John Custis
Laura Scott
Writing 90
03/12/13
“Cut”
Bob Greene was “cut” from his eight grade basketball team. It traumatized him as a child. In his essay, “Cut,” Bob Greene discusses that although being cut can be a traumatizing experience that stays with a person later in life, it can also be used as a motivational tool to turn defeat into triumph. He used his experience of disappointment to become an overachiever. Greene supports this proposition by comparing his experiences with other successful men who while successful in life also suffered the same disappointment of being cut and told that they were not good enough. He compares and contrasts their past and present selves, in order to shed some light on the positive outcomes on rejection, if directed in a productive way. Greene addresses men who’ve shared his defeat and ostracism, and uses a relatable and nostalgic approach to subtlety imply that through this dilemma a motive can emerge to be successful and confident.
Bob Greene points out how being told he was not good enough at a young age evokes a drive to become successful in life. Greene solidifies this conclusion by using numerous examples of other successful men who turned their rejection of being cut from a team into a drive that led them to become "success junkies." He acknowledges these men's experiences in order to point out that success can stem from failure.
Green addresses men, in particular readers, who can relate to the stories by illustrating how rejection works as fuel to ignite the fire of success. In “Cut,” Rob Greene claims “… You were supposed to figure out that you weren’t good enough and quit. “ For example Greene states that Maurice McGrath’s 8th grade coach statement, “You’re no good “ persuaded McGrath to work harder and not give up. This lesson taught Maurice McGrath how to become successful later in life.
Bob Greene uses additional individuals’ experiences to point out that even though they didn’t get it right...