Jimi Hendrix once penned a song that asked this very question. Ironically it was his first attempt at songwriting which sparked the idea for the name of the band he later called "The experience". College football GM's (they stop being athletic directors a long time ago) seem to mull over the "experience" factor during the interviewing process at big time programs. Recently ESPN columnist Gene Wojociechowski wrote an article highlighting the disparity in minority hiring at the college coaching ranks. I was quite shocked at the response that I read in the comments section. Many of the responses were on par with most opponents conclude that "Affirmitive Action" should be abolished. In their twisted little world people who are the most qualified always get the job. The Charlie Weis experiment at Notre Dame may have something to say about that.
The eye opener of the article was the fact that there were only 31 defensive and offensive coordinators out of over 230 positions in division IA football. Typically the next step to a head coaching job is a coordinator's position. The harsh reality is that very few of the black coordinators hardly ever get serious consideration for head jobs. The "experience" factor is one of the key rebuttals from college administators in the evaluation process of most black candidates. Another favorite is "He isn't a good fit".(More on that one later) Give Kiffin credit for closing the deal but even the most fanatical of Tennessee supporters must have some lingering concerns. If you're an Alabama fan, you've seen this movie before. It was headed by an all star cast that included some young pup named Mike Shula.
The hiring of Lane Kiffin was a head scratcher considering his limited track record. Yes he was on Pete Carroll's staff that won the national championship. Yes he was apart of the recruitment of Reggie Bush, Matt Lienart and Lendale White but 5 and15 at the helm in Oakland is still 5 and15. Who changed the rules here? Does the position of recruiting coordinator prepare a guy for such a high profile job like Tennessee? Could Ron Prince (former coach at Kansas State) or Mike Tomlin rise through the ranks this fast? Prince's first job was at Alabama A&M as an Offensive Line Coach in 1993. It took him 13 years and multiple stops at various programs to get his first head job. Mike Tomlin toiled through the ranks of college before deciding that the opportunities were better at the NFL level. Of course he was right. He's know the head man of the Steelers.
It should be noted that great coaches like Jim Tressel of Ohio State and Mike Beloti of Oregon got their starts at smaller programs. The probable reasoning for them being hired was that the A.D.'s were willing to take a risk on intangible qualities. Tressel's track record of success at Youngstown State led to him being tapped for the Ohio State job. Beloti had similar success at Chico State (Not the hard candy from the hood) but isn't it fair to assume that race was a possible factor in the evaluation of their credentials? You Betcha... In fairness its the only piece of the puzzle but lets jets say it is like the big joker is spades.
Studies have shown that people are more likely to make major decisions that involve people from their past or colleagues they are "comfortable" with. (Code word for people that look like them.) Considering the duality of this issue, a fair minded person may be more likely to view these factors through the eyes of race coupled with the obvious trends that have existed for years.
The right fit term really is code for I'm not sure if the boosters will accept a black man as the face of our athletic department. The glass ceiling in college football isn't on the field anymore. It is an unspoken tradition that exist on many college campuses that many A.D.'s (I mean GM's) dare not break.
History teaches us that social change in America only came when the struggle was a slow and painful process. It was the drastic measures that really highlighted the humanity of those who dared to oppose the establishment. What actions can the NCAA take to change this?
Step One. Impose a mandatory developmental program for Division One programs that ensures the development of interested minority candidates. Step
Step Two Inform recruits about the track record of the universities that are doing poorly at implementing their developmental plan. At least it gives the "student athlete" a accurate picture of whether or not the university is really concerned about their long term future as a person
Step 3 After the talent pool is developed, the coaching association can communicate with each other about young men that they couldn't legitimately find room for on their staff. This at least sends a message to the public that the NCAA has made a credible effort to reverse a trend that has been in the making 100 years.
Step 4 The NCAA must be willing to allow the Race Institue for Sports Ethics to indentify programs who aren't making a sincere efforts. A report should be generated that exsposes those who aren't taking the right steps at correcting the problem. Then its up the parents and guardians of the prospects to inform the kids.
Step 5 Have some of the kids boycott programs the programs who aren't making the neccessary progress to combat this issue. I will admit this is a far stretch but in the 1960's a group of black players threatened to boycott an all star game if black players weren't allowed proper hotel accomodations. The hip hop generation has survived off of recreating old customs. Why not revive 60's activism.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Destroying the Myth of Black on Black Crime
The title of this blog may spark a double take considering what we've all been pre-conditioned to believe. ("Black on Black" crime being a huge issue.) Before you dismiss this as a naive assessment, please allow me to enlighten us all on a few compelling facts that may help in redefining some of our collective perceptions. Honestly this has been floating around in my head for quite a while. The internet is a powerful medium for information. I read college friends blog and was immediately challenged by the horrific story of yet another black youth slain in the streets due to America's fascination with the "gangsta/gangster" lifestyle.
We all are quite familiar with the news media's portrayl of "black on black crime" as the validation for the belief of excessive criminality by blacks. The subconcious and overt effort of our collective news media describes violent crimes commited against whites by their peers as simply "murder" (This a is more than a subtle clue to my theory) Homocidal criminal data has been analyzed by many intelligent people but they have never coined a phrase "White on White crime". Don't believe me? Consider this. When serial killer Ted Bundy's murders were reported; did any well known white journalist write an essay about stopping "white on white" crime? Did any famous white public figure lament the loss of yet another white youth to senseless violence.(With the exception of school shootings or workplace violence scenarios, these stories were always packaged as "a rare exception in surburban America")
Still not enough evidence? Ok consider the criminal statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice. Eighty-Six percent of whites that were murdered from the years of 1976 to 2005 were murdered by other whites. Secondly ninety-four percent of the black people murdered in the same years were murdered by other blacks. Let's not confuse these quantitative numbers as a beauty contest of who's the worst criminals. That ideaology plays into the hands of racial supremacy. The main idea of sharing this information is to highlight that people are most likely to murder those that look like them.
