NFL linebacker Dhani Jones is probably the most unlikely of ambassadors, or is he? Jones, a bow-tie clad, poetry writing "intellectual", is the antithesis of the stereotypical professional athlete. Now Jones's show, Dhani Tackles the Globe, is playing the unlikely role of ambassador for America and, in my opinion, ambassador for African American men! While movies, music, and even some video games depict and perpetuate a negative stereotype of African American men within the United States and abroad. It is the images reflections outside of the United States that go largely uncontested as most of the international consumer's of this entertainment have never actually met an African American Man. Dhani Jones is changing that fact one country and one game at a time!
On Dhani Tackles the Globe, Dhani's challenge is to learn each countries favorite pastime and participate in a match at the end of a week of intensive training. While matching Jones' "NFL worthy" athletic prowess against other sports is interesting. It's his immersion in each countries culture, dress, and edible delicacies, (Yes! He's eaten Bugs!), that really steals the show! Dhani's, enthusiasm and respect for the sport that he is learning and his gracious sportsmanship soon earn the respect of his new trainers and teammates and ultimately extend an "olive branch" on behalf of this "cocky country" called America. While his "chunky fro", playful manner, and eloquent speeches, introduce people, in America and Abroad, to an African American Man totally different from the "gangster", "thug", "killer", characters seen or heard in far too much entertainment. Dhani Tackles the Globe on the Travel Channel, Monday nights.
~d-the-VIP
1 comment:
I look forward to the day when a man with the qualities of Mr. Jones becomes the stereotype.
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