Thomas Gouard
No person should have to experience racism while doing their job or something that they love, but unfortunately these things still happen in the world we live in today. As a sports fan myself that loves to taunt, it is ok, but I choose my words wisely because athletes are no different than the average joe. They have feelings and normal lives outside of their profession just like many of us do as well.
What breaks my heart is that for Chicago being such a diverse city we have certain fans in our city that would do such a thing. Chicago, hell, America alone has so many other issues going on today, yet there are still individuals out there that continue to do these types of things, which just adds more fuel to the fire. My theory is, if you would not like someone to taunt you or your children in such a way why do it to someone else? It is disgusting! And I totally agree with Barry Trotz, who stated “There’s absolutely no place in the game of hockey or our country for racism,”. “I think it’s disgusting. There’s no place for it. Athletes in our country don’t deserve that. It just shows ignorance.”
As an African American male myself, yes, I have been stereotyped against and yes, I have experienced racism, and I say to you this it is not a good feeling to experience both especially when you have been raised in a diverse community where race is not an issue. I have always based diversity off everything I did such as where I moved; schools that I chose and what activities in the community that I take part in, but unfortunately there is always someone that views you beneath them because you are not the same. Nobody’s perfect because of what ethnic background they are or what beliefs are specific to them because God made us all different. Being different is what makes us beautiful! Looking at someone because they are different is not very Godly like, and if you have trouble with that then you should really do a self-assessment on yourself and where you came from.
As humans when we put race, gender and beliefs aside we could accomplish anything together, but sadly it is easier said than done because some people are set in their own beliefs, which has potential to be passed down to our children. With that said, I was fueled to put this writing together because of Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly, who was a victim of a group of hecklers racially taunting him in Chicago. I added a little extra to this writing, but I hope you get my drift.
Great and positive message. That is what I have always said no matter our skin color we are all the same because we are all human. There is no reason to discriminate one against another.
Thanks, RasmaSandra…………
I cannot watch or read news because of injustice. I understand your message and can’t but agree!
I have unfollowed select social media podcast because of these stories going on in the world. Luckily I have no cable in my apartment, so I miss what is presented on the news
I never liked the bad apple saying although back in the day I liked the Jackson 5 song “One Bad Apple”.
I chose Bad apple because I thought that it had a nice ring to it. I’m sure many had no clue what the topic in the writing was about because I have apples posted as my main image, but it draws slight interest.
Chicago has a long history of being one of the most racist cities in the United States. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said it was harder to struggle against segregation in Chicago than in Alabama. I remember driving across the United States in 1980 with a group of friends from Brown University; In Chicago a store clerk ignored us and served people we were ahead of because our group was integrated. There’s always been a lot of haters in that town.
I remember seeing something about that. It’s sad that that continues to happen to this day in places around Chicago. I can definitely attest to it still happening because similar things have happened to me as well. I’ll share some of my experiences in future writings to others
I agree completely, Thomas! Very well put! <3
Thank you for dropping in Windy. Sorry for my late reply. I’ve been busy with my move : )
No apologies necessary, my friend! Are you all moved now?
Yeppers! I’m moved in, and slowly organizing things in my apartment. I will share a bare shot of my apartment before my move, and also a shot once I’m completed with my set up : )
Awesome! <3 Sorry I'm running behind… We have some family issues going on here that we are trying to iron out… I'll be back soon! 😀
I definitely understand. I hope everything gets better.
Thank you, Thomas <3 It took some time, but things are getting better 🙂 Finally!
I agree with Albert. This world is in such turmoil with other issues, the last thing we need to be is divided because of racism. Just a silly issue in my opinion.
I like that Carol. It would be the perfect sign or affirmation written where people can see it. “This world is in such turmoil with other issues, the last thing we need to be is divided”
It is so true, I watch the news every day and get so frustrated at what is happening.
Me too, Carol; it’s very sickening!
Divided we stand, together we rise
Exactly, Alex……..
If we can’t put our differences aside and work together, we will never survive. Nor would we deserve to…
The problem is when other reject others because of their differences.
Diversity should be what makes the world turn, not intolerance
I think Mr. Albert is very right but then again; racism is everywhere around us; no matter which part of the world we live in.
Very true, Nadeem. Has to be some deeper meaning too. I wonder if its just a path for someone to discover that their beliefs are flawed down the road. The individuals mentioned in this writing are probably rethinking what they did because of the viral out roar from it. Maybe it takes the out roar from others to get the individuals to realize that they are flawed.
I think the root of the problem lies in the general mental weakness of humans who find it difficult to accept differences, like & dislike tendencies, pros and cons, and incitement from all directions, and even taught or inherited. Even in countries with the same skin color, there is always a story of the war between tribes or mass extermination, as well as about the differences of religion, social class, and gender. Unfortunately, as you have said, the jargon of justice and equality of rights, just easy to say than to do.
Thank you for sharing, Albert. I enjoyed reading your response. I plan to do more of these in response to whats going on in the world.
Pleasure is mine, Thomas. It is good if you will do more. We can see the reality everywhere that what we are talking about is still going on, and is happening among people all over the world.
Peoples are bad no apples..
Not sure what that means, but thanks for commenting