tri3ba wrote:
The first question shouldn't be why is it white, but instead, is it "Inclusive." We tend to shift every conversation towards black and white or black vs. white, when the conversation should be about diversity as a whole which entails a great deal more than simply black vs. white. There is no question that black and white is used as a springboard towards resentment and divisiveness and because of the exclusion and barriers put in place in the past and some of which still exist. But if you are purely comparing black vs. white, then you are not comparing diversity within a category or subject matter and then can't compare the makeup of that subject matter (sport) as a whole. What should be asked in the context of diversity is does the subject (sport) reflect the makeup of that community? Is that on a local level, jurisdiction, country, the sport as a whole or just the professional ranks? If you are comparing within the US and look at the US population as a whole, 76% are white, 13% are black or African american and 18% are Hispanic or Latino. If you are looking at the diversity within cycling in comparison to the population as whole then the ideal makeup of diversity within cycling should reflect those numbers. But for some we have shifted the focus to an equal makeup of the category vs. a diverse distribution. If there is no diversity whatsoever then we should be questioning why and first look at if it is inclusive and what are the barriers to entry and how to overcome them. The arguments of Basketball fail just as most other sports if we look at them in the same context. Is there diversity? No, the makeup reflects a higher number of black or African american's, but is it inclusive? Do the behaviors and social norms of entry into the sport and continued participation, opportunity for growth and development reflect acceptance of any racial group? If you believe that it isn't inclusive then what are the barriers and do they exclude or favor one racial group over another?
Understanding we need to ensure that the barriers are eliminated but more importantly aren't created to the point of exclusion of any race and that it is inclusive for not just race but also gender. We need to shift the mindset and the argument away from black and white or more importantly black vs white somehow, someway.
Very well said.
As you describe, in the usa, even though there are a lot of African Americans playing at this level, I think that there could be a lot more true diversity in US professional sports.
So, yes, diversity is important. But since African Americans have historically been singled out for the most vicious and extended racism and terror over their whole existence in the usa, I think that the condition of African Americans is special even compared to the many other ethnic groups in america. Other ethnic groups have been treated badly here, but the way African Americans are and have been treated is much much worse, as measured pretty much on any scale.
Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook --