UC Berkeley Journalism

In Conversation: Jeff Chang on the Life and Legacy of Bruce Lee

The event was a Berkeley‑hosted conversation with author Jeff Chang, who discussed his award‑winning book *Water Mirror Echo: The Making of Asian America* and its focus on Bruce Lee’s life and legacy. Moderated by Dean Michael Bolden and journalist Shereen Marisol Meraji, the talk linked Lee’s personal story to the broader emergence of Asian American identity in the 1960s. Chang highlighted how Lee burst onto the cultural scene during a pivotal era of decolonization and U.S. involvement in Asia. Lee’s rise from Hong Kong child star to Hollywood’s Cato on *The Green Hornet* offered both a subservient stereotype and a subversive display of martial prowess, giving Asian Americans a visible, empowered figure. The book argues that Lee’s image became a rallying point for a community fighting both overseas wars and domestic discrimination. A memorable line from the discussion was, “Bruce became a hero, not just for Asian Americans, but for anyone who has ever felt invisible.” Chang also used the water metaphor—soft yet capable of eroding rock—to illustrate Lee’s philosophy and its resonance with contemporary anti‑Asian hate, where his image reappears as a symbol of safety and pride. The conversation underscores that Lee’s legacy is more than pop culture nostalgia; it informs current debates on representation, diversity hiring, and brand authenticity. Companies that understand his impact can better navigate Asian American markets and contribute to broader social equity initiatives.