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Only 3rd of whites rooting for Bonds, poll says Survey illustrates racial dividing line about Giant's pursuit of Aaron's record
When it comes to rooting for Barry Bonds to become the home run champion, one factor stands out: race.
An AP-Ipsos poll released Monday showed 55 percent of minority baseball fans want Bonds to set the record, while only 34 percent of non-Hispanic white baseball fans hope he passes Hank Aaron’s record.
The results mark a significant jump among minorities. Last October, just 34 percent in an AP-AOL poll were rooting for Bonds to make history.
Bonds went into Monday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs with 751 home runs, four behind Aaron.
A seven-time NL MVP, Bonds has been shadowed by steroid suspicions for several years. The San Francisco star has steadfastly denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs.
“When you look at the whole era of steroid use, why pick on one man?” John Primus, a black fan from Raleigh, N.C., asked at Wrigley Field. “Clean up that whole era. If he was 300 home runs down, nobody would say a word. It’s just because he’s so close.”
Brian Morse, a white fan from Peoria, Ill., was rooting against Bonds.
“He’s surly, and I’ve read a few books on him. It’s bad enough on the field, but the way he’s treated family members is disgraceful,” he said before the Giants-Cubs game. “I think these guys, especially the popular ones, are kind of heroes to kids, and Barry is just a bad example all around.”
For the record, I have no problem with Bonds breaking the record - but I also think Pete Rose (as crazy as he is now) should be in the hall of fame. If Bonds or any other player used steroids and MLB didn't crack down on him then shame on them for their pathetic steroid policy. And, steroids or not you still have to hit the ball. But anyway - back to the topic.
Why does the racial makeup of the respondents in this poll matter?
What is it about the left and their cohorts in the media - the most vocal proponents of ending racism - that makes them inject race into every situation?
Does it help end racism to insinuate that whites are racist at every opportunity, or does it exacerbate the problem?
Lastly, which group appears more racially motivated, the 1/3 of whites that support him breaking the record, or the 55 percent of minorities - up from 34 percent in October - that support him?
Yes, racism is alive and well, thanks to the Left. There are plenty of examples… Harry Belafonte' calling Colon Powell an Uncle Tom, the Aunt Jemima thing about Condi Rice. You baseball fans must remember, “Dusty the dangerous racist.”
Steroids don't know race. I spoke with one of Bonds' teammates recently and he said Bonds will break the record at home (not on the road). I'm personally neither a SF Giants fan nor do I care for Bonds smug attitude. I rooted for Aaron when he broke the record, but I will not facilitate any joy for Bonds.
For the record, I have no problem with Bonds breaking the record - but I also think Pete Rose (as crazy as he is now) should be in the hall of fame. If Bonds or any other player used steroids and MLB didn't crack down on him then shame on them for their pathetic steroid policy. And, steroids or not you still have to hit the ball. But anyway - back to the topic.
Why does the racial makeup of the respondents in this poll matter?
What is it about the left and their cohorts in the media - the most vocal proponents of ending racism - that makes them inject race into every situation?
Does it help end racism to insinuate that whites are racist at every opportunity, or does it exacerbate the problem?
Lastly, which group appears more racially motivated, the 1/3 of whites that support him breaking the record, or the 55 percent of minorities - up from 34 percent in October - that support him?
No it doesn't help to insinuate anyones racist, unless he/she admits it. Bonds home run chase has what I believe is racist overtones. He is your not so friendly Athlete, even though whites like to get full access to their athletes. And this is what makes whites outcry seem kind of racist.
Blacks support for Bonds jump from 34% to 55% I believe was because of media coverage. You can tie racism to the jump from October to the present but remember their is a fine line between being racist and just saying a comment that is worded wrong. With out the media attention no one pays attention....
Did you watch Barroid's heart wrenching speech after hitting the tainted HR record?! He thanked everyone for the first time in a long time that I can remember. He thanked the organization, the fans of SF, his father, his god-father, wife, children, and G-d. Unfortunately he forgot to thank BALCO whom made the moment possible. He is known for his selfish prima donna act in the locker room and being a horse's pa-toot with the media. He will never be part of World Championship team nor does he deserve to be.
Polls! Schmolls! Race has nothing to do with what Bonds did or didn't do, for that matter. You could throw a bucket a white paint on Bonds and tar McGuire until he was as dark as midnight and they'd both be equally guilty. Perhaps Bonds would like it to be a racial issue, just like what Vick is perceived in Atlanta, but neither collected threats like Aaron did in his day. If the SF and ATL fans were part of a sports commission board they'd set back baseball and football beyond repair.
Did you watch Barroid's heart wrenching speech after hitting the tainted HR record?! He thanked everyone for the first time in a long time that I can remember. He thanked the organization, the fans of SF, his father, his god-father, wife, children, and G-d. Unfortunately he forgot to thank BALCO whom made the moment possible. He is known for his selfish prima donna act in the locker room and being a horse's pa-toot with the media. He will never be part of World Championship team nor does he deserve to be.
