Amaechi strikes back... what do you think of this???

Question

When asked what he though about Tim Hardaway's confession on his hatred towards gay people, John Amaechi said this:

"His words pollute the atmosphere... It creates an atmosphere that allows young gays and lesbians to be harassed in school, creates an atmosphere where in 33 states you can lose your job, and where anti-gay and lesbian issues are used for political gain. It's an atmosphere that hurts all of us, not just gay people."

I've already answered about 3 or 4 questions on the whole Tim Hardaway issue but it's interesting to know what Amaechi thinks about it. I agree with him... do you?

Answer 1

AMERICA IS HOMOPHOBIC. BLACK MEN ARE HOMOPHOBIC. ATHLETES ARE HOMOPHOBIC.

Answer 2

I once had the strangest of experiences: I played basketball against an openly gay man who actually used his homosexuality to his advantage. When he set picks he moved his pelvis into guys just to get under their skin. He ran like a girl and had extremely feminine maneurisms and you knew he was doing this to take advantage of the homophobia on the opposing team. The guy could play regardless, but still he chose to take advantage, and it resulted in better post position and less body contact. Because I had this experience, I can understand Hardaway's fears and don't blame him for being homophobic. Because Amaechi kept this a secret as a player for whatever reason, he is really the one responsible, as other undeclared gay NBA players, for choosing to not educate and help players like Hardaway who have these fears. It's unfair to ridicule someone for ignorance after the fact, while knowing you could have bettered this situation, because you were in the position and had the power to do so. So when Amaechi says what he says, it really reveals his intentions as to why he came out. A person focussing on improving the situation would be a bit more sympathetic and forgiving, and not so focussed on the short term, but rather a bit more hopeful for a change in Hardaway's and others' thinking.

Answer 3

Certainly.

A lot of kids looked up to Hardaway as a player, and like it or not, he is a role model for a lot of people. His words came out of ignorance and fear, and hopefully he's learned a lot about homosexuals after he said those words.

Hopefully the honest dialogue will continue, and the ignorant homophobes can learn something.

A: The Michael Jordan that said that quote about AIDS being a punishment from God against gays is NOT Michael Jordan the basketball star, but a Baptist preacher.

Answer 4

I dont agree with anyone, what i think though is this They should go back to the day when Michael Jordan said something about AIDS is Gods punishment for people being gay. That will surely create some more needed controversy to this issue at hand.

Answer 5

'not natural?' seriously? anyone who thinks that needs to study mammal behavior. it's simply not true. homosexual behavior happens ALL THE TIME in the 'natural' world. sheesh! and what i hate are people who say it's a choice. i mean, i certainly did not 'chose' to be straight. i don't think you could find ANY young teen who is gay who chooses to be gay...all the harassment and crap they have to deal with in school is BS. Amaechi is right and i agree with him. Funny though, that hardaway's comments will likely mean more books sold for amaechi!

Answer 6

The way I see it. It is OK for a gay player to express his views and opinions on the subject, but that right is taken away from someone who disagree with the subject of being gay.
Well some lesson on rights that is!
Nobody can have an opinion against gays and lesbians anymore without being slashed out.
I think that what makes gay and lesbians lives miserable is the fact that they know they are different, not the reaction or actions of others. It is more of an introvert problem rather than an outside problem. people don't go out expressing their heterosexuality or saying how hard it is to date a girl or a guy nowadays especially with divorces, sex difference etc. but hey gays and lesbians can come out and criticize the world for being outcast.
As much as i would disagree with hardaway's word for being harsh i would agree with the fact that he has the right to his opinion whatever those might be.

Answer 7

I saw his interview wih Diane Sawyer on GMA! What a smart, eloquent man. I din't know his personality before. But despite him being gay he is a very respectable man and he will defend his views on this subject. I would defintely read his book someday. He seems like the type that would debunk all the gay negative stereotypes.

Answer 8

Tim came forward and said what he believes, how he worded with Hate" i dont agree with. Although not all people who disagree with gays hate them thats the way he is making it look. I dont hate gays just dont bring your gay atmosphere around me. i dont mean that in a bad way but alot of people act like they are special when there gay and they want special attention, and thats what alot of people dont like. Tim just went to far with Hate" most people would have said dislike being around and thats not affiliated with hate or mean feelings.

Answer 9

I'm reading the previous answers and am astounded by some of them. Homosexuality is a naturally occuring trait in most mammal species. I have never understood why other people feel so threatened by gays... I certainly don't.
I don't care what you believe is right or wrong morally, making such derogative of fellow human beings, designed to make them feel threatened and alienated is wrong.

Answer 10

I support gay feelings and rights, but for people not living in San Francisco, it's difficult to see what we are going through with Liberals and Gays trying to discredit and badmouth Republicans and Conservatives.

The war is one thing, but what does it have to do with gay rights? The military/JROTC is not discriminating against gays, gays do join the military, serve the flag proudly and kill enemies of the US, but San Francisco liberals and gays do not see it that way.

They are saying that straight, conservative Republicans should leave the city because they "rule" and our views do not matter within the city limits????? What do you think about that? Is that not discrimination against Republicans, Sane People, Conservatives and Straight Orientation People? And they say they are oppressed?????

Let the entire world see what they are trying to accomplish in San Francisco. It will show that they are hurting us more than we are hurting them..... Thanks for listening!

Answer 11

He makes a good point.I'm still in shock with him admitting he's gay, despite the fact at as a player, he was kind of insignificant.