Mark Cuban's comments on race

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Let's be honest, white people don't write or talk publicly about race unless it's to condemn people for being racist. It's easier that way. If we all create a universe where everyone and everything is either racist or not racist, then it's about identifying your camp, you're on one side or the other, either entirely racist or entirely not racist. There's no room for nuance or awkward uncertainty.

The company line from most white people is this: Racism is bad and we're not racist. In fact, most white people today fear being called racist more than just about anything in the world. How much so? Put it this way, if your average white person had to choose between getting arrested for a DUI or being publicly branded a racist, just about every single one of us would pick getting a DUI. That's right, we'd rather put countless lives in danger, go to jail and face criminal charges than be called a racist in America today.

That's how potent the charge of racism has become.

And you know who talks about race less than white people? White people involved in business. Aside from a generalized and glib stance in favor of affirmative action and diversity -- buzz words that frequently translate to insubstantial action -- most white executives would rather be waterboarded than asked for their personal views on race relations. I mean, sure, every CEO in America hates racism; we all know this, right? They abhor it deeply from the depths of their nearly all-white gated communities and the nearly all-white private schools they send their kids to and from the nearly all-white country clubs they play golf in. Why do you even have to ask? These people hate racists.

Which brings us to Mark Cuban.

God love Mark Cuban for being an NBA owner who didn't see the ongoing Donald Sterling mushroom cloud and think, "You know what, maybe I'll avoid talking about race today in a business interview. Maybe it's not the right time to talk about who I cross the street to avoid. Maybe it's not the right time to admit that I sometimes judge people based on what they look like."

Nope, Mark Cuban saw all this controversy and thought, "Now's the perfect time for me to talk about race in America today."

Watch his comments here:

http://msn.foxsports.com/college-football/outkick-the-coverage/mark-cuban-crosses-street-sports-world-explodes-052214

[Throd]

1. Hell, half the posts on DU are white people competing for some "I'm not racist" award.

[The empressof all]

2. It comes down to feelings are not facts

For many of us over 50 its my opinion that it is difficult to totally ignore racial stereotypes that have been imprinted on us. What it comes down to is recognizing that we all have feelings at times that are not based in any truth or reality. What is important is recognizing that "crazy thinking" and not acting on it.

Personally I thought what Donald Sterling expressed in the privacy of his own home was shameful and disgusting. I also wouldn't be surprised if he has some dementia going on.

No excuse...People still don't want to hear nor should they hear that kind of talk.

[SaltyBro]

3. I don't think he should be allowed to own an NBA team any more.

Does he cross the street when he sees his players? This guy is a racist buffoon.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

4. Did you watch the interview?

Or are you being sarcastic?

[SaltyBro]

5. I read what he said

He said he crosses the street when he sees a black kid with a hoodie walking towards him. That's racist, especially coming from a one-percenter like himself.

[FSogol]

7. He also said when he sees a white guy covered in tattos on the street, he crosses back over to the

side with the black kid.

Pro Tip: Avoid getting outraged until you read/see the entire article or take it in context.

[SaltyBro]

9. And?

What if the white guy with tattoos wasn't on his side of the street? He would move to avoid the black kid in the hoodie.

[FSogol]

10. And, maybe you'd be better off asking Mark Cuban about his hypothetical street crossing protocol.

I did find a picture of it:

[joeglow3]

11. Great response from Stephen a smith.

http://m.

[Skidmore]

6. He's trying to cut trouble off at the pass.

You can bet your bottom dollar that this man has said some things around people that he is afraid will come back to haunt him. Doesn't want to lose his team.

[FSogol]

8. I doubt it. The guy wants to be at the center of all the drama. He sees everything as an

opportunity to flap his piehole.

The guy who should worry about all of this is Washington football team owner, Daniel Snyder.

[Brigid]

12. I saw Cuban in "The Men Who Built America."

I was not exactly impressed.