Knicks · Kobe Bryant Defends His Trayvon Martin Remark (page 1)

Is Kobe selling out or is this the way to say lets move forward?

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/...

"I won't react to something just because I'm supposed to, because I'm an African American,” he reportedly said. " ... If something happens to an African American, we immediately come to his defense? Yet you want to talk about how far we've progressed as a society? Well, we've progressed as a society, then don't jump to somebody's defense just because they're African American."

he's 100 percent right

I do not like Kobe (or his game) but I am impressed that he has respectfully put forth a dissenting and probably unpopular opinion

I always respected this aspect of Kobe's character and it doesn't surprise me. Kobe unlike most spent time living outside the U.S.

He is more worldly with a broader perspective of life Than the average American. He seen a world were race is not a big deal and people look past the color of your skin. This goes back to what I was saying in the LJ thread.

Kobe is my favorite current Ayer again

I also agree with Kobe here. My main issue with the Trayvon case was the authorities' delay in arresting George Zimmerman. The court case happened, and I may not agree with the verdict, I wasn't on the jury so personally I didn't get too up in arms (proverbially) about it as a cause célèbre. A lot of the protest symbolism of a hoodie on your profile pic or changing your Facebook profile name seemed a little superficial to me. As was Jim Brown's criticism of Kobe being not in touch because he was partially raised in Italy. Remember, Kobe was the defendant in a high profile case himself! His point of view may reflect that, rightfully so: he'll leave the judging to the jury and comment if needed once the facts are in, not on emotion.

gunsnewing wrote:I always respected this aspect of Kobe's character and it doesn't surprise me. Kobe unlike most spent time living outside the U.S.

He is more worldly with a broader perspective of life Than the average American. He seen a world were race is not a big deal and people look past the color of your skin. This goes back to what I was saying in the LJ thread.

Kobe is my favorite current Ayer again

haha - he is my least favorite player. How is your favorite player one of the biggest super chuckers of our time?

Kobe did live in europe and has a may not understand the US issue.

It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

I think Kobe doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. What part of the Trayvon Martin shooting was not outrageous? Race was only one of several narratives of that tragedy.

Anyone think that Kobe was upset about the support he got when he allegedly raped that woman though?

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Then I think Kobe was better off saying nothing at all. I don't remember there being a huge outcry for comment one way or the other. I took the comments to be slight against LeBron and other athletes who made their opinion known. Every player can't be Bill Russell and, fortunately, we live in a time where black athletes don't have to feel that burden. Kobe should've declined to answer the reporter's question.

NardDogNation wrote:I think Kobe doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. What part of the Trayvon Martin shooting was not outrageous? Race was only one of several narratives of that tragedy.

Anyone think that Kobe was upset about the support he got when he allegedly raped that woman though?

Could be part of it! All I'm saying is Kobe doesn't have to share the popular opinion about it, and doesn't need to share his opinion at all, he's not an elected official or leader outside the court. Rock and a hard place though: rush to make a statement and end up saying something stupid like you think LJ did, or not want to talk about it and be accused of letting his people down.

mreinman wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I always respected this aspect of Kobe's character and it doesn't surprise me. Kobe unlike most spent time living outside the U.S.

He is more worldly with a broader perspective of life Than the average American. He seen a world were race is not a big deal and people look past the color of your skin. This goes back to what I was saying in the LJ thread.

Kobe is my favorite current Ayer again

haha - he is my least favorite player. How is your favorite player one of the biggest super chuckers of our time?

Kobe did live in europe and has a may not understand the US issue.

Maybe other parts of he world race is not a big deal. Maybe there is less separation and isolation between races. Even though they've dealt with slavery and other despicable forms of inhumanity but maybe they have progressed a lot more than we have here.

Why do races prefer to keep to themselves starting with childhood? Media plays a huge role IMO and the negative light they shine on black culture. Morality and family values should be stressed and encouraged. slavery & segregation was despicable inhumanity but people are moral and kept their pride. Media and music today promotes vulgar language, drugs, violence & gangs. Maybe it is the way the white man wants black culture to be perceived out of fear of relinquishing further control of the nation. We gotta work on some things

As far as Trayvon goes it is a disgrace to Florida law for Zimmerman to be walking free. But it's Florida so I wouldn't expect anything less

DrAlphaeus wrote:

NardDogNation wrote:I think Kobe doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. What part of the Trayvon Martin shooting was not outrageous? Race was only one of several narratives of that tragedy.

Anyone think that Kobe was upset about the support he got when he allegedly raped that woman though?

