Back in the 1960s, black and white football players lined up side by side. They practiced together five days a week, cracking pads and banging helmets and picking one another up off the ground. They ate together in the dining hall, dressed together in the locker room, and showered together after practice. Those who performed the best got to start. Skin color was secondary. While much of the nation struggled over who can live in whose neighborhoods, athletes already understood how to get along. It wasn't easy at first, but they were some of the first to understand that the only color that mattered was the color of their jersey. It was a simple first step, for sure. But first steps set the direction. Many such steps came before. And afterwards. From both sides. The steps soon became natural. It's a shame that some want us to go backwards. Athletes tell such a different story.
Race relations are not the tragedy that some would have you believe. Skin color is so trivial for those who don't notice it. Want an example? Here's one, courtesy of Steve Harvey:
And while you're at it, here's another:
If that doesn't do it for you, go to a high school or college football game. Ask players or their parents what their criteria are for discrimination. Likely, they will tell you it's based on who can do the best job at their position. They operate on a merit-based system. As for others shouting "racism" in the media, ignore them. They have axes to grind long after the forest has been cleared.
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