What is Digg?175 Comments
- Latka, on 10/12/2007, -28/+337Black people say white men can't jump.
Now we're even - missflibbles, on 10/12/2007, -10/+120I'd be the last person to be a racist apologist, but stating that he knew a lot of black people who could not swim is really not a racist comment. If he were to say that blacks were somehow at a physical disadvantage to learning how to swim, or that he'd falsely inferred that every black person he meets in the future won't know how to swim, that might be a little over the line.
Swimming is a cultural thing. He could have worded his statement a little more carefully, but it didn't really trip my "racist hick" alarm. - vhold, on 10/12/2007, -2/+92From: http://www.blackathlete.net/artman/publish/article_01580.shtml
"Citing cultural and economic barriers that have excluded minorities, USA Swimming, the sport's sanctioning body, created a diversity task force in 2004 to attract more minorities into competitive waters. Of the organization's 280,000 members nationwide, less than 1% are African American and even fewer are Latino."
That doesn't answer your question, but it demonstrates that there is a definite cultural difference when it comes to swimming.
Here is another article on the subject: http://www.diversityworking.com/generalDiversity/swimming_champs.php - scoot87, on 10/12/2007, -11/+98I think the stereotype of saying how blacks cant swim is less racial and more cultural in aspects. The reason why this is believed is because not as many black people go the beach, which would usually be a place where people would swim or learn to swim. Also, a more majority of blacks compared to whites can not afford the luxuries of having a swimming pool, which would also be a place to learn to swim.
- akcoder, on 10/12/2007, -3/+87The interesting thing is all of this is a few years back, the Miami police were pressured by black groups to drop the swimming requirement from their entrance tests because it discriminates against blacks and hatians... You can't have it both way people...
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/23/State/City_seeking_black_po.shtml - elnerdo, on 10/12/2007, -13/+74No, gmweezle, Screw you!
Dutch people are cheap.
Irish people are drunks.
English people have bad teeth.
Americans are fat.
Asians can't drive.
Black people can't swim.
Stereotypes are ALL at least based in truth. I'm not wasting my time changing all my wordings to 'SOME Americans, but more than most other countries, are fat' or something similar just because some idiot might be insulted. - Schug, on 10/12/2007, -5/+64Come on guys "he's from Alabama. He knows this from experience."
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -17/+69Digg me down if you must, but I think this is a legit question. The man said: "blacks are not the best swimmers...they may not know how to swim". Clearly, this is a racial prejudice, but I still think this is a far cry from the racism of yester-year- this spin looks like a case of "sensitivity run amock" to me.
- MattS, on 10/12/2007, -1/+43Let me make sure I get this straight...
TubaTechno asks how many black people can swim - and gets buried for it.
vHold answers the question - and gets diggs...
I just dont get Digg users sometimes. - ironchief, on 10/12/2007, -1/+35I'm part of a swim team and I can say without being racist or stereotypical that I have only seen two African American swimmers, and both were really bad. It may just be a socioeconomic thing where they never had the chance to learn how to swim.
- headzoo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+27"I think his remarks are a clear indication of a racist personality."
I don't think you understand the difference between racism, and prejudice. Racist believe that their race is superior to another person's race. They dislike or hate someone solely based on race. If you hate a black person simply because they are black, you are a raciest.
Prejudice on the other hand, as the name implies, simply means pre-juding someone. Saying white men can't jump or dance is prejudice. Saying all blonds are dumb is prejudice. Saying that black people can't swim is prejudice.
Being prejudice is natural, and it in no way implies someone is hateful to another race. - danielwsmithee, on 10/12/2007, -2/+26Many people say the same about skiing/snowboarding, that is more derived from location though.
- ThinkBox, on 10/12/2007, -5/+28why do you think the waterpark/theme park Vision land (now Alabama Adventure) failed? it was set ina primarily black community - it isn thta tthey dont know how at all - it is just cultural that they do not swim as often as othe rraces. period
- idiggeverything, on 10/12/2007, -3/+24Bit late on that don't ya think?
- McMultiverse, on 10/12/2007, -0/+20Hmmm. This is interesting: http://www.redstate.com/stories/elections/2006/tramm_hudson_destroys_himself
"I have known Tramm Hudson for many years and I have seen the entire video of his remarks to the Christian Coalition. I do not consider what he said to be a racist remark. Tramm has apologized to me in person, although I don't think one is necessary, but I accept his apology without reservation. He is a good, decent, family man with a good heart"
- Trevor Harvey, President NAACP of Sarasota County
"I've known Tramm Hudson for over 5 years, I lead an interracial Bible study that Tramm has participated in these past 5 years. I know Tramm and I know Tramm is a good, honest man who treats everyone fairly. I have seen Tramm's entire statement and believe he was attempting to express something that just came out wrong. I accept his apology and value his friendship."
