There is without a doubt something that we can all agree upon. That is the reach, range, and elite power that the African-American professional athlete has in our communities. Our little brothers, sisters, and even ourselves at some point are or have been mesmerized by the majestic "talent" of the African-American professional athlete. Furthermore, (and as equally important) we have been at some point mesmerized by the perks and luxuries that the African-American professional athlete can afford. Combine that with the power that they control through: money, characteristics, tennis shoe brands, relatable background lifestyles, and overall swag. The African-American athlete is looked upon in our communities as more than a man; He or She is a superhero and a example of what can be achieved with hard-work and dedication. There are many great things that can be said about the Brown Athlete. However, I do make it clear that the idolizing and response of our athletes is a two way street. Let me further explain.
As young African-American males, you look for a role models. Most of the time you look for several. Therefore, you turn to find a example in any place possible. Every male, no matter the color has someone that they have tried to mirror. Also, as an youth a huge percentage of us played sports and looked to find someone to which we could emulate. Therefore, we look at the professional athlete. Not just for a example of sports, but for life. The human species natural reaction is to gravitate to those who possess that kind of "abundance of riches." Also, our natural behavior is to also pull towards those who have "that x-factor." The modern day athlete is our hero, our mentor and mirror. He or She is the deciding factor into what is considered culturally trending and current. Also, what is frown upon and what is not; it can be possibly said that we at times forget individual trends and (through our idols, or mentors, or heroes) copy what they do (just with a cheaper twist). Again this is fine. This is fine because (in contrast to media bias and propaganda) the majority of every African-American athlete are great role models and serve as great examples. They are a critical key part to our neighborhoods, hopes, and dreams. Anyway, the point I make is the modern day Athlete are some of our leaders (inadvertently or not). They are a important part of us. We show our support when we buy their shoes, jerseys, and repping as well as defending them (from haters) everywhere. It is basically a strange and silent partnership that is established in our communities. Therefore, with their help we can accomplish great things.
At this point I would like to state the part two of this matter. Now lets talk about the relationship and responsibility that the Brown Professional Athlete has. He or She is our representative and voice in many situations. It brought extreme pride to see Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Kobe, and many others partake in the "I Can't Breathe" Movement. It also gives me pride to see athletes that give back to communities that have given them so much support. Mentorships, scholarships, and sports camps are just some of the things that our athletes do to respond to the people who come to there games, buy their products, and live their former lifestyles. The modern day athlete is responding by blessing those that have blessed them and giving to others. They are actually returning the hope that someone invested in them as kids. Does more need to be done on the athlete's end: yes. Being more involved in the struggle that their fans and admirers face (racially, socially, mentally). Using their voice, power, and image for more than advertisement as well as personal wealth promotion. However, Thank GOD that we do have the African-American athlete for He and She are vessels as well as unique parts of our culture and daily lives.
In closing, the relationship of the African-American community and Athlete are tied into each other in countless ways. The connection and relationship can not be completely broken down into two paragraphs; for the individual impacts that the Athlete and Fan share are numerous in number. However, it is without a doubt one of the most amazing and strongest cornerstones that is in place involving the functions of our culture as well as communities.
As young African-American males, you look for a role models. Most of the time you look for several. Therefore, you turn to find a example in any place possible. Every male, no matter the color has someone that they have tried to mirror. Also, as an youth a huge percentage of us played sports and looked to find someone to which we could emulate. Therefore, we look at the professional athlete. Not just for a example of sports, but for life. The human species natural reaction is to gravitate to those who possess that kind of "abundance of riches." Also, our natural behavior is to also pull towards those who have "that x-factor." The modern day athlete is our hero, our mentor and mirror. He or She is the deciding factor into what is considered culturally trending and current. Also, what is frown upon and what is not; it can be possibly said that we at times forget individual trends and (through our idols, or mentors, or heroes) copy what they do (just with a cheaper twist). Again this is fine. This is fine because (in contrast to media bias and propaganda) the majority of every African-American athlete are great role models and serve as great examples. They are a critical key part to our neighborhoods, hopes, and dreams. Anyway, the point I make is the modern day Athlete are some of our leaders (inadvertently or not). They are a important part of us. We show our support when we buy their shoes, jerseys, and repping as well as defending them (from haters) everywhere. It is basically a strange and silent partnership that is established in our communities. Therefore, with their help we can accomplish great things.
At this point I would like to state the part two of this matter. Now lets talk about the relationship and responsibility that the Brown Professional Athlete has. He or She is our representative and voice in many situations. It brought extreme pride to see Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Kobe, and many others partake in the "I Can't Breathe" Movement. It also gives me pride to see athletes that give back to communities that have given them so much support. Mentorships, scholarships, and sports camps are just some of the things that our athletes do to respond to the people who come to there games, buy their products, and live their former lifestyles. The modern day athlete is responding by blessing those that have blessed them and giving to others. They are actually returning the hope that someone invested in them as kids. Does more need to be done on the athlete's end: yes. Being more involved in the struggle that their fans and admirers face (racially, socially, mentally). Using their voice, power, and image for more than advertisement as well as personal wealth promotion. However, Thank GOD that we do have the African-American athlete for He and She are vessels as well as unique parts of our culture and daily lives.
In closing, the relationship of the African-American community and Athlete are tied into each other in countless ways. The connection and relationship can not be completely broken down into two paragraphs; for the individual impacts that the Athlete and Fan share are numerous in number. However, it is without a doubt one of the most amazing and strongest cornerstones that is in place involving the functions of our culture as well as communities.
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