Mr. Donald Sterling might take stock in the old age philosophical belief of segregation.
The election of our first African American president seems to have rekindled a rebirth of segregation in some parts of the country. In part, it’s a scenario that seems to have trickled into Washington’s politics.
Without me being political, this is a point that I feel I have to make. This has become an issue in some parts of America. Especially in the world of professional basketball, there is no room for Sterling’s remarks or way of thinking.
I never understood the thought behind the scenario. If some of us have different colored skin, it determines our place in society. Especially now, during the year 2014, we live in a changing world of diversity. This idea is totally archaic.
Mr. Donald Sterling, a man of influence because of his wealth, felt that his girlfriend/employee, who is a person of mixed race, shouldn’t be seen with African American people.
Where in this universe is this guy from?
I don’t get his reasoning because he is the owner of an NBA team—The LA Clippers, a team made up of 90 percent African American players. And, he says that!
He insulted the very people who are working for his franchise. Ready, aim fire. Now shoot yourself in the foot.
Ouch, and he did!
There has been a statement from Miss V. Stiviano. Finally breaking her silence, she is now trying to take some of the things back that she brought to the attention of the media. In an interview with Barbara Walters, she defends Donald Sterling and says he is not a racist. Personally, I don’t know if he is a racist, as much he’s from “old school” white America, when diversity was barely recognized as part of everyday life.
Stiviano does mention that he is from an era of segregation. But, he did make those statements and she recorded what he said and then put it out there. And, once it’s out there, it isn’t going to go away. She said Donald needs to apologize. Overdue!
Adam Silver, the new NBA Commissioner, has indefinitely suspended Mr. Sterling from any games and connection to the league. The rest of the world of professional basketball has let him know what they think of his way of thinking.
I’m sure there will most certainly be an appeal filed, or maybe a suit against Silver and the league. I think that’s a given.
But the damage is irreparable and I don’t think Donald Sterling can recover from his misspoken mistake. He was wrong for what he said and an apology could be the beginning of some sort of retribution, or healing. I don’t know what he’s waiting for. Maybe his lawyers told him to wait. Don’t know why, but that is a possibility.
In America, since the great Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, the sports world is a world that should be colorless. Diversity makes the game, no matter what the game might be, and it is one of the biggest reasons behind the success of athletics, at all levels. The only color that should matter is the color of the uniform of your favorite team.
Makes me wonder if Mr. Donald Sterling knows the color of the Clipper’s uniforms. Hey Donald, the only colors that matter are red, white and blue.
