Racism has been thrust into the spotlight in the NBA and beyond, following the scandal involving Donald Sterling.
Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and a basketball legend, has recently shared his own experiences with racism during his formative years.
In a biography titled “Michael Jordan: The Life,” author Ronald Lazenby delves into the impact of growing up in 1970s North Carolina on Jordan’s perception of race.
The book reveals that Jordan’s views were shaped by the dominance of the Ku Klux Klan in his community.
He also recounts how watching the miniseries “Roots” opened his eyes to the suffering endured by his African-American ancestors.
However, it was a pivotal moment in 1977 that solidified Jordan’s beliefs.
A fellow student at his school used a racial slur against him, prompting him to react by throwing a soda at her.
Jordan admits that during this time, he considered himself a racist and held animosity towards all white people.
It is important to note that these revelations are not recent but are instead reflections from Jordan’s past.
It is evident that his childhood was marked by racially charged incidents.
However, there is no reason to believe that racism still exists within him today, especially considering his outspoken condemnation of Sterling’s actions.
Drawing a parallel between Jordan’s experiences as a teenager and Sterling’s current behavior is unjustifiable.
Jordan was a young individual with limited exposure to different perspectives, whereas Sterling’s racism persists despite having had countless opportunities to evolve.
What sets Jordan apart is his ability to channel negativity into positive outcomes, a characteristic well-documented throughout his life.
For instance, the famous story of being cut from his high school varsity team motivated him to become an exceptional player.
Additionally, his Hall of Fame speech revealed how he used perceived slights as fuel for his success.
He would even convince himself that opponents had insulted him before games, using it as motivation.
Given Jordan’s extraordinary ability to recall childhood events with clarity, it is not surprising that these experiences have played a significant role in shaping his character and values today.
