) He did not use Martial Arts as his only way of doing things. Bruce Lee was also writer, choreographer, director and revolutionary thinker.(Robinson, Bryan. "In Bruce Lee's Shadow: Asians Struggle to Create New Hollywood Images." ABC News. ABC News Network, 20 May 2005. Web. 26 July 2014.). Him doing this not just for himself but for many,including myself, has changed our lives. I once saw him in one of his films Enter the Dragon probably the movie that mostly everybody knows. I saw a man who was in the best physical shape that anybody could be in, I saw moves being performed that I could achieve, then I thought to myself “Why Not?”, why can't I do what he had done. I only knew the Martial Artist side of Bruce Lee, not all the other talents and things he had done. That was two years ago and I do look at things and people in a different view then I have before. I don't judge people on how they look, like we talked in class if you saw an Arab walk on plane would I think something bad of them, my answer will always be no. That is like saying “Oh Bruce Lee is Asian American, well I have to find an American guy to look up to.” I don't think that at all and I will probably never think that. But after all this why did Americans and even Asian Americans to this day believe that Bruce Lee was “bad.” Well it all basically started in Hollywood where the streets are paved with gold.

Erik 3

Many great Hollywood films were around the 60/70's which included : To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather 1 & 2, One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, and A Clockwork Orange. All these films are very well done and some of the best films of all time. Now these movies consist of many great actors including Al Pacino, Christopher Lloyd, and Malcolm McDowell. But now think to yourself where are the Asian Americans in these movies and where are they now. This is when Bruce Lee became tied into this. During this time period there were many stereotypes brough upon the Asian Americans. In films white men would be buck tooth, have the eyes, or try to talk in a really chinese accent. The Asians were perceived as Dragon Ladies,Geeks, and yes even as Kung Fu artist. When Bruce Lee became a superstar in the U.S. after the success of his 1973 film “Enter the Dragon,” the Asian-American community largely took pride in his fame. In the film, Lee wasn’t portrayed as a buck-toothed imbecile, as Asian Americans had been portrayed in films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Instead, he was strong and dignified. But before long, Hollywood began to portray all Asian Americans as martial arts experts. Even to this day people still believe or say that all Asians can do Martial Arts. Since Bruce lee was in the film industry as a martial artist in his films, people then thought that Asians could do Martial Arts. But I honestly believe this to be a good thing and here is why. Before Bruce Lee went into any sort of movie or became a huge Martial Artist, the Asian community did not have much people to look up to and the movies they did see were white guys playing as an Asian. Id rather be asked if I took Martial Arts, rather than somebody coming up to me and making fun of the way I look. Looks became a factor though when Asians tried to get into films. When Bruce was on the show The Green Hornet the director actually had him always wear the mask, because he did not want people to know that there was an Asian man on the show. Bruce made it clear though that he

Erik 4

wasn't interested in playing a subservient role that would only serve to further perpetuate the Chinese stereotype personified by the character of Hop-sing in the TV series Bonanza. Years later, racism actually cost Lee the lead role in the TV series Kung Fu, a series that he helped create. So that is where also the Asian Martial Artist has occured and continued on today. Lee though had recieved the new about losing the lead the day before he sat down to record his famous Lost Interview, which I would recommend watching there are many greats things to listen to. The reason though on why he lost the role? Not that he wasn't right for the part, but because he looked “too Chinese” for an American audience to accept. As always, Lee took the news without gnashing his teeth or venting his wrath. This was another trait that makes people look up him, his ability to simply walk on. He knew though that such behavior would not alter what had just happened to him , and that this incident pointed to a societal problem that was far bigger than the American television industry. Bruce Lee's view point was that “ I had already made up my mind that in the United States, something about the Oriental--- should be shown. I mean it has always been the thing: the pigtail and the bouncing around saying “Chop-chop” with the eyes slanted and all that. And that is very,very out of date. But the question as to how an American audience would react to an Oriental lead in a TV series was discussed, and that is why my involvement in the series is probably not going to come off. Ufortunately such thing [as racism] do exist in this world, you see. Like, in certian parts of the country, right? They think that, business-wise, it's a risk—and I dont blame them. I mean, in the same way, its like in Hong Kong; if a foreigner camer here to become star, if I were the man with the money, I probably would have my own worries about whether or not the publice acceptance would be there.” After reading this for the first time, hopefully you can see his true viewpoints on racism and reading

