This video was very
influential. It surprised me on how quickly it went viral. Officer White showed
that he cared about his community. Not only did he respond to a call that many
people would consider pointless, he taught and showed a lesson to those young
kids. Many people think that cops are corrupt, and take things a lot further
than necessary. Officer White shows he cares about his community in multiple
ways. Just the comment of him coming back for another game with other police
officers showed that he cared. The big thing that stood out was that it really
happened. I’m sure Shaq was a big impact in how quickly it happened, but
Officer White’s intentions were to go back as soon as possible with back up. He
just had no idea who would be included in that back up.
I enjoyed that the Gainesville Police Department in
Florida decided to keep this street ball match a secret
from the media. It made the experience a lot more personal for these
youngsters. If they did choose to make it public would they have been as
influential? Probably, but they were thinking about these kids and showing them
that they care. Of course the media found out, but that was after the game had
taken place. These kids were able to focus on playing ball with an NBA Legend!
Very few people get an experience like that, and it meant a lot to these kids.
The best is that the police department had no idea that Shaq would get involved
and how viral this video would be.
How influential was this video? I think it was
influential for everyone not just cops, kids, teens, etc. It influenced me in a
different way than it influenced anybody else. Yeah, it gave out knowledge that
not all cops are bad, or racist. They are humans and like to have fun while
working as well. Officer White did this for the kids. Not for himself, and that’s
what shows in the video. He was just out doing his job, and his efforts for
being a good cop has now been seen by millions of people. He had no idea this
was going to happen when he stepped onto the street to play some ball with
these kids. In the video the kids are pretty hesitant to start playing. However,
they quickly warm up and then you see the group get larger as time goes on. I
was impressed by Officer White and his willingness to send these kids and the
millions of viewers a positive message.
Shaq then sends a similar message as well. He gets
out of the SUV talking trash to these kids. He then plays basketball, in a fun
and exciting way. Of course he was blocking the kid’s shots while talking
some smack. He fouls them and states “that’s playoff D right there!” and he is
grabbing the kid and lifting him off the ground. Just his goofy play shows that
he cared about these kids. At the end of the video he gives the kids $100 for
making a basket. When one missed he gave them another shot to win. All of the
kids won $100 and you could see the excitement in their eyes. He then brings
them into a huddle and gets real close to them and gives them a pep talk. How many
people have received a pep talk from an NBA Legend? He gives them advice, and
tells them that he grew up in a similar area. “You can be anything you want to
be” Shaq stated. Now hearing that from a very successful person is very
influential. He told them a few guidelines: Respect your elders, especially
your parents, and stay in school and get an education. Before he leaves he gets
them to say a chant by repeating what he says. The chant went like this “I
will become whatever I wanna be. I will be a leader and not a follower.”
These kids will remember this day for the rest of their lives, and so will
everyone who was involved!
Just know we can make a
difference. No matter what you do in life, you will influence someone somehow.
Just be yourself!
If you haven't seen the video here are a few links:
https://cdanews.com/2016/01/shaq-and-florida-basketball-cop-bobby-white-surprise-kids-with-pickup-game-video/
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/24/us/florida-shaq-police-officers-game/
https://www.facebook.com/GainesvillePolice/videos/10153223739347015/
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