Racial segregation coupled with cultural norms and customs created the current racial dichotomy amongst people groups in America. Throughout American history one can find the evidence of people "sticking to their own kind"as a means of survival. Black people were forced to adhere to that paradigm naturally due to our situation of "involuntary servitude". However that goes for the early 18th and 19th century Irish immigrants, Italians, Germans and West Indian black people. The criminal statistics from 1976 to 2005 is proof positive that social issues are still largely falsified and misrepresented by the mainstream media solely for the purpose of segregating and misdirecting the perception of their viewers.
I do appreciate the activist, authors and concerned citizens in our communities at large that believe in attacking this phenomna head on. Their work should be commended but we must redefine criminality in its entirety. When the mainstream media continues to distort issues such as violent crime it continues to stir up fear which creates a sense of superiority in whites and a sense of inferiorty in minorities. How can fear in American culture solve the problem of criminality as a whole if the media continues to segregate the problem? Will this bring about effective change in our communities at large?
Of course not!! Entertainment mediums (this spans all generes) continues to glorify violence and illegal activity as a respectable means of survival at a much faster rate than any grassroots coaltion can realistically deal with. That's alot to ask of our communities considering a problem that has morphed from a thimble to King Kong!
The American community must work together to collectively to reduce violence of any kind in every community. The fundamental question is whether or not American law enforcement is willing to put aside their predjudice long enough to stop a universal problem. Let's not buy into this myth any longer. A myth is simply a story based on embellished details that lack credible evidence that supports the truth.
We must start to demand more of the truth from our leaders in government, entertainment, religion and community organizations. If we continue to accept rhetorical terminology as the real problem then we will continue down the slippery slope of losing our children to senseless violence. It is up to us as consumers, parents, and gatekeepers. If we aren't combating the problem then we are just as responsible for the murder we here reported by our local and national news medium.
Sadly Law enforcement, Government officals and opportunistic business people have yet to take responsibility for their roles in helping to create criminal enterprises. When will our generation take a page from the previous generations that stood up? When will we challenge the status quo? Only time will tell. IF we don't then we experience self destruction as whole and not just as a "black community".
We all are quite familiar with the news media's portrayl of "black on black crime" as the validation for the belief of excessive criminality by blacks. The subconcious and overt effort of our collective news media describes violent crimes commited against whites by their peers as simply "murder" (This a is more than a subtle clue to my theory) Homocidal criminal data has been analyzed by many intelligent people but they have never coined a phrase "White on White crime". Don't believe me? Consider this. When serial killer Ted Bundy's murders were reported; did any well known white journalist write an essay about stopping "white on white" crime? Did any famous white public figure lament the loss of yet another white youth to senseless violence.(With the exception of school shootings or workplace violence scenarios, these stories were always packaged as "a rare exception in surburban America")
Still not enough evidence? Ok consider the criminal statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice. Eighty-Six percent of whites that were murdered from the years of 1976 to 2005 were murdered by other whites. Secondly ninety-four percent of the black people murdered in the same years were murdered by other blacks. Let's not confuse these quantitative numbers as a beauty contest of who's the worst criminals. That ideaology plays into the hands of racial supremacy. The main idea of sharing this information is to highlight that people are most likely to murder those that look like them.
Racial segregation coupled with cultural norms and customs created the current racial dichotomy amongst people groups in America. Throughout American history one can find the evidence of people "sticking to their own kind"as a means of survival. Black people were forced to adhere to that paradigm naturally due to our situation of "involuntary servitude". However that goes for the early 18th and 19th century Irish immigrants, Italians, Germans and West Indian black people. The criminal statistics from 1976 to 2005 is proof positive that social issues are still largely falsified and misrepresented by the mainstream media solely for the purpose of segregating and misdirecting the perception of their viewers.
I do appreciate the activist, authors and concerned citizens in our communities at large that believe in attacking this phenomna head on. Their work should be commended but we must redefine criminality in its entirety. When the mainstream media continues to distort issues such as violent crime it continues to stir up fear which creates a sense of superiority in whites and a sense of inferiorty in minorities. How can fear in American culture solve the problem of criminality as a whole if the media continues to segregate the problem? Will this bring about effective change in our communities at large?
Of course not!! Entertainment mediums (this spans all generes) continues to glorify violence and illegal activity as a respectable means of survival at a much faster rate than any grassroots coaltion can realistically deal with. That's alot to ask of our communities considering a problem that has morphed from a thimble to King Kong!
The American community must work together to collectively to reduce violence of any kind in every community. The fundamental question is whether or not American law enforcement is willing to put aside their predjudice long enough to stop a universal problem. Let's not buy into this myth any longer. A myth is simply a story based on embellished details that lack credible evidence that supports the truth.
We must start to demand more of the truth from our leaders in government, entertainment, religion and community organizations. If we continue to accept rhetorical terminology as the real problem then we will continue down the slippery slope of losing our children to senseless violence. It is up to us as consumers, parents, and gatekeepers. If we aren't combating the problem then we are just as responsible for the murder we here reported by our local and national news medium.
