Quote:I am beginning to think that this discussions topic is turning into a no-no per our CoC.

 

What I will say is that I wasn't sure Russel Wilson was Black before. I guess I knew he was probably part Black, but still. Its fine that the term 'Black' can help maybe identify him in a crowd, but really when it comes down to it, the achievement is his alone, not all Black people.

 

Its always tempting to grab something someone else did that was extraordinary and try to use it to make ourselves feel better by association, but this is a bad habit. We should much more being in the business of self-evaluation and improvement. When we get in the habit of piggy backing on others it makes us more apathetic towards achieving ourself. This is a most heinous crime against ourselves. Don't try to grab Russels success cause he was Black, or Tigers, or Obama's. Focus on improving yourself and you may be the next somebody, rather than trying to ride on their coattails for 5 seconds of elevated mood. It feels much better when you accomplish something cause of your own hard work.

 

I want to clarify, or further explain my intentions on creating this topic.

 

I am by no means looking to another individual for gratitude or elevation based off of their success, or successes. I have repeatedly mentioned on this message board my beginnings, struggles, fortunes, and blessings to get where I am as a person both financially, and personally. I take pride in my own work through self evaluation, perseverance and humbleness and continue to rely on those tools (and others) to help mold me become the person I was destined to be.

 

Again, I have shared my testimony of my life (to a certain degree) on here that defines some of the reasoning's as to why I created this thread in regards to Wilson.

 

Some people celebrate the success of others, some people find the motivation from the success of others, while many people find out who they are (with humility) through the success of others. We must exercise caution when we begin to advise others of how they should celebrate the success of people who they can either relate to, or are inspired from.

 

We see cultures all the time celebrate their own heritage (sports wise) all the while maintaining the respect of society. The biggest and best examples I can readily think of is the Dominicans celebrating their baseball hero's, and Russians with Hockey. Should we condone them for the same thing when one of their own athletes achieve or make history in their respective leagues, even if they may celebrate their own sports stars differently?

 

Briefly removing the sports theme from it, Italian and Chinese people openly celebrate their culture and embrace other cultures as well. That carries over to the sports landscape. Are we to tell them "Why does race matter"? And point the finger at them as well?

 

Im going to go out on a limb and ask this question (albeit rhetorical). Is it doing me an injustice to be proud of Russell Wilson and his achievements? Should I celebrate this beautiful achievement quietly and privately? The better question should be, am I allowed to celebrate my heritage and race the way I want while respecting my fellow citizens?

 

This month is Black History, and next month is Women's History. Should we suppress a Woman's feelings if she wants to post a (non religious-political) thread on here celebrating a first time, or unique achievement of a Woman?

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