The Other Wes Moore (Prompt 3 What activities do you enjoy doing while trying to cope with difficult situations?)

 Jasmine Reese

Professor Rosen

Contemporary Literacies

April 11, 2023

What activities do you enjoy doing while trying to cope with difficult situations?

Wes Moore described his experiences in the new neighborhood in which he now resided in. He and his family resided in the Bronx in New York City. He described the time he went to go play basketball after he finished his chores. He also described the physical attractions as he stated "I took my time getting to the courts, practicing dribbling the ball between my legs, but I also tried my best to absorb the new neighborhood. There were many more people on the streets, sitting on the stoops, hanging out, than I was used to. The boom-bap of early hip-hop, still young and close to its Bronx roots, tumbled out of the apartment buildings, mixed with Spanish music blaring from boom boxes." (Moore 2010 p.43). Growing up in an environment similar to Wes Moore's, was relatable because my community consists of the same thing. I live in a complex that used to contain all apartment buildings, but now it's just one left surrounded by townhouses. In my complex people will hang out on their porches, playing music that protrudes through their apartment windows, with the park and basketball court just a block away from my house. 

I always had to finish my chores as well before heading outside to play with my friends. We also knew to be back before the streetlights went out. As a basketball player, I've been playing since the age of five and how I developed my game was by not only training but hooping in my neighborhood park with the guys. Wes Moore stated how he saw the older guys playing in which he knew were more skilled and were very rough, but he wanted to play anyway. He stated "Although I was intimidated, I called next because I knew my deadline for going back to the house was quickly approaching. I was practicing my left5y dribble next to the iron gate that surrounded the courts when one of the guys fell hard to the ground. He had been accidentally hit in the face while driving to the basket. Blood trickled from his face. No foul was called. I would soon learn that calling fouls just wasn't done." (Moore 2010 p. 43-44). I can completely relate to this because growing up hooping we played rough, and it ultimately took my game to the next level physically and mentally. 

When Wes discussed how basketball was their escape, I can not only agree but relate. My neighborhood was pretty rough with violence and drugs, but basketball was a way to step into your own world and own space to escape from the reality happening around you and your neighborhood. Basketball brought all my friends and I together in which we would have each other to lean on and enjoy ourselves despite our surroundings and what we’ve witnessed growing up. Lastly, growing up playing basketball in the neighborhood I made a lot of new friends built upon those friendships which I still have till this day. For me basketball is a tool for many reasons, such as opening new opportunities, longtime friendships, and emotional support. 

 Sources

W. Moore (2010). The Other Wes Moore One Name Two Fates.