Must Read - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: what sports have taught me about race in America

[malaise]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/28/notes-from-an-ungrateful-athlete-why-race-and-sports-matter-in-america?CMP=share_btn_link

But that wasn’t my only goal. The even greater significance those records had to me then, and has to me even more now, is in providing a platform to keep the discussion of social inequalities – whether racial, gender-related, or economic – alive and vibrant so that we may come together as a nation and fix them. Historically, that has been the greatness of the American spirit: we don’t flinch at identifying our own faults and using our moral fortitude and ingenuity to become a better nation. In honoring that spirit, I pay tribute to two of my most important mentors, UCLA coach John Wooden and Muhammad Ali. It is Ali’s voice I often hear in my head: “When you saw me in the boxing ring fighting, it wasn’t just so I could beat my opponent. My fighting had a purpose. I had to be successful in order to get people to listen to the things I had to say.” All sports records will inevitably be broken, but the day after they are, the world won’t have changed. But every day you speak up about injustice, the next day the world may be just a little better for someone.

Sports is the most popular form of entertainment, with Americans spending about $56bn on sports events last year, compared to about $11bn on movies. Seventy-two percent of 18- to 29-year-olds consider themselves sports fans, as do a majority of those older. This level of popularity has made sports more than just entertainment, it’s also part of our national identity, a source of inspiration for personal achievement, and a means to teach our children valuable lessons about teamwork and social ethics. For African Americans, sports has all those values – but it also has some extra implications

But that wasn’t my only goal. The even greater significance those records had to me then, and has to me even more now, is in providing a platform to keep the discussion of social inequalities – whether racial, gender-related, or economic – alive and vibrant so that we may come together as a nation and fix them. Historically, that has been the greatness of the American spirit: we don’t flinch at identifying our own faults and using our moral fortitude and ingenuity to become a better nation. In honoring that spirit, I pay tribute to two of my most important mentors, UCLA coach John Wooden and Muhammad Ali. It is Ali’s voice I often hear in my head: “When you saw me in the boxing ring fighting, it wasn’t just so I could beat my opponent. My fighting had a purpose. I had to be successful in order to get people to listen to the things I had to say.” All sports records will inevitably be broken, but the day after they are, the world won’t have changed. But every day you speak up about injustice, the next day the world may be just a little better for someone.

Sports is the most popular form of entertainment, with Americans spending about $56bn on sports events last year, compared to about $11bn on movies. Seventy-two percent of 18- to 29-year-olds consider themselves sports fans, as do a majority of those older. This level of popularity has made sports more than just entertainment, it’s also part of our national identity, a source of inspiration for personal achievement, and a means to teach our children valuable lessons about teamwork and social ethics. For African Americans, sports has all those values – but it also has some extra implications.

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Lots more at link
Kareem is one of the most thoughtful persons on the planet

[Throck]

1. When I think of professional sports I think of 1% white privilege owners.

Look at the ticket prices, concession prices and parking prices. They bleed the average game goer, poor people can't afford to attend the events.

[irresistable]

2. He is a wonderful, brilliant man.

Also, I miss his elegant sky hook.

[BeyondGeography]

3. Among many other qualities, he's a great American

[ghostsinthemachine]

4. My all time favorite athlete

Loved him since UCLA days. Love his love of jazz.

[Johnny2X2X]

5. Sports can heal us

While I do think the country would be better off if the average Joe at a bar knew more about politics and his community than he did about sports, sports will be a way to heal after Trump is gone. When I root for my team, the guy next to me has no part affiliation, we are just two fans.

[VOX]

6. That man is an absolute class act, and something of a genius.

He had a amazing career in b-ball, high school, college, pro. There was no way to defend against his signature “sky hook” shot.

He’s now a published author of several books, including a recent novel “Mycroft Holmes,” and one that drops this October, “Mycroft and Sherlock.” He's also doing a series of graphic novels featuring the Mycroft Holmes character. Obviously, he’s a Sherlock Holmes “nut” and appreciates classic films as well.

During his playing years, Kareem had a reputation of being aloof, refused autographs, etc. Inevitably, racism also played a part in his being extremely private. He finally came to grips with the shyness that made him feel so socially awkward.

[bronxiteforever]

7. K & R. He is one of my absolute favorites.