Shani proved once again that given access and opportunity, inner-ctiy
residents can compete and succeed at games usually offered to the wealthy.Though it's not the coolest thing to admit, we at Old School Tribune
periodically check out American Idol to see how our favorite contestants are
performing.
The closest inner-city residents come to ice-skating,
skiing, or bobsledding is kids being pushed down a hill in a wagon, and
laying on a piece of cardboard and sliding down a flight of stairs. We
simply manage to make to make due with what we have. As such, in the spirit
of the Olympics, we will periodically recognize some of the games that we
play in urban areas in this ongoing segment called Hood Games.
One of the Hood's favorite past times is ribbing (ranking,
clowning, crackin’ jokes, or whatever your region calls it). We know that many
of your are saying that ribbing is neither a sport nor a game. Well, we say that
if mainstream pundits consider golf, NASCAR racing, poker, and fishing to be
sports, then ribbing should be included as well.
Think about it, ribbing can be a very competitive game, and
often culminates with more physicality than any of the "sports" mentioned
earlier. Ribbing also requires a certain level of mental fortitude, requiring
one to balance crushing his opponent without crossing the proverbial “Line.” You
all know that cracking a “Yo Mama” joke pretty much ensures that ribbing will
turn into boxing.
The master ribber, however, knew how to successfully tip-toe
the line without crossing it. Onlookers refrained from laughing too hard due to
fear that he might start ribbing on them. The thrill of victory, agony of
defeat, and showmanship is all exhibited in a game of ribbing. This game will
forever be an inner- city favorite.