Michael Robinson on why many people hate Cam Newton

[nosuchthingasapanther]

17 minutes ago, motocross_cat said:

Its a shame that subjects like this will never go away.  Human nature i guess.

subjects like this will never go away because no one is really looking for an answer.

everyone is waiting for everyone else to get up and do something that will actually solve the problem.

[tiger7_88]

11 minutes ago, pantherjack77 said:

you all be happy my last post-

bunch of self righteous liberal douchebags...

go Panthers!

 

 

 

 

 

This must be some of that open-minded tolerance for which you've become famous.

I'm as conservatarian as it comes, dude.  It doesn't hurt to have an open mind.  Or to have discussion.  If you're only method of discussion is "Shut up!" or "I'm leaving!", YOU LOSE.

[FootballMaestro]

43 minutes ago, csx said:

There are 2 separate issues that get mixed together to create a much larger and complex problem.

First, we have a big problem with racism in this country. Both overt and covert. The number of Confederate flags I saw in the NW USA this Summer shocked and disgusted me. The things I hear my elderly parents say dissapointed me just as much. They have no clue that what they say is flat out racism. 

Secondly, people let sports make them say and do incredibly stupid and hateful things. If I say I hate another fanbase,  or team or player I do not mean it in a literal sense. It is clear that many or not most do though. I responded to a family friend on FB posting about their dislike of Newton by jokingly saying they must be Alabama fans. It turned out I was correct. It's is unbelievable how petty people can be.

Mix these together and you get a giant pile of stinky poo.

The other issue  (by both supporters and haterz) is the whole "Running/Dual Threat QB deal. Both sides recklessly rush to criticize, and support this notion somewhat false notion.

Problem is: Cam Newton's not really a "running QB". Yes, he's a duel threat. But he is a 100% pocket passer, who almost never runs, unless it's a called play or he's about to get hit, and there's green pastures in front of him.

All those other "running" or dual threat QB's he's compared to (or people think about when they hear the term) weren't pocket passer in the NFL from day one-as Cam Newton was, and continues to be. This is always overlooked to argue various stereotypes ("Cam's doing it a different than "traditonal" QB's way so they hate him"), when Cam's as "traditional" as any other. He just has an innate ability to run when called upon.

This is the part that's most irritating. Cause folks (as I said, both supporters and hatez) want to portray a particular stereo type of Cam (and a Dual Threat QB) even if he's nothing like the others most of us think about.

Funny, many alleged White Haterz, and supposed Black Supporters make this mistake (trying to convince folks, dual threat or running QB's are taking over for example), and contribute to the vitriol surrounding discussions of Cam Newton. This is when, when he's truly "traditional" QB at his base and core. Sometimes you wonder, if it's done on purpose?

Real Talk: Cam's more like Brett Farve, Eli Manning and Big Ben, then he's like Micheal Vick, RG3 or Kraepernick. All you gotta do his watch him play to know that.

[TheRed]

"Well if you would just stop talking about racism already, surely it will go away all on it's own."

That sure is a new one I've never seen on the huddle before.

[KillerKat]

It's ok to not like someone's dancing or behavior. Like someone said, people hate on Manziel for his money celebrations. I hated him for it. Why the fug is this kid celebrating like he's a high roller, but hadn't even played a down in the NFL yet? We all hate Kaepernick for his behavior. Difference with him and Cam is that Kaepernick is an actual asshole. Cam does celebrate a little too much though, so I can understand someone not liking it.

 It's those that say the most outrageous poo and pick on every little thing about Cam that are obviously racist. Like the woman that wrote the letter about Cam and got so much publicity about it. When a reporter says he has a "fake smile". When commentators keep harping on the towel on the head. The people that nitpick every little thing about Cam while other QBs, particularly white, do the exact same thing and not saying anything about those other QBs.Those are the people you can tell hate Cam based on his skin color.

When have we ever heard the media bashing Brady for acting like a bitch towards his own teammates and coaches and throwing hissy fits on the sidelines? Never. To me, Brady is a poor leader. If not for his elite talent, I don't see how he would still be in the league. You don't continuously chastise your offensive line and expect them to block better for you.. He acts almost if not more of an asshole than Kaepernick. However, we hear not one peep about it. Why? Because he is white. Instead we hear about how competitive he is and poo. 

Again it's ok to not like celebrations or a behavior from a QB. As long as your opinion is uniform across the league. In the media, it is not. Certain white QBs get away with things that Cam gets bashed for. Maybe if more articles like this come out, it will help the situation. However, I have been convinced for a very long time that the media likes to report whatever causes the most controversy. More controversy equals higher ratings. No other reporting causes more controversy than racial issues. So more than likely we won't hear the end of this hypocrisy until the end of Cam's career.

[TheRumGone]

30 minutes ago, nosuchthingasapanther said:

subjects like this will never go away because no one is really looking for an answer.

everyone is waiting for everyone else to get up and do something that will actually solve the problem.

The world works mentally. Standing up and talking about it, even if it is as seemingly insignificant on a panthers message board means something. Maybe someone checked themselves. Maybe someone was enlightened. I know I was hearing/reading/watching from people in my life.

change starts with ideas. It can then be moved to actions through following generations and voters and politicians. It can happen. We've come a long way.

