Imitating Greatness
Athletes are imitated in order to reach the American Dream. They are an example of how people become rich and famous through dedication and talent. Their outstanding contribution to their sport is recognized by the wealth and fame they obtain. Wealth and fame are dreams for Americans who want to achieve success by imitating these people. In parks, colleges, schools or any other place, there are always people dedicating their time and effort in order to become the next big athlete. Athletes appeal to people because they want to be as wealthy and famous as athletes.Watching many young people playing basketball at parks and school indicates the impact that athletes have on people. They try to do their best to “be like Mike.” Just like in the movie, Like Mike, where Calvin Cambridge (played by Lil Bow Wow) idolizes Michael Jordan and even though he is too short to be as talented as Jordan he becomes one of the best players by wearing the sneakers that he believes are from Jordan. Like him there are many others that follow the same dream. They use any possible way, from wearing the athletes’ outfits to imitating the movements of their favorite athletes, so that they feel like they are the athletes. People want to imitate Michael Jord . . .
He is a role model not only because of his success but also because he has a special charisma that makes him likeable. Famous basketball players like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Lebron James have designed their own sneakers to sell to the public. It is not uncommon to see Chinese people cheering for Yao at every game. Athletes become a walking advertisement when they endorse products. They are a representation of the projection of the rap culture and also the invasion of black youth in the market, taking advantage of the large amount of income from legal or illegal forms of work (Dyson). Many parents force their children to play sports and to excel during practice. By wearing Jordan’s sneakers, people believe that they can fly like Jordan. Because people want to imitate him, he is perfect for endorsing products. It is not only important to have great abilities for an athlete to become an icon of the people. He came from a poor town in China and became a superstar in USA, thus reaching the American dream. “Among NBA leaders, ranked seventh in field goal percentage, 13th in blocked shots per game and 15th rebounding average (2003-04)” (NBA). an because “Jordan’s body is also the screen upon which is projected black desires to emulate his athletic excellence and replicate his entry into reaches of unimaginable wealth and fame” (Dyson 734). They have influence the culture in the USA. “Jordan eats Wheaties, drives Chevrolets, wears Hanes, drinks Coca Cola, consumes McDonald’s, guzzles Gatorade and of course, wears Nike” (Dyson 733).
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