Before people know you, they make predicaments of who you might be base on first glances at your hairstyle, the clothes you wear, and your overall appearance. It is no wonder that many young people do "back to school shopping" in hopes to develop the perfect first day image. It may be having a new haircut, a new car if they can afford it, or n

With most of African Americans concentrated in urban settings, it’s hard to find a wrestling club. In every park a basketball court and baseball diamond can be found, in every neighbor hood there is a pick up game of street football. These are the staples of athletic competition in these areas. With highly publicized broadcasts of basketball and football youth are looking to these figures on TV as role models. Do you remember the ads “I want to be like Mike”? I’m considered an oddity because I don’t partake in these big market sports.

In the Merchant of Venice Shakespeare asks "is a rose not a rose if called by another name?” The true essence of the rose stays the same regardless of whether or not it’s given a different title. This doesn't hold true for people. We have a choice on what we wear and own.

Now picture five great African American Athletes. Would the names Jim Brown, Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner Kersey, come to mind? When I’m asked if I play a sport my interviewers give me a smirk that of disbelief.

I choose to participate in wrestling, a sport dominated by descendants of Europe. I’m confident enough to stick with it even though I find that I’m the only one of my background in the entire gym.

The hip-hop music in the background already has my attention by catering to my brand of music. Out of the corner of my eye I spot a pair of black cargo shorts. I’m delighted to see that on the display is an African American male modeling the product. Its difficult sometimes being black and shopping at predominately white stores. I don’t want to be considered white washed so I stray away from Eddie Bauer and Abercrombie and Fitch style. They’re a size 34 no bother for my 28” waist will look good in them. Besides it’s popular to wear your clothes loose. The crotch huggers went out a long time ago. It’s rare to find teenagers with shorts that actually end before the knee.

Wrestling is a great way to prove my athle

Some topics in this essay:
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