Heat and Hoodies

Fantastic piece in Grantland about hoodies by Wesley Morris.  Quick summary of the tragedy, brief mention about the subtle racism of the hoodie, and then a wonderful discussion about the duality of the hoodie and "gangsta" culture in the NBA, the dress code in particular.  The dress code as an attack on culture, but also how the players embraced it and evolved their culture.

The star players looked on the bright side. They hired stylists and began to think about (and overthink) what to wear. They donned suits and bow ties and snazzy glasses. They went to the tailor, wore their clothes tight, and accessorized. The new style felt like both a mockery of dapperness and a legitimate embrace of it. Hip-hop was already headed in this direction, away from gangsta-ism. It made sense for the NBA, too. A wealthy man should look rich.

And then, how the Heat's team photo  is a stark contrast to this (new) image the NBA portrays.  Very powerful.