Sadly Law enforcement, Government officals and opportunistic business people have yet to take responsibility for their roles in helping to create criminal enterprises. When will our generation take a page from the previous generations that stood up? When will we challenge the status quo? Only time will tell. IF we don't then we experience self destruction as whole and not just as a "black community".
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
YES WE DID
Last night rekindled a memory that I haven't thought about in quite sometime. I was in my early twenties living in Memphis when a discussion about Kobe Bryant morphed into whether or not America would ever elect a "Black President". Of course it is common knowledge amongst those who are "connoisseurs" of black culture knows that the black barbershop is a unique meeting place of diverse intelligence, perspective and ideas expressed exclusively by black men. I was a huge Tupac fan and remember the line he wrote in the song entitled "I wonder if heaven gotta ghetto"? If you are a true Tupac fan you know the line. If you aren't then let me refresh your memory. Does the line "Though it seems heaven sent, we ain't ready to have a black president." Remember that? I sure do. Subconsciously it skewed my views of America causing me to accept the belief that America lacked the spiritual fortitude to even consider a black man for President let alone elect him.
I remember declaring on that day that America was too racist. My reasoning was that we were to committed to white leadership to ever pull of the inconceivable. What's strange is that in 1998 God had already had Obama in mind. The late 90's for me was a crossroads between the achievement of graduating from college and the challenge of finding the right career. My life though blessed was tough leading up to the crowning achievement of college graduation. Could this have clouded my vision? Did I allow the America's past blind the hope that was passed down by my Black, Native American and White fore parents? The answer to that question is yes. Barack Obama didn't allow the past to stop him from dreaming. He found hope in the words of King, Regan, Douglass, and yes JEREMIAH WRIGHT. Obama turned his hope to faith then he converted his faith into works.
Ten years ago when I made my declaration in "Micheal's Magnificent" Barbershop I was blinded by despair, fear and a lack of self identity. I wanted to block the achievement of someone else only because I lacked the moral compass and confidence to believe that America allowed the platform for us to achieve anything if one was prepared for the task at hand. Now ten years later, I'm proud to be an American. I proud of my heritage that spans many ethnic backgrounds but most notably I'm proud to be aligned with the struggle of "blackness". Barack Obama is the culmination of the dreams deferred of freedom fighters of all races and backgrounds. He is the answer to the prayers uttered in the negro spirituals of yesteryear that cried out to GOD for deliverance.
This isn't a black victory but an American one. All of the lies and distortions of facts by the Right Wing media couldn't stop the destiny and destination of the train we now affectionately embrace as change. Sam Cooke, the legendary soul singer prophesied in the song "A change is gon come". That change showed up and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. All of America has something to be proud of. Hopefully this election sparks healthy debate on other areas of opportunity we have in various sectors of American life. The next four years is a wonderful will us to do just that. America, YES WE DID... YES WE DID!!!
I remember declaring on that day that America was too racist. My reasoning was that we were to committed to white leadership to ever pull of the inconceivable. What's strange is that in 1998 God had already had Obama in mind. The late 90's for me was a crossroads between the achievement of graduating from college and the challenge of finding the right career. My life though blessed was tough leading up to the crowning achievement of college graduation. Could this have clouded my vision? Did I allow the America's past blind the hope that was passed down by my Black, Native American and White fore parents? The answer to that question is yes. Barack Obama didn't allow the past to stop him from dreaming. He found hope in the words of King, Regan, Douglass, and yes JEREMIAH WRIGHT. Obama turned his hope to faith then he converted his faith into works.
Ten years ago when I made my declaration in "Micheal's Magnificent" Barbershop I was blinded by despair, fear and a lack of self identity. I wanted to block the achievement of someone else only because I lacked the moral compass and confidence to believe that America allowed the platform for us to achieve anything if one was prepared for the task at hand. Now ten years later, I'm proud to be an American. I proud of my heritage that spans many ethnic backgrounds but most notably I'm proud to be aligned with the struggle of "blackness". Barack Obama is the culmination of the dreams deferred of freedom fighters of all races and backgrounds. He is the answer to the prayers uttered in the negro spirituals of yesteryear that cried out to GOD for deliverance.
This isn't a black victory but an American one. All of the lies and distortions of facts by the Right Wing media couldn't stop the destiny and destination of the train we now affectionately embrace as change. Sam Cooke, the legendary soul singer prophesied in the song "A change is gon come". That change showed up and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. All of America has something to be proud of. Hopefully this election sparks healthy debate on other areas of opportunity we have in various sectors of American life. The next four years is a wonderful will us to do just that. America, YES WE DID... YES WE DID!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The United States of Double Standica
America on the surface seems to be a place of blessing and prosperity. WE love to brag about anyone being able to "make it" if one adheres to the requirement of work ethic. In some cases that can be very true however every one's script doesn't quite measure up with the classic Hollywood ending. The 700 billion dollar bailout is proof positive that there's a difference in how our government values big business in comparison to everyday people. The working class will ultimately foot the bill for this mess created by greed, corruption and the thirst for power; quenchable only in theory and not reality. Many Americans have succumbed to the hierarchy of double standards in American society. WE have conservatives that will preach fiscal responsibility, small government and taxpayer rights in one breath; only to betray the millions of sheep that hang on their every word with their "concession of support" . Sadly many of them walk the fine line of bigotry,(not necessarily racial) elitist ideals, and false moral principles that is historically divisive.
Liberals on the other hand present themselves as willing advocates in the plight of the working and underclass. Most are sincere in their efforts until they are challenged beyond their initial intentions. Morally it is hard to choose between some of the basic principles that most people of faith have been inundated with. The war of intellectual ideologies resemble the street gang wars between the bloods and crips. Fair minded people of all backgrounds are often told by both sides that they are either "liberal" or "conservative". Both sides are masters at appealing to the emotional makeup of those who have hangups about America's challenging societal evolvements. Most conservatives aren't willing to give an inch to the advancement of minorities, women and healthy debate about how to make America better as an organic unit.
The competing philosophies give more fuel to the fire of double standards in all walks of American life. Minorities in this country walk a fine line while the dominant culture continues to convey a message of tolerance in lieu of some very immoral behaviors. Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol wouldn't get the same respect as Malia Obama if she were a pregnant teen. Todd Palin's political involvement with an Extremist group in favor of Alaskan succession has gotten very little press in comparison to Sarah Palin smearing Obama's alleged association with "terrorist". Bill Ayers was once a man who believed in exploring every possibility of reforming America. He has since gone on to be a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It is on our constitution for patriots to take up arms against our government if we ever deemed it necessary. It's also in step with the right to bear arms which is championed by Palin and her NRA buddies.
The double standard is clear in America. WE give more time for crack rock than powdered cocaine. We were so self righteous about Mike Vick's dog fighting operation but Americans place bets for the Kentucky Derby on horses that are eventually "put to sleep" after they have outlived their usefulness. Studies show that Marijuana is less harmful than tobacco but Phillip Morris and their band of cronies make trillions selling cigarettes. It's Ok for to be a redneck or for white people to refer to each other as white trash but when the word nigger is used everybody wants to restrict the hip hop generation's use of it. America or should I say Double Standica's previous generation laughed at all of Richard Pryor's jokes about niggers and white folks. Now all of a sudden "Nigger" is bad again... Make up your mind Double Standica!!! There you have it people. The United States of Double Standard. Ain't life in Double Standica(America) grand?
Liberals on the other hand present themselves as willing advocates in the plight of the working and underclass. Most are sincere in their efforts until they are challenged beyond their initial intentions. Morally it is hard to choose between some of the basic principles that most people of faith have been inundated with. The war of intellectual ideologies resemble the street gang wars between the bloods and crips. Fair minded people of all backgrounds are often told by both sides that they are either "liberal" or "conservative". Both sides are masters at appealing to the emotional makeup of those who have hangups about America's challenging societal evolvements. Most conservatives aren't willing to give an inch to the advancement of minorities, women and healthy debate about how to make America better as an organic unit.
The competing philosophies give more fuel to the fire of double standards in all walks of American life. Minorities in this country walk a fine line while the dominant culture continues to convey a message of tolerance in lieu of some very immoral behaviors. Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol wouldn't get the same respect as Malia Obama if she were a pregnant teen. Todd Palin's political involvement with an Extremist group in favor of Alaskan succession has gotten very little press in comparison to Sarah Palin smearing Obama's alleged association with "terrorist". Bill Ayers was once a man who believed in exploring every possibility of reforming America. He has since gone on to be a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It is on our constitution for patriots to take up arms against our government if we ever deemed it necessary. It's also in step with the right to bear arms which is championed by Palin and her NRA buddies.
The double standard is clear in America. WE give more time for crack rock than powdered cocaine. We were so self righteous about Mike Vick's dog fighting operation but Americans place bets for the Kentucky Derby on horses that are eventually "put to sleep" after they have outlived their usefulness. Studies show that Marijuana is less harmful than tobacco but Phillip Morris and their band of cronies make trillions selling cigarettes. It's Ok for to be a redneck or for white people to refer to each other as white trash but when the word nigger is used everybody wants to restrict the hip hop generation's use of it. America or should I say Double Standica's previous generation laughed at all of Richard Pryor's jokes about niggers and white folks. Now all of a sudden "Nigger" is bad again... Make up your mind Double Standica!!! There you have it people. The United States of Double Standard. Ain't life in Double Standica(America) grand?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A tale of two Bears..
ESPN ushered in a new era of sports programming in the late seventies, introducing to America a total sports network that gave new meaning to the term "fanatical support". The infant network left no stone unturned covering everything from hoops to bass fishing. As a product of the mid seventies, I have been privileged to grow up in this golden age of sports entertainment journalism. Every network has been trying to recreate the authentic swagger of ESPN when reporting sports news to the American public. If we could have an intervention with our society, the consensus would expose our serious Jones for sports. I've seen all of the major networks commemorate several milestones. Jordan's last shot was overly celebrated and analyzed. The Boston Red Sox coming from a 3-0 deficit in the world series was on every network and rightfully celebrated. Tiger Woods first win at Augusta National was one for the ages but the passing of UTEP coach Don Haskins was mentioned like a speed bump in a crowded parking lot. I'm convinced that the same admiration was due to Haskins but another guy known as the Bear would've gotten all world attention. Bear Bryant is larger than life for the Alabama program. The Alabama Bear won 323 games as a coach, multiple national championships, and dominated the SEC with his tough as nails football teams.
In Fairness, it is tough for any coach to ascend to legendary status. The mount rushmore of sports celebrity is an exclusive fraternity with a very bias selection commitee. The biggest tragedy is that Bear Bryant will always get more respect. It's the same in professional wrestling. (Forgive me, Sports entertainment as the WWE prefers to be known as...) WE will always remember the character the Nature Boy. Several guys "traveled" under this character. Buddy Landell and Fred Blassie come to mind. Ric Flair in many of our minds is the true "Nature Boy" In Hip Hop, there were two guys known as "Dr. Dre". One was a hip producer from the west coast while the other was once a D.J. turned V.J. for the influential show Yo MTV raps. Guess which Doctor we still remember most? Both Bears deserve their respect but I have to give the edge to the "Bear" that coached at UTEP. He wasn't afraid to shake things up in an era when white coaches showed very little courage outside of the "gentleman's agreement".
