Sense of Empowerment

Reveles 1

Juan S Reveles

Prof. Gena Messersmith

English composition 1

June 19, 2014

Sense of Empowerment

Over the years, sports have been a way out of poverty and have become a

part of our society. It creates differences between people and not always for the

best. You pick a team, whether it's your hometown or one that you can identify

yourself with, and it will always bring out the best and worst of people. Language

barriers begin to cross each other, and prejudices will mature. This battle between

Joe Louis and Primo Carnera as described in Maya Angelou's "Champion of the

World," was no ordinary victory; this would serve as an example for all blacks, not

just defeating a white man but also to portray that Blacks finally defeated the

system.

Maya Angelou's "Champion of the World," represents much more than a

world title. It was the opportunity to explain the importance of the Brown Bomber's

triumph for his people and to explain the frail confidence of the black community.

During the 1930's, Blacks were not worth much. In "Champion of the World"

Angelou stated, "A Black boy, Some Black mother's son, He was the strongest man

in the world" (112). This defined their struggle. For once in their lives African

Reveles 2

Americans felt a sense of power. This was the first time they felt some kind of

defense; this undisputed victory was finally theirs and no one could take it away.

That world championship was not a simple opening of a Cracker Jack box and

pulling out the prize. It had to be won the old fashion way, one punch at a time. Joe

had his weak moment that day. This was not Joe going down; it was the entire

black culture headed back to slavery. Time...