Black College Football - The Xperience: What's Behind the Name?

[HMcCoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

Why would be offended once when you know why the label exists? Most HBCU's are 95% or more black so its not politically incorrect to call them Black Colleges. Liberty University and Orel Roberts University are 100% Christian and no one gets offended when they are called "christian schools." Why? Because thats what they are. So if they are "Black Colleges" whats wrong a game that features those schools "Black College Football" Also the developers are trying to sell games. Its simple name recognition. Calling it HBCU Football doesnt work because no one who follows those schools calls it that. Cant call it Division 2 football because some of those teams are Division 3 teams. What looks better on a cover "Black College Football" or "SIAC, MEAC, SWAC Football". It has nothing to do with controversy. Its simple marketing. Also why would non blacks be offended by this? Honestly, I havent met one black person who is offended by the labeling of an HBCU. I have a family full of people who attended HBCUs and no one here is offended by someone calling it a "black school." It has NOTHING to do with equality. Non blacks are admitted into HBCU's (most of them receive minority scholarships when they attend.) Blacks attend primarily white schools. The label is primarily focused on the history of the school and the label is something I'm proud of. My school (Clark Atlanta) is different than Georgia Tech or Georgia and I dont have a problem recognizing that. Clark's history, mission statement, culture and student population are different than those schools. I dont want my school lumped in with every school in GA. My school is different.

Again, you are preaching to the choir, bro. My point is simply...

Why do you get to decide what's offensive to some one else?

Every point you make can be twisted to fit anothers agenda. Im quite sure some southern proponents of segregation weren't bad people, but simply didn't understand why black people didn't want to eat/learn/shop with other black people. They felt they had good reason why blacks "shouldn't be offended". The concept that you decide what people should just STFU and accept is ludicrous.

Im not making a judgement...I obviously comprehend the historical significance of HCBU's. Im just saying that the fact that you refuse to acknowledge someone else has the right to be offended by it...is hypocrisy, and the root of intolerance and racism. Folks should (and some have) be able to explain their view coherently, without getting fly, attacking, or calling names. If you believe there is no double standard when it comes to bigotry, you are being naive.

I guess Im just saying that after knowing about this country's wicked, disgusting past, I make it a point to try really hard NOT to be arrogant enough to think that my sensibilities should dictate what is accepteptable...like those that have opressed us. If you feel theres a significant reason to label HCBU's thats cool...but be big enough to be tolerant to those who don't. From the outside, it does give the connotation of exclusion, and to simply say.."well thats just how we roll...suck it you inbred racist!" is not right. Again, not all have said this, but enough have.

[P2K]

Quote: Originally Posted by HMcCoy

Again, you are preaching to the choir, bro. My point is simply... Why do you get to decide what's offensive to some one else? Every point you make can be twisted to fit anothers agenda. Im quite sure some southern proponents of segregation weren't bad people, but simply didn't understand why black people didn't want to eat/learn/shop with other black people. They felt they had good reason why blacks "shouldn't be offended". The concept that you decide what people should just STFU and accept is ludicrous. Im not making a judgement...I obviously comprehend the historical significance of HCBU's. Im just saying that the fact that you refuse to acknowledge someone else has the right to be offended by it...is hypocrisy, and the root of intolerance and racism. Folks should (and some have) be able to explain their view coherently, without getting fly, attacking, or calling names. If you believe there is no double standard when it comes to bigotry, you are being naive. I guess Im just saying that after knowing about this country's wicked, disgusting past, I make it a point to try really hard NOT to be arrogant enough to think that my sensibilities should dictate what is accepteptable...like those that have opressed us. If you feel theres a significant reason to label HCBU's thats cool...but be big enough to be tolerant to those who don't. From the outside, it does give the connotation of exclusion, and to simply say.."well thats just how we roll...suck it you inbred racist!" is not right. Again, not all have said this, but enough have.

But many other cultures do the same exact same deal. I live right down the avenue from a Jewish institute of learning. But, it's a big deal when African Americans do their own thing. I don't understand how it is hypocrisy.

I agree with you that people have the right to be offended. I guess my standpoint is why are the certain people that feel offended...offended? Do they feel opressed by black folks? Do they feel so threatened by seeing black people hold dear to their culture and history? Do these people feel uneasy or appalled that HBCUs exist?

