This piece feels like somebody flipping through all the stations of Black genius at 3 a.m., from sports to rap to cinema to myth, and realizing they’re all the same song played in different keys. You can hear the hum of obsession under the polish. Achilles and JID, Tyrese and Wong Kar-wai, all fighting time and the body. What I love is that John writes like he’s both the audience and the archivist.
That’s the sound of defeat, the sound of your best laid plans crumbling right in front of you."
You had me at the beginning.
I don't watch basketball as much as I used to but I could feel Haliburton's pain. I popped my knee in 2008 that kept me from running for a long time.
Your introduction has me reflecting on the days when I felt defeated - thoughts of giving up because in the moment that feels easier to do. Lie down and wail because the internal pain hurts and I don't know what else to do right now. I know that it's temporary but in the moment it feels like it lasts forever.
Thanks Alex! Going through an injury is tough and the whole process can be a bit traumatic tbh (depending on the severity and how tied physical activity / sports is to your identity). You're right in how long that moment feels when you're right in it. Hopefully you've been able to heal from it (physically and emotionally) in due time 🙏🏾
Grateful, as always, for you reading and sharing your story
This piece feels like somebody flipping through all the stations of Black genius at 3 a.m., from sports to rap to cinema to myth, and realizing they’re all the same song played in different keys. You can hear the hum of obsession under the polish. Achilles and JID, Tyrese and Wong Kar-wai, all fighting time and the body. What I love is that John writes like he’s both the audience and the archivist.
💯 agree!
Thanks so much! Appreciate you both 🙏🏾
"Tap. Tap. Tap.
That’s the sound of defeat, the sound of your best laid plans crumbling right in front of you."
You had me at the beginning.
I don't watch basketball as much as I used to but I could feel Haliburton's pain. I popped my knee in 2008 that kept me from running for a long time.
Your introduction has me reflecting on the days when I felt defeated - thoughts of giving up because in the moment that feels easier to do. Lie down and wail because the internal pain hurts and I don't know what else to do right now. I know that it's temporary but in the moment it feels like it lasts forever.
Another AMAZING read John!🔥
Thanks Alex! Going through an injury is tough and the whole process can be a bit traumatic tbh (depending on the severity and how tied physical activity / sports is to your identity). You're right in how long that moment feels when you're right in it. Hopefully you've been able to heal from it (physically and emotionally) in due time 🙏🏾
Grateful, as always, for you reading and sharing your story