Acclaimed writer Jeff Chang returns with his new book Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America to bring back the life and legend of the famous martial artist Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee is a name synonymous with pop culture and mixed martial arts, however the intricate details of his life are not always brought to light. Chang analyzes every part of Lee’s life from his birth in San Francisco and early life in China and the highs and lows in between.
Lee spent much of his time growing up in America with the Chow family in Seattle. He lived with Seattle legend Ruby Chow and helped around her restaurant while also refining his martial arts skills. Chow, quite the figure in Seattle, was also a politician and the first Asian elected to city council. My great-uncle Shelton, Ruby’s son, was also around during this time and his stories of Lee and his martial arts still live in my From Hong Kong to Seattle, from 1940 to today: Bruce Lee’s legacy keeps fighting memory to this day. I remember my great-uncle telling his tale of driving with Lee and having to fight off five guys who tried to rob them. He did mention that Lee did most of the fighting.
Chang weaves together the many different struggles and stories of Lee’s life. He begins with Lee’s upbringing both in Hong Kong and the United States, and eventually gets to his acting career. However, Lee’s story of resilience and strength is even more important today as there has been a rise in Asian hate and racism across the country. Chang paints the picture of Lee as someone who stood as a sign of unity against the bigotry and hatred he faced. It is a reminder to each of us that the struggle is not over and Lee’s legacy continues to be an embodiment of that fight.
Water Mirror Echo is the next chapter in bringing Lee’s uniquely American story to the modern day. As Chang writes “Lee’s screams were now the war cry of the unheard, and he the embodiment of their uprisings, avenging their suffering and delivering them… a feeling of freedom.” Lee’s story reminds each of us how much there is left in the fight for a future of equality and freedom and also to never be silent in the presence of injustice.
Another aspect of Lee’s life and the book is his ability to further the cause of Asian and Black relations. In a time when Asian hate is on the rise and the reality of anti-Black racism is prevalent, Lee’s solidarity and strength speak to his confidence to resist oppression and be his own person. Whether it be from Lee’s first student in America, a young Black man named Jesse Glover, or his ability to connect to the masses, especially Black audiences, through his films, Lee created a larger than life persona that influenced the lives of young kids of color throughout the country.
Water Mirror Echo examines the reason for Lee’s legendary status in modern culture while also digging into the nitty-gritty of his life and lessons. It seems that after he died his status has only grown in popularity. His face is often associated with Nike branding and other lifestyle clothes. However, Chang unearths the real Lee and the true reason that he has remained such a powerful figure even more than 50 years after his death.
Town Hall Seattle and Wing Luke Museum present Jeff Chang, author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, on Thursday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. in conversation with activist/Bruce Lee student Sue Ann Kay, long-time Lee friend Doug Palmer and Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee. In person at Wyncote NW Forum at 1119-8th Ave. (entrance off Seneca). Entrance fee includes a copy of the book.
