The traditional iconic achievement for American boys was to be a Boy Scout, with the highest honor to become an Eagle Scout. Though many young people today participate as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other equivalent groups, many, many kids today take on the challenge of becoming a Black Belt.
As martial arts schools often have posted in prominent places:
* A Black Belt is a white belt who never quit.
* A Black Belt is a leader.
* A Black Belt does not know the meaning of the word "can't".
The Black Belt is a modern achievement that many kids and adults aspire to. A person who earns their Black Belt suddenly finds other students and peers suddenly looking up to them, watching their every move, both inside and outside the martial arts school.
A Black Belt is viewed by other persons as a leader.