Since
very few people know who Giannis Antetokounmpo is, I will begin with a little
biographical information. Antetokounmpo
is a 6’ 10” 205 pound rookie forward for the Milwaukee Bucks (yes Milwaukee
still has a basketball team). He was
drafted 15th overall in the NBA draft out of a second tier Greek basketball
league (more on that later). Giannis was
raised in Greece but born in Nigeria, which has caused a case of double
consciousness. We defined double
consciousness in class as a phenomenon that occurs when people from minority
groups have multiple identities that can be very conflicting and thus create an
identity issue.
According
to a recent interview with sports illustrated, Antetokounmpo has always seen
himself as Greek. He had been raised in Greece, so it was natural for him to
identify with that culture. However, the
natives viewed him as dark-skinned, and therefore as something other than
Greek. Thus, his personal identity did
not match the identity that the rest of society had given him. This led to social problems throughout his
younger years. Antetokounmpo never felt
like he belonged due to the racism and inequality he faced growing up, yet he
was unsure of what he could be other than Greek. Regardless, his lack of citizenship led him
to be ineligible to play on club teams regardless of his talent. This ineligibility to participate also
explains why he went from a second tier team in a foreign country to being a
first round draft pick here in the states.
The
irony of the situation is, now that Antetokounmpo has become a serious
contender for the NBA rookie of the year award, Greece has recently granted him
citizenship. Apparently now that he has
achieved some fame his salient identity is now that of an NBA star rather than
a minority. This has led him to gain the
privilege that has so long eluded him and his family. Now Greece can feature “their” budding star
on their national team. It seems that
Giannis Antetokounmpo has multiple identities, and that they will continue to
develop and change as his career and life course continue. It’s rather impressive to me seeing
Antetokounmpo refuse to let any identity issues hold him back from his dreams.
An
interview has been included for any of you that do not know anything about the
Buck’s new star, or for those who are simply curious about his quick rise to
fame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I906fd_6ww
That is quite interesting. I especially liked your comment about Greece's citizenship proposition. The only reason he was granted citizenship is because of his fame and popularity. Antetokounmpo is a great example of how a person can live in double consciousness. He associates himself as a Greek, but the Greeks reject him as a minority. In Africa, he assimilates into society, but his Greek roots is what makes up his identity. Great example! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a neat example. I like how you were able to relate Antetokounmpo Greek heritage as a double consciousness example. My question is that now what does Greece do. After Antetokounmpo took on another identity of being a great basketball player, what do they do to get Antetokounmpo back to play in Greece. It seems like the confusion of how to label Antetokounmpo is the reason why he wasn't able to play ball in Greece.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Antetokounmpo will be granted the opportunity to play basketball in Greece for any of their Olympic or International Teams if he so chooses. From my understanding, his only opportunity to play would be for Greece if he wanted to play international ball, because he is not a legal citizen of the U.S.
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