Do you think Skip Bayless of ESPN's First Take is a bigot?

Question

Personally I do. He rarely has anything positive say about athletes of color and passionately downplays accolades of black superstars in particular. The fact that the two Stewart brothers tolerate him is amazing! What's your take? And remeber contrary to popular caucasion belief racism and even more ugly classism does exist!

Answer 1

I don't think he's a bigot, just opinionated, and really not really well informed. To me, he's one of those shock guys that's always trying to say something to shock people so he can keep his job. The guy works for the Dallas newspaper and constantly criticizes Terrell Owens, no matter what he does, I just don't pay him any mind, kind of like Jim Rome.

But, racism and classism is alive and well in sports and the world we live in today, I do agree with you there.

I love it when my man Stephen A. Smith puts him in his place with well informed facts, especially about the NBA.

Answer 2

Only a true moron would believe that racism does not exist in any society, including ours. It is just as ignorant to say that it is a 'popular caucasian belief' that racism does not exist.

You do bring out a great point by asking this question in the first place: There is a segment of our society that is constantly looking for anything that may be considered "anti-them" as in your case, looking for someone who you consider to be a bigot or racist against blacks. You find that person (Skip Bayless) and whether they actually harbor deep feelings of 'anti-blackness' inside them, you have already singled them out as being against 'your kind' and as such, he becomes evil in your eyes. Attitudes like this have haunted civilized mankind throughout history and only combine a perceived hate with more hate, which never solves anything.

If you really have a problem with the actions of someone who is a public figure, then instead ranting about them on a public forum to make yourself feel empowered, actually do something that is truly empowering and send that person a personal note telling them (in a civilized way, because we are all civilized here, right?) that you have noticed how it seems certain people are treated/talked about differently because of their skin color and wonder if there is a reason for it or if it is a misunderstanding from how they are coming across in the public eye. If they eventually respond in kind, then you have succeeded in making a difference in a positive way rather than flaming a fire that does not need additional fuel. If they don't respond, then at least you have reached out and you can encourage others who may feel as you do to do the same and maybe you can enlighten someone's belief system by showing humility and generosity toward them.

Or you can continue ranting about 'that white guy who doesn't like blacks' and go to bed each night full of more hate and contempt for your fellow man. Eventually, you will begin to hate other caucasians besides Skip Bayless and then who becomes the racist?

***By the way, your question was pretty much benign until you made that final sentence comment about caucasian beliefs; that comment told us where you were really coming from.

Answer 3

I think his indifference to race is a positive thing, shouldn't you? If the only thing people thought about last years Super Bowl was that it was 2 black coaches going, that makes Dungy and Smith nothing more than "black coaches". I think indifference to race is important. Skip also downplays achievements of white athletes that he feels are overrated. This does not bother me.

I think the racist thing is when people say a black athlete is "articulate", like that is a big surprise that a black athlete can be well spoken? But this is seen as praise by some people!

Answer 4

I'm not normally one to scream racism at every turn, but I have read three of his books: God's Coach, The Boys, and Hellbent. In his books, he seems to take the approach that all blacks are "cockier perfomers."

Is this racism or honesty? Don't know.