The KG question I'd rather not ask

Dont Quote Me — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:00:23 GMT

I'm loathe to pose this question, since race is always an incendiary subject, and the alleged concern

re: Garnett, Boston, and race

Michael — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 02:56:33 GMT

Being a person of color who is extremely addicted to Boston and Washington DC sports teams, sports radio (WEEI), Michael Wilbon, PTI and Tony Kornheiser I feel as though I should comment. WEEI is the ratings leader for a coveted advertising demographic therefore it should be no surprise that the on air talent and their commentary "play" to that demographic. Anyone who listens to EEI expecting to find a refuge of racial tolerance will not find comfort there. I usually have to turn the channel two or three times a year when I just cannot take it any longer. Despite this my love of sport talk brings me back for better or for worse. In my opinion, most of the on air talent is fair--most of the time--the most egregious of them, Gerry Callahan has been missing but his style lives on. On caveat, since race is America's original sin, who among us really is without blame. I agree with Wilbon's comments about the Black community (outside of Boston) fear of Boston. The truth and some hyperbole has disseminated throughout the nation starting from the well known tension that derived from School busing in the 70's. When I moved here 14 years ago, I was called the N ward literally a month after having arrived in town. Despite this non-black co-workers, some (but not all) neighbors and associates treated me like family from day one. I still can remember the image from Time magazine of someone trying to impale a black man with a flag pole with the flag wrapped around this. Imagery like this and other incidents die hard. Think about the on-going "tribal warfare" in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Cyprus/Turkey/Kurds etc etc etc. I am looking forward to our new trio for the Celtics, however like most of us, they will need to live to a higher standard if they are to survive the scrutiny they will undoubtedly receive.

re: Garnett, Boston, and race

Jeff — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:51:23 GMT

Dialogue on diversity is challenging enough (but well worthwhile) without speculation and false attributions about what others might be thinking. Most people of color agree that although we have a ways to go in terms of full mutual respect and inclusiveness, Boston has indeed changed for the better.