Comm. Across Cultures Paper 1

Patricia McFarlane

2/13/06

Judging The Book By Its Cover: America's Continuing Problem Of Acceptance

"They're targeting guys who dress like me -- guys who dress hip-hop. Put a murderer in a suit, and he's still a murderer. It sends a bad message to kids" (Iverson 1). Allen Iverson, the quote's author, often has to defend himself with comments like this one when being berated by the media. Being one of the world's best basketball players definitely puts him in the spotlight, but unfortunately, his talent is usually not the topic of conversation. Allen Iverson, an African American, is considered by America's dominant culture, white and middle-classed, to be a "thug." The media prefers to use the term "hip-hop icon" to describe the 6'1 guard of the Philadelphia 76'ers. Indeed, Iverson's tattooed body, excessive jewelry, baggy shorts, headband, arm bands, and corn rows do not...