Quote:
Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
And the folks who criticize Tiger for being aloof in his refusal to address race issues have shit for brains. Tiger's and Jordan's wise decision to simply eliminate race from the equation makes race a non-issue. Racist whites and race-card playing non-whites can only affect their negative goals if people address their firebrand comments.
I understand that the race issue can never really go away, but there has to be someone who says "It ain't relevant" at some point, otherwise the emphasis on racial differences, which is counterproductive, will persist.
Of course, I recognize that Tiger and MJ could only play this issue so coyly due to the luxury of their supremely elevated status. Most other folks are forced to deal with race. Nevertheless, TIger and MJ's lead is a refreshing start in the right direction.
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First of all, I don't know who singles out race when it comes to criticism of either of these two athletes. I think the "I don't have an opinion on anything, ever, because it will affect my endorsements even though I make $60 mil a year on them" attitude is insane.
I would like people to have opinions. I would like people to take a stand on issues they believe in. I would prefer if they not turn themselves into eunuchs because of greed. I don't need to choose an issue for you, but jesus. We know you have an opinion on something.
And they need to understand that other athletes opened the door for them in ways they hardly even acknowledge (I will admit Tiger is a student of the game who acknowledges and appreciates contributions by black golfers such as Lee Elder). Arthur Ashe, Jim Brown, Jackie Robinson, Muhammed Ali. All larger than life. All contributed something more to our society than championships. Sitting on top of a pile of money was made possible by people who fought for themselves and you. Fought for access. It's extraordinarily selfish to get there and then ignore others.
As far as race only being an issue if you respond to racists, that's naive and short-sighted. You need to be proactive, especially when you hold a position of authority. We aren't so far removed from the 60s that the lessons of Martin Luther King (proactive), Malcolm X (proactive) and countless others, that we should just sit back and lead only by example. I disagree with your approach.
TM