Polls! Schmolls! Race has nothing to do with what Bonds did or didn't do, for that matter. You could throw a bucket a white paint on Bonds and tar McGuire until he was as dark as midnight and they'd both be equally guilty. Perhaps Bonds would like it to be a racial issue, just like what Vick is perceived in Atlanta, but neither collected threats like Aaron did in his day. If the SF and ATL fans were part of a sports commission board they'd set back baseball and football beyond repair.
Nope, saw the replays of the hit and that was about it. I just wonder why race has to be an issue in virtually everything when I thought we were supposed to be trying to eliminate racism.
I think that despite all the Rhetoric to the contrary, Anglos feel a twinge of nostalgia for the good ole days when all politicians, and prominent athletes were white and those that weren't were segregated so they could be viewed as of no real account. This feeling lies just below the surface and tends to surface at certain times when all seems normal and you least expect it. Actually, the illusion or normality itself might serve as a catalyst by creating an impending sense of racial defeat which necessitates a blowing off of racial steam. Neither is this cultural phenomenon it restricted to sports but permeates all areas of life in the USA. Neither is it just an American Caucasian thing since American blacks are just as inclined to go through the same antics.
I think that despite all the Rhetoric to the contrary, Anglos feel a twinge of nostalgia for the good ole days when all politicians, and prominent athletes were white and those that weren't were segregated so they could be viewed as of no real account. This feeling lies just below the surface and tends to surface at certain times when all seems normal and you least expect it. Actually, the illusion or normality itself might serve as a catalyst by creating an impending sense of racial defeat which necessitates a blowing off of racial steam. Neither is this cultural phenomenon it restricted to sports but permeates all areas of life in the USA. Neither is it just an American Caucasian thing since American blacks are just as inclined to go through the same antics.
This Anglo doesn't care. Sure, my favorite sports idol is still Roger Staubach - but along came Drew Pearson, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and that dancing king Emmitt Smith. Many a time I've yelled loud and proud for Nate Newton, Larry Allen, Too Tall Jones, Harvey Martin and now DeMarcus Ware, Julius Jones, Marion Barber and Terence Newman...whose photo adorns my office wall. Race is non-issue for me, and it might be for more if it wasn't needlessly injected into every situation.
This Anglo doesn't care. Sure, my favorite sports idol is still Roger Staubach - but along came Drew Pearson, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and that dancing king Emmitt Smith. Many a time I've yelled loud and proud for Nate Newton, Larry Allen, Too Tall Jones, Harvey Martin and now DeMarcus Ware, Julius Jones, Marion Barber and Terence Newman...whose photo adorns my office wall. Race is non-issue for me, and it might be for more if it wasn't needlessly injected into every situation.
I should have numerically qualified my comment. Undoubtedly there are fine decent people in all groups who don't let race be the determining factor in judging treating others. But unfortunately the persistent racial tensions in the USA indicate that the numbers which do are significant. Not that progress hasn't been made. It has. But we still have a long way to go and ignoring the problem is not the solution. Instead the issue has to be addressed early on in school in order to counter the racial hatreds taught at home by parents who were similarly programmed to discriminate based on race. I'm sure that the issue is being addressed in some way. But judging by the persistence of the problem, more forceful approach is needed.
BTW
The first man to break Babe Ruth's record was repeatedly threatened not to do it. Also, after he did break the record, he attempted to live in an Anglo neighborhood and was harassed until he had to leave. Strange!
I should have numerically qualified my comment. Undoubtedly there are fine decent people in all groups who don't let race be the determining factor in judging treating others. But unfortunately the persistent racial tensions in the USA indicate that the numbers which do are significant. Not that progress hasn't been made. It has. But we still have a long way to go and ignoring the problem is not the solution. Instead the issue has to be addressed early on in school in order to counter the racial hatreds taught at home by parents who were similarly programmed to discriminate based on race. I'm sure that the issue is being addressed in some way. But judging by the persistence of the problem, more forceful approach is needed.
BTW
The first man to break Babe Ruth's record was repeatedly threatened not to do it. Also, after he did break the record, he attempted to live in an Anglo neighborhood and was harassed until he had to leave. Strange!
Besides the commissioner, even Aaron struggled to commend Bonds. That's why Aaron used a generic congratulatory video. Bonds biggest problem besides the non-explanations for his artificial physique, is his urine poor "me first" attitude from way back, his antics in the locker room, and his despise for the media most of his career. As for racial tensions I will suggest a very good movie, "Glory Road." It's not about baseball, actually it's about basketball. But the movie is in the era that Aaron would had truly understood. Bonds never, as mentioned previously in my other other post and by Starman's comparison, never saw such level of racial scrutiny.
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