exploiting NBA ghetto pathology

[The Basement]

Good call on Kobe 'tommyp', but I don't see how this can make you a fan of a guy. if anything, it shows how guys that grow up even in a seemingly "stable" environment can still come out a little screwy.

The dodging of the subpeona was very, very interesting. Somehow, i don't think Gilbert's the only one to do that over the years..

 

[Cousin Jeffrey]

Arenas' story certainly isn't the typical ghetto tale. If he were raised by his mom amid half-brothers in the PJs, then yeah. But being raised by his pops in California is hardly typical. Add to that, he's not at all ordinary in ghetto parlance, he's more of a loner, like Kobe. He's a different dude and this story, not to mention the two hundred others Gilbertology stories I've read in the past year, are always good reading.

 

[slowcenter]

sorry - it's a cliche and a stereotype. i feel like i've read this story a thousand times. it doesn't matter how you tell it - it's derivative.

a far more original and fresh story would be an NBA star who emerged from a two-parent middle-class non-violent upbringing.

You know Henry, I wrote a few of those about guys like Grant Hill and David Robinson over the years. Most editors said "nice story," and tried to stifle yawns while throwing me the compliment. Then they would hit up our other writer for another "What is Dennis Rodman Up To?" story.

You don't get to have it both ways.

 

[henryhenry]

Arenas' story certainly isn't the typical ghetto tale. If he were raised by his mom amid half-brothers in the PJs, then yeah. But being raised by his pops in California is hardly typical. Add to that, he's not at all ordinary in ghetto parlance, he's more of a loner, like Kobe. He's a different dude and this story, not to mention the two hundred others Gilbertology stories I've read in the past year, are always good reading.

okay, but the writer needs to make that clear - context and perspective - and he didn't

 

[tommyp]

Good call on Kobe 'tommyp', but I don't see how this can make you a fan of a guy. if anything, it shows how guys that grow up even in a seemingly "stable" environment can still come out a little screwy.

The dodging of the subpeona was very, very interesting. Somehow, i don't think Gilbert's the only one to do that over the years..

Basement:
I'm not sure a child living for a few of his formative years in a crack house can be considered "stable."

What I admire about Arenas is his dedication to his craft and his ability to channel any perceived slight to his benefit. Also, Gilbert is portrayed as a good guy--humble and hard-working--yet his continual struggle is compelling as he tries to find the balance between his somewhat lost childhood and the responsibility of doing the right thing.

Or perhaps I identify with him because I could see myself acting the same way if I grew up in similar circumstances.