[mcdougal]

2 hours ago, teeray said:

You goaded me into reading the comments and there was your typical misinformed commentors, but this one commenter hit it out of the park IMO:

 

But listen to Robinson's point. He's not bringing up the "race card" as if to say it is white people hating on black people. That's not it at all. But it may still be about race. I've read articles and comments by people dissing on Cam because of showboating, dancing, smiling too much--and their point was that most great QBs of the past didn't do that, because not doing that somehow shows maturity. So, they conclude Cam shouldn't do those things and be like those other guys. But Cam comes from a background and environment that may be a little looser than that of the more tightly laced-up other QBs. Why? Perhaps because of race. For example, go to the typical church that has a majority of African Americans and compare that to the typical church that has a majority of white Americans. The emotional outpouring in the singing and the preaching and the response is typically greater in the predominantly black churches. Could you imagine some small-minded white person saying black churches shouldn't show emotions like that because look at all the white churches that don't? That would be idiocy--and that would be a race thing--and that would be wrong. So the media should quit writing article after article about how Cam should act when scoring. Commenters can shut up about him not being as dour as Johnny Unitas. Cam is Cam. His teammates consider him a great inspirational leader. His community sees him as a great charitable provider. People who know him like him. The only ones immature are those who whine about Cam--the leader, philanthropist, and inspiration--not acting like the other white guys that have played the position when they score.

 

 

 

I somewhat agree but I would like to point out that often people use "cultural differences" to mask racial hatred.

Quick example: If you spoke with or frequented Gator's message board around 2005/2006, you would have seen a great many reject the notion of a "dual-threat" QB. After Vince Young won the national championship, I remember A LOT of Gator fans saying things like they absolutely would never want such an offense or QB to play at their university...ever! Of course, they stated that they wanted a "pro style" QB/offense because that is what UF football has always been about and that is what gets UF football players into the NFL (Michigan fans said the same thing).

Of course, Tim T E B O W came along shortly after. Suddenly, the "pro style" Chris Leak wasn't quite good enough, in fact he was booed in favor of the "dual threat" Tim. Leak was black and Tim was white. The fact was that many UF fans (at least those on their message board) flat out admitted that it really had nothing to do with "style" or offenses. 

The perception was that black qbs were "dual threats" and white qbs were "pro style". What UF fans were saying (and a couple even admitted to it) was that playing style was merely a proxy for the race of the QB they wanted Florida to have. When Leak and Tim came along that perception was flipped on its head and they could no longer continue the BS about playing style. They simply didn't care about playing style. They cared about the race of the QB and used playing style as a proxy for it.

Finally, I always thought it a bit odd for Alabama fans to abjectly hate Newton and Winston, but like The Golden Calf of Bristol and Manizel. Seriously, go visit a Crimson Tide forum and see the difference between Newton and Winston on one hand, versus The Golden Calf of Bristol and Manizel on the other.

[stankowalski]

The thing I'm hating about all this discussion around Cam is when the race factor is brought in.  Yes some people are racist but they are the vast minority.  I'm a white guy and wouldn't trade Cam for any other QB right now.  I love what he does both on the field and off.  I have no problem with him dancing but wouldn't do it myself(although that's more because I think I look like a jackass when I dance), I have no problem with him ripping down banners.  

I've got an idea...why don't we just focus on people like me (who are the majority) and let the dissenting opinions die on deaf ears.

[FootballMaestro]

8 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

It's ok to not like someone's dancing or behavior. Like someone said, people hate on Manziel for his money celebrations. I hated him for it. Why the fug is this kid celebrating like he's a high roller, but hadn't even played a down in the NFL yet? We all hate Kaepernick for his behavior. Difference with him and Cam is that Kaepernick is an actual asshole. Cam does celebrate a little too much though, so I can understand someone not liking it.

 It's those that say the most outrageous poo and pick on every little thing about Cam that are obviously racist. Like the woman that wrote the letter about Cam and got so much publicity about it. When a reporter says he has a "fake smile". When commentators keep harping on the towel on the head. The people that nitpick every little thing about Cam while other QBs, particularly white, do the exact same thing and not saying anything about those other QBs.Those are the people you can tell hate Cam based on his skin color.

When have we ever heard the media bashing Brady for acting like a bitch towards his own teammates and coaches and throwing hissy fits on the sidelines? Never. To me, Brady is a poor leader. If not for his elite talent, I don't see how he would still be in the league. You don't continuously chastise your offensive line and expect them to block better for you.. He acts almost if not more of an asshole than Kaepernick. However, we hear not one peep about it. Why? Because he is white. Instead we hear about how competitive he is and poo. 

Again it's ok to not like celebrations or a behavior from a QB. As long as your opinion is uniform across the league. In the media, it is not. Certain white QBs get away with things that Cam gets bashed for. Maybe if more articles like this come out, it will help the situation. However, I have been convinced for a very long time that the media likes to report whatever causes the most controversy. More controversy equals higher ratings. No other reporting causes more controversy than racial issues. So more than likely we won't hear the end of this hypocrisy until the end of Cam's career.

