The GOAT. The idea that there can only be one has been one of America’s favorite pastimes of imaginative indulgence. Scrutinizing over everything from foods to fan clubs our society descends upon the endeavor of selecting the one with more veracity than arguably politics or religion. My daughter asked me the question, “Papi, what’s your favorite color?” I pause, and respond, “Red.” She replies, “Mine is Black.” I chose red because I found it unnecessarily difficult to explain the color of burgundy or maroon. In actuality I am more of a fall-color type of guy with a close second affinity towards bold colors. I find the two compliment each other and well and in many cases accentuates my skin tone in favorable ways. Truth is as much as I may like specific colors they rarely are the constant of my wardrobe. I tend to settle upon a simple white-T and jeans with a pair of shoes fitting the weather.
In sports we deliberate over the idea of the “the one” much in the same way. LeBron James and Michael Jordan have long held the popular discussion in many circles with the strongest of arguments on each side. Neither truly retains a stranglehold on the position, though many hold to Michael likely because he was first mentioned in this position and his credits have become the rubric in which the title is assessed. LeBron has been my biased choice because I gravitate towards his cultural connection to my own and his willingness to embrace that culture despite the scrutiny. As much as I follow him as a persona and athlete I am also captured by athletes such as Colin Kaepernick and Bill Russell to Muhammad Ali and Deontay Wilder. I can be caught following any number of other NBA players even while LeBron’s Lakers continue to steamroll much of the National Basketball Association. Sometimes what suits me is something a little different depending upon which way the wind blows seemingly and I’m glad that there is far more than just one to choose from.
The conflict that is often the catalyst of heated debate lays in the pressure to limit oneself. Can one truly do such a thing? If so, then how would one chose? What parts of oneself should they acknowledge and embrace more than another to rank and evaluate my choice. In politics this is a constant struggle that often leads to much strain individually and collectively. Some may chose to even compromise their own values to ensure that the candidate that threatens them cannot succeed. While others hold fast despite the outcome.
The myth perhaps is that one could ever encompass all of ourselves. One is the answer to all of my life’s concerns, or close enough. Close enough is a term that does not get enough discussion but may bring us closer to our conclusion. Was Martin Luther King Jr the one or was Malcom X? The reality is that different ideals can hold greater weight depending on that proverbial blowing of the wind, which changes often and often seemingly in an instance. How can one grasp that wind long enough to settle on one? What if the answer was never, one? What if the only way to capture or anticipate which way the wind is blowing is through emphasizing the diversity that lies within ourselves?
There is not a single human monolithic trait that we can agree upon as constant for everyone outside of our biological nature. This brings emphasis to the timeless golden rule “do unto others as you would have them to do unto you”. If you want to be able to eat when hungry, be warm when it is cold, well when feeling sick, etc. ensure this for others. How we do so is where our diversity becomes imperative. As the wind changes so do our capacity to fulfill and receive these needs. One way may not meet another and some other may have no need of that-way. The answer then lies in the provision of freedom for a collective of diversity in the paths we seek to live out this golden rule so that no matter which way the wind blows it finds a grasping hand.
We may never get to a conclusion of the GOAT conversation between epic performers but to an extent that has been the very essence of why our eyes and ears have remained attuned. Waiting to see what new feat or performance may reinforce a part of ourselves that we derive pleasure from. From the dunks to the threes, the comebacks to the rings, from the protests to the votes, from the charity to legislation there has been someone somewhere appreciating that exchange of what is offered. I can’t say which act of the rule had more value than the other to whom it was received anymore than I can offer which feat accomplished by this hero or the other held more entertainment for one fan to the next. What I can say is that I am grateful for each attempt at greatness that meets us where we are.
therockneverstops 