What aboutism is dangerous. The apples to oranges comparison is necessary to distract from an actual issue. It is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. Was it worth all the bad publicity for former football player and Mississippi native, Brett Favre, to be involved in the diversion of the state's welfare funds? Yes, the ex-Green Bay Packers signal- caller denied any wrongdoing. Around the same time that new details of the swindling of money meant for underprivileged families were revealed, Irving posted a link to a documentary and book on his social media accounts. The spotlight will always be large enough for both men to get the attention they deserve.
It's important to measure the severity and maliciousness of inappropriate behavior in order to make long-term judgements. The Los Angeles Lakers star questioned why no one in the media had asked him about the photo that was unearthed. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is in the background of a picture of a mob trying to stop Black students from entering a school. James wondered why the media was so quick to ask about Irving's mistakes, but not about Jones.
James claimed on Wednesday night that it was a lie. It wasn't directly about the photo, even if Jones confirmed his appearance in the black-and-white still from 1957 to WaPo and spoke to the paper on the record about it as part of its series about Black coaches in the NFL Jones is the most high-profile owner in sports, but he has never hired a black coach. It is a fair criticism, but it is not a Jones exclusive.
Jones praised the Laker forwards history of speaking out.
Due to being the biggest star in American sports, who also happens to be black, James has had to answer a lot of questions about other things. Obtaining legendary status was the only way not to be a bust for a high-school athlete who is a living genius. The native of Ohio topped that potential. It was obvious to James that a question about Jones wasn't going to come. His issue wasn't that he got asked about Irving, who deserved Brooklyn's suspension without pay because it took the Nets' guard way too long to apologize for something so evil and his negligent behavior only gave credence to some of the worst among us. James called it out after recognizing it. When the main topic was the treatment of the Black community and African Americans, James wanted to see that same energy.
His plea to the Los Angeles media was composed, diplomatic, rational, and moving. It made me realize a double standard that I am not afraid to check myself on. I wouldn't be able to understand or recognize something that I've never experienced. Even if it is not comfortable, I need to listen to the voices that have experience in that situation. Despite clear messages from the Anti-Defamation League and other prominent voices from the Jewish community, many believe Irving did nothing wrong. Those afflicted by antisemitism were aware of the bad things. It was not possible to accept hatred toward the Jewish people as a whole.
The same logic can be used to approach James' claim. The photo of Jones, who has aged to become the most powerful figure of the most beloved team in America's most popular sports, didn't get the same amount of attention when it was published. Each had a different component in the public eye. Jones is present in that crowd. He can't be assumed to be innocent or guilty. Irving promoted an antisemitic project and refused to apologize until his paycheck was taken away. Everyone needs to call out gross behavior and hope that one of the elite basketball players learns from it. If Tyler Herro was found guilty, that process should have been the same.
Uneven coverage shouldn't be a result of the murkiness. As much as he deserves the right to move on and prove that was a one-off series of bad choices, Irving should have gotten lambasted. Jones needs to keep his feet on the fire, but more importantly, he needs to listen to the message James is trying to convey. The comparison to Irving isn't so different after all. It is obvious that there is never a wrong time to speak out against injustice. When it comes to social justice issues, Jones is usually late to the game. The context of his appearance in a photo from 65 years ago needs to be understood. James didn't ask us what aboutism was.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