Yup

Too many people (in the media, fans, etc..) harp on every little thing Cam does (seemingly, no matter how small, petty or untrue). However, they mysteriously, and uniformly avoid it when it's anyone else who do things a lot worse in front of more people.

Go figure!

[RJK]

it's because he's black...what's the mystery?

[scpanther22]

2 hours ago, panthers55 said:

I bet Cam has millions more white fans than black ones. I know at any home game the white folks cheering for Cam far outnumber the black ones. So it isn't even mostly a race thing. It is about him winning and being cocky. Because Cam doesn't act like a strret punk or dress like one like Vick did. Many of Cams shoes and clothing looks goofy and trend setting more than ethnic inspired. He dresses in what he likes.

Cam does what no other quarterback is doing and he is doing it with style. Traditionalists don't like it and let's be honest being a black freak of nature and a good quarterback isn't traditional. But Cam is breaking the molds and people don't like that. Traditionalists are mostly old white people 

Are some folks racist and hate Cam because he is black? Yep. But don't fool yourself. They hate Russell Wilson too. And BTW, Russell Wilson is disliked by many black people for being too white and commercial. So it can happen on both sides. 

There are lots of reasons to like or dislike Cam. And as he succeeds the noise will only get louder. I would hope one day we will have changed enough that the race card won't be easily accepted as the obvious answer to why a player is liked or not when someone throws it out there.

Of course because they're more white peple doesnt really disprove anything.

And your comment is exactly what I lot of people in this thread are talking about.

So what if Cam choose to dress like Vick. Why is the way he choose to dress get interpreted with such a negative connation of him dressing like a “street punk”. It reeks of respectability politics.  If Cam came out today after the game in braided hair, gold chains and saggy pants that still should not be a referendum on who he is a person but it would be and that is what we’re talking about. If you think that has nothing to do with race I think you may be little naïve in this instance.

If his clothes were “ethnic inspired” as you say that still should not seen in a negative light but it is. Why? It’s 100% an race issue.  When Cam posted the picture of him and his friends dressed in casual street wear the comments were lit up with he’s throwing up gang signs, you’re not setting the right example he’s dressed like a “thug” to the point where he had to post another picture with the same group in suits explaining they were all college graduates.

[dugbug]

Oh not this crap again

[TheRumGone]

8 minutes ago, scpanther22 said:

Of course because they're more white peple doesnt really disprove anything.

 

And your comment is exactly what I lot of people in this thread are talking about.

So what if Cam choose to dress like Vick. Why is the way he choose to dress get interpreted with such a negative connation of him dressing like a “street punk”. It reeks of respectability politics.  If Cam came out today after the game in braided hair, gold chains and saggy pants that still should not be a referendum on who he is a person but it would be and that is what we’re talking about. If you think that has nothing to do with race I think you may be little naïve in this instance.

If his clothes were “ethnic inspired” as you say that still should not seen in a negative light but it is. Why? It’s 100% an race issue.  When Cam posted the picture of him and his friends dressed in casual street wear the comments were lit up with he’s throwing up gang signs, you’re not setting the right example he’s dressed like a “thug” to the point where he had to post another picture with the same group in suits explaining they were all college graduates.

It's white culture. Business suits can be just as evil as supposed "thug" attire. 

We gotta get past these "appearance issues." I remember years ago on this board there were several posters who said they wouldn't let their daughter date a guy if he had braids or dreadlocks or were tatted up because they viewed it and called it "thuggish." This kind of viewpoint has been posted on this board and in the tinderbox repeatedly. People really need to get over themselves. Get to know people and where they come from. I do think that this is a minority voice and things have changed drastically. Usually the dumbest people are the loudest.

[dpanther69]

3 hours ago, panthers55 said:

I bet Cam has millions more white fans than black ones. I know at any home game the white folks cheering for Cam far outnumber the black ones. So it isn't even mostly a race thing. It is about him winning and being cocky. Because Cam doesn't act like a strret punk or dress like one like Vick did. Many of Cams shoes and clothing looks goofy and trend setting more than ethnic inspired. He dresses in what he likes.

Cam does what no other quarterback is doing and he is doing it with style. Traditionalists don't like it and let's be honest being a black freak of nature and a good quarterback isn't traditional. But Cam is breaking the molds and people don't like that. Traditionalists are mostly old white people 

Are some folks racist and hate Cam because he is black? Yep. But don't fool yourself. They hate Russell Wilson too. And BTW, Russell Wilson is disliked by many black people for being too white and commercial. So it can happen on both sides. 

There are lots of reasons to like or dislike Cam. And as he succeeds the noise will only get louder. I would hope one day we will have changed enough that the race card won't be easily accepted as the obvious answer to why a player is liked or not when someone throws it out there.

When blacks only represent 12 % of the population of course there will be more white fans than blacks who like Cam. People like or dislike what they relate or not relate to so that explains the dislike for Cam. He's my QB I love him but if played for another teams I probably would not like him. Panthers fans are more informed about the Panthers and Cam because we have more invested in him and this team. The rest of the nation will go with what is presented by the media and run with it because they aren't nearly as invested therefore the dislike.