Johnnyt said:
I think they are like any other 3rd world country. They need to win to eat. They train for their sports harder because they are hungrier. Americans during and after the depresion were like that. That lasted a long time. For two generations after the late 1920's American players ruled, until everyone thought they were unbeatable. Then in the 1980's or so players from other counties started coming over here. All but the very top American players found out that their game wasn't as good as they thought it was. For years most never took their game to another level from the depresion days. They didn't need to. They thought they were the best and became fat cats.
The same thing has happened in almost every sport that the US use to rule in. Boxing and baseball to name just a few. Bottom line...most players from other counties want it more than US players now. =more heart. Johnnyt
I got another word for you. Survival. Sometimes, we are more concerned with success when it's the fundamentals of basic survival skills that are often overlooked. I see it in our kids everyday. Our children are getting weaker and weaker everyday because discipline and respect are practically non-existent in the home. They may be getting smarter and smarter, in this age of information, but man . . . I don't know if it's me, but I am seeing more and more male teenagers out there who want to resemble that feminine look!
Unless you've been out of the country, I don't know if you'd understand my statement. We live in a first class country with first class treatment. Despite all the shortcomings of this world, we have it the best. We are spoiled to the bone. That's why you may hear a foreigner reference to us as being 'Arrogant American Assholes'. America has dominated as a world power for quite a long time, and because we have it all, we are more worried about who's got the nicest and most expensive cue stick (or, the lowest deflecting shaft - my favorite!) as opposed to what really matters which is mastering one's self.
Take a look at Mexico for instance. They come up here, work hard, mowing lawns, washing dishes, and even put some people out of work cause they work twice as hard for half the price. After a while though, Mexican immigrants become accustomed to the 'soft' and comfortable living conditions we are provided with and they become relaxed and lazy. Most any of the other countries especially third world countries have harsh living conditions that force them to survive naturally. When I was at the Olympic Training Center, I hung out and trained with various foreigners and they were just plain tough. I'm talking about most of the South American countries. I fought Venezuela, Mexico, Korea, China, and in general, most of them undergo harsh training conditions and that's all they know. There's a also a deep sense of pride for representing your country. We as Americans have pride for our country too, but it was more motivated by individual success.
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying and translate this into a post dedicated to bashing Americans. I know how some people here can get their panties in a wad in a hurry.
When I watched Team Philippines vs. Team America a long time ago when Sigel, Varner, Rempe, and others were playing vs. Efren, Luat, Andam, Busti, there was a type of synergy felt by the Filipinos that wasn't evident by the Americans. It was like a smooth relay race where the baton was passed with poise and confidence knowing that they were one as a team. When any of the Filipino players stepped up, it was as if you were watching 'Team Philippines' playing. When an American stepped up, it wasn't 'Team America' I was watching. It was Mike Sigel as an individual trying to take on Team Philippines. It is simple. You cannot hide who you are when you're in the spotlight. If you are truly for your country, it will show. If you are truly doing it for yourself, it will show as well.
Take a look at any of the team sports. You will find that many of the team sports have a foreign country that ranks top in the world. We are more interested in ourselves. When we look at all of our celebrity sports heroes, we are talking about individual success, not necessarily American players. Look at Tiger. Michael Jordan (you don't say American Basketball was great, it was Michael Jordan who was great) When you think Team America, what do you think? Dream Team? Michael Phelps and his team members? I honestly can't tell you myself.
I can tell you that Efren is probably the one who has single-handedly inspired a handful of players, which has then has transcended down the pecking order, creating a chain reaction of inspiration that each and every one of those players want to emulate. The Filipinos are also known for a form of stick fighting known as Kali. They are extremely proud of their heritage and they have simple, yet effective means of survival. I believe this is a way of life that any Filipino can relate to.
We have so many money motivated ideas that are constantly throwing us off. We need to re-establish our roots and remember what once made us great as a nation.
