FamiLee Life

Michelle Wie and Asian America

Michelle Wie is going pro! Not necessarily a big surprise but it is big news, especially for Korean/Asian America. Michelle is still only 15 years old and will turn pro before her 16th birthday (Oct 11th). Interestingly, she is not eligible to join the LPGA until she is 18 years old, so she will play in the allowable limit of 6 tournaments using sponsor's exemptions next year. She also may play a few men's tournaments. However, by turning pro, she will make approximately 10 million per year in endorsements (Nike, Samsung, to name a few). I am excited for Michelle and hope she succeeds in her pursuit to be the best golfer -- playing in both the LPGA and PGA and winning tournaments.

That said, I think this is an even bigger deal for Asian Americans, particularly Korean Americans. Michelle has the potential to be the 21st century Bruce Lee but better, busting more stereotypes. She can and will open doors for Asian American women and men, not just in sports but, more importantly, in the media. As you may recall, Bruce Lee was just reaching mass media success before his untimely death in 1973. Had he been chosen to star in Kung Fu, which was his own idea, imagine the impact his success would have done for Asian America. Instead, the producers hired David Carradine - a White person starring as an Asian American. So sad.

My concern is whether it is all too much, too soon for Michelle Wie at 15 years old. I hope and pray that her parents and handlers (managers, agents, coaches) nurture her career and continue to educate her on more than just her golf swing. I also hope that the Asian American community has patience with her and allows her to mature as an individual first. As she gains comfort and success in the public spotlight, she will make an impact in both small and big ways.

Quite honestly, her eventual golf victories will make Asian Americans proud but many in mainstream society will see her as an exception to the stereotype. I believe that it will be the small ways that will have the greatest impact on the Asian American community. These small ways include the way she interacts with the media, the manner in which she accepts wins and losses, the good works that she pursues (beyond golf), the degree of compassion she shows, etc. These small ways will change the perceptions of the media and mainstream society about Asian Americans...or at least I hope, but only time will tell.

Posted by richlee at September 23, 2005 04:48 PM