- Pastor Kelvin Lumpkin - Abundant Life Ministries - icealchemist, on 10/12/2007, -5/+24I am from PA and speak from experience, all my black friends can't swim.
- cscalfani, on 10/12/2007, -5/+24The truth of the matter is that there are differences in the races, otherwise we would have never created the idea of races in the first place.
Because historically, these differences were used to marginalize people, we as a society have become intolerant of anyone who publicly points out those differences.
This is no different than the time in our society (1970's - 1980's) when women wanted to be "equal". So any comment during that time that pointed out the differences between men and women, where considered sexists. But, clearly there are differences.
I believe all men (and women) are not created equally (and thank God) and we as a society need to deal with that fact.
I also believe everyone should be treated equally; equally respected; given equal opportunity and compassion. We're all humans. We all cry tears, bleed red and fear death.
With all emotion aside, anyone, when asked, no matter the race, will admit that they just want to be treated as well as the next guy.
I think that’s what’s important. Not whether you happen to notice statistically that a particular race of people or unusually good or bad at some activity. - TubaTechno, on 10/12/2007, -55/+72What the percentage of the black population can't swim or can't swim well?
- codyman, on 10/12/2007, -3/+17I live in a coastal town and have a mexican friend and everytime we invite him to the beach he always says "Dude, I'm mexican.. mexicans don't swim"....
he said it, not me... - McMultiverse, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12His apology:
"I said something stupid. I apologize for it and would apologize in person to anyone hurt by my comments. To those who are understandably offended, you have my deepest apologies and I want you to know that it was out of character for me and those who know me know that to be a fact. This was a thoughtless remark that does not reflect my lifetime commitment to treating everyone fairly and without bias. I apologize to everyone who is offended by this comment."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramm_Hudson#Controversial_racial_remarks - merreborn, on 10/12/2007, -12/+24The thing is, all he had to say is "Out of the 140 of us, of course some of us couldn't swim"
It doesn't matter wether those who couldn't swim were black or not. I'm sure there was at least one white guy there who couldn't swim. I know I can't, nor can my mother or my sister. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13cscalfani, this has NOTHING to do with what race is good or bad at something and EVERYTHING to do with whether or not a certain "culture" is more or less likely to seek out and receive swimming lessons.
- david76, on 10/12/2007, -3/+14He seemed to be talking about an event which occured well in the past. And it didn't sound racist to me. Sure, it's a stereotype, but I don't think it was intended to show racial prejudice.
Now had he said "I don't know why our company was chosen to cross the river because a large percentage were black, and we all know blacks can't swim." I would say he might be a bit racist.
How many black olympic swimmers do you know? - mlock2k, on 10/12/2007, -4/+14I'm black i cant swim or jump so does that make me polish?
- stormgren, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11Well, I am a competitive swimmer and there are several extremely fast black swimmers on my team (which happens to be one of the top 20 teams in the country). One black guy named Byron Davis from 10 years ago still holds state records, was a former American record holder and was a 12-time NCAA All-American.
So I would say that there are blacks who are very good swimmers. - TimDigg, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11I can't swin, and I'm black, I don't really think he was being racist, keep in mind this is a guy from Florida where race relations are far worse than they are in many parts of the US....Keep in mind if you asked a black person from Florida they would probably tell you what he said was tame in comparison to some of the things that REALLY go down in Florida...
- MatYadabyte, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10I have just come back from a waterpark with the kids, and guess what, there were black people swimming!!
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9The unfortunate truth is: city boys can't swim.
Ask any boot camp (Army, Navy, USMC or Air Force); they have actual, demographic data involving remedial "water training" (no they won't teach you to swim, but they will teach you to not drown)... and some of the best navy divers, devil frogs I have known were city slickers.
If you do the analysis of city boy vs. country boy enlistment... well, I won't be held responsible for any conclusions you jump to. - turricanz, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10It was a stupid remark, but not necessarily racist its essence.
He was talking about soldiers, and when they get new recruits, a greater percentage of the black people do not know how to swim (as opposed to white people). This is an observation. He did not say "They can't swim because they are black". The reasons why more black people cannot swim would have more to do with environment, poverty and culture. Not race.
If I'm not mistaken he proceeds to tell how the army dealt with the situation (to get the men across the river)
this is just sensationalism. - horntz, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Every word these guys say is being video taped, analyzed and posted due to Youtube and Google videos.
Regardless of what he meant, that is an incredibly stupid place for someone running for Congress to go. He should know better. - Genthree, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Having lived in Alabama for a few years I'd have to say that your assessment is very unfair. The vast majority of people are not racist. Especially in well developed areas like Birmingham.
