Vai Sikahema on Irvin's comment (1 Viewer)

[delusional]

Vai Sikahema chimes in on Irvin's comments he made last week on Dan Patricks radio show.

One good thing about living in philly is nbc 10 has a great sports cast. Vai pretty much nailed it and glad this is getting around to the news now.

http://www.nbc10.com/sports/10337816/detail.html

 

[Koya]

They were ripping on Irvin and the double standard in general on NY sports radio a few days ago.

But as the article points out, with ESPN controlling so much of the content out there, it's been very hushed.

 

[plymkr]

Vai Sikahema chimes in on Irvin's comments he made last week on Dan Patricks radio show.

One good thing about living in philly is nbc 10 has a great sports cast. Vai pretty much nailed it and glad this is getting around to the news now.

http://www.nbc10.com/sports/10337816/detail.html

I agree Irvin was wrong, but what exactly did Sikahema say? It seems like a pretty weak editorial. Mostly reporting what Irvin said, and two sentences about Jimmy the Greek and Al Camp... I would think a sports editor could do much better expressing his opinions. Hell, how much does he get paid? Give me his job, I can spew two sentences a day.

 

[Brother Mouzone]

 

[delusional]

Vai Sikahema chimes in on Irvin's comments he made last week on Dan Patricks radio show.

One good thing about living in philly is nbc 10 has a great sports cast. Vai pretty much nailed it and glad this is getting around to the news now.

http://www.nbc10.com/sports/10337816/detail.html

I agree Irvin was wrong, but what exactly did Sikahema say? It seems like a pretty weak editorial. Mostly reporting what Irvin said, and two sentences about Jimmy the Greek and Al Camp... I would think a sports editor could do much better expressing his opinions. Hell, how much does he get paid? Give me his job, I can spew two sentences a day.

He basically did a brief summary about what happend and gave a few of his opinions on it and asked for readers and viewers to send in their comments.

 

[Bri]

there's a name I haven't heard in a long time. How's stump mitchell doing?

 

[Britney Spears]

Seriously, who cares?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Seriously, who cares?

What does that mean? If Ron Jaworski were asked why Steve McNair was reading defenses so well and he replied, "Maybe he has some caucasian in him"..."Maybe his great great great great great great grandma got yanked from the barn and brought inside to the master's bedroom"...Jaws would be out of a job so fast it would make your head spin.Irvin should be fired. Yes he's a terrible media guy and I am a logical enough person to understand that he probably doesn't know any better...but tough crap. When he played on the football filed he had to learn the rules...he has been a journalist long enough to know he cannot get away with that type of stuff.

 

[gigantor]

how many times does Irvin have to F up before he is fired? What does ESPN see in this idiot?

 

[JohnnyU]

how many times does Irvin have to F up before he is fired? What does ESPN see in this idiot?

Maybe Harold Reynolds has a reason to be upset. How many chances did he get?

 

[Gr00vus]

Seriously, who cares?

What does that mean? If Ron Jaworski were asked why Steve McNair was reading defenses so well and he replied, "Maybe he has some caucasian in him"..."Maybe his great great great great great great grandma got yanked from the barn and brought inside to the master's bedroom"...Jaws would be out of a job so fast it would make your head spin.Irvin should be fired. Yes he's a terrible media guy and I am a logical enough person to understand that he probably doesn't know any better...but tough crap. When he played on the football filed he had to learn the rules...he has been a journalist long enough to know he cannot get away with that type of stuff.

Except for the last sentence - he actually seems to get away with everything and acts accordingly.

 

[Ozymandias]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?

Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

 

[r8errandy]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

 

[strong]

Anyone that suggests that since slavery ended 140 years ago, that it's basically a non-issue has such a limited understanding of the entire social landscape, both historically and economically, that I wonder how much satisfaction they get out of walking through life so entirely ignorant of their own culture and society.

 

[suchislife]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

What I don't understand is why its so difficult to accept that race will always be an issue as long as comments emanating from blacks are treated differently than comments from whites.

 

[oukurt]

Anyone that suggests that since slavery ended 140 years ago, that it's basically a non-issue has such a limited understanding of the entire social landscape, both historically and economically, that I wonder how much satisfaction they get out of walking through life so entirely ignorant of their own culture and society.

 

[r8errandy]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

What I don't understand is why its so difficult to accept that race will always be an issue as long as comments emanating from blacks are treated differently than comments from whites.

I highly doubt it is the differing treatment of comments that is keeping race an issue in society.

 

[strong]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

Irvin's comments were ignorant and distastful. But comparing them to a hypothetical statement issued by Jaws is not the same thing and is built on a shallow, short-sighted argument that aims to interpret social action in a vacuum. Sorry, people, I know some of you wished it wasn't so, but history matters and influences our daily actions.

 

[Jack Burton]

I take Irvin with a grain of salt. You shouldnt get offended at everything that comes out of his mouth. He just needs keep a tighter lid on his schtick. But I think he should keep his job.

 

[Darth Cheney]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

What I don't understand is why its so difficult to accept that race will always be an issue as long as comments emanating from blacks are treated differently than comments from whites.

Then I guess you'll be leading the boycott of ESPN?

 

[Darth Cheney]

Vai Sikahema chimes in on Irvin's comments he made last week on Dan Patricks radio show.

One good thing about living in philly is nbc 10 has a great sports cast. Vai pretty much nailed it and glad this is getting around to the news now.

http://www.nbc10.com/sports/10337816/detail.html

I agree Irvin was wrong, but what exactly did Sikahema say? It seems like a pretty weak editorial. Mostly reporting what Irvin said, and two sentences about Jimmy the Greek and Al Camp... I would think a sports editor could do much better expressing his opinions. Hell, how much does he get paid? Give me his job, I can spew two sentences a day.

Vai basically said that despite the fact that what Irvin said was accepted a one of the many forms of joking amongst NFL players in the locker room... Irvin is no longer a player and he should realize that as a journalist he should be held to a higher level of professionalism. People want to compare this to Al Campanis and that is wrong. Campanis' remarks were racist. Irvin's was more akin to what Steve Lyons said about Lou Pinella; a joke amongst guys about race that was told in front of the wrong people.

 

[BigRed]

how many times does Irvin have to F up before he is fired? What does ESPN see in this idiot?

You answered your own question. You think ESPN hires people for their brilliance? Yep ESPN sweeping this under the rug and acting like no big deal........shocking, no really.I wonder if they've been calling Rush begging him to come back? Lame doesn't begin to describe the joke that is ESPN.

 

[LTsharks]

Did anyone catch Larry Johnson's comments about black vs white coaches on Inside the NFL? I only heard about it second hand, but it sure seemed to be the same type of racist comments that Irvin has made.

 

[MSULions]

Anyone that suggests that since slavery ended 140 years ago, that it's basically a non-issue has such a limited understanding of the entire social landscape, both historically and economically, that I wonder how much satisfaction they get out of walking through life so entirely ignorant of their own culture and society.

 

[Britney Spears]

Seriously, who cares?

What does that mean? If Ron Jaworski were asked why Steve McNair was reading defenses so well and he replied, "Maybe he has some caucasian in him"..."Maybe his great great great great great great grandma got yanked from the barn and brought inside to the master's bedroom"...Jaws would be out of a job so fast it would make your head spin.Irvin should be fired. Yes he's a terrible media guy and I am a logical enough person to understand that he probably doesn't know any better...but tough crap. When he played on the football filed he had to learn the rules...he has been a journalist long enough to know he cannot get away with that type of stuff.

I'm not saying what Irvin said isn't idiotic. And in that scenario Jawarski would be saying something idiotic.I'm saying, who cares if they are idiots. They are dumb sportscasters and former players that have been hit in the head many times.

 

[FFdork]

Michael Irvin sucks (crack smoke), but this particular situation doesn't really bother me that much. Is there a double standard? Absolutely. Is it unfair? Yes. Do I understand why there's a double standard? Yes . Does it bother me as a white male? Not really. Should everyone that ever called a Jason Williams 'White Chocolate' be fired?

Irvin should be fired because he's a terrible journalist/analyst. This is a minor issue.

 

[cobalt_27]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[r8errandy]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

That is not what my post says. I simply stated that in light of this country's history with regard to race, it is understandable that "racist" comments by whites about blacks are received more harshly than vice versa. For example, a white man calling a black man a "n****r" is NOT the same as a black man calling a white man a "honky". Those two words carry very different connotations. Neither is OK, but you do see the difference, no?

 

[billymays]

Did anyone catch deangelo halls comments to roy williams when he said

"Where did you get the white boy at?"

in reference to mike furrey

that seems about as racist as anything irvin said

 

[cobalt_27]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

That is not what my post says. I simply stated that in light of this country's history with regard to race, it is understandable that "racist" comments by whites about blacks are received more harshly than vice versa. For example, a white man calling a black man a "n****r" is NOT the same as a black man calling a white man a "honky". Those two words carry very different connotations. Neither is OK, but you do see the difference, no?

I'm not bewildered by the fact that comments are treated differently based on skin color. But, I am indignant of it, as there is no inherent justification to hold the double-standard. I don't think it's "understandable" at all that racist comments can be made by one color but not the other.And, the end product absolutely IS that it's ok to be racist if your skin color has a darker pigmentation. That is precisely what's going on. Once you start playing the "understandable" card, you immediately dilute the significance of the racist commentary. I don't think it's at all understandable given any context. If we're ever going to be serious about racial equality, one of the stages we'll need to master is in treating commentary made by Campanis, Greek, and Irvin on the same playing field and being equally offended by the implications made by each of these folks, regardless of color.Somehow, given the defense Irvin has received here and elsewhere for making these racist comments, I suspect we're not even close to being that sophisticated yet.

 

[nxmehta]

If we're ever going to be serious about racial equality, one of the stages we'll need to master is in treating commentary made by Campanis, Greek, and Irvin on the same playing field and being equally offended by the implications made by each of these folks, regardless of color.Somehow, given the defense Irvin has received here and elsewhere for making these racist comments, I suspect we're not even close to being that sophisticated yet.

Your point here is well taken. One day we will need to be equally offended by racist comments regardless of the speaker/context. But you're starting to answer why Irvin's comments aren't taken as harshly as a white person saying something racist. We are not "sophisticated" (not sure if that is really the best word) enough to put these comments on a level playing field. And that is exactly what r8errandy is trying to say. I don't think he's trying to justify/sanction racism. Rather, he's simply stating why people interpret Irvin's comments in this particular way.Just 50 some years ago black people could not vote. That's less than a generation! In some places in the country (VA I know for example), schools were still segregated less than 30 years ago! People, particularly young people, forget that this #### didn't go down hundreds of years ago. It went down very recently. People still around today lived through that. And we're not yet at a place where this is just water under the bridge and we can all get along and say #### that offends everyone equally.Hell, I don't even think that this country has really formally acknowledged that they had slaves and are sorry about it. In some ways I think reparations would be good emotionally if you don't like the economic argument. But that's another argument...Anyways, I think we're all in agreement here for the most part. Irvin said some ####ed up ####, but people aren't ready to nail him in the same way that they would nail a white person. That's not right, but it's life.

 

[nxmehta]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

Wow.Our educational system is failing us.

 

[Fantaholic]

Seriously, who cares?

What does that mean? If Ron Jaworski were asked why Steve McNair was reading defenses so well and he replied, "Maybe he has some caucasian in him"..."Maybe his great great great great great great grandma got yanked from the barn and brought inside to the master's bedroom"...Jaws would be out of a job so fast it would make your head spin.

Words right out of my mouth

 

[Da Guru]

ESPN should just fire Irvin to set an example.

 

[Ozymandias]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

Wow.Our educational system is failing us.

Everyone is saying: "Oh, horrors! He doesn't understand." Of course I understand...the point I was making is, when is the double standard going to stop? 50 years? 500 years? 5,000 years?In the pursuit of some ephemeral equality of results, we are treating people differently because of the color of their skin. When is it going to stop? Will we ever live in a day where we "will be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin"? (and you know who I am quoting)

 

[thayman]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

Wow.Our educational system is failing us.

Everyone is saying: "Oh, horrors! He doesn't understand." Of course I understand...the point I was making is, when is the double standard going to stop? 50 years? 500 years? 5,000 years?In the pursuit of some ephemeral equality of results, we are treating people differently because of the color of their skin. When is it going to stop? Will we ever live in a day where we "will be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin"? (and you know who I am quoting)

in this instance I think you need to consider the source. I don't really listen to a toothless redneck spouting off about N######. I also don't listen to Michael Irving screaming "Hey look at me!!! I used to be a WR, pay attention to me!!!"

 

[johns560]

Maybe it was the cocaine talking!

 

[Snotbubbles]

I don't expect their to be public outcry when these double standards come into play. However, a media outlet as large and diverse as ESPN should have some sort of standards with regard to their sports commentators (black, white, or whatever color). Even if the general public doesn't hold them or their commentators to a high standard of conduct, they should hold themselves to a high standard.

 

[dagogrease]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

That is not what my post says. I simply stated that in light of this country's history with regard to race, it is understandable that "racist" comments by whites about blacks are received more harshly than vice versa. For example, a white man calling a black man a "n****r" is NOT the same as a black man calling a white man a "honky". Those two words carry very different connotations. Neither is OK, but you do see the difference, no?

I'm not bewildered by the fact that comments are treated differently based on skin color. But, I am indignant of it, as there is no inherent justification to hold the double-standard. I don't think it's "understandable" at all that racist comments can be made by one color but not the other.And, the end product absolutely IS that it's ok to be racist if your skin color has a darker pigmentation. That is precisely what's going on. Once you start playing the "understandable" card, you immediately dilute the significance of the racist commentary. I don't think it's at all understandable given any context. If we're ever going to be serious about racial equality, one of the stages we'll need to master is in treating commentary made by Campanis, Greek, and Irvin on the same playing field and being equally offended by the implications made by each of these folks, regardless of color.Somehow, given the defense Irvin has received here and elsewhere for making these racist comments, I suspect we're not even close to being that sophisticated yet.

While I would rather not see this entire country perturbed and upset over what a few morons in this media industry say, when you disgrace another "race" of people by saying the only reason they are good in any aspect of life is because they must have "my race's bloodline" is ridciulous and ignorant.Personally I could care less about what that idiot has to say about football or any other topic but the people who got all perturbed about the things that Limbaugh, Campanis and Greek said need be just as upset over what Irvin said or they have no credibility to me and have other agendas they are meeting. Just my . And if you can't see that, then our educational system is definitely failing us!

 

[Cenobite]

ESPN should just fire Irvin to set an example.

agreed!!!NFL Dog Jersey and Collars

Someone should start a petition. This guy is awful.

 

[Knight who says Ni]

I believe that it is not so much that there is a double standard, as much as it is that the standard is so heavily unbalanced - I mean, Irvin says this without causing so much as a stir, whereas a Washington aide has to resign because he uses the word "#####rdly." It boggles

Ni

 

[veto87]

I believe that it is not so much that there is a double standard, as much as it is that the standard is so heavily unbalanced - I mean, Irvin says this without causing so much as a stir, whereas a Washington aide has to resign because he uses the word "#####rdly." It boggles Ni

Irvin is a foolKnights ? Same Knights who led CBS BB practically the whole year ?? My teams were Freaky Nasties and Stubby Clapp's Skanks...good to see you in another sport !!

 

[Knight who says Ni]

Knights ? Same Knights who led CBS BB practically the whole year ?? My teams were Freaky Nasties and Stubby Clapp's Skanks...good to see you in another sport !!

Nope, that is not I. I am in a fairly new (this is the 4th year) FF league with guys that I work with. My team name is "Brave Sir Robin. Ni

 

[parasaurolophus]

My mom used to always say to me when i was a kid "Do unto others as you would have done to you".... not "do unto others what you would have done to you, but only if you have never been wronged in the past by that party or group, if you have been wronged, then it is ok to do or say things that you would hate or be upset about if they did it to you."

Try teaching that second one to kids. It is a very confusing message that a double standard sets, to all races.

 

[Big Sug]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

:applause:140 years is NOT a long time when you are talking about the total subjugation of one-fifth of the country's population (plus the idea that attitudes immediately changed at the time of emancipation is moronic). We're still a long way from erasing this so-called double standard.This doesn't make Irvin a good broadcaster or less of an idiot by the way.

 

[Two Deep]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

That is not what my post says. I simply stated that in light of this country's history with regard to race, it is understandable that "racist" comments by whites about blacks are received more harshly than vice versa. For example, a white man calling a black man a "n****r" is NOT the same as a black man calling a white man a "honky". Those two words carry very different connotations. Neither is OK, but you do see the difference, no?

A white man calling a black man the N- word is offensive and deragatory. A black man calling a black man the N-word is a term of endearment go figure. I don't think Irvin is anymore racist than the next guy but he is a helluva lot more ignorant than most. The top part of my response is a little of subject but I needed to get it off my chest.

 

[nxmehta]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?

Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

Wow.Our educational system is failing us.

Everyone is saying: "Oh, horrors! He doesn't understand." Of course I understand...the point I was making is, when is the double standard going to stop?

50 years? 500 years? 5,000 years?

In the pursuit of some ephemeral equality of results, we are treating people differently because of the color of their skin. When is it going to stop?

Will we ever live in a day where we "will be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin"? (and you know who I am quoting)

This is an irrelevant question right now. Nobody knows the answer to this, and frankly it's not important right now. We aren't close to being there yet, so crying out that "it has to stop sometime!" is undermining the feelings of those who are/were oppressed, implying that they should just get over it already. This question has no place to be asked, particularly if it is being asked by past/current oppressors.I think it will stop when oppression ceases to exist in this world (and I do mean globally) but who knows when the hell that will happen. For now we have to deal with it.

 

[r8errandy]

I fail to understand how people fail to understand why the double standard exists. This country was built on a double standard, which, of course, carried over into sports. Now, a generation (if that) removed from publicly sanctioned racism against an entire ethnic group, people are puzzled and perturbed that an informal double standard exists the other way. Irvin is an idiot, and it would be great if we were at the point where race was no longer an issue. But we are not even close yet, so let us stop feigning bewilderment and indignation whenever comments are treated differently when emanating from blacks than from whites. It is all about historical context and (perceived) intent. It is amazing to me that so many people cannot seem to grasp this.

So, it's ok to be racist, so long as your skin color is black. Ok, NOW I get it. Thanks for the clarification.

That is not what my post says. I simply stated that in light of this country's history with regard to race, it is understandable that "racist" comments by whites about blacks are received more harshly than vice versa. For example, a white man calling a black man a "n****r" is NOT the same as a black man calling a white man a "honky". Those two words carry very different connotations. Neither is OK, but you do see the difference, no?

A white man calling a black man the N- word is offensive and deragatory. A black man calling a black man the N-word is a term of endearment go figure. I don't think Irvin is anymore racist than the next guy but he is a helluva lot more ignorant than most. The top part of my response is a little of subject but I needed to get it off my chest.

I am pretty sure that difference stems from a people embracing a negative word that was forced upon them (and associated with human slavery and segregation) and taking power and control over it, transforming it into a "term of endearment." Now white America seems upset and feels it is not fair that they cannot use the word, too (as a member of "white America", I don't really understand this overwhelming desire to use the word).

 

[dagogrease]

When are the American people going to wake up to the double standard?

Slavery was terrible, but it has been 140 years since it was abolished. Is this still going to be an issue in 50 years? 500 years?

Wow.Our educational system is failing us.

Everyone is saying: "Oh, horrors! He doesn't understand." Of course I understand...the point I was making is, when is the double standard going to stop?

50 years? 500 years? 5,000 years?

In the pursuit of some ephemeral equality of results, we are treating people differently because of the color of their skin. When is it going to stop?

Will we ever live in a day where we "will be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin"? (and you know who I am quoting)

This is an irrelevant question right now. Nobody knows the answer to this, and frankly it's not important right now. We aren't close to being there yet, so crying out that "it has to stop sometime!" is undermining the feelings of those who are/were oppressed, implying that they should just get over it already. This question has no place to be asked, particularly if it is being asked by past/current oppressors.I think it will stop when oppression ceases to exist in this world (and I do mean globally) but who knows when the hell that will happen. For now we have to deal with it.

It is not an irrelevant question. You can't take steps to move beyond something if you continue to permit the actions like Irvin's comment to be ignored or tell people to "deal with it", while you take swift and forceful actions to people of a different race for making comments of equal content.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

I absolutely DETEST Irvin as a broadcaster. But I think the uproar over this is just kind of silly, no matter WHAT color the speaker was. It was dumb, and not funny, but it wasn't evil IMO. People are WAY too sensitive about this nonsense in general. I hope he gets fired and he most certainly DESERVES to be fired, but not based on this incident alone - more because he's a terrible broadcaster.