Baker Doesn't Back Down From Comments

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ^ | July 8, 2003

[presidio9]

Cubs manager Dusty Baker didn't back down Monday when asked about his recent comments that black and Latin players were better suited to play in the heat than white players.

``I meant what I said. ... I try to be as honest as possible, and if that's how I feel, then that's how I feel.'' he told reporters before Monday's game, a 6-3 win by the Cubs over Florida.

On Saturday, in another pregame talk with reporters, Baker said: ``We were brought over here for the heat. Isn't that history? Your skin color is more conducive to heat than it is to the lighter-skinned people. I don't see brothers running around burnt.''

Those comments have since prompted debate on radio shows and in newspaper columns across the country.

``It doesn't really matter to me because that's what I said. I'm not going to take it back,'' Baker said. ``What I said to you guys is what I said to my team. I told my other teammates this a long time ago, too. When we talk about how hot it is, I told them that's why my ancestors were brought over here, for that reason, and that's history.

``My mother was a black-American history teacher in Sacramento,'' he said. ``... A lot of people don't know history, that's what it sounds like to me. If they take it as reverse racism ... then they can take it wherever they want to take it.''

[zook]

1. Your experience may vary from Dusty Baker. It doesn't make his stated beliefs "utterings" and yours "pearls of wisdom."
2. Physiology and what you call climatization are related. If one becomes accustomed to a particular climate, it is manifest in physical and physiological differences.
3. Baker did not claim that Blacks were superior athletes. He basically said that in his opinion they tended to perform better in the heat, be less affected by it, etc.
4. Baker's opinion is neither unreasonable nor ignorant and he has a right to state it. I would say the same thing about Jimmy the Greeks comments on Black strength.
5. Neither statement is racist because neither attributes superiority to skin color. They are remarks about differences between people. Notice that Baker didn't claim that he didn't want Whites on his team nor did he see to deny them any other right.
6. To put Baker's remarks in the same category as those that have been made by David Duke is simple nonsense.

[visualops]

Much ado about nothing.
His comments should be judged on whether or not anyone wants to discuss the topic. He's entitled to make is observations, whether people think it's stupid or not is another matter.
I'm sick to death of mountains being made out of molehills.

[em2vn]

To utter is to speak. I guess one could say his speakings, though utterings seems to be a little clearer.
You are correct that becoming acclimated to a climate does present some differences in one's body. That takes place regardless of skin color. I'm not aware of acclimating to a climate causing any physiological changes. Maybe you can reference you source for that claim.
I didn't seek to deny Baker's right to speak as he wishes. I do, however, expect him to be held to the same standard as Jimmy the Greek, John Rocker, or Marge Schotz.
Baker's statements were about the inferior ability of white players compared to black and Latin players. Surprisingly, Baker fails to realize that Latins who aren't Indian or Negro are in the vast majority Caucasian. Those white folks don't seem to experience the trouble he indicates.
Racism isn't necessarily based on a belief of superiority over another. I believe it is generally based on a prejudice or hatred of another race. I think Baker's remarks fit that definition quite easily.

[presidio9]

This whole controversy, and others like it, stem from the public's insistence on valuing the social beliefs of jocks and actors. They are among the least educated people in our society, and yet a sizable percentage hangs on their every word as if they were statesmen. Regardsless of skin color, the blood thins or thickens to compensate for ambient temperature. This is why you see people wearing shorts or a 55 degree January day in Chicago and sweaters on a 70 degree September day in Tampa.

[SeeRushToldU_So]

Whatever Dusty. Maybe a little stint with John Rocker's sensitivity counselor will help him think more correctly.

[Godel]

Cubs manager Dusty Baker didn't back down Monday when asked about his recent comments that black and Latin players were better suited to play in the heat than white players.

Ok and this is fine, but if someone made a comment about the OBVIOUS superior intellectual performance by whites it would be racist. Argh. Our society is sick.

[presidio9]

Ok and this is fine, but if someone made a comment about the OBVIOUS superior intellectual performance by whites it would be racist. Argh. Our society is sick.

Some whites have superior intellect. So do some blacks. Most people of either race are not very bright at all. But, when it comes to athletes, I don't think that you can make that point. Especially in baseball which has a lower percentage of black players than society in general, but more that its share of blacks who are considered "smart" players. Admittedly, "smart" for a baseball player is not saying much.

[Godel]

You win my award for most PC post of the day.

I love it how IQ is meaningless and culturally biased and doesnt really measure real differences in IQ. But then when blacks low IQ scores can help keep them from getting executed, suddenly liberals are all for it.

Intellectual consistency please.