My two sons mother is from Mexico and I am from here in Northern Kentucky. When I got out of the Army and returned here in '02 my boys were 11 and 5 years old. Now I can say with all honesty that they had to work harder in sports and in school to prove to team mates, coaches, and teachers that they were good enough to start or even just to play. They were called chili pickers among other racist names. Being white myself I have been appalled and really shocked at some of the ignorance that had been directed toward my sons. I have witnessed blatant racism and I have also seen people just being insensitive to others feelings. There is also a difference between political incorrectness and racism. I also believe that we should embrace our differences and show each other a modicum of respect and common every day courtesy. I served my country for many years and nobody loves this great nation more than me, and one thing I learned while in service is that every one was the same despite our supposed differences.

 

First, thank you for your service to our country. :thumb:

 

Second, your sons and I have a lot in common. My father was also in the military (US Army, Vietnam). My dad is hispanic and my mother was white, so I have had the joy and sorrow of trying to find a fit in two cultures.

 

It doesn't bother me so much for myself, but I seriously want to come to blows with anyone that disrespects my father by implying that he is not an American citizen. What he went through for our country (along with many others...including so many over the years that made the ultimate sacrifice)...the idea that someone question his "american-ness" simply because his skin is darker just infuriates me.

 

So, yes, if the implication of this chant is that hispanics can't be as american as non-hispanics, then it is at best bigoted.

 

Lastly, let me say not to worry too much about your boys. The plus side of this whole being multicultural thing is being made stronger.

My two sons mother is from Mexico and I am from here in Northern Kentucky. When I got out of the Army and returned here in '02 my boys were 11 and 5 years old. Now I can say with all honesty that they had to work harder in sports and in school to prove to team mates, coaches, and teachers that they were good enough to start or even just to play. They were called chili pickers among other racist names. Being white myself I have been appalled and really shocked at some of the ignorance that had been directed toward my sons. I have witnessed blatant racism and I have also seen people just being insensitive to others feelings. There is also a difference between political incorrectness and racism. I also believe that we should embrace our differences and show each other a modicum of respect and common every day courtesy. I served my country for many years and nobody loves this great nation more than me, and one thing I learned while in service is that every one was the same despite our supposed differences.

Good post. Thank you for your service!

I was much more bothered by student chants of "Ramey Home Reject" at a high school player in the 16th region a few years back.

 

I think I'm on board with the sissification of America movement. USA chants have never bothered me at all.

I was much more bothered by student chants of "Ramey Home Reject" at a high school player in the 16th region a few years back.

 

I think I'm on board with the sissification of America movement. USA chants have never bothered me at all.

 

Have you ever risked your life for your country and then been denied by its citizenry? If so, you might not feel "sissy-fied" and those chants might bother you.

Have you ever risked your life for your country and then been denied by its citizenry? If so, you might not feel "sissy-fied" and those chants might bother you.

 

I have not. Have any of the kids in that basketball game risked their lives for their country and been denied?

I heard the USA chant at several games at the 5th Region tourney, but it wasn't evident that it was aimed at anyone in particular. Just seemed like something silly the students do.

 

In the San Antonio case, given the ethnic differences between the teams and the heat of the immigration debate, however, it doesn't seem right.

I have not. Have any of the kids in that basketball game risked their lives for their country and been denied?

 

Probably not. Some of their parents in attendance at the game, probably.

I was much more bothered by student chants of "Ramey Home Reject" at a high school player in the 16th region a few years back. I think I'm on board with the sissification of America movement. USA chants have never bothered me at all.

 

Why did that bother you? It was just a bunch of students cheering at a game?

 

I agree that there is a sissification of America going on...but in this case??? Nah. This is blatant prejudice. Cool to see people on this board are ok w/ such things. Remember that next time a student section, or someone else, chants or says something that strikes a nerve.

 

We here in Kentucky are FAAAAARRR removed from the immigration debate, but on the border...those were fighting words. The thing that makes me mad is that the kids were using a patriotic chant in a negative connotation.

Why did that bother you? It was just a bunch of students cheering at a game?

 

I agree that there is a sissification of America going on...but in this case??? Nah. This is blatant prejudice. Cool to see people on this board are ok w/ such things. Remember that next time a student section, or someone else, chants or says something that strikes a nerve.

 

We here in Kentucky are FAAAAARRR removed from the immigration debate, but on the border...those were fighting words. The thing that makes me mad is that the kids were using a patriotic chant in a negative connotation.

 

I'm not prejudice at all. I just see nothing wrong with chanting USA at a basketball game.

I'm not prejudice at all. I just see nothing wrong with chanting USA at a basketball game.

 

You are completely missing the point.

Why did that bother you? It was just a bunch of students cheering at a game?

 

I agree that there is a sissification of America going on...but in this case??? Nah. This is blatant prejudice. Cool to see people on this board are ok w/ such things. Remember that next time a student section, or someone else, chants or says something that strikes a nerve.

 

We here in Kentucky are FAAAAARRR removed from the immigration debate, but on the border...those were fighting words. The thing that makes me mad is that the kids were using a patriotic chant in a negative connotation.

 

I've been directly attacked as a student athlete by a whole student body through chants, and I will mention that it was something I couldn't help, nor control. It happens and not a big deal.

 

I disagree with those of you who say that directly attacking an individual student isn't worse.

 

Could some people have been offended by this, sure...but get over it, it isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

I've been directly attacked as a student athlete by a whole student body through chants, and I will mention that it was something I couldn't help, nor control. It happens and not a big deal.

 

I disagree with those of you who say that directly attacking an individual student isn't worse.

 

Could some people have been offended by this, sure...but get over it, it isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

 

I don't know who said that.

 

To the other part, that is fine, I'm sure that these kids will get over it too. It doesn't make it right, and it doesn't make it less offensive.

I know a lot of student sections chant it around here but it does not mean United States of America.

 

It means U suck A.....

I don't know who said that.

 

To the other part, that is fine, I'm sure that these kids will get over it too. It doesn't make it right, and it doesn't make it less offensive.

 

I was referring to...

I have zero problem of a student body chanting USA to an international player.

Very simple question, have they chanted it at other schools this year?