NBA Nerd

I think this article has a lot to do with stereotyping and the mixing of so-called “roles” that American society has assigned to not only African American, but also white, people.  Morris uses the example of The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air, which I think is a perfect example of both stereotypes. Even as far back as times of slavery African Americans were not associated with the traditional garb of a successful white man. Today, some are associated with gangs and criminals, with baggy clothes in run-down neighborhoods and cities. We see these same images when we look at certain rappers, such as Lil Wayne. In “Fresh Prince”, we see both the African American young teenager, one who doesn’t have a lot of money, not from a great neighborhood, and who wears baggy clothes. But then we also see the epitome of a successful white family (although portrayed by a well-off African American family), and we see their success as being a result of education and hard work. Being a “nerd”. Even though this show is pretty old, we are seeing the mixing of these two stereotypes today: basketball players who dress for their success. Hollywood often portrays basketball as a pick up game that teenagers from unfortunate families and neighborhoods plays on the street. I think even the theme song of “Fresh Prince” has him playing basketball or messing around in his city. The NBA is completely the opposite. It is success. It is money. If we have anything to prove in this country, it’s that you are successful, that you’re doing something with your life, that you can support yourself. No will think you are successful, or even respectable, if you are wearing baggy clothes and look like you don’t care about moving up in society. I personally think that the NBA players could turn down their style (it seems a bit excessive, they are more so trying to draw attention to themselves with their “nerdy-ness”) but there is no doubt that people associate you with better circumstances if you dress for success.