Could be part of it! All I'm saying is Kobe doesn't have to share the popular opinion about it, and doesn't need to share his opinion at all, he's not an elected official or leader outside the court. Rock and a hard place though: rush to make a statement and end up saying something stupid like you think LJ did, or not want to talk about it and be accused of letting his people down.

I'm not saying that he needs to have an opinion on it. My problem is that he seems to be suggesting that the only reason Black people are upset is because Trayvon is Black. It could definitely be the case for some but certainly not the case for the better nuanced.

BigDaddyG wrote:

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Then I think Kobe was better off saying nothing at all. I don't remember there being a huge outcry for comment one way or the other. I took the comments to be slight against LeBron and other athletes who made their opinion known. Every player can't be Bill Russell and, fortunately, we live in a time where black athletes don't have to feel that burden. Kobe should've declined to answer the reporter's question.

Yea, who knows why he said that, and you are probably right, he should have just said "I hope justice is served" and leave it at that. Maybe he was getting the question a lot after LeBron and Co. did their thing. LeBron is a resident of Florida so it would hit closer to home for him, so if it was a diss against them that would be wack, but we don't really know why he said it.

gunsnewing wrote:

mreinman wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I always respected this aspect of Kobe's character and it doesn't surprise me. Kobe unlike most spent time living outside the U.S.

He is more worldly with a broader perspective of life Than the average American. He seen a world were race is not a big deal and people look past the color of your skin. This goes back to what I was saying in the LJ thread.

Kobe is my favorite current Ayer again

haha - he is my least favorite player. How is your favorite player one of the biggest super chuckers of our time?

Kobe did live in europe and has a may not understand the US issue.

Maybe other parts of he world race is not a big deal. Maybe there is less separation and isolation between races. Even though they've dealt with slavery and other despicable forms of inhumanity but maybe they have progressed a lot more than we have here.

Why do races prefer to keep to themselves starting with childhood? Media plays a huge role IMO and the negative light they shine on black culture. Morality and family values should be stressed and encouraged. slavery & segregation was despicable inhumanity but people are moral and kept their pride. Media and music today promotes vulgar language, drugs, violence & gangs. Maybe it is the way the white man wants black culture to be perceived out of fear of relinquishing further control of the nation. We gotta work on some things

Absolutely not. Do you not watch FIFA and have seen the banana throwing incidents, Zidan's head-butt, the Zeig-heils, etc? By no means does it dominate the sport but I think it's clear that they see race/ethnicity. Think of the Rawandan genocides, Kosovo, Berma, the rise of Greek neo-Nazis beating up on ethnically-African citizens, etc.

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Exactly good post and why was Martin perceived this way?

It's the negative perspective forced down peoples throat primarily through media music and fashion imo

gunsnewing wrote:

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Exactly good post and why was Martin perceived this way?

It's the negative perspective forced down peoples throat primarily through media and music imo

Music is cultural. Is the white man painting a negative picture of black culture through music?

I don't buy that.

If you reverse things and Donald sterling is an African amercan saying the exact same things about white people. There would be an outcry but it would last a few days and be forgotten and he would never lose the team
These are the things that go on inside Kobe's head. Not popular but is realistic to him

mreinman wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Exactly good post and why was Martin perceived this way?

It's the negative perspective forced down peoples throat primarily through media and music imo

Music is cultural. Is the white man painting a negative picture of black culture through music?

I don't buy that.

Music may be cultural but the money that sponsors who gets to make that music and then go mainstream is not.

mreinman wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:

DrAlphaeus wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:It must be nice to live in world where you can just throw money at an alleged victim to make a court case go away. Most people don't have those resources. The Trayvon Martin killing would've been swept under the rug if there wasn't a public outcry. Whether you believe Zimmerman was a victim or the aggressor, I think you have to believe the initial investigation was handled poorly. Now, I believe Kobe has the right to say and think whatever he wants. But to suggest that the root of Martin outrage simply stemmed from the fact that it involved a black youth is naive.

Handled poorly, no doubt. May have ultimately affected the outcome. I would think that Kobe is talking about pressure he may feel in having to remark on the case. Why care what some guy whose really good at a ball game has to think about it, just because he is a prominent black athlete? Are people waiting to hear what Dirk has to say about it? I think that's what his point is — but that's my conjecture. People were saying a lot of stuff about the case, then they find out more details like Zimmerman was Latino and some people's storylines no longer fit so cleanly. It was more a issue with vigilantism and due process, but the crux of the animus was that it was done to an unarmed black youth perceived to be a threat because of his appearance, race being a part of that.

Exactly good post and why was Martin perceived this way?

It's the negative perspective forced down peoples throat primarily through media and music imo

Music is cultural. Is the white man painting a negative picture of black culture through music?

I don't buy that.

Maybe not but a lot of media execs and sponsors are white