administrator
Administrator
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Latest J. B. Cash column
Black Men Can't Swim
I happened to be at an urban high school not too long ago and found myself in the pool area. Listed on a big board were the various races, 50 meter freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, etc and the names of kids with their times. The names were something like Catallano, Pzyriskiewicz, Igorsky, etc. Hmmm I thought, the names of long ago white kids before the "ethnic cleansing" as I like to refer to the white flight of the not-so-distant past.
Much to my surprise though a black fellow told me that no, those names were of the kids that had the top times for last year's swim season. Could that be? In a school that was at least 90% black, the swim team was nearly all white. So I asked him. "Yup," he told me. "You know how things are, that's how it goes."
I know indeed. Which brings me to a couple of related items from the current news headlines. Republican congressional hopeful "Tramm" (short for TRAMpled pride) Hudson was the star of a recent video clip posted on the internet where he was filmed making negative comments about the swimming abilities of black people. Shocking I know, but there's more.
The 27-second clip, first posted on the conservative website redstate.com, shows a portion of a speech the candidate for Florida's 13th Congressional District gave at a Christian Coalition forum in February. In the segment, Hudson, a former Army commander, recalls leading his infantry company across a river during a training exercise.
(Those easily offended may not want to read further)
"A large number were black," Hudson said. "I grew up in Alabama. I understand, uh, I know from experience, that blacks are not the greatest swimmers or may not even know how to swim."
I can hear you gasping. But it's true; Hudson actually spoke those words. Surprisingly no one was offended or offered criticism.
Just kidding of course! The comments set off the typical furor that is ignited when the words "blacks" and "not the greatest" are put together in the same sentence by a white person.
Hudson attempted to make amends by apologizing in the most groveling and disgusting manner possible. Fortunately for him it worked. All black people that were offended quickly accepted his apology and everyone moved on.
Ha! Kidding again! Hudson's apology won him nothing but contempt and ridicule (at least from me) and he has the same chance at being elected the next Representative from the 13th Congressional District as I do.
"I said something stupid," he said. And he wasn't talking about his apology either.
He begged: "I apologize for it and would apologize in person to anyone hurt by my comments." (So offendees go ahead and look Mr. Hudson up and get your "personal" apology. I'm almost tempted to visit him myself and ask for an apology for his apology. I wonder if that is included in the offer?)
He also said: "To those who are understandably offended, you have my deepest apologies." ("DEEPEST apologies" in case the standard variety were not sufficient to soothe your hurt and pain.)
Also: "This was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias."
Plus: "And I will personally wash the feet of anyone that was offended with a bar of soap and my tongue"
OK I made that last one up, but is it really that much out of place?
In a statement, Republican rival Vern Buchanan was understanding and supportive. NOPE! Kidding again! Buchanon showed the racial loyalty that whites are so famous for by blasting Hudson for the remarks and said they would undercut his ability to beat the Democratic nominee in the general election. (All 15 black voters that were going to vote Republican will now vote Democratic)
"I am appalled by Tramm's insensitive racial remarks and glad that he apologized," Buchanan said. "However, an apology doesn't change the reality of a person's beliefs or of the political dynamics in the 13th Congressional District. Tramm's divisive negative campaign was already hurting our chances to win this fall, but his remarks destroy any chance he'd have to talk about real issues."
Geez, you'd think this Buchanon guy had something to gain from Hudson's misfortune.
In some cases it is understandable to apologize for saying something insensitive, even if true. Like telling your wife that she looks fat in her new outfit. Even if it is true it's just cruel (and dangerous) to let her know. And truth be told black people look "fat" in the water.
So perhaps it is a little insensitive to talk about the fact that black people SUCK at swimming, I mean they are really lousy rotten piss-poor swimmers. But I would never bring it up just to be insensitive.
I would be a lot more understanding if black people would just up and say something like: "Gosh darn it, Hudson's right. We really can't swim a lick. We just sink like rocks, and no matter how much we paddle we don't go anywhere. How the hell do you white people do it?"
Or: "Please don't pick on us about it because it is just flat out embarrassing and since we never try to embarrass white people about anything, well. . . we would like the same kind of respect." Instead, what do we get? The same old bitching and whining that accompanies any small slight on black people as a group.
The incident is reminiscent of Trent Lott's remarks of a couple of years ago. Lott, then majority leader of the Senate, said at a retirement dinner for Senator Strom Thurmond, "We would have been a lot better off if you had been elected President." He was referring to Thurmond's run for the Presidency back in 1948 on the "Dixiecrat" ticket.
This remark horrified people because as I understand it from the media, the Dixiecrat platform consisted of purchasing used crematoriums from Germany and using them to solve the "Negro question" in the South. Thurmond was such a horrible candidate that he received more electoral votes than George McGovern, Walter Mondale, and Mike Dukakis. Combined. He was so reviled as a politician that he only managed to get elected for another half century.
Lott paid for his gaffe by being forced to apologize profusely and even attempted to save his position of power by going on BET, the Black Entertainment Network, dressed in a clown suit and performing stunts for the amusement of black people. Surprisingly it didn't work. Now Lott is a destroyed man, doomed to garner a few last million dollars in bribes, er 'contributions' before he retires to a life of luxury and ease. That'll teach him!
As bad as Hudson's apology was, it at least was not "Lott-esque" in it's pathetic pandering and wimpy cry for forgiveness, but then again Lott wanted to keep control of a multi-billion dollar extortion racket of tax dollars and Hudson just wants to open up a small franchise.
This ridiculous "controversy" is typical of the type of thinking that accompanies any accusation of racism. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what was actually said but merely because race was mentioned it was enough to send out the vultures.
Why did Hudson apologize? Because he is a spineless weasel for whom appearing the slightest bit racist hurts his chance to become a politician and wield power and influence over people. Note how his Republican challenger tries to take advantage of the controversy to help his chance at seizing power and influence. These are the men to whom we are expected to trust our country and culture. It is any wonder we are in such sad shape with men such as these vying to be "leaders."
And really who cares how good black people are at swimming? What does it mean in real world terms? Virtually nothing. Swimming is a specialized skill that has very little application to real life. It says nothing about what kind of person you are, your intelligence, your character, or even your physical fitness.
It's no big deal that black people can't swim, and they can't. They should stay out of the water or wear a life vest. How many times does a person have to involuntarily swim in their life? Usually never. Even at the beach or on a boat you are never forced to swim. And if you find yourself stuck in the water and needing to swim, but can't, well that's one of life's situations where you are screwed. Too bad for you.
White people however shrug off meaningless insults or cases of insensitivity directed at them everyday. Why? Because white people are not overly sensitive crybabies. How about a movie titled "White Men Can't Jump" which tries to create a stereotype of white people as poor jumpers even though we win the freakin' Olympic high jump gold medal every 4 years. Think you will see a movie "Black Men Can't Swim" anytime soon?
The earth is more than three-fourths covered with water; there are no shortage of lakes, streams, rivers, or ponds in Africa. The Caribbean is nature's largest clear water "pool" and every high school in urban America that has a football field and a basketball court, also has a pool. But black kids still cannot swim. It's not an issue of prejudice, the water, no matter whether it is blackwater or whitewater is still an obstacle to them.
Now however there is a black swimmer of note, Cullen Jones. Jones, with hardly any achievements to recommend him has already secured a Nike contract. Nike is much more interested in a black swimmer than a white runner like, say, 400 meter sprinter Andrew Rock.
I guess it makes sense. Lots of black guys are swimming enthusiasts and hardly any white guys run for recreation. Right?
And Nike swimwear is very popular in the ghettos. I'm sure Nike makes millions on those tiny Speedo swimsuits that racers wear. You see them on rappers all the time. Nike has plans for a whole Cullen Jones-based ensemble. Nike logo flippers, Nike goggles, Nike towels. Nike might clean up to the tune of 30 or 40 thousand on this deal. Yes! Good business move Nike. Go with the black guy and ignore the white ones.
Jones is also one of the few black persons that play water polo. Excuse me but "polo" and "black person" should not be used together unless you are ordering drinks at a match.
People are too sensitive nowadays. Insults should be dealt out on a regular basis, the more sensitive the group the more deserving of an insult. Helps build character.
My uncle used to say that black people didn't like to swim because it was too much like bathing. Now THAT is insensitive. I apologize. Personally. All those offended please look me up and I'll offer a personal apology. That was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias. But don't bother to bring a bar of soap.
Edited by: administrator
Black Men Can't Swim
I happened to be at an urban high school not too long ago and found myself in the pool area. Listed on a big board were the various races, 50 meter freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, etc and the names of kids with their times. The names were something like Catallano, Pzyriskiewicz, Igorsky, etc. Hmmm I thought, the names of long ago white kids before the "ethnic cleansing" as I like to refer to the white flight of the not-so-distant past.
Much to my surprise though a black fellow told me that no, those names were of the kids that had the top times for last year's swim season. Could that be? In a school that was at least 90% black, the swim team was nearly all white. So I asked him. "Yup," he told me. "You know how things are, that's how it goes."
I know indeed. Which brings me to a couple of related items from the current news headlines. Republican congressional hopeful "Tramm" (short for TRAMpled pride) Hudson was the star of a recent video clip posted on the internet where he was filmed making negative comments about the swimming abilities of black people. Shocking I know, but there's more.
The 27-second clip, first posted on the conservative website redstate.com, shows a portion of a speech the candidate for Florida's 13th Congressional District gave at a Christian Coalition forum in February. In the segment, Hudson, a former Army commander, recalls leading his infantry company across a river during a training exercise.
(Those easily offended may not want to read further)
"A large number were black," Hudson said. "I grew up in Alabama. I understand, uh, I know from experience, that blacks are not the greatest swimmers or may not even know how to swim."
I can hear you gasping. But it's true; Hudson actually spoke those words. Surprisingly no one was offended or offered criticism.
Just kidding of course! The comments set off the typical furor that is ignited when the words "blacks" and "not the greatest" are put together in the same sentence by a white person.
Hudson attempted to make amends by apologizing in the most groveling and disgusting manner possible. Fortunately for him it worked. All black people that were offended quickly accepted his apology and everyone moved on.
Ha! Kidding again! Hudson's apology won him nothing but contempt and ridicule (at least from me) and he has the same chance at being elected the next Representative from the 13th Congressional District as I do.
"I said something stupid," he said. And he wasn't talking about his apology either.
He begged: "I apologize for it and would apologize in person to anyone hurt by my comments." (So offendees go ahead and look Mr. Hudson up and get your "personal" apology. I'm almost tempted to visit him myself and ask for an apology for his apology. I wonder if that is included in the offer?)
He also said: "To those who are understandably offended, you have my deepest apologies." ("DEEPEST apologies" in case the standard variety were not sufficient to soothe your hurt and pain.)
Also: "This was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias."
Plus: "And I will personally wash the feet of anyone that was offended with a bar of soap and my tongue"
OK I made that last one up, but is it really that much out of place?
In a statement, Republican rival Vern Buchanan was understanding and supportive. NOPE! Kidding again! Buchanon showed the racial loyalty that whites are so famous for by blasting Hudson for the remarks and said they would undercut his ability to beat the Democratic nominee in the general election. (All 15 black voters that were going to vote Republican will now vote Democratic)
"I am appalled by Tramm's insensitive racial remarks and glad that he apologized," Buchanan said. "However, an apology doesn't change the reality of a person's beliefs or of the political dynamics in the 13th Congressional District. Tramm's divisive negative campaign was already hurting our chances to win this fall, but his remarks destroy any chance he'd have to talk about real issues."
Geez, you'd think this Buchanon guy had something to gain from Hudson's misfortune.
In some cases it is understandable to apologize for saying something insensitive, even if true. Like telling your wife that she looks fat in her new outfit. Even if it is true it's just cruel (and dangerous) to let her know. And truth be told black people look "fat" in the water.
So perhaps it is a little insensitive to talk about the fact that black people SUCK at swimming, I mean they are really lousy rotten piss-poor swimmers. But I would never bring it up just to be insensitive.
I would be a lot more understanding if black people would just up and say something like: "Gosh darn it, Hudson's right. We really can't swim a lick. We just sink like rocks, and no matter how much we paddle we don't go anywhere. How the hell do you white people do it?"
Or: "Please don't pick on us about it because it is just flat out embarrassing and since we never try to embarrass white people about anything, well. . . we would like the same kind of respect." Instead, what do we get? The same old bitching and whining that accompanies any small slight on black people as a group.
The incident is reminiscent of Trent Lott's remarks of a couple of years ago. Lott, then majority leader of the Senate, said at a retirement dinner for Senator Strom Thurmond, "We would have been a lot better off if you had been elected President." He was referring to Thurmond's run for the Presidency back in 1948 on the "Dixiecrat" ticket.
This remark horrified people because as I understand it from the media, the Dixiecrat platform consisted of purchasing used crematoriums from Germany and using them to solve the "Negro question" in the South. Thurmond was such a horrible candidate that he received more electoral votes than George McGovern, Walter Mondale, and Mike Dukakis. Combined. He was so reviled as a politician that he only managed to get elected for another half century.
Lott paid for his gaffe by being forced to apologize profusely and even attempted to save his position of power by going on BET, the Black Entertainment Network, dressed in a clown suit and performing stunts for the amusement of black people. Surprisingly it didn't work. Now Lott is a destroyed man, doomed to garner a few last million dollars in bribes, er 'contributions' before he retires to a life of luxury and ease. That'll teach him!
As bad as Hudson's apology was, it at least was not "Lott-esque" in it's pathetic pandering and wimpy cry for forgiveness, but then again Lott wanted to keep control of a multi-billion dollar extortion racket of tax dollars and Hudson just wants to open up a small franchise.
This ridiculous "controversy" is typical of the type of thinking that accompanies any accusation of racism. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what was actually said but merely because race was mentioned it was enough to send out the vultures.
Why did Hudson apologize? Because he is a spineless weasel for whom appearing the slightest bit racist hurts his chance to become a politician and wield power and influence over people. Note how his Republican challenger tries to take advantage of the controversy to help his chance at seizing power and influence. These are the men to whom we are expected to trust our country and culture. It is any wonder we are in such sad shape with men such as these vying to be "leaders."
And really who cares how good black people are at swimming? What does it mean in real world terms? Virtually nothing. Swimming is a specialized skill that has very little application to real life. It says nothing about what kind of person you are, your intelligence, your character, or even your physical fitness.
It's no big deal that black people can't swim, and they can't. They should stay out of the water or wear a life vest. How many times does a person have to involuntarily swim in their life? Usually never. Even at the beach or on a boat you are never forced to swim. And if you find yourself stuck in the water and needing to swim, but can't, well that's one of life's situations where you are screwed. Too bad for you.
White people however shrug off meaningless insults or cases of insensitivity directed at them everyday. Why? Because white people are not overly sensitive crybabies. How about a movie titled "White Men Can't Jump" which tries to create a stereotype of white people as poor jumpers even though we win the freakin' Olympic high jump gold medal every 4 years. Think you will see a movie "Black Men Can't Swim" anytime soon?
The earth is more than three-fourths covered with water; there are no shortage of lakes, streams, rivers, or ponds in Africa. The Caribbean is nature's largest clear water "pool" and every high school in urban America that has a football field and a basketball court, also has a pool. But black kids still cannot swim. It's not an issue of prejudice, the water, no matter whether it is blackwater or whitewater is still an obstacle to them.
Now however there is a black swimmer of note, Cullen Jones. Jones, with hardly any achievements to recommend him has already secured a Nike contract. Nike is much more interested in a black swimmer than a white runner like, say, 400 meter sprinter Andrew Rock.
I guess it makes sense. Lots of black guys are swimming enthusiasts and hardly any white guys run for recreation. Right?
And Nike swimwear is very popular in the ghettos. I'm sure Nike makes millions on those tiny Speedo swimsuits that racers wear. You see them on rappers all the time. Nike has plans for a whole Cullen Jones-based ensemble. Nike logo flippers, Nike goggles, Nike towels. Nike might clean up to the tune of 30 or 40 thousand on this deal. Yes! Good business move Nike. Go with the black guy and ignore the white ones.
Jones is also one of the few black persons that play water polo. Excuse me but "polo" and "black person" should not be used together unless you are ordering drinks at a match.
People are too sensitive nowadays. Insults should be dealt out on a regular basis, the more sensitive the group the more deserving of an insult. Helps build character.
My uncle used to say that black people didn't like to swim because it was too much like bathing. Now THAT is insensitive. I apologize. Personally. All those offended please look me up and I'll offer a personal apology. That was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias. But don't bother to bring a bar of soap.
Edited by: administrator
