Considered a role model for many bicycling athletes, Gene has been racing professionally since 2005. He became interested in bicycling at age 17 after moving to Europe. Upon his arrival, Gene entered a special high school course for athletically-gifted pupils..." Time Magazine
So, what's the big deal? Well, the big deal is simply that until whites, or blacks for that matter, see that the other is capable of competing in a particular activity, they have a nasty habit of subscribing all sorts of idiocy to the reason(s) why the activity is exclusive to a group. Too tall, too short, too big, too small, too much fast twitch, to much slow twitch, etc. It really comes down to who cares to devote themselves from an early age.
Notwithstanding all of this year's crashes, I love watching the TDF and cheering for whomever I like, regardless of nationality, or ethnicity. I cheered for that knucklehead Lance Armstrong, all those years, so you best believe I will be searching out Gene tonight on replay, as I catch today's race.
James C. Collier
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Technorati Tags: Yohann Gene: First Black In The Tour de France, Black Cycling, Racism, Lance Armstrong, Europcar France, Acting White
I was just wondering today why I saw no dark skin in the Tour de France. It's an international event!
ReplyDeleteProfessional cycling takes extreme talent, time, money, dedication, and coaching. Not easy to come by. Their is little glamour, unless you are Italian, Spanish, or French. The money is not that great until you become a team leader/contender in the sprints or climbing.
ReplyDeleteNewsflash!!! I just saw young Yohann Gene up front in Stage 11 protecting the Yellow Jersey of his teammate Voeckler. That ain't no tan - that's a brother! Awesome!!!
Did you read last week's New Yorker about the Rwandan cycling team? Incredible story.
ReplyDeleteHere in Seattle there is a bike club for HS kids named for Major Taylor. Bonus points for you, James C Collier, if you know who Major Taylor was.
Iwas into World Class cycling since the 70's.. it'z way expencive so i opened a business dealing in all World Class products Frames < componets appearal ect.. Black folks rarely brought from me! i had so many other customers.. I even let Blk ridders that where great ride my equiptment.. though most blks jus downed wut u was doing!
ReplyDeletei sold Colonago, Tomasini, Lemond, Vittus, deBernardi, Derosa, Mosor, gertoutti, Corma,21 different frames in total.. not the over hyped plastic stuff out there!as for ur statement on salarys, a kid can get on a team an make more than a decent wage an see the world an be treated like a GOD!(but not in the USA though)
ReplyDeleteAlas, Lance Armstrong won the Tour 7 times and until he is found guilty of doping he ought to be respected. His talent and stamina are vastly superior to most athletes. Secondly, your pronouncement on causality seems utterly naive. If it all ccomes down to time devoted then you propose a liberal environmentalist solution. Human capacities for sports, fighting, art, or engineering come down to the genome and its complex interaction with genes. Your DNA, which demonstrates substantial racial differences, is largely responsible for your skills and abilities. It does help to practice long hours but genetics fordooms your future if you lack the proper genes. Ashkenazi Jews require far less practice to become excellent mathematicians because their high IQ's make it both easier and more pleasureable. Genes must be respected.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy skeet shooting, an activity that black people rarely get into. If I were asked why that is, I could give one of the following answers:
ReplyDeletea. White racism;
b. Blacks do not have a propensity for skeet shooting because of genetic deficiencies;
c. Blacks aren't interested in skeet shooting;
d. I do not know. Ask a black person.
I think I would answer with d.