Who I stealthily photographed because of an hilarious asterisk on his Bonds* Jersey, called out to the "N" bomb dropper, "Hey, I think that's getting, uh, a little racialist". The racialist Reds fan continued to rant, personally insulting the guys Bonds* jersey, while continuing to drop "N" bombs like my Drunk Uncle at a Christmas Party. With my legally sanctioned .07 inebriation in tow, I, Son Ranto stuck up for Bonds*, and said to the Racialist Red's fan, "Hey, I agree with him. Think what you want, but STFU." Racialist Red's fan's friend wanted the confrontation halted, and whispered to his friend to cut it out, but this set the Racialist off even more, and soon I was berated with "N-lover" and "I bet you voted for Obama, who ruined this country!" I pointed out that this country has been ruined many times over by white guys, but he didn't want to hear it, and ended his tirade by saying that when I voted for Obama in 2008, I lost my "White Card". First of all, I only lost half my White Card, because Obama is only half black. Secondly, where exactly do I get this white Card? Does it get me a discount at Steak and Shake? Free tickets to shows in Branson, MO? I told the guy to let me pass as he is slow, blocking my path, and I don't want to hear his crap anymore. He continued to yell, but this was from 50 yards away now, and I headed to the car where I have pepper spray. But alas, it was Fireworks Night at Great American Ballpark, and decided I'd rather enjoy myself watching the sky light up on the banks of the Ohio River, than pepper spray a racialist. Actually, I think I'd enjoy the pepper spraying more, but it likely comes with consequences like assault charges and incarceration. The fireworks were beautiful.
I'm not saying that Red's fans are racist. Nor saying anything bad about Cincinnati or it's people. Although, I did hear a Red's fan remark at Wrigley that Shin Soo Choo struck out because he couldn't see out of his squinty eyes. I also yelled at that guy, but that's a story for another day. Racism permeates our society at every level, but this surface racism, spewed publicly for everyone to hear is unacceptable, and I applaud Bonds* for at least saying something. I applaud myself for sticking up for Bonds*, and I applaud the Cincinnati Reds for taking my mind temporarily off the encounter with a kick arse Fireworks Display.
I spend a lot of time in Ballparks, hundreds of hours a year, and I hear lots of things that probably shouldn't be said in Public or mixed company, some of it, regrettably, from my own mouth. But baseball is an international sport, whites, blacks, hispanics, asians, and miscellaneous mixes, all play together on one team to try and win for the city they represent. Wouldn't it be nice if the fans acted accordingly and realized that we live in a country who's strength is built upon our diversity and cultural mixing. Music, Cuisine and Sports, among other cultural institutions have benefited greatly from this diversity, and as fans and humans on this great big planet spinning haphazardly through outer space, there is no place for small thinking. Not on a bridge over the Ohio river, not in a Baseball Stadium, and especially, not around a sleep deprived Son Ranto during a Cubs 5 game losing streak.
Now lets eat, dance with monsters, and enjoy the ballgame!
More at http://www.sonranto.com
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