LeBron James elevates over groping Pistons' arms - tossing the ball over three defenders, the rim guzzles Spalding like an eager coin funnel. It did not matter from where he shot. Tonight, he was a Nietzschean superman, willing the ball into the basket. Game 5 of the NBA playoffs against the Detroit Pistons, one of those events that make it worthwhile to be a sports fan. I picked up a vibrating phone. "Dude," my cousin said. "You watchin' this?" The start of a speechless conversation.
A little less then three years prior, another talent was about to be recognized. Sen. Barack Obama was walking around the 2004 Democratic National Convention, talking to reporters and preparing to deliver his famous keynote speech. "I'm LeBron, baby," the young senator said. "I can play on this level. I got some game."
LeBron and President Obama have drawn comparisons for some time. And not just for sharing a solid mid-range jumper: LeBron owns the triple-double like the President has seized the triple syllable. A society's astrology - the myths about their stars - reveals much about a culture. The fate of these American idols have paralleled trends in this country.
Both began with precocious ability, hence the accusations of being "groomed for success." Their charisma had ensured both their popularity and condemnation. How, then, has their esteem fell so fast, even among former supporters? LeBron is booed every night like it is Halloween.
Initially, both appealed to idealism - that hope of infinite possibility. It was a growing process for this generation, watching their promising heroes grind against a somewhat stagnant reality. Hence, some have felt let down by LeBron or Obama for making compromised decisions. When LeBron arrived in Miami, a neon sign glowed in the Heat arena: "Yes We Did."
Pragmatism, however, is the American philosophy - the only system of thought that can say, "Made in America!" Practical choices have benefited this nation since its founding. The Constitution itself was founded largely on compromises. Yesterday's elections, and the start of the Miami Heat season, thus point to a practical re-interpretation of the American dream: Success can no longer be an individual aspiration. For the United States and the Miami Heat to remain competitive, the former playmakers must now become the cliched good teammates.
Notice I have not mentioned race, nor does anyone else my age when they speak about these figures. That I am generally unfamiliar and na
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