Tacking into the wind

[Splinters From The Pine]

This morning, WNBA star - and one of the finest women's basketball players in history - Sheryl Swoopes, revealed that she is gay.

By her own account, this was not done to get attention or to appear heroic to others; rather it was borne out of exhaustion - an understandable desire to stop hiding who she was from a nation still coming to grips with the obvious.

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[ExtremeGamer]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Great job Shawn!

[mgoblue]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Great article Shawn! I've been listening to the radio a bit today, and they're on this topic. There are way too many ignorant homophobes out there, I just don't get it. That's the reason why we won't see a NFL, MLB, or NBA player come out of the closet while still an active player anytime soon. They'd be ostracised by their teammates and fans, and it's just wrong. Just because they're different than me I'm supposed to hate them? Too much hate going on and it really stems from unwarranted, ignorant fear.

[utexas]

Re: Tacking into the wind

I disagree on the comparison of Rosa Parks to Sheryl Swoopes. Being lynched, denied equal education, not even able to use the same toilets and water fountains is something that gay minorities or Whites will never have to experience. When a minority in America goes to be interviewed for a job, everyone sees and knows who and what they are. But when a gay person goes to an interview, nobody will know what they are unless they choose to "unveil themselves". I am not saying that gays should have to hide who they are or be treated like they are less than human, but as a Black man, I hate the comparison that is being made between what minorites have/continue to experience and what gays experience.

[Shaver]

Re: Tacking into the wind

If you think that Black people in America are the only people who have been or currently are discriminated against... you need to open your eyes.

If you think that Black people in America are the only people who were ever lynched, killed, or beaten because of who they are... you need to open your eyes.

Discrimination... Hate... Separation... Exclusion... That's not merely a black issue... Civil rights is not simply a black issue... Those are the principles that Rosa Parks decision on that day stood in the face of... Discrimination... Hate... Separation... Exclusion...

Is that comparision REALLY off?

[utexas]

Re: Tacking into the wind

If you think that Black people in America are the only people who have been or currently are discriminated against... you need to open your eyes.

If you think that Black people in America are the only people who were ever lynched, killed, or beaten because of who they are... you need to open your eyes.

Discrimination... Hate... Separation... Exclusion... That's not merely a black issue... Civil rights is not simply a black issue... Those are the principles that Rosa Parks decision on that day stood in the face of... Discrimination... Hate... Separation... Exclusion...

Is that comparision REALLY off?

I know the African American discrimination is not unique, many other groups have experienced bigotry, hatred , etc. But Being black(or any other minority in America) is much more of a burden then being gay, I don't like the comparison. Just like I can't compare Jim Crowism to what the Nazis attempted to do to the Jews. It is all different. What do you think about the example I gave about the job interview?

[QuasiHero]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Is that comparision REALLY off?

consider this:

On the Dilemma of Civil Rights

From Straight and Narrow? Compassion and Clarity in the Homosexuality Debate, by Thomas Schmidt, Ph.D., InterVarsity Press, 1995:

The key issue in the link with civil rights is the issue of choice. Is homosexuality something that you are, like being black or elderly or handicapped or female, or is it something you do, like adultery or polygamy or incest? Those who practice these latter behaviors have certainly been discriminated against, economically and otherwise, but they are not linked to the civil rights movement.

The difference in the case of homosexuality has to do with public perceptions of the inevitability of the behavior. On what basis do we decide what is, or is not, inevitable when it comes to sex? ...When an adult solicits sex with a minor, we don't say, "Let him be--that's just the way he is." Is the homosexual "just that way," and does this imply that we should extend the same civil rights--even affirmative action--to homosexuals that we extend to minorities and women?

Enter the nature-nurture debate;...for public tolerance dramatically increases when people are convinced that a desire for same-sex intimacy is biologically driven. Even though most scientists dispute the accuracy or the relevance of the research to date...even though very few experts on homosexuality limit causation to biological factors...even though the homosexual community itself is divided over causation--still the mass media persistently portrays, and the public increasingly adopts, a view that homosexuals do not do, but are.

...There are at least two factors at work [here]. One is the popular myth that science deals only in absolute, objective truths ...

The second factor at work in changing public opinion is the simplification of issues for mass consumption, especially in television...Few people have the patience for a thorough presentation of a complex issue, even if such a presentation is offered. Instead...statements are measured for their value as sound bites.

Whether or not it is calculated, such reporting has a powerful, cumulative effect. It creates the impression that science is serving the cause of civil rights against ...bigotry ..."

[Shaver]

Re: Tacking into the wind

I know the African American discrimination is not unique, many other groups have experienced bigotry, hatred , etc. But Being black(or any other minority in America) is much more of a burden then being gay, I don't like the comparison. Just like I can't compare Jim Crowism to what the Nazis attempted to do to the Jews. It is all different. What do you think about the example I gave about the job interview?

