Mike Singletary

[Route 66]

To think otherwise is to skirt the issue. Sure. Racism just disappeared and went away. Ok man.

Your full on disgust with anything pertaining to the event which will occur on Super Bowl Sunday tells me enough. You don't have to come out and say anything.

People simply pointed to an event in sports history of some significance. You then went on for however many pages disputing it left and right. I'm sure you think the recognition of the accomplishment of one Doug Williams is BLAH too right? I hope your TV survives the onslaught on Super Bowl Sunday during that eency weency moment in time when those two first ever black Super Bowl coaches are recognized by the commentators.

Dont flatter yourself into thinking that this is a big deal. I am strong on my convictions and stick to them, that is all.

 

[DIAF]

Fact is RACE is a very important thing to mention. The history of a black coach has been stereotyped as someone who is not smart enough to be a head coach. So when two black coaches get into a superbowl it is HUGE and it NEEDS to be mentioned, it is proof that blacks are smart enough to be HC. Fact is if a black man were to run for president in the next election(Barack Obama) people would not vote for him just because of the fact that he is black. Same with a woman(Hilary Clinton), because she is a woman people would vote for someone else. Fact is America is STILL RACIST and SEXIST today. Maybe not to the extent as it was, but it still is prejudice. People use things like "race shouldn't be mentioned" to hide the fact that race still plays a role here in this country, people figure if we stop talking about it it will go away. I we have cancer or diabetes will it just go away? NO, it has to be treated, other wise it is still there just not mentioned...If at one time people all together stopped mentioning race and sex, this country would STILL be the highly racist country it was, there would have been no civil rights movement in the 60's and minorities would still be eating out of the back of restaurants in the kitchen; why, because race isn't being mentioned, but fact is it would still be there.
although I do understand that the wise DR. King said, that people should stop judging people by the content of their skin and start judging by the content of their charcter... he also said that black people should stop taking the tranqulizing drug of gradulism( a part of the speech a lot of people forget )... Race is still huge and should mentioned especially if its of the likes of a black coach coming to Dallas.

Blah blah blah. I could care less if a person is black, yellow, green, whatever. Racism will die when the people that grew up in the era of racism die off. No sooner, no later.

 

[starfrombirth]

I like Singletary. I also wouldn't mind seeing us hire an African American coach as well.

At the risk of sounding racist... what does being african american have to do with it? Can we just try and get the best HC possible or do we have to have an african american even tho there might be a better possibility of another race. this idiocy of hiring someone mainly because they are AA rather than they are the best we can acquire. Sheeesh, stupidity abounds.:bang2:

 

[Route 66]

no kidding, I'm sure Jerry is thinking the same way. Who really cares what race a coach is? I almost threw up when the first question following the Bears' win from Leslie Viscer to Lovie Smith was about being the first black coach to go to the SB....I was thoroughly embarrassed on behalf of America and mankind that the media would make such a big deal about his race right after the biggest win of his coaching career and biggest win for the franchise in over 20 years. Pathetic.

EXACTLY my thinking too.

 

[Rampage]

I like Singletary as DC but not HC. He doesn't have enough coaching exp yet.

that would be nice

 

[CF74]

I like Singletary as DC but not HC. He doesn't have enough coaching exp yet.

I gotta agree, look at Jack Del Rio..

 

[WV Cowboy]

I guess your trying to say they owe it all to Fritz Pollard.

His daughter, BTW, went to WVSt.

No, I'm talking about whoever hired Fritz Pollard, I'm talking about whoever hired the first AA HC.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

At the risk of sounding racist... what does being african american have to do with it? Can we just try and get the best HC possible or do we have to have an african american even tho there might be a better possibility of another race. this idiocy of hiring someone mainly because they are AA rather than they are the best we can acquire. Sheeesh, stupidity abounds.:bang2:

This coming from somebody who doesn't have enough sense to read the thread before he post this crap.

Nice.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

No, I'm talking about whoever hired Fritz Pollard, I'm talking about whoever hired the first AA HC.

By all means, cannonize that individual.

 

[Route 66]

