Response to Hudson Council

A firestorm of racial accusations came down when fans of the Hudson Blackhawks arrived at a game versus Shaker Heights, an all black team, wearing black face paint, beaks and wigs.  Blackhawks fans say they were supporting their team with costumes, Shaker fans say they “endured racial slurs.”  As a result, two (black) teams have left the Pee-Wee league claiming insensitivity on the part of the Hudson team and fans.

Details can be found at:

Shaker, Euclid quite football league (The Plain Dealer)

Peewee Football Fans Accused Of Racism (NBC4.TV Los Angeles)

 

The Hudson Council issued the following statement on Nov. 1:

“The City has had conversations with Hudson Hawks’ board members, coaches and parents, and we understand their concerns. The Hudson Hawks organization has been teaching the fundamentals of football to Hudson children for 26 years and has a reputation for helping worthy causes. However unintentional the reported actions of fans at a recent game were, or whether or not the facts are correct, individuals were offended. The City is committed to promoting tolerance and respect, regardless of a person’s race, creed or color, and we will continue to do everything in our power to foster a climate of tolerance and sensitivity.”

It is specifically this climate of sensitivity that led to the problem in the first place.  Our society is hypersensitive.  Physical assault is one thing:  a fine and community service will result, perhaps even jail time, but given time, people move on.  Hurt feelings is another:  the “punishment” is to be labeled a bigot or a racist, and once a person or community takes on the label, overcoming it is nearly impossible.

“Even if I give them the benefit of the doubt on every level, it still displays insensitivity,” [Shaker Raiders coach Jeffrey] Saffold said. “You can't make those kinds of mistakes in a diverse society.”  This illustrates a cardinal sin in our society:  people’s feelings were hurt.

Racial slurs are indicative of poor, immature behavior.  Shame on the fans if, in fact, they used racial slurs.  However, labeling those individuals that use racial slurs as “insensitive and intolerant” and then dismissing them misses a critical opportunity:  it prevents all parties from having meaningful conversation about why this behavior is not to be accepted.

For this reason, XEKE.com will not participate in “foster[ing this] climate of tolerance and sensitivity.”  XEKE.com will participate in meaningful dialogue about the issue of racism and work toward honest healing and reconciliation.