Lebron calls Celtics fans racist

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

Family. We considered CA but with two kids decided that we wanted grandparents to be around.

I love this area. I’m almost not blind to it’s faults.

I’m also white. If I thought my kids were targets, I’d move.

That's interesting.  I wonder what I'd do if I thought my neighbors (broadly speaking) were extremely racist.  I suspect I wouldn't want my kids exposed to that.  Even at TD Garden, I'm worried that my kids will hear some rough language (lots of F-bombs and heckling), but if I thought they'd realistically hear racial slurs I just wouldn't take them.

I've heard racist remarks in many places, but the only place I'd describe as "racist as f---" is South Africa.  Among American cities, I'd say I've heard more inappropriate things in Charleston and Houston than Boston.  Southie has some bad areas (hostile to pretty much anybody who doesn't live there), but parts of Dorchester can be pretty unwelcoming, too. Now, disrespect to the intellectually-disabled?  Boston definitely leads the places I've travelled to in terms of use of the "R" word.

It’s not an all or nothing situation for our family. Our neighbors are nice, but we are a little less friendly with the loud ones (weird that some neighbors would fly a flag that means FU Biden). If they do that sober, what will they say after 6+ drinks?

I haven’t taken my little girls to Fenway or the Garden yet. I will prob start with a day game. They’re too young to hear some things. Also, my couch is comfy and they would prob rather go get ice cream then the logistics involved with sitting and watching a game for hours.

I’m not saying Boston is worse than other places. I’m saying that I believe these black players when they’ve faced overt racism, as I’ve also witnessed it. If you want to dissect his comment to try to poke holes (the most racist? Worse than Birmingham Alabama?), go for it.

I’m not offended by his comments, and those that have experienced racist acts first hand shouldn’t try to be defensive. I’ve def gone to ushers before to get drunk fans booted. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It doesn’t make sense to confront a drunk stranger, so I’m guessing this stuff will continue as people are nervous about retaliation. I love putting on a buzz at a game, but in an area known for alcoholism, we know that we can be better. English premier teams deal with this as well.

[LaBran Jaymes]

LeBron is right.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

I do think it’s hard for some to differentiate “sports” hate from “racist” hate. Wearing “F Lebron” shirts may fall in the first category, but somehow gets lumped into the latter.

I was embarrassed by the behavior of many Celtics fans during this year’s playoffs, but I didn’t think it was based on racism. That being said, I don’t think I’m the one that gets to decide these things. If a black person says that they feel racism, I believe my responsibility is to listen, not get defensive.

[konkmv]

Racism is a result of people being greedy.. it was and is about the money..slavery made people richer..
Tell LeBron  stop being greedy...

If what I read is true.. that he told that the celtics organisation had something to do with a t-shirt that said f.. LeBron... and they didn't sue him that's a big mistake
Everyone  must be accountable for what they say

[Kernewek]

Definitely can ask, though I think it’s weird to doubt him. It seems like a very cynical view. I’ve witnessed stuff first hand, so I wouldn’t doubt him.

I added edits, but people lie.  Jussie Smollett, other hoaxers, etc.  We live in a society that values victimhood as clout, now.  "Believe all _______". 

And, Lebron just didn't say "I've heard some comments".  He broad-brushed the entire fan base, called the city "racist as F---", and gave a couple of completely non-racist examples. 

And, in the case of the Red Sox, it seems like he dislikes racism but he sure does love money and power.  Fair?

Redlining, Bussing and subsequent “white flight” was a real thing, and it’s effects are seen today.

I agree with you overall here, but Boston is hardly the only city where this occurred.

It is still one of the most extreme examples in the country. After redlining was outlawed in the late 60's, the Boston Banks Urban Renewal Group was founded - a service offering insured loans and mortgages to black people... if you were trying to live in one of three areas: Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. That won't be a shock to anyone who's lived in the city for any period of time.

There are lots of good reads on the subject, but this one from a couple of years ago is probably the best easy to read catchall I've seen:
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/12/08/boston-segregation/


Also, sorry... I should have called bingo ages ago.

[Roy H.]

Definitely can ask, though I think it’s weird to doubt him. It seems like a very cynical view. I’ve witnessed stuff first hand, so I wouldn’t doubt him.

I added edits, but people lie.  Jussie Smollett, other hoaxers, etc.  We live in a society that values victimhood as clout, now.  "Believe all _______". 

And, Lebron just didn't say "I've heard some comments".  He broad-brushed the entire fan base, called the city "racist as F---", and gave a couple of completely non-racist examples. 

And, in the case of the Red Sox, it seems like he dislikes racism but he sure does love money and power.  Fair?

Redlining, Bussing and subsequent “white flight” was a real thing, and it’s effects are seen today.

I agree with you overall here, but Boston is hardly the only city where this occurred.

It is still one of the most extreme examples in the country. After redlining was outlawed in the late 60's, the Boston Banks Urban Renewal Group was founded - a service offering insured loans and mortgages to black people... if you were trying to live in one of three areas: Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. That won't be a shock to anyone who's lived in the city for any period of time.

There are lots of good reads on the subject, but this one from a couple of years ago is probably the best easy to read catchall I've seen:
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2020/12/08/boston-segregation/


Also, sorry... I should have called bingo ages ago.

Boston isn’t close to the top in terms of most-segregated metro areas, though:

https://belonging.berkeley.edu/most-least-segregated-metro-regions

Lebron has expressed admiration for NYC, Miami, and LA.  All are much more segregated than the Boston area.

[Kernewek]

As always with these things, it depends on how you structure the question. And how much you drift from the original point. However.

Your source has Boston, the city, much higher than those other spaces  (save NY) in this list:
https://belonging.berkeley.edu/most-least-segregated-cities


But why even zig this way when there's the obvious one here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/31/sport/lebron-james-racist-graffiti-incident/index.html

Clearly Los Angeles is more racist than Boston. There we go. We've solved it. We've solved the 'who is most racist' game. Go away LeBron James, you big hypocrite you.  Shut up and dribble. Never speak again about anything, unless it is about how the Lakers suck and the Celtics are great.

Otherwise, I think MSFC has it nailed:

I’m not saying Boston is worse than other places. I’m saying that I believe these black players when they’ve faced overt racism, as I’ve also witnessed it. If you want to dissect his comment to try to poke holes (the most racist? Worse than Birmingham Alabama?), go for it.

I’m not offended by his comments, and those that have experienced racist acts first hand shouldn’t try to be defensive. I’ve def gone to ushers before to get drunk fans booted. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It doesn’t make sense to confront a drunk stranger, so I’m guessing this stuff will continue as people are nervous about retaliation.

If you want LeBron's receipts, that's fine. There's a big difference between that and the rest of my 'bingo card', which has already been discussed.

But. If we want to be conspiratorial about it, my favorite explanation is leftover rage from the "LeBron went south but his mom went West" shirts from back in the day, except he can't just say that.

[The Oracle]

Just a heads up for those interested.  Was watching "United Shades of America" on CNN last night and they mentioned next weeks show.  It is titled "Athletes and the cost of winning" and will be based on Boston sports.  I believe the commercial showed Grant Williams.  Sunday at 7 P.M. I believe.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

Just a heads up for those interested.  Was watching "United Shades of America" on CNN last night and they mentioned next weeks show.  It is titled "Athletes and the cost of winning" and will be based on Boston sports.  I believe the commercial showed Grant Williams.  Sunday at 7 P.M. I believe.

I’m curious how many of those that deny racism would watch a CNN program.

Swearing and throwing stuff at athletes (black or white) is horrible and shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not good fun- it’s abusive.

[Roy H.]

Swearing and throwing stuff at athletes (black or white) is horrible and shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not good fun- it’s abusive.

I do agree with this.  If somebody poured a beer on Lebron, that fan should have been banned for life.  I know fans are split in f-bombs, but I’d like to see ushers toss people.

[kraidstar]

As always with these things, it depends on how you structure the question. And how much you drift from the original point. However.

Your source has Boston, the city, much higher than those other spaces  (save NY) in this list:
https://belonging.berkeley.edu/most-least-segregated-cities


But why even zig this way when there's the obvious one here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/31/sport/lebron-james-racist-graffiti-incident/index.html

Clearly Los Angeles is more racist than Boston. There we go. We've solved it. We've solved the 'who is most racist' game. Go away LeBron James, you big hypocrite you.  Shut up and dribble. Never speak again about anything, unless it is about how the Lakers suck and the Celtics are great.

Otherwise, I think MSFC has it nailed:

I’m not saying Boston is worse than other places. I’m saying that I believe these black players when they’ve faced overt racism, as I’ve also witnessed it. If you want to dissect his comment to try to poke holes (the most racist? Worse than Birmingham Alabama?), go for it.

I’m not offended by his comments, and those that have experienced racist acts first hand shouldn’t try to be defensive. I’ve def gone to ushers before to get drunk fans booted. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It doesn’t make sense to confront a drunk stranger, so I’m guessing this stuff will continue as people are nervous about retaliation.

If you want LeBron's receipts, that's fine. There's a big difference between that and the rest of my 'bingo card', which has already been discussed.

But. If we want to be conspiratorial about it, my favorite explanation is leftover rage from the "LeBron went south but his mom went West" shirts from back in the day, except he can't just say that.

Could you envision LeBron saying the same thing about any other city or region?

For instance, would LeBron ever say "Florida is racist AF." Or "Texas is racist AF."

I don't think he would. And the reason he wouldn't has nothing to do with how racist he thinks those areas might be.

[Celtics4ever]

I think it is  more a case of Boston fans don't like their villains.   I for one, despise mental weakness and that is why I have always disliked LeBron.   How many teams has he ruined trying to build super teams only to leave them in disarray and never taking accountability.

The man's talent is undeniable.   It's also in decline due to age, though he is still capable of greatness, his dominance in play is ending.

He is entitled to his opinion.   I bet he has heard some racial comments over the years and that is wrong.   You can be hard on a player without that.

[Kernewek]

As always with these things, it depends on how you structure the question. And how much you drift from the original point. However.

Your source has Boston, the city, much higher than those other spaces  (save NY) in this list:
https://belonging.berkeley.edu/most-least-segregated-cities


But why even zig this way when there's the obvious one here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/31/sport/lebron-james-racist-graffiti-incident/index.html

Clearly Los Angeles is more racist than Boston. There we go. We've solved it. We've solved the 'who is most racist' game. Go away LeBron James, you big hypocrite you.  Shut up and dribble. Never speak again about anything, unless it is about how the Lakers suck and the Celtics are great.

Otherwise, I think MSFC has it nailed:

I’m not saying Boston is worse than other places. I’m saying that I believe these black players when they’ve faced overt racism, as I’ve also witnessed it. If you want to dissect his comment to try to poke holes (the most racist? Worse than Birmingham Alabama?), go for it.

I’m not offended by his comments, and those that have experienced racist acts first hand shouldn’t try to be defensive. I’ve def gone to ushers before to get drunk fans booted. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It doesn’t make sense to confront a drunk stranger, so I’m guessing this stuff will continue as people are nervous about retaliation.

If you want LeBron's receipts, that's fine. There's a big difference between that and the rest of my 'bingo card', which has already been discussed.

But. If we want to be conspiratorial about it, my favorite explanation is leftover rage from the "LeBron went south but his mom went West" shirts from back in the day, except he can't just say that.

Could you envision LeBron saying the same thing about any other city or region?

For instance, would LeBron ever say "Florida is racist AF." Or "Texas is racist AF."

I don't think he would. And the reason he wouldn't has nothing to do with how racist he thinks those areas might be.

Maybe not. Maybe it’s a bit of Republicans Buy Shoes Too calculus. We’ll never know what’s in his heart of hearts.

What we do know is that LeBron saying “[Celtics] fans are racist af” is not a particularly unique sentiment among players or other black folks that have to interact with the Celtics fanbase.

This doesn’t mean all Celtics fans are inherently racist - most of the posters on this board, I would venture to say, are not - and while you can take issue with the throwaway nature of the comment, I’m not sure applying ulterior motives to what he’s said to try and neutralise the gist of the point is particularly worthwhile.


(If anything, we would expect racism from Texas and Florida to be less surprising and therefore less worthy of discussion, no? Do we need an itemised catalog of every place any athlete has ever been where they’ve seen racism alongside a score of the severity so we can categorically say one place is more or less racist than another?)

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

White fragility (google search): discomfort and defensiveness on the part of a white person when confronted by information about racial inequality and injustice.

Why are some so offended by Lebron, yet others are willing to say that is his experience (without it rocking their boat)?

[Roy H.]

White fragility (google search): discomfort and defensiveness on the part of a white person when confronted by information about racial inequality and injustice.

Why are some so offended by Lebron, yet others are willing to say that is his experience (without it rocking their boat)?

Where's the information?