Issues Under Fire: The NFL & White America Have Got A Lot of Nerve

Issues Under Fire: The NFL & White America Have Got A Lot of Nerve

Normally, I don't write copy or produce podcasts when I'm in an angry state of mind, but today I'm forced to make an exception. When I heard about the NFL's "Slave Owners Club" announce its new policy that takes away a player's right to peacefully protest, freedom of speech and his freedom of expression, I simply went ballistic. Apparently, these slave owners reached an agreement that states, the players "they own" should show respect for the flag, the troops and by extension the United States of America. Those who don't stand, salute the flag and pay deference to the national anthem will face a fine. How much was not revealed, but in my view, a penny is too much. Now, I must report, they did grant the players the option of staying off the field during the pre-game ceremonies if they didn't want to pay homage to a nation that treats people of color like shit, so I will admit, that was mighty White of them. Read on, because I'm just getting started.

Apparently, White America hasn't been watching the news lately, because many Whites seem clueless concerning the issues non-Whites face daily just to coexist with them in this country. The very notion that a non-White American could be sanctioned in any way for "peacefully" protesting institutionalized racial injustice in America is infuriating, insulting and at this point intolerable. The history of America speaks for itself. And if present conditions are left unchallenged, the future will only be worse. From this observer's perspective, "some" among White America has treated people of color cruelly, inhumanely, and without the slightest consideration for how that cruelty and inhumanity negatively impacts the non-White American's sense of self or self-esteem. But, since White America's persistent insensitivity to the feelings of "others" is so unconscionable, I think its time to explore why.

While I don't have any scientific data to support my the following theory, I'm going to just present it for the reader's consideration. I'm beginning to believe the behavior of "some" among White America toward non-Whites is rooted in the fear of them no longer being considered the best and brightest of the races. Perhaps they're feeling threatened by the accomplishments of non-Whites. Perhaps when "some" White people see Black, Asian or Hispanic doctors, professors, lawyers or scientist, it makes them uncomfortable. Maybe they've come to accept Black people's successes in the field of sports and entertainment, but have great difficulty dealing with accepting the possibility of non-Whites competing with Whites intellectually. Let's face it when Barack Obama was elected president, many in White America went berserk. Many are still in denial. And as evidence, I present the current idiot masquerading as President of the United States as my prime example.

Its no secret Donald Trump resents and envies the reputation former President Barack Obama enjoys for being an intellectual. And as a result, Donald Trump has spent an inordinate amount of his time and energy doing all he can to disparage the Obama Presidency and destroying his legacy. It must irk Trump to no end to know he's considered an imbecile when compared to his predecessor. And it's not just Donald Trump because George W. Bush was never thought of as a genius either. The only difference between Trump and W. is, W. kept his intellectual shortcomings on the down-low, while Donald Trump puts his idiocy on blast with every Tweet, every lie, and every speech. While Barack Obama always maintained a cool and calm demeanor, Donald Trump will go down in history as a skirt-chasing, pathological liar, with a questionable I.Q. These are descriptors that can not be denied. And These are descriptors White America will one day be forced to acknowledge as fact.

Now, if what I've put forth as a possible explanation for White America's aggression, insensitivity, and outright anger thus far is even remotely true, then my theory would explain why "some" White police officers would treat Black and Brown suspects in ways they wouldn't dream of treating a White suspect. This would also explain why "some" White people would call the police on non-Whites for the most innocent of incidents, like taking nap in a university lounge room, requesting free eating utensils in a restaurant, sitting quietly in a coffee shop awaiting a colleague. Or worse yet, being admonished by a White customer or being detained by the authorities for simply speaking Spanish in a public space. What gives them the right? White privilege, of course.

Bottom line: When I look back on what happened in Charlottesville North Carolina, I can vividly recall the torch lit marches with chants and rants of "We Will Not Be Replaced." In retrospect, I understand, these were the actions of angry White males telling America they were afraid of losing their White privilege. They were afraid of having to compete with Black and Brown people who are just as smart, if not smarter than they are. They were telling America, they were afraid of a future where all Americans are considered as equals. There, I said it. And now, oddly enough, I don't feel so angry anymore. Podcast below.