You don't think people have been passed over for jobs because of perceived homosexuality?

[utexas]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Not on the level that women and ethnic minorities have, no

[shawnee]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Shawn,

This is a great article. Honest and clearly heart-felt, your connection between the legacy of Parks and the unforeseen path of Swoopes illustrates the connectedness of race, sexuality, sports, and politics. As an African American, I commend you for having the courage not to simplify the discourse of difference and valor. They are, indeed, very much related.

[luv_mist]

Re: Tacking into the wind

I believe that this debate is something that is deeper than comparing skin color, nationality, and background vs. sexual preference. I personally have my thoughts and am pretty sure that everyone else has theirs. Definitely see a similarity as to where you guys were coming from, but I gotta say I do disagree with the comparison. I can't view it as anything separate from Christianity, and I know that religious debate isn't exactly allowed on here. I'll give props on the article, but that's about it.......

[Gilateen]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Just his way of including 2 top stories in one column, 2 African-Americans.

Not that this is race related, just a coincidence.

But in todays times, who gets more press or should I say article space?

[quietcool72]

Re: Tacking into the wind

I believe that this debate is something that is deeper than comparing skin color, nationality, and background vs. sexual preference. I personally have my thoughts and am pretty sure that everyone else has theirs. Definitely see a similarity as to where you guys were coming from, but I gotta say I do disagree with the comparison. I can't view it as anything separate from Christianity, and I know that religious debate isn't exactly allowed on here. I'll give props on the article, but that's about it.......

Well said.

Another thing I think we need to think about is that this woman is "coming out of the closet" in a time when coming out of the closet is far less of a big deal. Twenty years ago, she'd have been taking some serious risks in doing this. Now? I don't think so.

Face it folks, she's more likely to be embraced by our culture now moreso than ever. If another WNBA player married a good man and lived a wholesome life, it wouldn't be front page CNN news- that's for sure. This woman admits she's a lesbian and suddenly she's "heroic" and "brave".

Three words:
Morally Bankrupt Society

We are living in a time when hollywood and the media has painted homosexuality as "the new chic'". Its labeled "fashionable" in almost every television and movie medium. Will and Grace. Queer Eye. Sex In The City. Seinfeld (not that there's anything wrong with that...), Friends, ... you name it.

We are also living in a time when homosexuals go further than just wanting respect and safety (which should be freely given, we all agree there..)- but there are many also looking to convert others... some at a VERY young age. If you don't believe me, check out your local public school library and pick up the children's book "King and King"- targeted at preschoolers. (Its actually one in a series of books aimed at Sesame Street aged kids..)

The rule of thumb for this generation: If it feels good, do it. If it doesn't outwardly and/or overtly hurt someone, go for it. We are like small children who know what our father told us to do, but justify loopholes and logistical caveats as to why we embrace our own quiet rebellion.

"If it doesn't hurt someone else, it must be okay to do... besides, the people on TV do it.."

To me, this was like her going public with an alchohol problem that she doesn't intend to do anything about. I wish her nothing but the best, and I hope she finds the strength to battle the problem instead of justifying it.

But, then again... me and luv_mist are probably in the minority.

[mgoblue]

Re: Tacking into the wind

Well said.

Another thing I think we need to think about is that this woman is "coming out of the closet" in a time when coming out of the closet is far less of a big deal. Twenty years ago, she'd have been taking some serious risks in doing this. Now? I don't think so.

Face it folks, she's more likely to be embraced by our culture now moreso than ever. If another WNBA player married a good man and lived a wholesome life, it wouldn't be front page CNN news- that's for sure. This woman admits she's a lesbian and suddenly she's "heroic" and "brave".

I'm sorry, if Allen Iverson, Ray Lewis, Peyton Manning, or someone like that came out of the closet then fans would go nuts. I listened to sports talk radio today and a ton of people were basically saying they'd not like the player because of that.

Also, you know a NFL, NBA, or whatever dressing room wouldn't handle that. I think there's still a big risk, maybe just for a man moreso than a woman in the WNBA (a league not near the others in stature).

So many people would do things similar to this: "Iverson, gay? Damn, that brother's a fruit? I've got an "Answer", I'm taking his jersey off cause I don't want to be gay"

I think to say there aren't serious risks for an athlete to come out while still active is way off base.

[quietcool72]

Re: Tacking into the wind

I think to say there aren't serious risks for an athlete to come out while still active is way off base.

On the contrary, I think there's very serious risks for anyone willing to make that lifestyle decision.

However, I think- at least from the media and from the WNBA as a league, she'll be embraced. She's an attractive female who is an admitted lesbian. That's alot different in this society than a man coming out of the closet playing a man's contact sport.

She'll be treated fine. The league will make sure of it. Heck, suddenly people are talking about the WNBA again.