Eventhough i haven't posted many comments on this forum (maybe two total), I have been visiting this site for at least the past two years or so. I usually enjoy reading the various perspectives from other members on issues ranging draft choices to what some believe to be questionable playcalling by the coaching staff. All though i don't agree with everyone all the time, i usually find something informative from soneone on this board. This particular discussion on 'race' and the nfl is particularly interesting to me because i am a educater and 'race' or ethnicity is offten a very contested topic i have to discuss with my students. From a scientific perspective, the concept of 'race' is very difficult to handle. Depending on the 'traits' you choose to classify people you can have as little as one race or hundreds of races. In this society, for example, we have chosen skin color, hair type, nose shape, etc... to categorize people into different groups. The problem with this is that humans genetic variation is not limited to differences that are visible to the naked eye. So, if we were to pick other genetic traits to group people we will have entirely different group of 'races', in which a particular 'race' could be made up of whites, latinos, blacks, asians, etc...Scientifically speaking, there is more genetic variation 'within' the so called 'races' than 'between' them. The reason i felt like i needed to include the above argument is because, in reality, the 'races' we know in the US have very little biological basis to them, what we have are 'social races'. But just because we can say 'races' are not a biological reality it does not mean particular groups of people have not been treated, at worse like property (slavery) and at at best second class citizens (segregation, discrimination, etc..). In other words, we attach/have attached particular values to each of these categories of so called 'races' in order to justify the superiority of one 'race' over others.

Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy will be the first to tell you that they hope the time will come that this type of story ("the first african american....") is a thing of the past. But that time is not now. We have come a long way as a society but we still have a long way to go, not just with the issue of 'race' but equal opportunity in general.

Thanks for writing a great post. I see both sides of it. I can understand the significance of what this country went through in the past century and recognizing we have come a long way. I can understand that we need to diversify every position of leadership as well as encourage and educate this country on how to recognize this importance. I see why there are those who think that the first black coach to ___________ is significant to a sign of getting this society on to the right path. But I still stand by the fact that we need to lose the color definition thrown on everyone.

There is a difference between color and recognizing someone's ethnic and belief system.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Eventhough i haven't posted many comments on this forum (maybe two total), I have been visiting this site for at least the past two years or so. I usually enjoy reading the various perspectives from other members on issues ranging draft choices to what some believe to be questionable playcalling by the coaching staff. All though i don't agree with everyone all the time, i usually find something informative from soneone on this board. This particular discussion on 'race' and the nfl is particularly interesting to me because i am a educater and 'race' or ethnicity is offten a very contested topic i have to discuss with my students. From a scientific perspective, the concept of 'race' is very difficult to handle. Depending on the 'traits' you choose to classify people you can have as little as one race or hundreds of races. In this society, for example, we have chosen skin color, hair type, nose shape, etc... to categorize people into different groups. The problem with this is that humans genetic variation is not limited to differences that are visible to the naked eye. So, if we were to pick other genetic traits to group people we will have entirely different group of 'races', in which a particular 'race' could be made up of whites, latinos, blacks, asians, etc...Scientifically speaking, there is more genetic variation 'within' the so called 'races' than 'between' them. The reason i felt like i needed to include the above argument is because, in reality, the 'races' we know in the US have very little biological basis to them, what we have are 'social races'. But just because we can say 'races' are not a biological reality it does not mean particular groups of people have not been treated, at worse like property (slavery) and at at best second class citizens (segregation, discrimination, etc..). In other words, we attach/have attached particular values to each of these categories of so called 'races' in order to justify the superiority of one 'race' over others.

Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy will be the first to tell you that they hope the time will come that this type of story ("the first african american....") is a thing of the past. But that time is not now. We have come a long way as a society but we still have a long way to go, not just with the issue of 'race' but equal opportunity in general.

Here, here.

Strong post.

A pleasure for me to read it.

 

[Route 66]

To think otherwise is to skirt the issue. Sure. Racism just disappeared and went away. Ok man.

Your full on disgust with anything pertaining to the event which will occur on Super Bowl Sunday tells me enough. You don't have to come out and say anything.

People simply pointed to an event in sports history of some significance. You then went on for however many pages disputing it left and right. I'm sure you think the recognition of the accomplishment of one Doug Williams is BLAH too right? I hope your TV survives the onslaught on Super Bowl Sunday during that eency weency moment in time when those two first ever black Super Bowl coaches are recognized by the commentators.

Your posts are becoming more and more irrelevant as your argument grows weaker and weaker Bleu. Because I state that color shouldn't be an issue dictates that I am digusted? With what? There have been plenty of people here who have backed up the fact that what color someone is doesn't dictate anything. Are we all just angry people? AH! You should change your name to the LABELMAKER since you are quite proficient at that.

 

[Bleu Star]

Dont flatter yourself into thinking that this is a big deal. I am strong on my convictions and stick to them, that is all.

Likewise. I recognize that we still have a ways to go in this country. I'm not about sweeping it under the proverbial rug. No blinders here. My way of helping move forward every day is to treat every individual I cross paths with regardless of race, color, or creed with equal respect, understanding, and appreciation. That said, I still recognize this as a small moment in sports history that will be recognized whether you like it or not. There's the old football saying "it is what it is". That holds true with this subject.

 

[Route 66]

Here, here.

Strong post.

A pleasure for me to read it.

What is ironic is that I am sure most of us have no idea what race we are. Sure we can generalize by looking in the mirror and checking out the tint of our skin. But most of our DNA in this country is so vastly mixed that labeling is ridiculous to begin with.

