Shani Davis Wins Gold In Men's 1,000 Speedskating

[Xcuze]

Good point but I think access is one of the issues. For most or many blacks in this country (US)Winter sports are inaccessible because they are economically unviable. They usually live in areas where these sports are not available or even practiced by the general publc and many do not have the financial wherewithal to go elsewhere to practice them. Basket ball requires a ball and players were as many of the winter sports require a lot of costly equipment and year round access to ice or snow.

Quite. These winter sports seem to require either expensive gear, specialised training facilities or extreme outdoor climates!

Not many countries have these available to the masses. Certainly not in poor areas. In the summer games you see dirt poor countries like Kenya and Ethiopia right up there in the medals table. People of all colours on the medal rostrum. Which is far more in keeping with the Olympic spirit.

 

[Pauligan]

Yea. To be totally honest the most racist people I've encountered are usually older black men. Sad but true. Racism works both ways we just forget that a lot.

I was blessed by seeing it from both sides and more. The most agonizing racism come from ones who claim they aren't and prove to me again and again they are and it hurts more than the one who calls me a length of names because at least the name callers are clear of intent.

 

[b.c.]

Good point but I think access is one of the issues. For most or many blacks in this country (US)Winter sports are inaccessible because they are economically unviable. They usually live in areas where these sports are not available or even practiced by the general publc and many do not have the financial wherewithal to go elsewhere to practice them. Basket ball requires a ball and players where as many of the winter sports require a lot of costly equipment and year round access to ice or snow.

Very much so, which is all the more reason why to see this young man achieve gold is worthy of merit. Are we (as Black Americans) happy and proud when Americans win at the Olympics? You bet your ass.

But when a Shani Davis does it then to us it's another role model to which we may point to as a positive, in a time when our black youth see too many negatives, in a time when there seems never a lost opportunity to disparage our role models (black and white) at every turn... even our President.

There are those who are quick to make minorities and the economically disadvantaged out to be the bane of our society, the ones on the take, on the dole. Statistics prove this to be untrue, but it is the “lore” nevertheless.

So when someone of a minority succeeds why shouldn’t those of that minority be proud of him? Comedian George Lopez speaks of “Mexican pride” and the contributions made by those in this country. Is that racism? Is “Black History Month” racism? Is "black pride", "Latino pride" or celebration of any ancestry, heritage, or race now racism because some would argue that it is synonymous with "white pride"?

I would suggest that it is not. Here’s why: "Minority pride" celebrates the accomplishment of a minority against the greater odds to the contrary. It is a positive sentiment, not a negative, not hate based. It is NEVER presented in the context of "one-upmanship" or to the exclusion and subjugation of another.

Or at least, that's MY two cents worth.

 

[naughty]

Very much so, which is all the more reason why to see this young man achieve gold is worthy of merit. Are we (as Black Americans) happy and proud when Americans win at the Olympics? You bet your ass.

But when a Shani Davis does it then to us it's another role model to which we may point to as a positive, in a time when our black youth see too many negatives, in a time when there seems never a lost opportunity to disparage our role models (black and white) at every turn... even our President.

There are those who are quick to make minorities and the economically disadvantaged out to be the bane of our society, the ones on the take, on the dole. Statistics prove this to be untrue, but it is the “lore” nevertheless.

So when someone of a minority succeeds why shouldn’t those of that minority be proud of him? Comedian George Lopez speaks of “Mexican pride” and the contributions made by those in this country. Is that racism? Is “Black History Month” racism? Is "black pride", "Latino pride" or celebration of any ancestry, heritage, or race now racism because some would argue that it is synonymous with "white pride"?

I would suggest that it is not. Here’s why: "Minority pride" celebrates the accomplishment of a minority against the greater odds to the contrary. It is a positive sentiment, not a negative, not hate based. It is NEVER presented in the context of "one-upmanship" or to the exclusion and subjugation of another.

Or at least, that's MY two cents worth.

YOU said a mouth full...

 

[D_Ellerby Eatsprick]

The article starts by saying the colour of his skin was not important, then you start by making the point he is black....

Didnt Cool Runnings show you anything? XD

Even though THAT article did not state the color of his skin was not important, having watched speed skating all weekend, several of the big time media and networks did so state his skin color.

I did specifically hear CBC say He's the first African American to win in speedskating and that he was from Texas, a state not known for snow or ice sports. I also heard another network - not sure which one, ESPN or SportNet say "First black man to win"

There's nothing wrong about making something American or Canadian or Russian or such more distinct. Had I competed in speed skating and won, they could/would have said "First deaf Canadian women to win."

 

[Drifterwood]

Shani is a woman's name where I live. I thought the big deal was that a woman had won a men's event.

I better stop before someone is banned for being sexist.

 

[Deno]

Congrats Shani what ever they call ya, thanks for representing the USofA.