Episode 42: The Bruce Lee Episode Part III: "The (Social Justice) Warrior" with Dr. Ted Preston.

May 27, 2024

On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo, The Bruce Lee Trilogy with Dr. Ted Preston of Rio Hondo College concludes with a discussion of the differences between eastern and western fight choreography, before diving into the various sociologically relevant themes in Bruce Lee's filmography.    Enjoy!

Don't forget to Listen to:

Part I

Part II

Production Notes:

Intro: (0:00-2:05)

• Previously on...
• In Media Res

Fight Choreography Rant (2:05-25:22)

• Differences between Eastern and Western Fight Choreography
• "In Camera" vs. "The edit"
• What is the fight's purpose? 
• Action vs. Martial Arts films 

 Social Analysis (25:23-50:53)

• Laying out the themes
• Themes obfuscated by Genre Conventions 
• The "Non Violence" Paradox 
• Masculinity and the action film
• Structural Racism and Capitalism 
• Indivisualism vs. Collectivism 

Outtro (50:54-61:31)

• Favorite Moments from Bruce Lee's Films 
• Ranking Bruce Lee's Films
• Plugs

 

All Clips used under Faire Use

Links 

• The Matrix Essay where I discuss Fight Choreography
• Philosophy books by Dr. Preston 
• John Little Books on Bruce Lee 
• Bruce Lee: A Life by Michael Polly