Erik 5

this made me want to be the same way towards racism, which is do NOT judge somebody based on their skin or how they simply look. We must all look at each other in one simple way and that is as human beings. Bruce Lee's influence then changed the course for Asian Americans in a good way, while others say a bad way, but I still believe in a good way. Many Asian men now are not perceived as they used to be in film Asian women and men finally get to play a part in film. But the roles they ended up with would have to do something with a sterotype in some way. Like how we saw the one film class that showed how the Asian waiter was getting made fun of because of how he spoke. Another example is when the Asian always plays as the Martial Arts guy, that is basically how Jet Li and Jackie Chan careers got started in the first place. These Asian action heroes would then be always saving the day, but the would actually never end up getting the girl in the end. American women were allowed to be in films with an Asian man, but they were basically told not to kiss the Asian actor or try to have a relationship with themm. Films and media play a big role on how view a certain person or group. But before many Asians became movie stars and two years after Bruce Lee, there was greater threat to the Asian Americans far beyond stereotypes, an event in which many people did not know about, including me, an event that would change history forever. On the morning of December 7, 1941, The Japanese attacked the United States without warning and the attack lasted 110 minutes, from 7:55 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. This attack brought the United States into World War 2. ("Must-Know Facts About the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor." About.com 20th Century History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2014). A few months later a executive order was passed called Executive Order 9066, this was passed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This document was authorizing the removal of any or all people from military areas "as deemed necessary or desirable." The military in turn

Erik 6

defined the entire West Coast, home to the majority of Americans of Japanese ancestry or citizenship, as a military area. By June, more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were relocated to remote internment camps built by the U.S. military in scattered locations around the country. For the next two and a half years, many of these Japanese Americans endured extremely difficult living conditions and poor treatment by their military guards.("Executive Order 9066: The President Authorizes Japanese Relocation." Executive Order 9066: The President Authorizes Japanese Relocation. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2014. ) We saw the video in class on how awful these places really were. The everyday person though did not know what was going on in these camps. It a very close resemblance to the Holocaust, but not as much deaths. Why do this though? I understand that we have to protect the people of America, but why are taking Asian Americans to these camps, in the end I remember it saying that non of which that were locked up were spys. So they basically go through all this trouble to help Americans but ultimately destroy a group of people. In the video we watched that showed a guy speaking to the camera saying “Yes they are actually cooperating with the guards and they will be in their nice camps shortly.” Well obviously what he said was a lie. The Asians basically had no choice on where to go, they cant really go to China cause these are just as worst there, so the basically agreed to the terms and complied with the guards. In 1987, the House of Representatives passed a "redress" bill that included an official apology to Japanese Americans and compensated $20,000 to each person who was imprisoned who was still alive. The Senate later passed the bill in 1988. However, it was not until 1993 that the first payments were made. Nonetheless, this redress movement became a very important and proud achievement for the Japanese American and larger Asian American communities. It showed that the Asian American community could be mobilized to

Erik 7

fight for fair and equal treatment and in this case, justice.For the 20 or so years after the war, the entire Asian American population tried to rebuild their lives, develop their communities, and tried to assimilate as best as possible. It helped that the U.S. was experiencing a huge economic boom, which not only provided these Asian American groups with new opportunities, but also gave the native White population enough opportunities as well so that they didn't see Asian Americans as threats. However, a new and important piece of legislation was passed in 1965 that again fundamentally changed the landscape of Asian America.("Gates Opening and Closing." Japanese Internment : Asian-Nation. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2014.) In October 1965, the U.S. passes the Immigration Act of 1965. The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished an earlier quota system based on national origin and established a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled labor to the United States. Over the next four decades, the policies put into effect in 1965 would greatly change the demographic makeup of the American population, as immigrants entering the United States under the new legislation came increasingly from countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, as opposed to Europe. For the first time, legislation considers Asians equal to Europeans in immigration matters. In the first five years after the bill’s passage, immigration to the U.S. from Asian countries–especially those fleeing war-torn Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia)–would more than quadruple. In 1979, the United States and China resumed diplomatic relations, making immigration easier for Chinese. But, new arrivals came from other Asian countries as well, including India and Pakistan. And in 1975 following the Vietnam War, more than 130,000 refugees fleeing from the Communist governments of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos arrived on U.S. shores. Million of Asians arrived in subsequent years.

