Core Post #3: Enter the Dragon

Throughout the history of American cinema, it has proven extremely difficult for an Asian to become a major star in the Hollywood system. When discussing the few who have broken into the mainstream, Bruce Lee cannot be ignored. According to the Tasker article, the film "Enter the Dragon" was Warner Brother's attempt at forcing Bruce Lee into the mainstream media. He also discusses how Asians in Hollywood have been "feminized" for the screen. Although Bruce Lee is the kung fu beast we all know him as, throughout the film he is dressed up in Asian robes which makes him look feminine and hides his masculinity when he is not fighting.

In Teo's article, "Bruce Lee and the Little Dragon", Teo says that Lee is "all things to all men". Although he is not your average white movie star, in his movies he is always fighting for the righteous and for the good, which hopefully in the end is what every man stands for. Bruce Lee was able to become famous in mainstream media because of these values and also how he attains them. He is one of the greatest martial artists the world has ever seen. You would not think this by looking at him, he is rather short and doesn't look like a fighting machine with his asian robe on, but when he takes it off it is amazing to watch his tight body take down forces of evil.

Also in Tasker's article, she discusses the confidence that Lee carries. The confidence Lee has in his physical skills carries over to his inwards confidence. I think this is another reason Americans connected with him. We live in a society that is obsessed with image, especially Hollywood, and Lee was able to use his body to show how far your physical gifts can get you and also how it can empower you mentally and spiritually as well.

Questions

1. How does the image Jackie Chan compare with the one Bruce Lee has?

2. Why do you think Asians are still not an integral part of American cinema?

3. Do you think Asians could ever become a consistent starring role? Why/why not?