Do Dodgers See Black, White or Blue?
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, it is difficult not to draw comparisons to Tiger Woods’ accomplishment as the first African American to win one of golf’s majors. It also becomes apparent that little progress has been made in golf when compared to other sports in the last 50 years. While sports in general has a way to go to overcome its prejudices, golf has been left hopelessly behind. The storied Augusta National, home of the Masters, did not allow African Americans to become members until six years ago.
Hopefully, Tiger can help integrate golf the way Robinson helped integrate baseball. One day we will be able to look through colorblind eyes and not see Tiger Woods as an African American Masters champion, but strictly for the great champion he is, regardless of race or color.
PAUL DE GROOT
Garden Grove
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Enough of the debate about whether the black athlete has achieved equality in sports since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier 50 years ago. Now the likes of Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods make tens of millions of dollars a year sponsoring products made by Vietnamese children working for slave wages in slave conditions for Nike. In this country blood money no longer sees any color barrier. A little over 100 years ago the black race was on the other side of the slavery issue. Is this a great country or what!
WAYNE LAMARRE
Huntington Beach
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