Erik 8

In 1980, more than 2.5 million Asian immigrants entered the U.S., up from under 500,000 in 1960.The Immigration Act of 1990 increased the numbers of Asians coming to the U.S. by raising the total quota and reorganizing system of preferences to favor certain professional groups. This allowed Asians with training in medicine, high technology, and other specialties to enter more easily. From 5 million in 1990, the number of Asian immigrants more than doubled by 2009, reaching 10.6 million. The U.S. Supreme Court also ruled that anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional in Loving vs. Virginia. That ruling invalidated laws in 16 states that prevented Whites from marrying "colored" spouses, including Asians. Until then many Asians had been forced to move to more liberal states in order to marry. Before this had happened Asian Americans were not allowed to marry a white woman. Bruce Lee in fact actually married a white woman. As bad as racial relations may seem today, in the 1960's they were much worse. It is well established that both Bruce Lee and his wife, Linda, had to face some serious obstacles during the course of their relationship. Apart from the common problems that most couples in their society encounter, such as financial adversity, they had to overcome what in the 1960's was taboo in two cultures: an interracial marriage. However, in keeping with the philosophy they both shared, neither Bruce nor Linda allowed the perspective and prejudices of others-- whcih they knew they were powerless to change-- to affect the love they knew to exist and the incredibly unique relationship that they shared. According to Bruce Lee's philosophy,racist, prejudicial, or jingoistic beliefs were the result of not seeing the whold picture, of not understanding the unversal underpinnings common to all races. In one of Bruce Lee's interviews he sayed that he believed that too many people were bound by the prejudices and traditions of their families, their communities, and their peers. Like here is common example that has happepend since forever,

Erik 9

let's say a parent tells a child that a particular race or group within a population is bad or evil, the child will typically grop up believing this is so. When, for example, the elder generation says no to something, then their children will strongley disapprove of it as well.(Little, John R. The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee to Better Understand the World around You and Achieve a Rewarding Life. Chicago: Contemporary) That is actually a common theme we see throughout history. It actually still happens to present day. Parents raise their kids basically the same way they were raised, but that can lead to problems. If the parent was growing up and their parent said “Hey these Asian people are bad people” then they would then pass this along to their kids. It is basically a cycle that won't stop going around in circles. We should not judge somebody on how they look or what their background may be, they could be somebody that could become extrodinary and they may fail to realize it. Take Sessue Hayakawa for example. He is the man we watched in class that was in all the silent black and white films. This man was a star in the silent film industry at the time. Sessue Hayakawa rivaled Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and John Barrymore in popularity with film audiences. Hayakawa was one of the highest paid Hollywood stars of his time, making over $5,000 a week in 1915, then $2 million a year through his own production company in 1920s. He was handsome and flamboyant and gave some of Hollywood's legendary parties. Hayakawa was also Paramount's first choice for the role of The Sheik that launched Rudolph Valentino's career in 1918. Here is the thing though that the video did not actually tell us. Sessue was also a Martial Artist and an ordained Zen monk. So here is the thing, why didn't sterotyping of Asians happen here. This was an Asian man doing Martial Arts and he was also a Zen monk, so why were Asians not called any of these things at the time. It happened years later when people started coming up with these stereotypes. One that

Erik 10

is said often in today's society is “Asians are not discriminated against. All of my doctors are Asian, and the Asian kids in school are the ones getting top honors. It’s the white kids who are at a disadvantage.” Even positive stereotypes are damaging: The myth that all Asians want a career in medicine, math and science is limiting. Additionally, you should never assume that an Asian employee is the IT person. So this can be just as bad a regular mean stereotype. If an Asian kid were to read this then they might just believe this. Then they might want to try to be the best of everybody, but what if they can not achieve this accomplishment? We talked about it in class and I believe this also, the kids then try too hard to reach these expectations but if they fail then some result to suicide. This simply should not be happening in today's time. As simple stereotype like this can damage a nation of peple. There was also Yellowface. Yellowface is another example of the racism prevalent in American culture. Yellowface means more than a white person wearing make-up to look Asian.("Why Yellowface Is Racist." Columbia Daily Spectator. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2014.). It also describes the systematic bias against hiring real Asians to play Asian roles shown by white producers, directors, and others who control the depiction of Asians in popular culture through casting decisions and the propagation of racist Asian stereotypes and caricatures.Now though, Asians are sort of looked at as the ideal minority because of what they do. They tend to “blend” in more with population and people say that they have picked up traits from whites, just so they can blend in with others.(http://cmhc.utexas.edu/modelminority.html) The should not have to blend in though, they should live their lives the way that they want. They should bring back their culture into their lives and maybe us whites/amerians should learn more about the Asian culture as I tried to explain in this paper. We should not judge the Asians or any other race or ethnicity, because the simple way to put it is that: Under the sky, Under the Heavens there is but one family.