College basketball was slightly more liberal in its attempts to integrate. As early as 1915 blacks were on some basketball teams. (Not in the South of course) The "gentleman's agreement" varied by region but most times the rule was to never allow more than three on the team with limited playing time. George Gregory was an All-American at Columbia his senior season of 1931. Don Barksdale was the first Black to be declared a "consensus" All American. (In those days there were multiple All American teams) Loyola University won the NCAA basketball championship featuring 4 black starters in 1963. Football however was moving at a snail's pace. Some of the teams would have maybe one black person on scholarship that barely played. Paul Roberson was allowed to play on the Columbia team in the early 20th century but was treated very badly. While coaching at Kentucky Bear Bryant "attempted" to recruit a black player but the athletic director refused. (This may be an old wives tale)
The SEC was one of the last football conferences to integrate holding out until the late 60's and for some squads the 1970's. A fair question to ask is where was the courage of Bear Bryant to speak out in the recruiting of the best players? Don Haskins did it why couldn't he? One reason to consider is that the UTEP's basketball program wasn't as successful. Alabama on the other hand was a successful program that had already won national championships. However there aren't many stories(if any) about Bear Bryant feeling a sense of social responsibility in helping to bring change to a state that viewed him as a God. It is a fair question to ask why didn't he use his celebrity to speak out. In the same vain you could see why he did not. Most people in those days stuck to the rules whether they agreed with them or not.
Don Haskins never viewed himself as some crusader for race relations. This Bear recruited and played the best players that fit his philosophy. The "Alabama Bear's" philosophy of smaller and quicker players wore down the opponent in the fourth quarter worked for him in the era of "two platoon" players. The infamous gym class training prepared his players mentally propeling them to have a psychological advantage on the field. The old Southwest conference was one of the first to integrate their football teams. As early as 1963 the University of Texas agreed to lift their ban on black football players. SMU had its first player in 1965, Jerry Levias. Syracuse University featured Jim Brown in the Mid fifties and also produced Ernie Davis who went on to become the first black Heisman trophy winner in the early 60's. It was his cotton bowl performance that probably set the wheels in motion for the powerful SWC and SEC to at least consider intergration.
Five SEC schools Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU were sent a survey about whether or not they would recruit or compete regularly with integrated schools. Neither of these schools responded. SO you can see why the Bear of Alabama was held in check but still I can't help but wonder could he have done more. The Bear of UTEP won a national championship, went to the NCAA tournament multiple times, and is recognized by his peers as a hall of famer. However it seems as though he is forgotten because he dared cross the lines of the "gentleman's" agreement. The story of his 66 team rarely got any coverage nor was it celebrated as it should of been after they won the game. Loyola's team now has surpassed the UTEP as the forgotten team. Quite Frankly there are many untold stories of triumph in the pre- integration era that defined the struggle for social change in American society at large. One Bear was polarized by the status quo while the other did the right thing according his personal convictions. History should rightfully remember both men but one Bear stands head and shoulders over the other. That Bear's name is Don Haskins....
Thanks for Reading....
In Fairness, it is tough for any coach to ascend to legendary status. The mount rushmore of sports celebrity is an exclusive fraternity with a very bias selection commitee. The biggest tragedy is that Bear Bryant will always get more respect. It's the same in professional wrestling. (Forgive me, Sports entertainment as the WWE prefers to be known as...) WE will always remember the character the Nature Boy. Several guys "traveled" under this character. Buddy Landell and Fred Blassie come to mind. Ric Flair in many of our minds is the true "Nature Boy" In Hip Hop, there were two guys known as "Dr. Dre". One was a hip producer from the west coast while the other was once a D.J. turned V.J. for the influential show Yo MTV raps. Guess which Doctor we still remember most? Both Bears deserve their respect but I have to give the edge to the "Bear" that coached at UTEP. He wasn't afraid to shake things up in an era when white coaches showed very little courage outside of the "gentleman's agreement".
College basketball was slightly more liberal in its attempts to integrate. As early as 1915 blacks were on some basketball teams. (Not in the South of course) The "gentleman's agreement" varied by region but most times the rule was to never allow more than three on the team with limited playing time. George Gregory was an All-American at Columbia his senior season of 1931. Don Barksdale was the first Black to be declared a "consensus" All American. (In those days there were multiple All American teams) Loyola University won the NCAA basketball championship featuring 4 black starters in 1963. Football however was moving at a snail's pace. Some of the teams would have maybe one black person on scholarship that barely played. Paul Roberson was allowed to play on the Columbia team in the early 20th century but was treated very badly. While coaching at Kentucky Bear Bryant "attempted" to recruit a black player but the athletic director refused. (This may be an old wives tale)
The SEC was one of the last football conferences to integrate holding out until the late 60's and for some squads the 1970's. A fair question to ask is where was the courage of Bear Bryant to speak out in the recruiting of the best players? Don Haskins did it why couldn't he? One reason to consider is that the UTEP's basketball program wasn't as successful. Alabama on the other hand was a successful program that had already won national championships. However there aren't many stories(if any) about Bear Bryant feeling a sense of social responsibility in helping to bring change to a state that viewed him as a God. It is a fair question to ask why didn't he use his celebrity to speak out. In the same vain you could see why he did not. Most people in those days stuck to the rules whether they agreed with them or not.
Don Haskins never viewed himself as some crusader for race relations. This Bear recruited and played the best players that fit his philosophy. The "Alabama Bear's" philosophy of smaller and quicker players wore down the opponent in the fourth quarter worked for him in the era of "two platoon" players. The infamous gym class training prepared his players mentally propeling them to have a psychological advantage on the field. The old Southwest conference was one of the first to integrate their football teams. As early as 1963 the University of Texas agreed to lift their ban on black football players. SMU had its first player in 1965, Jerry Levias. Syracuse University featured Jim Brown in the Mid fifties and also produced Ernie Davis who went on to become the first black Heisman trophy winner in the early 60's. It was his cotton bowl performance that probably set the wheels in motion for the powerful SWC and SEC to at least consider intergration.
Five SEC schools Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU were sent a survey about whether or not they would recruit or compete regularly with integrated schools. Neither of these schools responded. SO you can see why the Bear of Alabama was held in check but still I can't help but wonder could he have done more. The Bear of UTEP won a national championship, went to the NCAA tournament multiple times, and is recognized by his peers as a hall of famer. However it seems as though he is forgotten because he dared cross the lines of the "gentleman's" agreement. The story of his 66 team rarely got any coverage nor was it celebrated as it should of been after they won the game. Loyola's team now has surpassed the UTEP as the forgotten team. Quite Frankly there are many untold stories of triumph in the pre- integration era that defined the struggle for social change in American society at large. One Bear was polarized by the status quo while the other did the right thing according his personal convictions. History should rightfully remember both men but one Bear stands head and shoulders over the other. That Bear's name is Don Haskins....
Thanks for Reading....
Monday, September 22, 2008
Confessions of a Father...
September 27th was one of the proudest days of my life. My son Ryan came bursting on the scene of my life with a head full of hair and a smirk!!! I remember carrying him to his grandparents down the hall. En route to the waiting room, I shed a few manly tears and pronounced a blessing over my son's life. That was seven years ago and quite a bit has changed since then. I've gotten married to a beautiful woman. We have our own child together with a house, a couple of cars and plenty of eats in the fridge. I didn't marry Ryan's mother thus creating a parental paradox that many single or married fathers face today. Many of us are portrayed as heartless, self absorbed boys who only care about one thing. Of course this is a huge myth among mainstream media. In particular the plight of the black father is largely ignored. Our white counterparts experience some forms of backlash but not to the extent of black men. Quite Frankly it is more popular and profitable(ask Bill Cosby, Jessie Lee Peters and Juan Williams) to quote the statistics of how many black fathers aren't in the home full time in favor of the women who "successfully" raise their children without the help of a man. Unwed mothers in the black community get similar scoldings from media types giving aid to the hostility that exist among some parents.
Let's be clear, I'm in no way condoning my past behavior that produced another child born out of wedlock. The reality is that our generation (Children of the 70's) inherited from our parents a breakdown in the family unit. Often times when a credible argument regarding the past is presented, "Conservatives" love to mention personal responsibility spewing their rhetoric of human without flaws. Ironically some of them have skeletons in their own closets with multiple affairs, divorces, abortions and countless other scandalous events. Many of these types comes across so self righteous. Many people who need to receive positive instructions on better life skills tune them out. The infamous baby boomers have been forced to witness their offspring follow their example. WE have simply mortgaged our better judgement leading to another generation being groomed for the same dysfunction that was packaged through our everyday life. The entertainment media has blood on their hands with such cult classics as Meat Balls, Porky's and American Pie. The Music industry isn't far behind with their contribution. The emergence of sex, violence and materialism infiltrated American society with the emergence of pop, heavy metal, and hip hop. The sexual revolution of the 60's and 70's introduced single parenthood as normal which caused our generation to view it as socially acceptable. This problem has come full circle creating a paradigm that has produced a new roster of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV is the Tiger Woods of world health, with new cases sprouting up among diverse communities around the world.
In fairness, there are certain fathers who are responsible. They pay their child support on time, visit their children frequently, and support them in all of their school and extracurricular activities. Some fathers are in the middle. They are financially responsible but want nothing else to do with the child. Lastly you have the deadbeat. A guy who's allergic to a job, responsibility and loves the chase of his next sexual conquest more than his children.
The is a root cause to some of this (based on my experience) is linked to the hostility that single parenthood creates. It is the culprit to some of the examples given. Some mothers have a hard time separating the past relationship with the father and child. Especially in the cases where the woman wanted a child so that the man would stay.
I have a deep respect for single parents in particular single mothers. All single mothers don't fall in the category of "a woman scorned". However some of them do. Here are some context clues that will determine whether or not you fit the description of a woman scorned. Exhibit A, You allow the father to have relationship with your child as long as you are phyically involved or present. If you have these hangups, you may be a woman scorned. Exhibit B, You are jealous that he has moved on with his life i.e. married another woman. You have "moved on" with your life but for some strange reason, you have a hard time accepting the wife or girlfriend that has shown support to her mate. Even the child has come home saying how nice she is!! If you called the father in a jealous rage then you may be a woman scorned. Lastly, you are trying to replace the father with your husband, boyfriend or another trustworthy male figure though the father is consistently involved in the child's life then you my friend may be a woman scorned.
Props to the mothers out there who keep the doors open for fathers that have decided not to be involved or aren't as consistent as they should be. I applaud the women out there who support their mates in their quest to be fathers to their children. Equal Kudo's goes out to parents who put their children's well being ahead of their personal agendas and feelings. We must all remember that the overall well being of our children is more important than our "pride" as men or women. If you are a man and these words find you please own up to your responsibility as a father. If you are having a hard time with the mother don't give up. Especially if you got a late start with trying to build a relationship with the child. You must earn some sort of credibility. Ladies don't allow your female intuition to lead you astray. Allow the father to earn your trust. Be the bigger person and guide your child through some of the disappointment that may happen. Continue to surround the child with positive male role models. Make sure it isn't a revolving door of male live-ins or "good time" charlie's who only frequent your residence on the late night creep...
The other woman isn't trying to replace you. Parents should be quick to forgive when we don't live up to some of our "demands" or when the lines of communication gets blurry. It's not always about you. Fellas, she isn't always being a "bitch" because she has concerns about certain aspects of your child's environment or who you are currently dating. Honestly we made our bed as parents when we decided to divorce or create a life before we made a solid commitment. Lastly lets teach our children the values that we took for granted. Parents, Let's teach our daughters that single parenthood is tough even if they have a great career. Father's we should teach our sons that women are meant to be our sexual conquest but are to be protected, respected, loved and cherished as the progenitor of life. WE must change the way we think or else we will continue to see the results of a degenerate society led by broken adults who were once broken children... Thanks for reading... Let's all do better....
Let's be clear, I'm in no way condoning my past behavior that produced another child born out of wedlock. The reality is that our generation (Children of the 70's) inherited from our parents a breakdown in the family unit. Often times when a credible argument regarding the past is presented, "Conservatives" love to mention personal responsibility spewing their rhetoric of human without flaws. Ironically some of them have skeletons in their own closets with multiple affairs, divorces, abortions and countless other scandalous events. Many of these types comes across so self righteous. Many people who need to receive positive instructions on better life skills tune them out. The infamous baby boomers have been forced to witness their offspring follow their example. WE have simply mortgaged our better judgement leading to another generation being groomed for the same dysfunction that was packaged through our everyday life. The entertainment media has blood on their hands with such cult classics as Meat Balls, Porky's and American Pie. The Music industry isn't far behind with their contribution. The emergence of sex, violence and materialism infiltrated American society with the emergence of pop, heavy metal, and hip hop. The sexual revolution of the 60's and 70's introduced single parenthood as normal which caused our generation to view it as socially acceptable. This problem has come full circle creating a paradigm that has produced a new roster of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV is the Tiger Woods of world health, with new cases sprouting up among diverse communities around the world.
In fairness, there are certain fathers who are responsible. They pay their child support on time, visit their children frequently, and support them in all of their school and extracurricular activities. Some fathers are in the middle. They are financially responsible but want nothing else to do with the child. Lastly you have the deadbeat. A guy who's allergic to a job, responsibility and loves the chase of his next sexual conquest more than his children.
The is a root cause to some of this (based on my experience) is linked to the hostility that single parenthood creates. It is the culprit to some of the examples given. Some mothers have a hard time separating the past relationship with the father and child. Especially in the cases where the woman wanted a child so that the man would stay.
I have a deep respect for single parents in particular single mothers. All single mothers don't fall in the category of "a woman scorned". However some of them do. Here are some context clues that will determine whether or not you fit the description of a woman scorned. Exhibit A, You allow the father to have relationship with your child as long as you are phyically involved or present. If you have these hangups, you may be a woman scorned. Exhibit B, You are jealous that he has moved on with his life i.e. married another woman. You have "moved on" with your life but for some strange reason, you have a hard time accepting the wife or girlfriend that has shown support to her mate. Even the child has come home saying how nice she is!! If you called the father in a jealous rage then you may be a woman scorned. Lastly, you are trying to replace the father with your husband, boyfriend or another trustworthy male figure though the father is consistently involved in the child's life then you my friend may be a woman scorned.
Props to the mothers out there who keep the doors open for fathers that have decided not to be involved or aren't as consistent as they should be. I applaud the women out there who support their mates in their quest to be fathers to their children. Equal Kudo's goes out to parents who put their children's well being ahead of their personal agendas and feelings. We must all remember that the overall well being of our children is more important than our "pride" as men or women. If you are a man and these words find you please own up to your responsibility as a father. If you are having a hard time with the mother don't give up. Especially if you got a late start with trying to build a relationship with the child. You must earn some sort of credibility. Ladies don't allow your female intuition to lead you astray. Allow the father to earn your trust. Be the bigger person and guide your child through some of the disappointment that may happen. Continue to surround the child with positive male role models. Make sure it isn't a revolving door of male live-ins or "good time" charlie's who only frequent your residence on the late night creep...
The other woman isn't trying to replace you. Parents should be quick to forgive when we don't live up to some of our "demands" or when the lines of communication gets blurry. It's not always about you. Fellas, she isn't always being a "bitch" because she has concerns about certain aspects of your child's environment or who you are currently dating. Honestly we made our bed as parents when we decided to divorce or create a life before we made a solid commitment. Lastly lets teach our children the values that we took for granted. Parents, Let's teach our daughters that single parenthood is tough even if they have a great career. Father's we should teach our sons that women are meant to be our sexual conquest but are to be protected, respected, loved and cherished as the progenitor of life. WE must change the way we think or else we will continue to see the results of a degenerate society led by broken adults who were once broken children... Thanks for reading... Let's all do better....
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Are the people of Ohio and Pennsylvania stuck on stupid?
