Blog Week 8

I have posted a picture of an exceptional slam dunk at a slam dunking contest. As we talked about in lecture on Tuesday, this is one example where a black aesthetic has changed American culture. The slam dunk is now one of the most exciting parts of the game of basketball and originated from black players of the game. While this display is definately a show of individual athletic ability, it also serves another purpose. Caponi writes about a slam dunk saying it also is a communal activity. After studying about jazz with its improvistaion and call and response, I understand what Caponi is saying. A slam dunk in a basketball game always illicits a response from the spectators and/or the other players. This is the purpose of the call and response. The slam dunk not only changes the tempo of the game by changing the normal rhythm, it is also an act of defiance. When a slam dunk takes place, it usually means there has been a disruption in defense or player mistake. This provides an opportune time for reaction. Then along with the spectators, the players and refs find themselves watching the action as if they are outside the game. In that particular time and space the game is changed and the spectators are energized!