Can't get no respect: Does Shaq represent America's view of Houston?

Why do we care what Shaq thinks?

(07-07-2013 02:06 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  Why do we care what Shaq thinks?

+1

The fact that Shaq felt the need to call Houston a "little town" shows that he felt that was the best way to belittle (no pun intended) a big city. Had Dwight Howard decided to bolt LA for, say, Oklahoma City or Phoenix (or if there were an NBA team in Grand Rapids), Shaq would not have used the same insult.

Additionally, Shaq--like many, many NBA players (and many rappers)--spends a fair amount of time in Houston. Many even own property here. Shaq is very familiar with Houston.

(07-07-2013 06:51 PM)Barrett Wrote:  The fact that Shaq felt the need to call Houston a "little town" shows that he felt that was the best way to belittle (no pun intended) a big city. Had Dwight Howard decided to bolt LA for, say, Oklahoma City or Phoenix (or if there were an NBA team in Grand Rapids), Shaq would not have used the same insult.

Additionally, Shaq--like many, many NBA players (and many rappers)--spends a fair amount of time in Houston. Many even own property here. Shaq is very familiar with Houston.

He only had to spend two nights here in the 1995 Finals.

(07-07-2013 07:58 PM)Baconator Wrote:  He only had to spend two nights here in the 1995 Finals.

Yes, there was also that. :)

I had to listen (or read) what Shaq had to say for several years here in Los Angeles. I'm convinced that >50% of what he says is meant to get a rise out of someone. Frankly, this one was pretty obvious.

(07-07-2013 06:51 PM)Barrett Wrote:  The fact that Shaq felt the need to call Houston a "little town" shows that he felt that was the best way to belittle (no pun intended) a big city. Had Dwight Howard decided to bolt LA for, say, Oklahoma City or Phoenix (or if there were an NBA team in Grand Rapids), Shaq would not have used the same insult.

Additionally, Shaq--like many, many NBA players (and many rappers)--spends a fair amount of time in Houston. Many even own property here. Shaq is very familiar with Houston.

But but...

I remember one of my classmates in the 60's explaining to me that Dallas was a city but Houston was just a big village.

Big village, little town, etc...all in the eye of the beholder.