Jordan's World View (By Sit)

[Fresh8]

Jordan's World View

- Tell me if it makes sense if possible... a way to explain wat made him great!

Before Michael Jordan stepped onto the court, the game of basketball was ruled by giants. By the pinnacle of his career, ‘His Airness’ had rewritten history and changed the way the game is played today. Jordan’s influence is undeniable in terms of how he has influenced sports, economics and the world’s population. Single handily, Jordan saved basketball in the States and sold it overseas. He started several charities including the ‘James Jordan Boys and Girls Club’ in remembrance of his late father. He did countless humanitarian deeds but most importantly he was able to captivate audiences of all age, race and gender with his skills.

His impact on humanity is acknowledged by the fact that even people unfamiliar with the sport of basketball know his name and number. Everyone knows Michael Jordan and that 23 will be his number forever. As the main focus of the sporting world during his 15 years in the NBA, Jordan was able to indulge in the constant limelight, even if he didn’t enjoy it. In a book named, ‘The Odyssey of Michael Jordan’ Michael makes it clear to the author that if he had a choice, he would prefer not to be the attention of the media. However, given that he didn’t have that option of shutting out the world of the media, Jordan did as much as he could do to use the media’s attention in a selfless way in promoting the ‘good’ things in life.

At one stage of his life, after winning his third championship with the Chicago Bulls Jordan seemed to be on top of his own world but in 1993, Michael’s father was murdered at gun point. This event hurt Jordan as he had lost the one thing which was more important than his day job and hobby. Jordan, who once thought he knew everything about himself was deeply catapulted into something he called his early midlife crisis.

He told the Chicago Tribune’s Sportswriter Bob Greene (1995; 191), “I was lost. I was lost within myself and I didn’t even know it… For so long everyone was seeing me as an object? A product? Whatever it was they were seeing me as, I was starting to see myself the same way. I was becoming an object to myself in my own eyes.” (Paraphrased from ‘Rebound’ Page 190-191)

Michael then embarked on his own journey to discover who the real Michael Jordan was. He moved on, to play baseball to try to find some real meaning in his life and to fulfil his father’s dream but the constant media attention on this one man always had a bad effect on him and anyone near him. Eventually, feeling cheated by people who wanted to use him to make money, Jordan finally understood who he was.

He went back to play basketball in 1995 which was his first step in understanding who he truly was. But Jordan only finally embraced his true self during the playoffs in one of his most famous actions. Formerly, coming back with the number of 45 on his jersey, Jordan made the switch back to his own number 23. In all sport, the jersey number is a way of identifying a player. Jordan finally understood it represented him as he told media before Game 5 of the Bull’s playoff series against the Orlando Magic, “Number 23 is me. So why try to be something else?” (Quoted from ‘Rebound’ Page 269)

His meaning was that, all along he had lied to himself about who he really and that there was no point in pretending to be something he wasn’t. He embraced the concept that he couldn’t stop the cameras being focused on him and instead of trying to hide; he decided to let life roll on.

With the experiences of his childhood, his path to the NBA, his early midlife crisis and his NBA career, Michael used his world view, adding more concepts to it along the way to build his own legacy.

Michael is a Christian which is evident by the fact that he was raised in a Christian family. He is not very open on his opinion on his beliefs about whether a God exists but one moment in his life does point to the fact that he believes in God. After his team’s 1998 NBA Finals triumph over the Utah Jazz, on national television Michael said to his coach, “I have faith. I have faith.” Phil Jackson replied, “Yes you do.” This moment happened just before Michael retired from basketball for the second time and displays that Michael was religious. However his faith in God was not the staple of his beliefs and world view.

Michael Jordan’s world view is constructed from many different attitudes and values that he has picked up over the course of his life. His attitude in terms of work ethic and his hunger for success have driven him since childhood. The occasion of being cut from his high school basketball team was the beginning of his journey to greatness as Jordan’s attitudes to his life came into view. His work ethic and hunger to be number one helped Jordan improve and land a place in North Carolina’s basketball program. Jordan’s belief that one should live every day as if it’s their last gives meaning to him to enjoy life. An example of this belief in practise is the fact that at the age of 21, Jordan still consumed McDonalds and never tried to have the perfect diet or workout routine for a professional athlete. His excuse was his belief in the fact that “any day could be your last so what’s the point in not enjoying your day.”

