TCTI: Too Crazy Too Ignore
 Dave Ross
AP: 92c6aba6-915f-48cd-beca-b71425bb2aad
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Is he black enough?

BY Dave Ross  on December 14, 2012 @ 8:56 am (Updated: 1:25 pm - 12/14/12 )

The Redskins' Robert Griffin III, or RG3 as he's known, is an outstanding rookie quarterback -- and he was asked Wednesday what does it mean to be a black quarterback in the NFL.

"You know for me, I never want to be defined by the color of my skin. You want to be defined by your work ethic, the person that you are, your character. I am an African American in America, and that won't change. But I don't have to be defined by that," said Griffin.

That prompted ESPN commentator Rob Parker to ask:

"My question which is just a straight honest question, is he a brother? Or is he a cornball brother?"

The rest of the panel was a little uncomfortable, asking "Why is that your question?"

Said Parker, "I'm just trying to dig deeper into why he has an issue, because we did find out with Tiger Woods - Tiger Woods was like, 'I got black skin but don't call me black.'"

So the Twitterverse erupted. And it's not the first time Rob Parker has asked a question that raised a ruckus.

But SHOULD there be a ruckus? Let's remember -- we were once upon a time discussing whether Barack Obama was black enough.

"First he wasn't black enough, now people want him to be blacker," Whoopi Goldberg shouted on "The View."

While we have a special sensitivity to anything involving race in this country because of our history -- it's not all that different from Conservatives asking who's a conservative in name only, or union people who cry out scab, Christians asking who's Christian, or Americans asking who's a real American.

We're forever trying to figure out who might just be above us in the pecking order.

Dave Ross, KIRO Radio Talk Show Host
Dave Ross is co-host of The Ross & Burbank Show on KIRO Radio (weekdays 9-Noon) and never too far from the spotlight.
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Comments (12)


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  • AtheisticallyYours wrote...
    "Black Enough"?? Try "acting" black for an idiotic standard!
    December 14, 2012 8:36 am
    When I taught in a CA juvenile prison in the 90's, many of my African-American students believed that some people of their same ethnic makeup did not "act black", or "acted white"! I could not get a coherent response out of them then, and yet there is STILL this mentality of "acting" a certain "way" in certain cultures, whether they are ethnic, sexual, religious, etc. Its really pathetic that people who are part of a culture think certain BEHAVIORS have to be manifested to BE a "part" of that culture. Its too bad individuality just isn't enough!
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  • logical open mind wrote...
    Dave R your post should have called out the ESPN moron for this insane question and comment!!!
    December 14, 2012 9:18 am
    That is the issue---what a devisive fool the now suspended comentator is. To use moral relativism is your post Dave Ross makes you irrelevant and knee jerk.
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  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    The very basis of racism is the simple belief
    December 14, 2012 8:52 am
    that your ethnicity, somewhat indicated by skin tone, predetermines your behavior. A racist, and nobody else, believes that "blacks will act like this, whites will act like that, Asians will act some other way," etc.

    We all act like human beings. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not, most of the time just so-so and that's normal.

    And, from my perspective, you can be a racist even if you are referring only to your own race. A white guy who tells another white guy that he isn't acting like a white guy obviously has some predetermined manner in which he believes the color of a person's skin (in this case, white)predetermines behavior, intelligence, social values, etc. A black guy who tells another black guy that he isn't acting like a black guy is supposed to act is equally racist, and the example extends to all other races as well.

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  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    That's mighty white of you Chuck
    December 14, 2012 11:05 am
    so I guess that means you do not agree with your party's position on affirmative action.
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  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    Paul....This will blow your mind, but
    December 14, 2012 9:02 pm
    one whole lot of people don't belong to a political party.
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  • ron prevost wrote...
    Dave - I find the entire premise of this post and story discusting.
    December 14, 2012 2:51 pm
    Enough said.
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  • sportsguru wrote...
    come on Dave
    December 14, 2012 4:46 pm
    I think that the response that this reporter got for his statement tells it all. As "gulp" AJ indicated, can he do the job, not can he do the job while black,lol. Good post Chuck
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  • soo purletiv wrote...
    Not yet a fan of the RGIII
    December 14, 2012 10:06 pm
    but I sense a lot of hatred from Parker, not just about race but also about politics.

    You see, RGIII has a white fiancee, strike 1 and he also supports the Republican party, strike 2.

    Parker has been suspended for his comments. We can debate whether that was a right or wrong decision by ESPN. But his comments reveal what is in his heart. This was not an innocent comment taken out of context. I heard the entire commentary. He meant exactly what he said and how he said it.

    The sooner we get over a persons skin color or family origin, the sooner people will unite and get along. Pipe dream, I know. But wisdom all the same.

    Seattle has RCWI{RCW1} (only a few years removed from being HWIV{HW4}) as a rookie quarterback, who is the double great grandson of a slave. Is he black enough?

    What a stupid question! The focus and anger, if you will, should be on Parker, not RGIII {RG3}. He answered the question (during the initial interview) with a lot of poise and intelligence.

    Parker is the one with stupidity running through his veins and pathetic little brain. Guys like him stir up the divisions. And guys like him enjoy the divisions. Because guys like him are the true haters and racists. Oh, and politically bent control freaks.

    Only a racist cares what skin color another's' fiancee is. Just stupid.

    RGII is young and still somewhat impressionable, especially in his situation (trying to please the media who have courted and praised him relentlessly). I loved his initial response and hope he is not easily corrupted by the Parker-like influences in his early life.

    Not a big fan of his (for reasons involving a certain defense that made him look better than what he really was in a "recent" bowl game, ;-) ) but he moved up a small notch due to the fact that so far he has not bitten on the bait that the Parkers of this media world have thrown out there for him to choke on.

    Good for you, RGIII. But RCWI is still your superior... ;-)

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  • hpitantso wrote...
    Images of Black are no different
    December 14, 2012 10:21 pm
    Perception ,character,persona it's what Corporate Dollar Demands some people get it twisted as crossing over. RGIII is a good man as far as I know.
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  • Concerned US Citizen wrote...
    COME ON MAN
    December 15, 2012 9:48 am
    I saw the interview and couldn't believe this racist evil Mr. Parker was spewing. As a sports fan I have heard quite a few of RG3's interviews. He is articulate, funny and seems a perfect role model for young fans of ALL RACES. I would hold him up as an example of someone to emulate way before most of the politicians that run our country. Mr. Parker and his racist attitude and venom do not belong in front of a tv camera ever again.
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  • Snout wrote...
    What is this obsession with race?
    December 15, 2012 6:58 pm
    Why does the Left constantly try to divide this one from that one as opposed the other one over there? And they are the first to cry "racist! racist!" I'm a Polak, but that doesn't define me though it does let me get away with some funny jokes. I am the sum of the choices I have made as are we all. No more no less.
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  • cg5611 wrote...
    nice to see
    December 16, 2012 3:09 pm
    so many think the premise of the article offensive. I moved to the west coast from the east coast. I was amased to find very little prejudice against blacks but alot against the American Indian and Asians. What is it with white folk? I realize if you go to somewhere like Oakland blacks are just as prejudiced against whites. Thing is we are all one and no gets to be special. My Christmas wish, the devicive ness ends and we all live as brothers and sisters.
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