[According To Avi] Hypocisy on the Playground

[A]

I've always been sympathetic and aware of the overt racism in this country....but in my experience I have found that it is generally ignorant white morons throwing the racial epithets around. However, if you head to several basketball courts in Washington DC, you can instantly be exposed to a different type of ignorance.

Yesterday, while playing basketball I yet again encountered the hatred and absolute nonsense presumably going on at playgrounds all over this country. Instead of people playing basketball....which is what it should be...it becomes black people and white people, and of course don't forget how women are treated. Black players never "pick up" white players.....why? What if the roles were reversed? And don't give me the old "the roles have been reversed forever"...because that's bull shit. A black man is a presidential nominee. A black man is on the Supreme Court. I think the excuses are getting pretty old. My thoughts on stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for yourself and others are another topic for another day. The point is....The basketball courts are a very good indication of the dichotomy between whites and blacks.

Granted I am not 6 feet tall, but a playground is a playground. There are basic rules of pick up basketball that we all understand. Or do we? Apparently not! And should I voice my opinion about something...I'm the short white guy. Try calling a foul. It's comforting to be greeted with such animosity and physical aggression for simply playing a game. Yes a game! Turn the ball over? Yeah...good luck getting the ball back, but when a brother travels, double dribbles, and hacks the shit out of me it's cool. Part of the game. What game is that?

I'm just saying...if you have ever played on a playground and wanted to just get some good run and have fun....it is anything but that. You would think that in something as universal as basketball that colors and sexes would be irrelevant, but alas you would be mistaken.

Please note that this may be a generalization...not all courts are like this, and not all black players on the playgrounds are like this. I would never consider making such an accusation. I am merely relaying my recent experiences. Go ahead call me a racist or something stupid like that. The fact is...if I want to talk shit..I'm talking shit. Not because you are white. Not because you are black. Not because you are a girl. But merely cuz I want to talk shit!

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Posted By A to According To Avi at 6/04/2008 10:51:00 AM