Review of Linsanity (2013) by Kostas S — 24 Mar 2014

Real-life Rocky, Rudy, 42, The Express. Only California state HS player of the year, EVER, to receive zero D1 scholarship offers. Was top5 for Cali Mr. Basketball. Takes Harvard to its best season in 70 years. Faces viscous racist taunts regularly. Goes undrafted. Cut by 2 NBA teams who didn't really give him a chance. Sleeping on couches. About to be cut by NY but in his one opportunity saves the Knicks who were 8-15 at the time. Inspiring real-life underdog story of overcoming multiple levels of prejudice and "not looking the part". Even before this movie was in theaters, Lin haters were giving this movie low ratings without even seeing it. People hate on Lin because they think he's a marketing gimmick, not rags to riches, they think he's ONLY popular bc he's Asian. Flat out wrong. Most of his American fans are of all demographics. His story is universal, underdog story, overcoming lots of obstacles and discrimination, and so humble, classy, generous about it all. It's as insulting as saying Jackie Robinson, Eminem, Obama are popular only because they are [black or white]. Racial haters like this give zero credit to talent or ability.

If Jeremy Lin were white (or black) with a different non-Asian last name, he would have gotten multiple D1 college scholarships, been drafted top 10 in the draft, and already be well known before the NBA so when he took off it wouldn't be a surprise to people. This is based on his actual production, accomplishments, and skills. But him being Asian, kind of like being a white running back or a black scientist, automatically held him back at EVERY LEVEL.