Kenton Gibbs
Kenton Gibbs
Panthers’ quarterback and 2015 MVP Cam Newton is no stranger to controversy, and after his interview with Zach Baron, he is seemingly embracing his old friend with open and loving arms. Most of the interview was what you’d expect from GQ speaking with an athlete with the fashion sense of Newton. They spoke about his unique choice in pre- and post-game apparel, as well as whether he would let his son, Chosen, play football. However, the portion of the interview that drew the ire of many fans, especially African-American fans, were his comments on racism.
After being asked if he believes that fans are racist toward him, Newton responded by saying, “It’s not racism. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion” and “I don’t want this to be about race, because it’s not. It’s not. Like, we’re beyond that. As a nation”.
Members of the media, as well as readers of the headline, noticed that Newton says America is beyond racism and did not hesitate to let their feelings for the Panthers star’s comments be known. Many of the gossip blogs were the first to voice their opinions on the interview. Those were naturally followed with anti-Cam Newton tweets and memes only hours after the story began to pick up steam.
One of my personal favorites was Bossip.com tabbing Newton as “The new OJ” in its headline for their story on the matter. This was referencing O.J. Simpson’s constant disavowal of the fact that he is black during the height of his popularity. The comparison was so ridiculous and over-the-top I couldn’t help but laugh. However, the laughter was short-lived because I began to realize how problematic this attack dog mentality by his critics is.
These type of rushes to judgement are both irresponsible and counterproductive. While I do agree that Cam’s comments are reprehensible, people must realize the current method of pointing out the disregard for the racism that he does face is deeply flawed. There could easily be a wide multitude of sound arguments presented as to why Newton is wrong.
Reacting with logic instead of emotion creates an atmosphere that is much more likely to bring about a serious conversation about race relations and how they affect the view of superstars like Newton. Unfortunately, from some irresponsible blog writers down to reckless individuals on Twitter, this stop-and-think approach seems to be the far less desirable route.
I definitely do not speak for all members of the black community, but I understand why and how this attitude has formed for many of us. For years, we have seen athletes do things along the lines of O.J.’s aforementioned actions. The feeling that black celebrities will become aloof to the plight of the average black person in America is constantly present. There have been many examples of this nightmare becoming a reality.
Situations like Wendy Williams and Stacy Dash saying that white people have the right to be angry because they don’t have their version of historically black colleges and universities, an NAACP or their own history month are that exact scenario. There has also been a surge of black celebrities like rapper Kevin Gates joining the All Lives Matter movement saying that black people bring police brutality on ourselves by being belligerent and disrespectful.
I say all of that to say this: There has been a seemingly countless amount of times that I, as a black man, felt like our heroes abandoned us after they gained money and fame. But that does not mean that we should be instantly ready and willing to virally degrade people without reading the whole story and figuring about the best logical course of action in response to whatever it is that we didn’t like.