Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin is a Deserving Hero

"Every time i try to get into Madison Square Garden, the security guards ask me if I’m a trainer LOL". This was Jeremy Lin’s Facebook post one month prior to his first NBA game with the Knicks. Jeremy Lin was born in Palo Alto, California in 1988 to Taiwanese immigrants Gie-Ming and Shirley Lin. Jeremy Lin played college basketball at Harvard University as a walk on, someone that plays without a athletic scholarship. Then, he went on to be an NBA player, currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets. In his rookie season, he signed for the Golden State Warriors, where he did not get much play time. Then, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where he excelled and became a basketball phenomenon, leading the team to consecutive wins in February 2012. As a result, fans and media nicknamed him “Linsanity”, and he became the first NBA player in the history of the game to score more than 20 points and have more than 7 assists in his first 5 games.  A hero must possess the traits of determination, resilience and perseverance. A hero is someone who impacts society in a positive way, while inspiring many people. Furthermore, a hero is someone who displays unwavering determination to transcend racial stereotypes and overcome their obstacles. Jeremy Lin’s unyielding desire to overcome personal obstacles not only inspired others, but also broke the racial code for Asian Americans in athletics.

Jeremy Lin scores career high of 38 points against Kobe Bryant and the Lakersurbanfaith.com

Jeremy Lin transcends racial stereotypes through his performance on the court, and displays a threshold of tolerance to effectively combat racism and better himself. He continuously defies the deceptive labels society put on Asian Americans: “He played his way into the Knicks' starting lineup--and into a media frenzy. Some observers believed the "Linsanity" was due to the player's ethnicity, as he was only the fourth Asian American to play in the NBA. His numbers told a different story: in his first four starts, Lin was the first player to notch at least 20 points and seven assists per game, and his 109 total points was the most for any player since the NBA expanded in 1976” (Gale Biography in Context). Asian Americans are not known as basketball superstars; they are often underestimated. However, Jeremy Lin defied this racial stereotype by working his way to the top, from a benchwarmer to a record breaker. This is what made Jeremy Lin’s achievement so grand and groundbreaking. Lin not only set records, but he also represented a minority group that is often ignored in sports like basketball. Thus, Jeremy Lin is a hero in the perspectives of Asian Americans. Furthermore, Jeremy Lin’s courage to combat racism has brought the voices of Asian Americans onto a bigger stage: “Jeremy Lin has galvanized a vocal and sharply politicized Asian America which is going directly to bat on anti-Asian slurs, stereotyping and racist frameworks that have marginalized our community. The fact that Lin doesn’t shy away from talking about anti-Asian stereotypes that have impacted his career has driven home the impact of such stereotypes in a deeply personal way”(Zirin). Many other people will shy out after hearing abrasive criticism. However, as illustrated by his ability to channel the negative energy into one that benefits him, Jeremy channeled all the racial slurs he heard into his play, which displays his courage and willingness to prove others wrong. Jeremy Lin not only exemplifies high tolerance, which allows him to persevere through life’s obstacles, but also fights on the frontlines against racism. As illustrated in his performance in the NBA, Jeremy Lin debunked Asian stereotypes. However, his ability to take in criticism and transform it to better himself distinguishes him from others.

One small leap for a dunk, one giant leap for Asian Americansjessewashington.com

Jeremy Lin’s perseverance and competitive nature inspired his teammates to work harder and drove them to succeed. In an interview with ESPN, Jeremy Lin talked about how his perspective on playing the game evolved: "Last year I was trying not to make mistakes. I was trying to fit in. This year I said, you know what, I've given everything I can to this year. I'm going to make sure I do it my way, and if it doesn't get me where I want to go, I can live with that. One thing I know is that if I go down, I'm going to go down fighting” (Gale Biography in Context). As illustrated in his willingness to fight with all his heart, Jeremy Lin displays unyielding determination and resilience to fight whenever the opportunity comes. He works to his full capacity, which inspired his teammates to step up their game too. As a result, Jeremy Lin improves his teammates through his leadership by actions and not by words. Even off the court, Jeremy Lin embodies the inspirational assets of a hero. Sean Marks, the general manager of Brooklyn Nets, (the current team Jeremy Lin plays on) explains why Jeremy Lin is undoubtedly the leader for the Nets team this season: “The guy’s in the gym every single day pushing it. So, he’s some guy our young guys look to and go” (Heroes). Jeremy Lin leads his team by being an example of a hard worker.  Jeremy Lin’s attitude and focus transfers onto his teammates, and they are inspired to work harder. Once again, Jeremy Lin’s actions strengthened the mindset required of his teammates to be successful. In conclusion, Lin’s work ethic and grit makes him a hero because he is an example for his teammates to follow as he leads his team to success.

Jeremy Lin was included among the top 100 most influential people in the world by TIME in 2012wikepedia.com

Jeremy Lin is a hero because he utilizes his talent and passion to debunk Asian American stereotypes, as well as leading his team through his work ethic. He inspires change and progress: “The NBA has been desperate for an Asian ambassador determined to carry forward the momentum that the league has built in China. And in the same vein, the younger segment of the Asian American community, many of whom are extremely avid basketball fans, have never had an athlete like Jeremy Lin to look up to. By virtue of succeeding in the NBA, Lin has the potential to break racial barriers in a way that even Michelle Kwan and Tiger Woods haven't” (Newsmakers). Jeremy Lin’s run in the NBA attracted the attention of fans and people from around the world, especially from China.  By doing so, he established the Asian American community under the spotlights of the media. Not only did he create a newfound hope that transcends racial stereotypes, but he also became a role model and icon for many Asian Americans. Therefore, Jeremy Lin is an inspiration because he radically altered society's perception of Asian Americans through his courage and determination, as well as paving a pathway for younger Asian kids to follow. Jeremy Lin is a hero for defying racial barriers that have restrained Asian Americans hopes and dreams, as well as giving the Asian American community a voice in society.  Therefore, Jeremy Lin’s journey is one like a pioneer’s journey, paving a new and unique path that plows through stereotypical beliefs in American society. Jeremy Lin, who was assumed to be a trainer, turns out to be much more: A passionate leader, a hard worker, and a basketball phenomenon.

Works Cited

“Heroes: What They Do & Why We Need Them.” Heroes What They Do Why We Need Them,

blog.richmond.edu/heroes/2012/02/14/jeremy-lin-the-hero-who-came-out-of-nowhere/.

"Jeremy Lin." Gale Biography in Context, Gale, 2012. Biography in Context, 

https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1650008113/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=3ee42fd4. Accessed 31 Jan.    2018.

"Jeremy Lin." Newsmakers, vol. 2, Gale, 2012. Biography in Context,

https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1618005679/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=3596342b. Accessed 31 Jan. 2018.

Zirin, Dave. “Jeremy Lin Inspires a Nation.” The Nation, 29 June 2015,

www.thenation.com/article/jeremy-lin-inspires-nation/.