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KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

I welcome these stories to show that sports can make us more accepting. When I watch baseball these days, I see a wonderful blend of races, body types, work ethics, and styles. It's why I love baseball more than the other pro sports that require too many of the same physical and mental types to suit the range of play. In baseball, the variations in position, the different ways a ball can react off a bat and different ways it can be fielded, and even the weather create room for all kinds of diversity among players.

If only Jackie Robinson were just starting out. But he started something that is slowly paying off.

Sandy Cooper's avatar

Awesome article! Thank you.

Scott Johnson's avatar

Well, Canada has its own racism. When I interned in Calgary in 1990, it was obvious that while I was welcomed as black, native Canadians were second class citizens. There's no unpredjudiced society out there, only those that work to maximize tolerance. It's an endless battle.

KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

I believe the attitude toward First Nations people has changed, at least based on the scant evidence I have. There's a fine show by a Canadian comedian, Jonny Harris, who has spent years visiting small and struggling Canadian towns and elevating their images by presenting a custom-made stand-up routine. Many of them are home to native people, and Harris does his homework. He manages to be respectful, to pronounce all of the names correctly, and still be funny. It's called "Still Standing," and the episodes about native inhabitants are our favorites. I have learned so much that I would never have found out anywhere else. Really grateful for that snapshot into Canadian life and their relationship with First Nations citizens.

Marina Oshana's avatar

What a wonderful tribute to an impressive man, and the people of Montreal.