I guess in Bleu Star's grand scheme of things, Lovie Smith is the first black coach to make it to the Super Bowl and Dungy is the second lighter dark coach to make it to the Super Bowl. Does that mean Tony has more of another race than black in him than Lovie? Does that make him any less of a person then or any less monumental? I bet there are a lot of racists in this country who can't stand a certain race and little known to them, they have plenty of said race in their blood. Oh the irony!

 

[zrinkill]

Wow ...... this stupid race thread is still going?


Feel bad for the guy who wanted to talk about Mike as the DC.

 

[Da Hammer]

First of all just heard the AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!! SO YEA THERE IS A GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! okay now for replacing Parcells, like if have said all Off-season.
HC-Ron Rivera
DC-Mike Singletary
Our D would be scary good with them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bleu Star]

Eventhough i haven't posted many comments on this forum (maybe two total), I have been visiting this site for at least the past two years or so. I usually enjoy reading the various perspectives from other members on issues ranging draft choices to what some believe to be questionable playcalling by the coaching staff. All though i don't agree with everyone all the time, i usually find something informative from soneone on this board. This particular discussion on 'race' and the nfl is particularly interesting to me because i am a educater and 'race' or ethnicity is offten a very contested topic i have to discuss with my students. From a scientific perspective, the concept of 'race' is very difficult to handle. Depending on the 'traits' you choose to classify people you can have as little as one race or hundreds of races. In this society, for example, we have chosen skin color, hair type, nose shape, etc... to categorize people into different groups. The problem with this is that humans genetic variation is not limited to differences that are visible to the naked eye. So, if we were to pick other genetic traits to group people we will have entirely different group of 'races', in which a particular 'race' could be made up of whites, latinos, blacks, asians, etc...Scientifically speaking, there is more genetic variation 'within' the so called 'races' than 'between' them. The reason i felt like i needed to include the above argument is because, in reality, the 'races' we know in the US have very little biological basis to them, what we have are 'social races'. But just because we can say 'races' are not a biological reality it does not mean particular groups of people have not been treated, at worse like property (slavery) and at at best second class citizens (segregation, discrimination, etc..). In other words, we attach/have attached particular values to each of these categories of so called 'races' in order to justify the superiority of one 'race' over others.

Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy will be the first to tell you that they hope the time will come that this type of story ("the first african american....") is a thing of the past. But that time is not now. We have come a long way as a society but we still have a long way to go, not just with the issue of 'race' but equal opportunity in general.

Most excellent. Thanks for posting. Try to do so more often.

 

[Route 66]

Atlanta has been seeking Singletary for the head coach position according to a paper in Florida.

 

[Route 66]

Likewise. I recognize that we still have a ways to go in this country. I'm not about sweeping it under the proverbial rug. No blinders here. My way of helping move forward every day is to treat every individual I cross paths with regardless of race, color, or creed with equal respect, understanding, and appreciation. That said, I still recognize this as a small moment in sports history that will be recognized whether you like it or not. There's the old football saying "it is what it is". That holds true with this subject.

Just like others have posted here, no one has stated "I want Singletary for his blackness!" No. Most have agreed that he brings intensity and defensive-mindedness. I haven't heard anyone desire to bring him in other than it would show diversity for the franchise. It isn't about his skin color and I am sure the man would agree as well.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

What is ironic is that I am sure most of us have no idea what race we are. Sure we can generalize by looking in the mirror and checking out the tint of our skin. But most of our DNA in this country is so vastly mixed that labeling is ridiculous to begin with.

I guess in Bleu Star's grand scheme of things, Lovie Smith is the first black coach to make it to the Super Bowl and Dungy is the second lighter dark coach to make it to the Super Bowl. Does that mean Tony has more of another race than black in him than Lovie? Does that make him any less of a person then or any less monumental? I bet there are a lot of racists in this country who can't stand a certain race and little known to them, they have plenty of said race in their blood. Oh the irony!

Rowdy,

It's really not about skin color. It's about social equality. There are so many issues within issues to this it's almost impossible to cover it all. All I can say is that this need to identify accomplishments is a neccessary product of our existance. We, as a society, have created this situation. It is not hard to see how and why you view this as you do but there is more to this then just what you or I may be able to see. The simple need to have role models within specific cultures, while something you or I may not identify as important, is in fact very neccessary. There are 100s of things just like this that we will probably never consider because we are not seeing it from the other perspective. I do not profess to understand all of it but I do acknowledge that it is something that needs to continue to happen This discussion of racial issues. Of inequalities etc. It's just to easy to lose sight of where society is on this kind of stuff. Pretty soon, you realize that while nobody was watching, you've lost a step or two in the journey.