I don't see it. I can't. To me, it's like a wealthy person watching homeless people be glee and playful in a dumpster...and the wealthy bastard has the nerve to be jealous. It...it just doesn't register to me. I try but...I mean...it's not like we're putting pamphlets under car windshield wipers telling folks "We have black schools and YOU AREN'T ALLOWED!!! MuaAHAhaHAhAhaha!!!" And the big thing with me is that these schools and this game isn't telling anyone that blacks are better than everyone else.

Just my opinion.

[Dynamite]

Well said.

Ultimately this is going to end soon, as the game is out or nearly out (I forget seeing as I'm on vacation from working at a video game retailer), but I can't say enough: they're called HBCUs by many different places because that's what they are. Not to exclude, not to offend, not to call attention to, but because they are Historically Black schools, simple and plain.

That somehow having black colleges constitutes some large problem in America...it really strikes me as funny. I mean, isn't that how most of the ethnic groups outcast in America really began to make in-roads to acceptance and tolerance (rather than just grudging tolerance)? I believe so. I'm not bothered that people are questioning the name of the game, the more striking point here is that people had the nerve to question the existence of black schools by claiming reverse discrimination. That's what's low about it, and comparing having a black school to having BET (which is the worst representation of blacks since minstrel shows...), I just hope that after this chapter is closed, we can find a way to not fault blacks for doing what every other group has done in the United States, which is find a way to start educational institutions to serve their needs. How is that threatening, racist, or unjust?

[HMcCoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by P2K

But many other cultures do the same exact same deal. I live right down the avenue from a Jewish institute of learning. But, it's a big deal when African Americans do their own thing. I don't understand how it is hypocrisy. I agree with you that people have the right to be offended. I guess my standpoint is why are the certain people that feel offended...offended? Do they feel opressed by black folks? Do they feel so threatened by seeing black people hold dear to their culture and history? Do these people feel uneasy or appalled that HBCUs exist? I don't see it. I can't. To me, it's like a wealthy person watching homeless people be glee and playful in a dumpster...and the wealthy bastard has the nerve to be jealous. It...it just doesn't register to me. I try but...I mean...it's not like we're putting pamphlets under car windshield wipers telling folks "We have black schools and YOU AREN'T ALLOWED!!! MuaAHAhaHAhAhaha!!!" And the big thing with me is that these schools and this game isn't telling anyone that blacks are better than everyone else. Just my opinion.

Good post, and I agree. I don't have a problem with anyone's viewpoint, really. Just in how we consider and discuss them.

[Happyvally74]

Is anyone truly considering buying this game?

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by HMcCoy

Again, you are preaching to the choir, bro. My point is simply... Why do you get to decide what's offensive to some one else? Every point you make can be twisted to fit anothers agenda. Im quite sure some southern proponents of segregation weren't bad people, but simply didn't understand why black people didn't want to eat/learn/shop with other black people. They felt they had good reason why blacks "shouldn't be offended". The concept that you decide what people should just STFU and accept is ludicrous. Im not making a judgement...I obviously comprehend the historical significance of HCBU's. Im just saying that the fact that you refuse to acknowledge someone else has the right to be offended by it...is hypocrisy, and the root of intolerance and racism. Folks should (and some have) be able to explain their view coherently, without getting fly, attacking, or calling names. If you believe there is no double standard when it comes to bigotry, you are being naive. I guess Im just saying that after knowing about this country's wicked, disgusting past, I make it a point to try really hard NOT to be arrogant enough to think that my sensibilities should dictate what is accepteptable...like those that have opressed us. If you feel theres a significant reason to label HCBU's thats cool...but be big enough to be tolerant to those who don't. From the outside, it does give the connotation of exclusion, and to simply say.."well thats just how we roll...suck it you inbred racist!" is not right. Again, not all have said this, but enough have.

I'm totally confused. I ask why people are offended and you accuse me of telling people to STFU but when P2k asks the same thing...he has a great point? I'm asking why anyone would be offended and then listed the reasons why it doesnt make any sense. You should have a reason behind being offended and its ridiculous to allow people to yell "THAT TITLE IS OFFENSIVE" and not ask them to back it up.

Since you already claimed I did it, I'll do it formally. If you are offended by the title and cant articulate a reason for it...STFU. If you have a reason for it, I will listen and will have a counter if your reason is nonsensical.

If its arrogant for me to expect people to ask questions or research before immediately reacting...**** it I'll be arrogant. I would also have a little more patience if the entire 2 page article didnt explain the title and why its named that way. So even if you think that title is exclusionary on its face, the article explains that the title isnt.

