Parcell Remark

[CRLionDawg]

Its a dead issue now.


Lets move it on!

[El-Moldo]

And don't raise the dead, either. I mean, look what happened in Frankenstein.

[foghorn]

The point of this forum is to discuss sports in relation to how the media cover them. Sure the PC atmosphere of today can get ridiculous, but that's the society we live in.

Parcell is an experienced guy. He knows the climate nowadays and knew even before he spoke that his comments would get a reaction. Why wouldn't they? Back in the fifties when WWII was still very fresh some of us might remember teachers who would have "Jap" quizzes -- surprise quizzes. I can't remember any controvery over this.

Well, even in the still mostly lily-white hinterlands of Bedford County a teacher who would call his/her pop quizzes "Jap quizzes" would get into trouble -- and should get in trouble. Words are incredibly powerful.

When most of us get into trouble nowadays it's not because we robbed a bank or killed someone -- it's because we said something stupid. We all do it. And when we do, we should be criticized.

So no -- I don't think too much is being made of Parcell's remarks or Larry Bird's remarks about the NBA needing more white players. What I really fear is a climate where remarks like this are tolerated.

[El-Moldo]

Foghorn: Your use of the phrase "lilly-white" is a perfect example. You can apopogize to the people of Bedford County anytime you want. We'll be waiting!!

[CRLionDawg]

Foghorn,

Why cant Larry Bird make a comment? I dont hear an uproar from the AfroAmerican community, it is the PC police.

Apparently you have bought into this narrow minded cult as well.

Loosen up.

[fleaflicker]

I think that Jap plays as he called them, are a little outdated. However, I have to agree with Larry Bird's remarks for the most part. Blacks are better than whites at basketball for the most part, and always will be. The only thing I found offensive was his remark regarding how offended he felt when he had a white player guarding him, like he wasn't good enough to qualify for a black. He was implying that there aren't any white guys good enough to guard him with that remark, and I'm sure that isn't true. But otherwise, he was just saying the truth as he saw it pretty much, and as it is.

[foghorn]

Good observation, but keep on waiting, El-Moldo. I'm just a dumb guy on a sports forum, not a big-time pro-football coach in a town -- Dallas -- which, by the way, has a significant Japanese-American community; or a living legend (Bird is one of my personal heroes) pro-basketball general manager who hitherto had been colorblind in all aspects of his career. Of course, Bird was one of the greatest players of all time, a great competitor,
and all those good things. But he's never gonna be invited to any Mensa meetings. Nor will Parcell.

Because of their reputation and high profile, millions upon millions of people pay attention to what people like these guys say. Is it too much to ask them to at least be a little more thoughtful in their comments?

By the way, when I was a teacher and when I write professionally I made and make sure I avoid these kinds of situations.

[TheAnalyst]

Can someone tell me why Parcell's comments were offensive? His comments are based on historical fact, that the Japanese did surprise us, and do the unexpected, which is what he is doing with these plays. Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I don't see a problem with it, whether I'm Japanese or not.

[Gunner18]

actually i think the term "jap" is considered a "ratial slur" or whatever, personally i think its a joke

[El-Moldo]

Foghorn: You can rationalize the "lillywhite" comment any way you wish, but to us that's no different than what Parcells said. Also you helped prove my "Quanity" theory. We went through this concerning the death penalty. It's ok to offend 3 people from Chalybeate, but not alot of people around Dallas. Parcells was wrong because of QUANITY and you're not?