Criticism hurled at Kane, Byfuglien, Subban &others is about race more than character

[Vedder]

It seems like a pretty shallow attempt to generate traffic. If you're going to tackle this issue at least write an article with some depth, not a one pager with no compelling arguments. Can't imagine many other legitimate publications would publish an article of this quality, which unfortunately seems like the norm for the hockey news these days.

[puckluck2]

If I don't like French players is that racist?

[Alberta_Beef]

I stopped reading at "Adam Proteau"

the guy shouldn't even be called a writer, he makes Francis look like Duha

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

I stopped reading at "Adam Proteau"

the guy shouldn't even be called a writer, he makes Francis look like Duha

I don't completely agree, but the man lost a lot of credibility with this one. Easy to re-butt.

I don't ever like this garbage.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by SebC

...There may be elements of "black culture" that certain black players embrace that people might reasonably find objectionable. Culture doesn't protect you from judgement/consequences any more than religion does.

This is the way I see it. I agree that Proteau's piece is pointless and stupid, but he does point to an issue that is real. As more and more black players enter the NHL, they will contribute to a culture shift with which many people are uncomfortable. I admit that a big reason why I can't watch basketball has to do with how much I simply cannot identify with the culture. Kids immersed in this culture will continue to enter the NHL in increasing numbers, and old traditionalists like me are just going to have to get on with it.

Does this point to racially motivated criticisms? I don't think so. It points to a cultural gulf—which is an entirely different thing. As far as I can see no one is limiting opportunities for NHL players because of their skin colour. But some people are uncomfortable with the ontology and the vernacular that accompanies some black players. This is pretty natural, but I expect that as it always does, enough exposure will result in a greater acceptance of cultural differences.

[Jets4Life]

IMO, nothing comes close to this article on the supposed "racism" directed at Evander Kane, in terms of exaggerating a race issue:

http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2014/...istory-racism#

"In Winnipeg, you can be convicted of a DUI, no sweat. But if you're black and have money, suddenly we have an axe to grind."
-----

The writer talks about Pavelec's DUI in the Czech republic, but conveniently forgets to mention's Byfuglien's DUI boating charge...

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

This is the way I see it. I agree that Proteau's piece is pointless and stupid, but he does point to an issue that is real. As more and more black players enter the NHL, they will contribute to a culture shift with which many people are uncomfortable. I admit that a big reason why I can't watch basketball has to do with how much I simply cannot identify with the culture. Kids immersed in this culture will continue to enter the NHL in increasing numbers, and old traditionalists like me are just going to have to get on with it.

Does this point to racially motivated criticisms? I don't think so. It points to a cultural gulf—which is an entirely different thing. As far as I can see no one is limiting opportunities for NHL players because of their skin colour. But some people are uncomfortable with the ontology and the vernacular that accompanies some black players. This is pretty natural, but I expect that as it always does, enough exposure will result in a greater acceptance of cultural differences.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, but this is part of the problem. I come from a good home, but I grew up in a neighborhood and went to a school of mostly Caucasian people. I was bullied.

I grew older, and gravitated to people from my same background. Some were bad influences.

I grew up. I did well in school. I worked hard. I got a degree.

My point is that, as I said earlier, everybody has disadvantages. Some of them racial. But nobody should use this as an excuse for failure. And I won't give them outlet.

Women of power don't bitch about sexism. They overcome it.Yet racism exists, but instead of bitching about slavery years ago, overcome it. Don't make it a reason for failure. Overcome it.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

I don't completely agree, but the man lost a lot of credibility with this one. Easy to re-butt.

I don't ever like this garbage.

I've never seen a half decent piece from him ever. He goes for shock value or tries to be funny and fails.

He is a big reason that THN is such a joke now.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

...My point is that, as I said earlier, everybody has disadvantages. Some of them racial. But nobody should use this as an excuse for failure. And I won't give them outlet...

I'm not quite sure what this has to do with my take in the post above, and I also don't see anyone excusing specific players for their disadvantaged upbringing. Even in the articles on the subject that have been linked to in this thread, the consensus pretty much seems to be that no one is suffering ant disadvantage on the basis of their race. Yes, I think everyone can acknowledge that racism is prevalent, but is there a problem with racism in the NHL? I would say not.

[Resolute 14]

Embarrassing piece by Proteau, even by his low standards. He might have gotten somewhere if he wrote about the real examples of racism that black players have faced - i.e. the banana incident. But this is just race baiting, and there are dozens of examples of white/Canadian/European/whatever players facing the same criticism for the same calibre of attitude or antics.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Embarrassing piece by Proteau, even by his low standards. He might have gotten somewhere if he wrote about the real examples of racism that black players have faced - i.e. the banana incident. But this is just race baiting, and there are dozens of examples of white/Canadian/European/whatever players facing the same criticism for the same calibre of attitude or antics.

Totally agree. There's most certainly a place for an introspective about racism in hockey. This is simply meant to inflame and be discussed

[Geeoff]

I believe that racism is still a serious issue. However, I also believe that the players listed in the article have earned their criticism. Also, I think a lot of criticism lobbed at Byfuglien and Kane is due to their often lackadaisical play on the ice.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Embarrassing piece by Proteau, even by his low standards. He might have gotten somewhere if he wrote about the real examples of racism that black players have faced - i.e. the banana incident...

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Totally agree. There's most certainly a place for an introspective about racism in hockey...

I suppose. Although, then I wonder how interesting or enlightening such a piece would be in the end. There are a handful of idiots in hockey—like in nearly every occupation—who are racist, but does this mean that thee is an issue? is it any worse than in many other segments of society? Most of the stuff talked about has been fan-generated, and widely denounced by coaches, officials, teams, and the league.

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I believe that racism is still a serious issue. However, I also believe that the players listed in the article have earned their criticism...

Is it a serious issue generally or in the NHL specifically?

I agree that it is in many ways an issue that should be addressed, but I also think that the effects of racism as far as it interferes with hockey players and their participation in professional leagues is also probably exaggerated.

[Fransken]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

My point is that, as I said earlier, everybody has disadvantages. Some of them racial. But nobody should use this as an excuse for failure. And I won't give them outlet.

But isn't it wrong that being black is considered as a disadvantage? And the reason for it to be considered as a disadvantage is not because of any genetically or physical reason but because social stigma, or in other words racism. The same mechanic that may cause undeserved criticism against black players in a league consisting of like 99% Caucasians.

[flamesfan1297]

The players listed in the article have earned their criticism, and they just happen to be black. If they where white they would still get critisized

[Fransken]

Regardless of the examples; the fact that racism still exist in society as a whole makes the point, that the author was trying to make, ridicoulus?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Fransken

Regardless of the examples; the fact that racism still exist in society as a whole makes the point, that the author was trying to make, ridicoulus?

Yes. Racism exists. The author was not trying to do anything altruistic, he was trying to exploit it for page clicks

[FlamesAddiction]

Not being able to criticize someone of different race for legitimate reasons is basically saying that they are not equals.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I suppose. Although, then I wonder how interesting or enlightening such a piece would be in the end. There are a handful of idiots in hockey—like in nearly every occupation—who are racist, but does this mean that thee is an issue? is it any worse than in many other segments of society? Most of the stuff talked about has been fan-generated, and widely denounced by coaches, officials, teams, and the league.

That's really the point, isn't it? The legitimate cases of racism are universally condemned, and therefore doesn't make for an "interesting" or "enlightening" piece. And that is the reason why Proteau chose to go into race baiting. He wanted to be sensationalistic rather than informative.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Fransken

But isn't it wrong that being black is considered as a disadvantage? And the reason for it to be considered as a disadvantage is not because of any genetically or physical reason but because social stigma, or in other words racism. The same mechanic that may cause undeserved criticism against black players in a league consisting of like 99% Caucasians.

Being black is not a disadvantage. If one uses it as an excuse for poor performance, I have a problem with it. If you perform badly, it's on you. Black, white, green or purple. Don't care.