[TracerBullet]

Quote: Originally Posted by LoneStarState

Didn't the guy who got banned stop talking about the HBCUs and start just talking about black history instead? Technically he wasn't on topic. But honestly the reason that people aren't excepting the other viewpoints is kinda obvious. They keep presenting the same exact arguments, "Where's white college football?" "These Schools are racist because they only have black people." "Our nation should intergrate and we should get rid of the title HBCU." etc. People came back with valid statements against the arguements but the people refused to listen to it and kept repeating the same thing over and over. It's not that they can't present the other side of the arguement, most of them just have gone about it the wrong way.

[Outtamind]

Alcorn State Class of '02 reporting in here.

Funny thing about my school, is that in a way, it is both historically white AND black. How? It was founded as a school for whites by the Presbyterians back before the Civil War. When it failed to reopen afterwards, it became Alcorn State---named ironically enough for the governor of Mississippi. When it reopened it was a school for black men. And it was a pretty brave thing to do, although at the time it was more a vocational school (i.e. how to fix things on a farm) than an educational one (i.e. get smart and get a better job than working on a farm). But you have to start somewhere, and eventually about a 100 years later, it became a full fledged university. Today, it's designated as a HBCU---and the alma mater of the late, great Steve McNair, RIP.

About the title of this game.....I see why they didn't call it Historically Black College Football. Eeesh, that'd be a mouthful. On the other hand, I sort of, sort of, see where the other side is coming from. It does to some extent sound exclusionary if you don't know what the game is truly representing. And while we would all like to think that everyone knows about HBCU's and their dignified history, not everyone does. And even then, some will make the argument, as Pike did, that the name isn't necessary anymore. And while I don't agree, the point is valid. There's a senator in Georgia even that is trying to combine a HBCU with a couple of others on the premise that the HBCU designation is no longer significant or some such.

Honoring the past of these schools is vital--that no one can argue. What the founders of these schools did was difficult and brave and shouldn't be forgotten. And the term HBCU, in my book, is one way to honor them. Maybe there is a better way, but I'm not sure as to what that would be.

Now, I will say that yes, these schools are predominantly black. And the reasons for that are varied. But if a white student wishes to attend, he can. And, in fact, I would recommend it to any white person as a way to open up your horizons---much in the same vein as going to Europe or Asia. The culture at these schools IS different, but in a good way. That said, I do think the day will come when these schools are more mixed than they are now--and contrary to some of my fellow alumni, I think that is great. And when that day comes, maybe Alcorn will just be Alcorn and we'll have a Hall of History telling the story of our school. Anything is possible.

So, in summary, Black College Football: The Xperience, is certainly not without some controversy, but also not without some valid reasons for the branding that I don't think are meant to be exclusionary or racist. For one, I can't think of what else they would call the game that would sell very well. They probably can't use the NCAA name because of EA Sports, and it's not as if all these schools are in just one conference--so you can't call it 'Southland' football or what have you.

Lastly, to some of you guys who are defending the title of the game--and of HBCU's in general:

It's great that you are sticking up for the history of these institutions. They are deserving of the defense. People need to know why these schools are designated as they are. People need to know about the brave people who set these schools up. And they need to know that in no way does the term 'HBCU' mean segregated and exclusionary.

What they do not need, and what we as black people do not need, are people representing us in a way that is so aggressive, ish-filled and crass that the message gets lost in the end. You may hate that not everyone sees it your way, but what you are missing is that by calling people out, being rude as hell and, telling them to 'STFU', and so on...is that you are giving these people exactly what they expected from the stereotypes they may have brought into the conversation. If a white person gets into this conversation thinking that black people are using 'reverse racism' in the title of this game and in the use of the term HBCU, what do you think will change if your tactics are to be rude and insulting to them? It just helps to confirm their feelings, in my honest opinion. And that isn't cool for us.

It's fine to educate them about the history of these schools--it's great even. But leave it at that. And if they don't--if they persist in views that are in opposition to yours, just leave them be. Kill them with kindness, remember that growing up? You'll be much more likely to get your point across, and it will be much more likely that they'll see your point of view. And if they don't, well then that's on them. At least you and our point of view, will come out looking dignified and respectful.

And while I don't see any indication that aholbert32 is a moderator here, if he is then it is not a good thing to have such a flagrant violation of the TOS committed by someone who is here to defend it. I can't imagine how someone telling another member to 'STFU', for any reason, could be a moderator here.

And if anyone wants a cool, non-ish filled conversation about the subject of this game and its correlation with HBCU's, hit me up. I won't bite.

Peace.