Not Worth It

Believe it or not, I am without one bit of surprise for the insensitive and idiotic comments made by ex-NBA journeyman basketball player Paul Shirley regarding the disaster in Haiti and the Haitian people. With so many African American teammates over his career one would think that Mr. Shirley would have grown or at least benefited from this experience in some way. If only he could have created an equal amount of public disquiet with his athletic abilities there might have been a future somewhere for him. More so, I'm not at all alarmed at the amount of support he has generated over the internet and elsewhere. Although Mr. Shirley was fired from his position as part-time contributor to ESPN, he has gained a few fans and will most likely re-surface elsewhere.

Shirley wrote:

"I haven't donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don't give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don't think the guy with the sign that reads "Need You're Help" is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don't think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either."

He also wrote this letter:

Dear Haitians -

First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded.

As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it's possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns? And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?

Sincerely,

The Rest of the World

Shirley's comments have started quite an avalanche of praise on the Internet for having the guts to say what many Americans are thinking and feeling. Of course his rants have drawn disdain and scorn as well. But I have wondered to myself, "How long will it take for some Americans to grow tired of our support and help to the nation of Haiti and its people?" Not simply for racial reasons, but the simple fact that the American economy needs help as well. The "what about us" cries from Americans are continuing to grow in numbers and will only sharpen the already firm division in our society.

Soon the self-proclaimed African American spokesmen will arrive and proceed to exploit these situations for nothing more than personal gain and exposure by screaming "racism." These individuals take every opportunity to validate the many worthless and ignorant comments and actions of otherwise minor and meaningless individuals and entities. The self-promoting actions of these men simply attempt to take us back to the racial starting line again and again. Re-hashing the same issues, making the same claims and statements without any beneficial resolution is their well worn modus operandi. Too many Americans are quick to complain without giving much thought to a solution. History has proved that some issues cannot be resolved or mended. Why not accept this fact and stop living in denial, pretending constantly to be the victim. This type of thinking only strengthens the oppressor.

Rush Limbaugh, Pat Robertson, and even the afore mentioned 'dribbler' (Shirley) have the right to their beliefs and opinions (of course), but is it not a little old and ineffective? To waste ones time reverting back to this sophomoric race-battering only shows a lack of intelligent vision and purposeful creativity. This is a mental-fashion-statement that is dead and gone. It does not deserve our attention. These things are only effective when we allow them to shock, and anger us. All beasts die when they are deprived of the food they so desperately need to survive; and in this situation, the food is our attention and reaction.

We should ignore those who choose to keep re-inventing the past. It is time to forget it/them and proceed with our lives. It will be a great day when we all can hear or read these things and calmly chuckle and instantly dismiss it.