OT- Superman and the Super Bowl.

CtTOPGUN said:

Sardonicus said:

CtTOPGUN said:

 . . .I know my sports views were shaped by the Men that coached me. Unfortunately that long list only included one black Man. Therefore my own views probably lean towards tradsitional(and white) thoughts. . . .

   Jim

You know, Jim - I'm not so sure that the basic elements of sports' traditions can be defined as white or non-white.

I'd be interested to hear how the traditions displayed/taught by your one black coach were different from the others on "that long list".

Thanks -

Sports traditions are certainly shared by most athletes no matter color. Playing football from Pop Warner thru high school the rules really discouraged individuality. This promoted team concepts. Most of these football teams were mixed racially, but heavier on white members due to location. When I gave up football and played college basketball, the racial profile changed to greater than 50% black. I don't remember any of my teamates(and very few opponants) that had the "look at me" showboat mindset that I see in today's NFL. (and NBA/NCAA hoop to a slightly lesser degree). So maybe it is more a product of the times than of race.
 
 John Washington was my first and only black head coach. This was as a 12 year old. My 5th year of organized tackle football. His teachings were not really any different than any of my white coaches. My lament was that I was not exposed to more diverse mentors. Things may have been the same. They may have been different in ways. I know that on certain issues I have had lengthy conversations with black men and there are some things I will never truly understand not having walked in their shoes. I try. I like to think I am open to learning. But life's experiences have been different for me than for some others. Especially if from different cultures. So, like in politics, we may see things differently. Since I coach high school athgletes currently, I like to stay up on the sentiment of the athletes, the sponsors and the public. It helps me shape the young athlete's future. I want that to be as positive as I can make it.