In class on Tuesday, we talked about the “Cool Pose” and what actually is “Cool Pose?” When I think of the word “Cool Pose” I think of people portraying behaviors of cool or “bad boy” types of lifestyles and being something that people are really not and people are just acting that way to be “cool” or to fit in. You can see this being expressed through the way people “try” to talk, the clothing that people wear, someone’s walk or stand, or even through a crazy and complex handshake. Some people believe that “Cool Pose” can be potrayed in a positive way. Others may think a “Cool Pose” is a sign of racism. It is worth noting that African American males have had a huge impact on American society and American culture in many ways for example basketball. I believe that the “Cool Pose” does not have to always apply to all African American athletes. “Cool Pose” could be a dance that an athlete does after making the game winning touchdown or game winning basket at a basketball game, as what Aaron Crouse discussed in his blog about Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow is definitely not an African American athlete, but he demonstrates his “Cool Pose” through his religious views and his outspoken lifestyle. I believe that Tim Tebow’s portrayal of “Cool Pose” is inspirational and I admire his “Cool Pose”. Sometimes I believe that these images and other stereotypes that people hold of the dominant culture make it difficult for African American athletes and men to stand up for their manhood and so many of these men use various actions to fight these negative images and “Cool Pose” is one of those approaches.
Alicia Jefferson
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI like the comparison with Tebow to the normal thought of "cool pose" associated with black culture. I would definitely agree that cool pose can be applied to any athlete that displays his or her own sense of recognizable trends or styles. I would consider Rickie Fowler, a PGA golfer, to have "cool pose" because of his nontraditional trademark style on the course. He always wears Puma gear, generally with fluorescent colored shirts, matching plaid pants and flat-billed caps covering his shaggy haircut. To me this is another example of cool pose in sports.
Joey Durant
I believe that "cool pose" is just an athlete's way of fusing their culture, race, religion, and personality with their profession. Victor Cruz's touchdown dance is an example of this. His mother is Puerto Rican and he pays homage to her by doing a salsa dance whenever he scores. John Wall does a dance during the pregame introductions that shows off a hip-hop influence. Also like stated above by Alicia and Joey, Tim Tebow and Rickie Fowler also show examples of "cool pose". Based on these examples,"cool pose" does not have to be negative and can be seen in a positive light.
ReplyDelete