The Kobe Bryant situation has been on our mind for a couple of reasons:
first, it's terrible no matter what actually happened: either a woman was
violated in some way or a person of some fame and reputation is being hung out
to dry. But beyond that is the whole idiotic concept of "street cred."
The theory is that Kobe has somehow enhanced his reputation by being charged
with a crime. This is just ludicrous. More to the point, the idea
also plays
into some contempible stereotypes, and that's a really sad side effect to
the whole business. It'll be a great day when people can just be
themselves and not have to fit into categories.