It's actually not a controversial take to say much of Bruce Lee's Western fandom is based on orientalism. Just as it's not controversial to say sports fans can like particular Black athletes while still engaging in racist tropes. Or appreciate a Black athlete due to racist tropes, like their genetics. Or for Lee: mysticism, exoticism, and the magical Asian trope.
Bruce Lee’s Orientalist Fandom
Bruce Lee’s Orientalist Fandom
Bruce Lee’s Orientalist Fandom
It's actually not a controversial take to say much of Bruce Lee's Western fandom is based on orientalism. Just as it's not controversial to say sports fans can like particular Black athletes while still engaging in racist tropes. Or appreciate a Black athlete due to racist tropes, like their genetics. Or for Lee: mysticism, exoticism, and the magical Asian trope.