This portion is going more in depth about the transformation of culture and explaining that it wasn't as easy as it sounds. This makes the transformation circumstance more realistic.

The author uses imagery to give a visual picture of the public tolerance discussed in the last paragraph. Here, they are using Dearborn High as an example of how the country is becoming more aware of change. This helps the writing because it's basically evidence supporting their statement.

The author uses specific word such as "without sustenance" and "resisted the temptation" to show the reader the sacrifices Ali is going through during Ramadan. It puts emphasis on the strength required to go through Ramadan without any food for energy.

This quote displays Derek's mindset going into such a dangerous career. I think it's like a cause and effect kind of situation. Since Derek just accepted what he was going through as "the lifestyle" he blinded himself of the dangers that come with that lifestyle, which brought him to a downward spiral and ultimately leading to his early death. This part of the article prepares us for the later circumstances he deals with by showing what made Derek get to that spot in the first place.

This part stood out to me because it shows the impact Derek had on his younger brother, Aaron. Derek's legacy, despite it being sad and a good warning for future hockey players, had Aaron follow into his footsteps anyway. Aaron made no other plans for his future besides hockey just like Derek did in Derek Boogaard: A Boy Learns to Brawl. The use of the words, "no plan B" is what immediately jogs the reader's memory back to Derek's situation. In the first article, it said, “He didn’t have a Plan B,” Len Boogaard said. “Plan A was to play hockey. There was no backup plan.” And now Aaron is dealing with the same thing, serving as a reminder of how Derek died so early (or part of why). This make the reader assume that Aaron could possibly meet the same fate because he is doing the same thing Derek did.

I can certainly relate to this feeling of replacing people who left. In band, feel an emotional connection with all the band members even I didn't know them that well. Either way, always enjoyed a band member's company because of their skill or personality. Having to deal with seniors leaving the band always left a hole in my heart believing that they are irreplaceable.

It's very interesting how this person is hesitating on continuing football because of all the people who are dead. It shows that he heavily values the people who served on the team. When I hear instances like these, I think the next motivator would be carrying on the fallen's legacy. Since the dead have left such a great impact on his life, he would probably continue on with them in his heart.

This is very interesting because the waterboy job isn't the most favorable job on the team. But from Ryan's reaction, it seems that he was the waterboy because of his love for his comrades. They felt like family to him. In class, we discussed that being around people that you like can be a motivator for playing sports.

At first, I didn't know what was meant by "digging." Now, I know it's a football language for "when a player tries their hardest to defend against the opposing team or avoid defeat." This helped me understand that the football team was very persistent. They were so persistent that they developed WTC cough! They obviously were playing football for enjoyment to be this motivated.