#64 A Population of Misfits

“The times of drastic change are times of passions. We can never be fit and ready for that which is wholly new, we have to adjust ourselves and every radical adjustment is a crisis in self-esteem. We undergo a test, we have to prove ourselves. A population subjected to drastic change is thus a population of misfits and misfits live and breathe in an atmosphere of passion.” When you hear the word “misfit” it usually has a negative connotation, but Bruce Lee recasts misfits as unique individuals who are moved by their passions as he was. These misfits are passionate about ideas which society hasn’t created space for yet, so the misfits are doing pioneering work by exploring their passion. Bruce Lee was a misfit in many respects. No one knew what martial arts were in the west, no one had seen an Asian man represent masculinity like Bruce, he was mixed race, and he was in an interracial relationship when it was illegal. Bruce received much negative feedback for his misfit way of living life, but that didn’t discourage him from living in authenticity. A drastic change can feel like a major crisis, like a storm blowing through your life. We experience this personally and in our culture. It was during the 1960’s, a time of much cultural change and exploration, when Bruce conceived his ideas on the “Population of Misfits.” “With adversity, you are shocked to higher levels, much like a rainstorm that is violent but yet afterwards all the plants grow.” Sometimes there is tumult you must go through, unrest, dissatisfaction, but if you can stay true to your focus and your path, much growth can come from the turbulent time. At some point, we all feel like the “other” and that we don’t fit in--which is why Bruce Lee, the misfit, continues to resonate with people. “My contribution will be the measure of my reward and my success. Bruce and Linda weathered personal criticism and racism for being together during a time when the whole country, and their families, said that interracial relationships were wrong. If anyone started to give Bruce attitude based on his race, he would charm them with his humor and friendliness, and they would soften towards him. Showing up as himself was Bruce’s contribution. He was able to reveal his humanity to people who thought he was less than. “Our own souls are what we must employ, to give new meaning and new form to the world.” Take Action: What kind of misfit are you? Where is your area of enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion? #AAHA Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park are on the TV series Hawaii Five-0. Recently, they decided to quit the show because they asked to be paid the same amount as their Caucasian co-stars and they were denied. This was a bold move because as an Asian actor it’s really difficult to get roles, especially on a network tv show. It takes a lot of courage to take a stand like that. Daniel Dae Kim is a Korean American actor, voice actor, producer, and director. He’s known for his role as Jin-Soo Kwon on Lost, and most recently Hawaii Five-0. Grace Park is a Canadian-American actress of Korean heritage. She is known for her roles on Battlestar Galactica, Canadian teen soap opera Edgemont, and most recently Hawaii Five-0. Daniel and Grace, we admire your courage in taking a stand and we think you’re awesome! #BruceLeeMoment From Maria: “I felt, from the very first episode that Bruce Lee´s philosophy, he´s phrases and in general everything you discuss are very deep issues and least for me, it has taken time to digest, reflect, sink in and in time apply those ideas. I believe if I have had a Bruce Lee moment it has extended on time. I describe it as tiny lights lighting inside my brain, and for a moment I visualice their meaning briefly, then they disappear but leave a sort of indescribable trace of feeling.” Share your #AAHAs, #BruceLeeMoments, and #TakeAction progress with us at hello@brucelee.com Find the full version of our show notes at BruceLee.com/podcast