"Poser"
Available from Blacklava
It's relatively well-known in Bruce Lee lore that after his stint on the Green Hornet, the martial artist was up for the part of Kwai Chang Caine in the TV series Kung Fu. However, as you can see, the part of the asskicking Asian man ended up going to David Carradine. The white guy.
UPDATE: In consideration of David Carradine's death, Ryan Suda of Blacklava has posted this message with the shirt listing:
We at Blacklava give much love and respect to David Carradine as aI definitely agree -- the shirt's message is not meant to be an indictment of Carradine himself, but of the Yellowface role and the Hollywood culture that encouraged it.
fellow actor and human being.
In light of David Carradine's recent passing, we realize that the Poser shirt can be interpreted in many different ways. I know this because of various discussions with friends about the positive (creating new possibilities) /negative (dwelling) perception of the design especially with his recent death. I've chosen to leave the
shirt up on the site because, from where I stand, at this moment, I feel that the shirt holds true to my viewpoint independent of his passing. Having said this, I would like to offer some clarity on my intention with the design so there is an understanding that I do not think David Carradine is evil or wrong in his choice to play the character nor am trying to disrespect him in anyway. He did what he did. It really could have been anyone. The intention of the shirt was to create a tongue-in-cheek visual commentary on the choice to use a Caucasian man in a role of an Asian or Half Asian character. Yellowface. This was the 1970s. It's what happened and simply a reminder. With this reminder, we place it in the past where it belongs and can now move forward and create new possibilities for Asian Americans and minorities in all aspects of entertainment.
Rest in peace David.
Ryan Suda
Blacklava Clothing
