Bruce Lee wasn’t just a martial arts legend – he was a cultural revolutionary who kung-fu kicked racist Hollywood stereotypes right in the face. Jeff Chang’s new book “Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America” unpacks how this San Francisco-born icon transformed from a scrappy martial artist to a global symbol of Asian American pride and resistance.

Breaking Barriers Before Breaking Boards

In an era when Asian actors were relegated to sidekick and servant roles, Lee refused to be boxed in. As the first Asian American action star, he literally fought his way into mainstream cinema, challenging the whitewashed entertainment industry one screen punch at a time. Despite being typecast as Kato – a servant role in “The Green Hornet” – Lee’s determination never wavered.

From Martial Arts to Movement Building

What made Lee extraordinary wasn’t just his physical prowess, but his philosophical approach to identity. Chang reveals how Lee became more than a movie star – he became a generational symbol of strength, unity, and visibility for Asian Americans navigating a deeply racist society. His impact rippled through culture, inspiring everything from hip-hop artists like Wu-Tang Clan to future generations of Asian American creatives.

A Legacy of Representation

Fifty years after his death, Lee’s influence remains potent. From “Crazy Rich Asians” to “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” his groundbreaking work paved the way for Asian representation in media. As Chang notes, Lee’s story isn’t just about one man, but about an entire community’s journey toward recognition and respect.