C Word Rears Its Ugly Head Again, This Time in Reference to Bruce Lee

You would think an enlightened columnist from New York would know better.

But perhaps in this case, “enlightened” is the wrong word to use.

Michael Riedel is his column for the New York Post used the word China*** in his column about an upcoming play from David Henry Hwang about the legendary Bruce Lee.

Many have incorrectly equated this C word to the term Irishmen, but there’s a huge difference.

While the term Irishmen refers to people from Ireland, the term China*** has historically been used as a slur and and is not considered a term of endearment.

Riedel was quoting from the 1974 song Kung Fu Fighting from Carl Douglas. The song met with protest from the Asian American community when it was released, but has lived on and still can be heard today.

Ironically, in his column Riedel proclaimed his love for Bruce Lee and raved about the the upcoming play, Kung Fu, which is set to open in New York February 4

Well, Riedel, you need to know, Lee would not approve.

To borrow a line from Enter the Dragon, You have offended my family and you have offended the Shaolin Temple.