Seth Vigdor
By now, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard a little something about “The Dab.” Cam Newton has really taken dabbin’ to a whole new level, to the point that everywhere you look, someone is doing it on television, but nobody does it quite like him.
.@Panthers @CameronNewton dabbing on the Hornets sideline is EVERYTHING. https://t.co/Zw13SAZ01P
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 28, 2015
However, Cam’s antics have drawn a mixed reaction from some, including a mother of a nine year old, who was at a Panthers game and was none to pleased with, “The chest puffs. The pelvic thrusts. The arrogant struts and the ‘in your face’ taunting of both the Titans’ players and fans.” Eye roll.
The woman would change her tune shortly thereafter, once she heard Cam’s response to her letter.
Was it even that serious in the first place?
Clearly for some it was, which brings us to the Kansas City game on Sunday. After Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, also Jason’s fortunate brother, scored a touchdown, he “Hit the Quan.”
https://vine.co/v/iaxHOHnMQq1
Seems a bit ridiculous, huh? All in all, Kelce and Newton are just having a great time doing what they love to do. But, why don’t people seem to take issue with Kelce’s dancing, but Cam is a terrible person for having fun? ESPN’s Robert Flores wondered that same thing when delivering the highlights of the game.
Now, I’m wondering why there’s no letters to the editor, or why First Take’s not doing, “Should Travis Kelce be dancing in the end zone?”
[Jay Crawford: “You sure they didn’t?”]
“They didn’t. I wonder why they’re not doing that. Oh wait, it’s because he’s not black. That’s probably what it is.”
Flores wasn’t taking a shot at black people. He was pointing out how ridiculous it is to zone in on a black person for doing exactly what Kelce did in the end zone on Sunday, but don’t even make it a topic of discussion when a white person does it. Clearly, there’s a double standard at work, and Flores took the opportunity to make a bold statement.
I realize race in America is a very difficult topic for many to discuss rationally, but isn’t it about time that we have this discussion? It’s not just NFL dances, but if this is what most people can relate to, then maybe we’re just way too late to the discussion.
I’ll leave you with this:
https://twitter.com/JonesOnTheNBA/status/667060955885363200
Think about it.