Another value that Jordan holds is the value of using what you have to achieve your best. When Jordan entered into the league, he recounted how his team mates were all taking drugs. Michael rejected the idea of taking drugs as he rose to the top of the League with his own hard work and natural athletic ability. Another value he acquired later on in his career was that it was important to learn as much as you can. He believes that, “You should never stop learning. You should give yourself every experience, because if you don’t, you may never get the chance.” (Paraphrasing from ‘Rebound’ Page 272)

Jordan never believed in looking down at anyone. He believed that everyone is and should be treated as an equal. A moment where Jordan was playing a team mate one-on-one proves this fact. Jordan who was literally killing his team mate who was 7 inches taller than him heard people start laughing and jeering at his team mate. Jordan with true sportsmanship defended his team mate by reminding the spectators that they shouldn’t be laughing at his team mate. They couldn’t laugh because they were nowhere near the level of his team mate and they’d be in the same position if they had played him one-on-one.

Michael’s ultimate reality is his strive to become the best. His ultimate reality drove him to be what he became and the results of his career shows that he didn’t waste any time on his development into the man he became. Throughout his life, Jordan has used his ultimate reality to fuel his actions. Every time a critic of his says something that he feels underrates him, Jordan was always there to prove them wrong. A classic example was in his early years at an all-star game where the top NBA stars decided to keep the ball away from the hotshot youngster. After Michael was told of the incident, he single-handedly shot the opposing Denver Nuggets out of the game with 52 points. His career has been highlighted by many examples of occurrences like these where Jordan felt the need to prove his doubters wrong and that’s what made him great.

Jordan doesn’t extrapolate on his opinion of the world. However, it is assumed that he believes that everyone should let life’s challenges come to them. He seems to believe that you can only do as much as you can in order to help underprivileged people. From his actions during his life and now it can be seen that Jordan has a ‘soft spot’ for the underprivileged. A regular in terms of charity work and donating money to the needy, Jordan’s attitude to the subject seem serious. He believes that one of the problems of the world is definitely the fact that some people don’t respect the underprivileged people of the world.

One example of his actions and attitudes to the topic is remembered by many Bulls fans. A young woman named Carmen Villafane who suffers from Cerebral Palsy is a clear example of Jordan’s goodwill intended at fellow humans. The young woman gathered up enough courage to give Jordan a Valentine’s card. This moved Jordan deeply and he decided to become friends with her and has ever since made sure she received tickets to all of his games and all of the Bull’s games. The cost of NBA games aren’t exactly cheap and the way Jordan went out of his way to make someone feel special was his way of trying to fix one of the many problems of the world.

During the trial of the murderer of his father, Jordan didn’t want a part in it. He said, “I’ll let the Judicial System handle the case.” This shows that Jordan doesn’t think it’s his job in fixing the world’s problems but to let them solve themselves.

Jordan’s life has been full of experiences. All of these experiences have shaped and influenced his world view. It can be understood that idols have a big effect in forming one’s world view. When Michael was cut from his high school team, it gave him a chance to embrace and start to form a world view which would catapult him to fame. In order to keep his dream alive in making that high school team, Jordan used work ethic and determination to become the best to achieve his dream. Although he did grow about 8 inches during one Summer and he did have the freak athleticism in him, it is undeniable that Jordan’s hard work got him up to the level he got to. That early experience was the basis of his life and world view.

Jordan keeps reiterating that, ‘the basketball court is my refuge. It’s the only place where I feel at ease, where I feel that the rest of the world is separated from me.” It is that ideal, success and fun that he had playing the game he loved which kept him motivated over the many years he dominated the game. Jordan is second to none and that was the attitude he kept in mind which kept him committed to his goals. The expectations from the public and sense of proving every critic wrong drove him to be committed to his beliefs.

The event of his father’s death really changed Jordan’s life as he suddenly was forced to think about who he really was. Sick of the constant media attention and sense of being used to make money, Jordan quit basketball. He had lost the motivation for him to keep on going. However, he revitalised his passion for the game after constant criticism for switching sports and also by finally understanding who he really is. He accepted that by doing what he loved, he had to let the media swarm him but he told himself it was worth it because it was something he loved. He kept his faith and hopes alive by turning to what he loved most and for him it was basketball.

Jordan’s social expression shows how his world view affects his life. His beliefs of coming first and trying your best can be compared to the fact that now he is considered a God in his sport. His professional life was greatly influenced by his world view. If he hadn’t believed in trying to be the best and if he hadn’t believed in work ethic and letting life’s challenges come to you, he would never have become the Greatest Basketball player of all time.

Jordan’s world view didn’t affect his relationship with people. As a natural born leader, Jordan had a great relationship with all his team mates, he was a family man and most importantly his charm allowed all people in society of both Western and Eastern cultures to respect and like the man he was. However, it is undeniable that even if he wasn’t a basketball player, Jordan would still be the family man he was and no doubt that he was a nice enough guy to get the respect of fellow human beings. But what set Jordan apart is that he never looked down at anyone and he respected everyone as an equal.

Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the greatest basketball player of all time. By himself, he was able to generate billions of dollars for his team, the NBA and all of the companies he endorsed. He was able to spread ideas that we take onboard these days in terms of goodwill and he has established himself as the perfect role model all children look up to. His world view which has been formed from many experiences in his life has given him an ongoing purpose in his life which was to be the best. His drive to become the best was influenced by his beliefs in working hard and to your potential to the best you can. And doing the best you can has always been MJ’s top priority in life.

[Mikki]

I'm gonna read it later when I wake up in the morning.

Another one of Sit's stories.

[cyanide]

- Tell me if it makes sence if possible...

I stopped reading once I read that. If you can't spell sense right, then chances are, your article won't make sense.

[Fresh8]

man.. i suck at spelling!

[Guest]

When people whine about spelling its becuase they have trouble Pronouncing words. Who cares how you spell it as long as you can say it.

[iKe7in]

eye kant agriy moor

[MaD_hAND1e]

just out of curiosity... was Jordan ever a restricted or unrestricted free agent? or did the Bulls constantly give him extension after extension? If he was an FA once... does any one know what teams gave him offers?

[Fresh8]

I think he must have been a FA after his 4th season with Chicago... obviously he always felt safe to stay with the Bulls. He knew the team had a bit of a future!

[Drex]

And he got like a $40 million contract.

[Guest]

And he got like a $40 million contract.

That Too!! LOL

[J-Smoove]

- Tell me if it makes sence if possible...

I stopped reading once I read that. If you can't spell sense right, then chances are, your article won't make sense.

only douchebags would care to write that..


i will read the article probably never. just skimmin' it made it look good already.

[kevC]

Change the title to "Jordan's Weltanschauung".

[Alvin]

@sit
good article. have you tried applying as jordan's official biographer?
good job!

[Fresh8]

thanks alvin.. were u the only one who read it? lol

its still up here.. mainly for Andrew to look at it.. hes a big mj fan obviously lol
anyways... i learnt heaps about Jordan through my research so it was worth while to write it in the end...

[Chris_23]

I followed Michaels career in the period when he returned (cause I was too young before) and the rest Ive seen on many tapes and biographies, or other books...

This article doesnt do justice though. Its more praising than objective approach. Its like he was god, which he wasnt. You nearly point out no flaws at all, with coaches or with teammates.

It requires less to make an article and more to make a biography. Such a yes-yes-yes fact/myth collection isnt something thats easily read. There are no questions asked, not answered in the body of the text, nor anythign really concluded. Not a bad writing, but has really no "suspense", nothing keeps the reader actually "on track" and be interested what the writer comes up with next.

Well, it was nice for a forum thread though.

[Guest]

Yea he had flaws like he got in arguments with pippen all the time wich threw him off his game sometimes.

[Fresh8]

yeah man... but im not gonna go into that man. And the point is to try to persuade how he was great and that does nothing to my argument man!

btw... its my christian studies assignment!

[Guest]

Oh didnt mean to offend just meant that those are things you could have added in but werent exactly needed in this sort of thing. Good luck on it BTW.

[Fresh8]

my teacher says its good... i just need to use the right terminology. It doesnt offend me! I understand ur point but the assignment does clearly state that its about a influential person and u gotta persuade the audience on that POV... which means hyyping him up like a god...

[Chris_23]

Well this isnt exactly so. The period when bulls was their first three titles and Pippen had just become a "star" as such, people started saying that because Michael is the star in the team Pippen will never get full potential. This caused "star" problems between these two, but it affected Pippen more than MJ.

Then Michael retired and Pippen became the star of the team. Media attention was high to follow Bulls success the next season. Pippen did good.

Michael returned and their "rivalry" (which never really harmed Bulls record, so was not so serious as Pippen always accepted Michael as the leader of the team) faded.

When Michael came into the league many considered him arrogant. Even Magic if some remember the case. However his earlier years, even up to the first title, Michael was under constant criticism. He was hard on the teammates, a tough "squad leader". Pippen became his student so to speak, for they became very similar in style. Well, not exactly similar in that way, but perhaps actual partners, fulfilling each other. Both winning defensive titles, both being all-star starters, all-nba teams and such.

But Michael was under criticism. Not many were the fan of the kid, some were strong fans of him and the bulls, others opposed him.

So the question is how he really earned his respect being such a tough man on court. This toughness you dont see in LeBron nowadays, this strong will and heart of a leader who has no regrets. He took too many things personally, and trying to prove others wrong who said things about him. People looked at such an action in awe, because for many it looked like far too great ego. But nevertheless, it was not an issue of ego. This was the way how he separated himself from the others.

Peoples reactions changed with the first title. Weve all seen how Michael held the trophy, and his father. The final, and complete way of proving the critics wrong.

The rest of his career was just fulfilling the empty fields. Michael brought the title to the Bulls, and Pippen soon became a star of his own. Now Michael was considered as one of the best, if not the best player of all time already at such a young age. He retired.

And so the critique started again. This is how media works, if someones too good then people try to dramatize by throwing critique. If a player has a chance to become a star, he is praised. So its like the opposite ends of the same thing.

Michael returned and it was as if he had to prove himself again. You can call this again Michaels arrogance, of leaving at top, then replaying the "proving critics wrong" session again. Winning his fourth title was also very emotional.

And he repeated the threepeat. At this time the Bulls was different. It was a team Michael had guided. He was the on-court coach, right hand of Jackson. Yes, again this decreased the importance of Ron Harper (who was a really great PG during early 90s), but since this Bulls had broke the all-time record with Michael up front, no one really complained. He had become the greatest player of all time and even the critics had all but faded.

Its kinda hard to critique record-breaking player of all time. Then he retired again and was considered as the greatest.

he had his flaws of course, but he became stronger through them, by learning from them, being a different player, a leader this league has seen only but in few players in history, like Russell for example.

But yeah, his career was a rocky ride. Even his Wizards years, he got loads of critique and he again had to prove people wrong. Such a motivation is yes arrogant, but the strongest motivation such a player can have.

[Fresh8]

He has the strongest motivatiopn anyone can have... and thats confidence in himself being the best... it motivated him to prove people wrong even if he did butt heads with other players.

However, i wouldnt say Michael was arrogant. His work ethic and sense of competitiveness makes him seem arogant because it looks like he may be thinking he is superior to others but as a person i think he understands that not many are as gifted as him. He knows that not everyone is as priveleged to be blessed with his athleticism. He was a tough leader but he only did it to bring the best out of his teammates.

He got respect from all of this teammates/competitiors for being such a competitior and haviong that fire for trying to improve his own skills while getting his mates to play on a higher level.

ANyways... i can write a bigger arguement but dont have time now.. will finish my post later!

[Guest]

The reason he was such a motivational player i think is becuase of what all he gave back to his community and what he gave back to the League as a player. Most people think he was a curse becuase people being labled as the next MJ but i think its not a curse but the perfect form of Motivation. We are just waiting for the first person to step up as the next MJ and i think if LeBron gets his head outa his ass he can do it. He plays exactly like MJ in almost every way.

BTW Sit try not to add so many !!!! to your sentences it makes you sound like your yelling. Thats were i got confused with what you said to me.

[Fresh8]

Sorry mate. I thoght u were shotuign at me too.

There will be no next mj! There will be a guy greater but never the next MJ!

[Chris_23]

[quote="R3MO"]We are just waiting for the first person to step up as the next MJ and i think if LeBron gets his head outa his ass he can do it. He plays exactly like MJ in almost every way.
quote]

Id direct you to another thread as a perfect example of one of those "every other" LeBron fans who keep saying hes the next MJ...

You havent seen Michael play if you think LeBron plays the most like him. There are only two players Id name in history who had similar style, one being Clyde the Glide and another being Kobe Bryant whos gameplay in no-drive shooting resembles the most to that of MJ in his later years.

LeBron does not play like Mike. Damn how tired I am of the people who really dont know what they are talking about. Whatever, flame me if you want, doesnt bother me, but its apparent that if you think they play the same then youve not seen Michael play. Period.

[Guest]

We are just waiting for the first person to step up as the next MJ and i think if LeBron gets his head outa his ass he can do it. He plays exactly like MJ in almost every way.
quote]

Id direct you to another thread as a perfect example of one of those "every other" LeBron fans who keep saying hes the next MJ...

You havent seen Michael play if you think LeBron plays the most like him. There are only two players Id name in history who had similar style, one being Clyde the Glide and another being Kobe Bryant whos gameplay in no-drive shooting resembles the most to that of MJ in his later years.

LeBron does not play like Mike. Damn how tired I am of the people who really dont know what they are talking about. Whatever, flame me if you want, doesnt bother me, but its apparent that if you think they play the same then youve not seen Michael play. Period.

Why flame someone who proves me wrong, Im not Jackal. Anyways your right it was stupid of me to say that, i didnt have Kobe in my mind when i was thinking about it. Im just saying LeBron has the Potential.

(Man oh Man am i having fun with Jackal.)