- crawf061, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8the theme park was in a primarily black POOR neighborhood... the community pools were still packed, they just couldn't afford the tickets (regularly) to go to the theme park
- mt066, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11My black friend can swim to KFC with a forty in each hand while freestyle rapping.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Us white guys can't dance, can't jump and we run slow. At least give us the swimming thing. Damn!
- tblewis, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Actually, the guy is not as crazy as you might think. Blacks tend to have a higher skeletal mass -- their bones are denser and weigh more -- so that they tend to sink in water, and they have to exert more energy to stay afloat than people with lighter bones. Advantage: blacks tend to get less osteoporosis than whites, because their bones start out denser. Disadvantage: blacks tend not to be great swimmers, because they have to spend too much energy just staying afloat. All of the above statements are simply factual -- look it up in a medical journal if you don't believe me.
- kettlechips, on 10/12/2007, -16/+23are you black?
- jessterw, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10This is pathetic. We live in such a society now that any comment that pertains to a racial or other group as a whole can be taken as an example of racism. Oh sure, this doesn't apply if you're talking about "whites", who are fair game for actual racist remarks.
The congressman's anecdote might not have had the best possible lead-in or been the best story to tell to begin with (can't really say given we are lacking context with only a short clip being shown), but that doesn't mean he is a bigot or had any racist overtones in mind. No, everyone sees a white, "good ol' boy" mention "blacks" and they jump to conclusions.
Guess what, most of the "blacks" I've known don't know how or like to swim, and I'm from Florida, where I went to a predominantly "black" school. Has nothing to do with racism, but rather an observation made of a particular group that may not apply to every individual, but does for the whole.
But then I'm corn-bread, so I'm just being racist and justifying... - MrSidnet, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7no digg...he wasnt being racist the way he said it.
- ironchief, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Dude where the hell did that come from? Seriously add something to the conversation or just shut up. Racism will not be tolerated by the Digg community.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Maybe that's what prevents them from swimming. All that weight dragging them down...
- dante21, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8I am black and I know I can't swim. When I was in basic I froze up when they wanted me to jump in this pool! I don't think that was a racist comment. But then again I don't freak out everytime someone speaks their mind. If that was a black person saying white people can't dance he could have been a comic.
- diggduggjoe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I would disagree. Many poor people may not have had the benefits of formal swimming education. I do not feel he was racist for bringing it up. He made it clear he was going to care for them. Then the clip was cut.
I do believe he was being honest on his perceptions at the time. He was not claiming superiority or saw it as an opportunity to let them die.
There are few of us, so pure of thought, that we have no outside influence of prejudice. We ask the impossible from our brothers. This man seems not to be acting out of malice or eager to engage in genocide.
Prejudice is normal. It is how humans survived. I hate to break it to you but making determinations of a group from afar may have greatly increased one's survivability. Avoiding those who you have had bad experience was more reasonable than forgetting previous experience, running up to say hello and having your ass kicked or becoming lunch.
Instead of crucifying those who expose this trait (we all have it, but some are better at hiding it), we must learn to embrace it, but teach people to critic their own thoughts. People need to be let free to reexamine their beliefs. In America today, few have that possibility. As for patriotism, we have it defined and demanded from us by out government. How is that healthy? - joelmole, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5You can say that statistically speaking, black people are less likely to have learned how to swim than caucasians due to cultural and socio-economic factors. That's what he meant, but shortened it to "Black people can't swim", which could be mistaken to mean, "Black people are physically incable of swimming", or "Black people are not allowed to swim".
In any case, the racism lies in the fact that he took something with a grain of truth and applied it to the soldiers in his infantry company based solely upon the color of their skin. It's racism to say "I don't expect you to be able to swim because your skin is black". This sort of racism is probably not borne of hatred as much as it is of ignorance. It likely did not cross his mind for one second that what he was saying was racist. - m00dy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7would it be rasicist if he said blacks are known to have big ....
- TimDigg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4But then again none of this would explain Aquaman's arch nemesis....Black Manta...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Manta - andreo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I'm black also. I'm an ok swimmer but can't dance and don't like malt beer. Am I still considered black?
- Nougat, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I think that makes you Sammy Davis Jr.
- petroK, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9all the above comments notwithstanding... total FOOT IN MOUTH for a person running for a seat in the House of representatives, or you know, anyone who doesn't want to be a jackass.
- youngcable, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Can we stop justifying this? I'm black, but you don't see me saying "white men can't jump" or "white people can't dance." It shouldn't be tolerated either way.
- fraggle35, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Don't forget the smaller penis, that could be why they don't swim, it could act like a rudder,
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