By
Jacob Olson
January 23, 2008
Since November of last year, more than 1,000 signatures have been collected supporting the campaign to commemorate Bruce Lee, the UW’s most famous minority alumnus, with a monument on campus. However, there have been no concrete results.
The memorial campaign was started last quarter by 21 students in the Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) focus group, “Bruce Lee Dedication,” a two-credit, student-designed class.
With an eye toward racism and social activism, the class explored the legacy of Lee, a widely renowned martial artist and actor who studied philosophy and drama at the UW from 1960 to 1963.
On Nov. 27, the class officially announced it’s plan to have a monument built, justifying the project equally as a tribute to an accomplished alumnus and as a resistance to the institutionalized racism members believe exists at the UW.
Students in the group said that, had Lee been white, he would be more prominent in the University’s collective memory and would be already memorialized on campus. Lee was Chinese-American; he was born in the United States and raised in Hong Kong.
The “Dedication” class is not offered this quarter, but many former class members are continuing their efforts through the Registered Student Organization “Bruce Lee Dedication.” The CHID class may be offered again in the spring.
Jamil Suleman, a 2007 CHID graduate who facilitated the class and is still a leader in the campaign, said progress is being made.
“We’re making strides and gains, steadily,” he said.
However, no official proposal to have public art installed has been submitted to the University.
“We’re still trying to get a clear idea of we’re going to bring to them,” Suleman said.
Norm Arkans, executive director of media relations for the UW, said that if submitted, the proposal would have to go through a long and complicated process and that its success would not be guaranteed.
Arkans questioned the appropriateness of a memorial, claiming that Lee may have no real claim to fame but his acting career. Nonetheless, he said a proposal would be given due consideration.
Supporters of the campaign say Lee was much more than an actor. He was also an inspirational athlete, a philosopher and a teacher who remains an icon in Asian culture.
Members of the campaign point out that while more than 35 percent of the more than 28,000 undergraduates at the UW are minorities, nearly every statue on campus is of a white man, such as the large George Washington statue at the entrance to Red Square and the bust of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg in the Grieg Garden.
In response to such statements, administrators referred to “Blocked Out,” a monument outside Mary Gates Hall meant to represent the struggle of minority Americans. In 2005, the University commissioned students in a public art program to design and build the monument, a granite block implanted with bare footprints.
The design of the Lee memorial would be decided in collaboration with his family.
Lee died of uncertain causes in 1973 at age 32, shortly before the release of his most successful and acclaimed film, “Enter the Dragon.”
[Reach reporter Jacob Olson at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]
14 Comments
#1 Chris
on January 23, 2008 at 12:47 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
The people organizing this effort, specifically Jamil Suleman, need to understand that they will not make any progress on the memorial if they continue to call anybody who disagrees with them a racist and white supremacist. Playing the race card and using personal attacks will only turn potential supporters into enemies. That's the reason why I don't support the memorial.
#2 Like water
on January 23, 2008 at 7:47 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
In defense of this campaign, I admire this group for not taking a back seat.
The University as a whole needs to wake up and take a good look at themselves. I don't think anybody is attacking any single person but the facts are there is a lack of recognition for what the alumni association admits is probably one of their most famous alumni.
Hey, even seen a plaque of Bruce anywhere?
No?
Why not?
I myself asked about Bruce Lee and any information about him to several University departments a couple of years ago and their response was less than lacking.
Very telling to me.
Sometimes organizations need their cages rattled - or a good kick in the pants. Bruce didn't tolerate racism and he fought for equality regardless of a person's background, race or color. That alone should warrant a statue.
But I have to sit back and think what Bruce would do or would have liked. He didn't like what he called the "classical mess" He would not have waited for "permission" from the University for recognition.
Perhaps the campaign will consider a statue to him just outside the University.
One of Bruce's dojo was afterall on University Way.
#3 David Phung
on January 26, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
I am a Bruce Lee fan. I strongly support a memorial should be installed on this Campus. Not just Bruce Lee was an extraordinary student. But, a world class martial artist, athethic, muscular, leader, famous actor, racked $200 million box ticket the year he showed "Enter the Dragon" to the world. No one actor to-date, has such extraordinary success. You name it, "Superman" "Blackman" etc.
I mean, he was unique on his fighting skill, superhuman when he got on the screen. Everyone, regardless color, race, ethnicity, country, sex, all respect him. Even today, many of us know him and like his movie respect him, his legacy he left behind extraordinary movies, his views on the world, human justice, fought justice for Asian Pacific American and Hollywood viewed on Asian American actors.
Besides, didn't you know he was 1/4 Caucasian blood? His 1/2 German mother, and his wife as Caucasian, son, daughter. All deserve recognization in this country. They did nothing wrong but guided us in the right direction.
I belong numbers of political, social, and non-profit organizations. I already emailed this matter to Bruce Lee Foundation (bruceleefoundation.org) and other organizations.
This university needs to recognize outstanding alumnus, leader, someone such so famous like Bruce Lee. It would be a disgrace the university doesn't have a fair, equitable, and good systems to honor those represent the university and contributed to the community and world.
I can't understand why someone, anyone, or any organization, especially, a former student of University of Washingtion, not recognizing for his achievement or mankind.
David Phung
a concern citizen and Bruce Lee fan.
#4 Eastern Leader
on January 26, 2008 at 9:51 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
I protect this University of Washington, for lack of vision, compassion, love, and respect for Bruce Lee, the man who done so much for this country's Hollywood action movie, the world, and changed the way how we view martial art, even today, as a self defense weapon for many young woman and individual.
We should be very fortune Mr. Lee had bought martial art to this country and forever changed action and martial movie. Today, movie after movie, we see his legacy influences.
I hereby, ask University of Washington, faculties, students, staffs, residences of Washington and the United State, as well as worldwide, to show support for this worthy cause. To carry this legacy history to the next generation to learn, to observe, pay respect, and remember this extraordinary man, whom made meaningful leadership for many of us to follow.
If this university doesn't honor diversity, open mind, and act fairly to someone deserves this recognization, when will we?, as a nation, as I remember when we sung 911 song, to unite, against enemies and evils. Mr. Lee believed justice and fought against evils, promoted safety, and protected those in need of his help.
I hereby, solute this highness and worthy cause for our society. Thank you for your consideration and time. I hope you exercise proper conscience, compassion, and love, in which we all need more in this society.
Eastern Leader
#5 Susan
on January 26, 2008 at 9:53 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Please support this project. I agree with no reservation.
#6 U. Wang
on January 26, 2008 at 9:57 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
It would be asham this unversity, in fact, doesn't take a look at Bruce Lee. My friend told me to show support.
I would not tell anyone to attend University of Washington for his lack of understanding of such a worthy cause.
#7 Mike C.
on January 26, 2008 at 10:02 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Show support for Bruce Lee's memorial project.
Student needs to know Bruce Lee was a student at the University of Washington. Without the memorial, it would be unknown...
However we do it, we got to make this happen.
#8 Asian American Leader/Supporter
on January 26, 2008 at 10:08 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Ok, let's not talk about political. Is is about right or wrong. It is wrong we don't recognize this man, former student, and leader for everyone across the colorline. We don't talk about race. We talk about an individual accomplished so much.
I share with everyone's view, to make this a successful memorial.
#9 Katie P.
on January 26, 2008 at 10:11 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Those try to find excuse not to support or approve this project, you disgrace yourself for not doing so because you have lack of fair and logical judgement.
#10 blsp
on January 27, 2008 at 10:59 a.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Definitely endorse this movement for Bruce Lee
M.C.
#11 C.C.
on January 27, 2008 at 11:02 a.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Justified, I am here to throw in my weight for this group of students.
#12 Martin Lopez
on January 28, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.(Sacramento, CA | Unverified Name)
I think this is a good idea you all.
#13 John
on January 29, 2008 at 9:55 p.m.(Carmichael, CA | Unverified Name)
Bruce Lee needs to be honored. His movies and techniques still alive
J.
#14 Charles Singh
on January 31, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.(Sacramento, CA | Unverified Name)
I agree, this is a great idea.
CS
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