I read the USA today almost everyday during my lunch break. They are really great at covering diverse topics from spanning anything from politics to sports. One article in particular that caught my attention was a piece written in the political section entitled, "Small Ohio towns play a hefty role". According to the article, the republican party has made a clean sweep in these areas. "Traditional values" was the trump card the Bush camp played in the 2004 election. 118,000 total votes decided the winner of the state. It appears that Obama has to find common ground with the rural community. During the primaries, fear (racism) reared its ugly head. Many of the voters struggled with the thought of Obama being president. Most believed the rumors of him going to a Muslim school and that secretly he was still a Muslim.
The Jeremiah Wright fiasco didn't do Obama any favors either. Don't let the title of this blurb throw you off. I'm not suggesting that the people of Pennsylvania and Ohio are stupid. The term stuck on stupid refers to people who knows they should do the right thing but can't. Most of these people have never been exposed to an Obama. Their only introduction to black people are the ones they see in handcuffs on the news or hip hop videos. The town Coshocton, Ohio has a population of 11,500. Most of their big ticket employers like Coca-Cola have left town leaving the county with a 10.2 unemployment rate.
Truth be told many of the hardest hit rural counties never get their stories told. The media has a love affair of depicting minority's only as the ones who suffer from the effects of poverty. A few camera crews from various news organizations interviewed some of the people of rural Pennsylvania. When asked about supporting Obama, some openly admitted that race was an issue. Of course they used the "experience" card which is a fair argument on the surface. That's until Sarah Palin showed up on the ticket of the Republicans. Now some of these same people are changing their tune.
The biggest sign of hypocrisy is the McCain camp's back pedal. They have started out keeping Palin out of the spotlight by herself purposely. They have done a masterful job of promoting her as a career woman that women can relate to. Clearly the strategy is to move the Clinton supporters over to their side. Of course women around the country aren't that naive but there's enough of them that are. Some men are sticking to their guns about McCain praising his choice as validation for his "maverick" persona.
Sadly many in the middle class are undecided because they're allowing religious doctrine to be a crutch for making a good decision. Anyone who makes less than 250,000 a year should cast a democratic vote. The McCain economic package doesn't benefit us!!! It's just that simple. Most politicians on either side of the coin remind me of used car salesmen. I should know I used to be one!!! Car salesmen are great at making you feel like one of them. They'll butter you up with cold drinks, snacks for the kids, and compliments for how pretty your wife is. The empty promises of giving people the choice of what to do with their money is baloney.
Taxpayers are going to pay some form of tax and it want be cheap. Corporate welfare for AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddi Mac is a testament to how there's a huge double standard. Middle class people aren't going to get this type of bail out. Many people are behind on their mortgages. Will the government create an authentic program that assists working families with catching up on their mortgages? (regardless of fico score) This is why this question should be asked. Are we as a country stuck on stupid? The last eight years as proven to us that the Bush economic plan has failed those who matters most.
If we don't elect Obama we will continue to slide down the slippery slope of economic mediocrity. Hopefully new voters will get out. Prayerfully rural county people will see the error of their choice four years ago. It's up to all of us.. Not just one community.....
The Jeremiah Wright fiasco didn't do Obama any favors either. Don't let the title of this blurb throw you off. I'm not suggesting that the people of Pennsylvania and Ohio are stupid. The term stuck on stupid refers to people who knows they should do the right thing but can't. Most of these people have never been exposed to an Obama. Their only introduction to black people are the ones they see in handcuffs on the news or hip hop videos. The town Coshocton, Ohio has a population of 11,500. Most of their big ticket employers like Coca-Cola have left town leaving the county with a 10.2 unemployment rate.
Truth be told many of the hardest hit rural counties never get their stories told. The media has a love affair of depicting minority's only as the ones who suffer from the effects of poverty. A few camera crews from various news organizations interviewed some of the people of rural Pennsylvania. When asked about supporting Obama, some openly admitted that race was an issue. Of course they used the "experience" card which is a fair argument on the surface. That's until Sarah Palin showed up on the ticket of the Republicans. Now some of these same people are changing their tune.
The biggest sign of hypocrisy is the McCain camp's back pedal. They have started out keeping Palin out of the spotlight by herself purposely. They have done a masterful job of promoting her as a career woman that women can relate to. Clearly the strategy is to move the Clinton supporters over to their side. Of course women around the country aren't that naive but there's enough of them that are. Some men are sticking to their guns about McCain praising his choice as validation for his "maverick" persona.
Sadly many in the middle class are undecided because they're allowing religious doctrine to be a crutch for making a good decision. Anyone who makes less than 250,000 a year should cast a democratic vote. The McCain economic package doesn't benefit us!!! It's just that simple. Most politicians on either side of the coin remind me of used car salesmen. I should know I used to be one!!! Car salesmen are great at making you feel like one of them. They'll butter you up with cold drinks, snacks for the kids, and compliments for how pretty your wife is. The empty promises of giving people the choice of what to do with their money is baloney.
Taxpayers are going to pay some form of tax and it want be cheap. Corporate welfare for AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddi Mac is a testament to how there's a huge double standard. Middle class people aren't going to get this type of bail out. Many people are behind on their mortgages. Will the government create an authentic program that assists working families with catching up on their mortgages? (regardless of fico score) This is why this question should be asked. Are we as a country stuck on stupid? The last eight years as proven to us that the Bush economic plan has failed those who matters most.
If we don't elect Obama we will continue to slide down the slippery slope of economic mediocrity. Hopefully new voters will get out. Prayerfully rural county people will see the error of their choice four years ago. It's up to all of us.. Not just one community.....
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