I'm just getting into running, and this has really been bothering me--not just in Keflezighi's case, but the ultranationalist/racist hostility directed toward all the African competitors; I've seen nothing like it aimed at the (mostly white) European competitors who came for the race.
And actually, coverage of the women's race shows a similarly disturbing tendency to focus almost solely on Paula Radcliffe's disappointing run, rather than to celebrate the victory of Derartu Tulu.
I've commented on this in more detail over at Making Light. I find it insulting not only as the grandchild and great-grandchild of immigrant Americans, but also as an athlete. The story suggests to me that it was written by someone whose idea of an elite athlete is a pro baseball player making gazillions; in *most* sports, even at a high level competitors are scrounging for funding and time for training, not getting handouts of money and citizenship. I'd guess Keflezighi is not finding it difficult to fit into US culture at this point in his life, thoughI'm certain he did as a kid. But now he's dealing with different challenges, like managing to both train and make a living, he doesn't need this sort of crap added on.
No kidding there. Pretty much every comment was reading him the riot act. I was very pleasantly surprised given the garbage you see on most news websites.
Comments 4
I'm just getting into running, and this has really been bothering me--not just in Keflezighi's case, but the ultranationalist/racist hostility directed toward all the African competitors; I've seen nothing like it aimed at the (mostly white) European competitors who came for the race.
And actually, coverage of the women's race shows a similarly disturbing tendency to focus almost solely on Paula Radcliffe's disappointing run, rather than to celebrate the victory of Derartu Tulu.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment