Dallas Mavericks Star Disses the National Anthem
A new video featuring basketball star Josh Howard is burning up the internet.
A video of him dissing the Star Spangled Banner is getting many hot under the collar.
In the video he says, "'The Star-Spangled Banner' is going on. I don't celebrate this [expletive]. I'm black."
What the fuckity fuck does he mean by that?!
He's entitled to his opinion, but we think it's a wack thing to say.
The national anthem is not a black, brown, yellow, red or white thing.
It's an American thing.
He is American, right?
[Image via AP.]
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Re: jmc –
#154
You forgot to mention the tribal chiefs that sold your ancestors to the white man, so he could bring them here. It's been a long time, let's get over it and move on. I think it's important to not forget our past, but you can't keep using the past as a crutch. My ancestors came from Mexico, I'm an American though. I am proud of my country, and have fought for it for over15 years in the military. It does piss me off when a man like this seems so ungrateful. I haven't seen him give any of the money from "white" people back. He sure hasn't had a problem with this country making him rich.
It's amazing to me to see how prevalent racism still is in this country. As we all know by the example that our current president set, one person does not speak for a whole. Just because he doesn't want to appreciate a song. It's really not that serious. Oh, and "Go back to Africa?" Can't you people get a new catch-phrase? He may have never step foot in Africa. How can he go back if he's never been there? LOL…
aww man, that's my local news channel. great. you're a douchebag, Howard.
What about all the Americans that died freeing the slaves?? Sure, that was not the only reason of the Civil War, but is was a main concern. I'm sick of all these people, black, brown, yellow or whatever (including you too sometimes, Perez) who get their success from America and then proceed to SHIT ALL OVER THE USA. Ingrates! Why don't all you America-haters take the fastest plane to Afganistan and see how successful you can become over there, that is, before you get beheaded! Fuck all the America hater and God Bless the USA! Love to the troops, come home soon!!
Re: selma –
#273
What country are you living in?
jessiedee, you are not a REAL American.
Real Americans know that you are allowed to make that sort of comment in a free country.
Grow up, retard.
Who cares? I go to a predominantly white school on the east coast and I hear white college students say some very unpatriotic shit about the US and no one cares. I know kids who refuse to pledge allegiance to our flag and who feel that America is the worst country in the world.
-
At the end of the day, we're all entitled to our opinion. So he won't honor a song by Francis Scott Key. Who gives a shit? He's not blowing up buildings or harming anyone.
Re: UberBling – why does this surprise anyone that he would say this—
Re: Debaucherina – Bitch, no one has to thank YOU for anything. YOU are not the one who lost her life freeing slaves (no one did, actually–Abraham Lincoln did it himself, against the desires of thousands of whites). Many blacks lost their lives during that war! What about them? Who died for your country even after being treated as 3/4s human? The civil war was a war between the North and South–it had very little to do with slavery and everything to do with power between the states. So no, we have nothing to thank YOU for. YOU are not the one paying black athletes to play ball. YOU are not the one making Perez rich. YOU did not free any slaves. YOU are nothing but a pathetic fat ass (eww, nasty avatar) on Perez Hilton. Refrain from spewing your nationalist sentiments on this site. Ingrates? Haha!
he's just pushing the cause for complete equality in this country - color, race, orientation, language, disability or otherwise - back. Shame on him.
Also, a national anthem should be unifying. This anthem, in particular, was created for a country that was not the America that exists today. Francis Scott Key created this anthem for the American colony as it existed during the time of slavery and oppression of all Native Americans. Is that America today? Why should we honor an anthem that was not created for all Americans, but for Americans of English ancestry only? "The Star-Spangled Banner" is anachronistic and only reminds us of a time that America would rather forget.
he should be embarrassed. he wears a retainer.
sooooooo ive been noticing a trend here
everyone is saying since he doesnt like the star spangled banner that he should go back to africa
why cant he go to like…mexico or australia or something??
does it have to be africa??? is it africa because hes black??????
im highly sure hes not FROM AFRICA…he was most likely born in AMERICA sooo yeahh hes not going back to africa because he was never there…sooo yeppp end of story
Re: adrockamd – AMEN!~!!!!! I said the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!
I have black hair and I sing the national anthem…with pride. I have brown skin and I sing the national anthem….with pride.
Hes black, an American, and he has the preveilge to say what he wants. Its a free country remember!
all of it doesnt make sense…..so whatever
That's an ignorant thing to say…but for some reason it made me think of a great line from Angels in America, when Belize says, "I hate America, Louis. I hate this country. Nothing but a bunch of big ideas and stories and people dying, and then people like you. The white cracker who wrote the National Anthem knew what he was doing. He set the word free to a note so high nobody could reach it. That was deliberate." Maybe that's what he meant…and just said it tactlessly.
As usual it takes but one ignorant black man with high social status to belittle and embarrass the black community.
okay you know what? you dont like the song? alright, whatever but more importantly has anyone taught this kid respect? i mean really. i dont participate in the national anthem either but i standto show my respect for this country and all of he opportunities it has opened for me. and i guess he doesnt feel the same as i do.
Freedom of speech.
Re: flygirl_charlotte – Aw…c'mon, where's the freedom of speech?
Re: sss – Denmark is not America. That is sooo wrong.
Re: pinkindie – He didn't say that he doesn't like the country, he just feels that the song does not represent him.
Re: flygirl_charlotte – Oh Flygirl..you're such an American: classy, tolerant, respects the freedom of speech of others….your parents must be proud.
Re: starburst65 – #139 Good one!
Re: HomeOfTheSweaterCows – #229
So I guess that you also think that calling oneself Italian-American or Chinese-American is wrong…
Another low class negroid. Fire the dumbass and ship him to Africa where he belongs. Let him live a miserable life there so he can appreciate his American life. Stupid low class moron!
Re: selma – #245 Totally agree with you. They should see what the rest of the world thinks about them.
Re: Smirks – #254 Guess you should thank the French for the US Constitution.
Re: MizzCia – YOU DUMB FUCK!!! You're not even referring to The Star Spangled Banner. The lyrics you quoted are from My Country Tis of Thee, which is NOT our country's national anthem as you obviously do not know. Before you start spouting off your P.C. bullshit, you should get your fucking facts straight. Maybe you need to be sent to Africa with this dude since you obviously don't celebrate this "shit" either.
Honestly, this was a HUGE mistake. Okay, dude needs to OBVIOUSLY apologize. But what really makes my jaw drop is that he just shined the light on the ignorant American culture we currently live in. He is one of the millions of people (some of which commented here) cohabiting this nation who give a flying crap about this country. I know history and yes people of different races, creeds and nationalities died through injustices to hand us "the land of the free." I AM very thankful for it, I was one of the few who signed their life away to defend this country of all it's enemies, whether they be foreign or domestic. Things like these shouldn't divide us any further than they've manged to. WE'RE ALL LUCKY TO LIVE IN THE U.S.A!
PS: WTF did Obama have to do with this idiot? honestly people just stop.
Re: selma – #273. Do you know why they keep repeating over and OVER again that they are the greatest country, that they are the country with more freedom (nothing could be farther from the truth), and that they are a beacon of hope for the rest of the world?
Well..you know how people repeat stuff to themselves when they are insecure just to believe in what they are saying? I think it's exactly for the same reason.
It is the insecurity of a young country that has not developed a true unique identity. Read the comments, they are all over the place.
Re: && I got a thing for you! – #281 Wow! You ARE a retard. You probably don't even know what countries are in Africa. Have you ever heard of…South Africa for example? Egypt? Morocco?
No fucking white trash trailers like the one you live in.
Re: Haika9691 – #330
Gee… that's a GREAT idea! I'll write the letter tomorrow: "Dear Mr. Sarkozy… this American wants to thank you for our Constitution!"
–
…and your point is?
I mean, really. Wow..
i'm black and do not approve..
He is TRASH
he's a niggnogg
I totally understand him. Americas national anthem was written during the slavery times and "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave" didnt exactly include the slaves aka 'the black people'.
Maybe he'll break a leg and never be able to play basketball again in this country. Fucking asswipe, send his ass to China!
Re: Baby Jane –
SAY THAT AGAIN! Simply because of what The Star Bangled Banner REALLY represents- not ONLY to BLACK people, but sadly ALL American's- that doesn't mean dude is straight up ANTI-AMERICA. I'm sure ALL the people who had issues with his comments have also had issue with at least ONE problem America is responsible for. Regardless of the fact that even though living here IS a choice, it does come with it's pros and cons, Especially for black men, EVEN if he is rackin' the bills. (take a look at the closing credits to Chappelle's Show! MAYBE you'll understand) the SSB for some really is a mockery and a LIE! U just haven't been taught yet, or you just refuse to see the truth!
And the fact that he supports Obama doesn't mean Obama supports HIM! All the Wall St. cronies are stealing your hard earned money right under your nose, and is supporting Bush to make it happen…and although you would expect a presidential candidate to uphold the American Veil of Sovereignty, How big of u to take rumor and slander to believe that Obama is so opposed to America, and the Anthem. Has he actually denounced that? Is he really blasphemous?!?!
Looks to me like Josh Howard just sees America's past for what it is. Its BEEN time to change it. I would hope u would want to change many things about this place, too.
Re: dickhead –
and when we get off at our home, maybe urs will FINALLY go back to ur "REAL" home, too! Unless they STILL DON'T want u……DON'T act like u don't know…
Re: Debaucherina –
thank u Debaucherina, you made me see that the SSB, it's times and it's events are connected to negative, unwanted memories for black people but that it also means good, for those who faught in the stuggle, for freedom, of not JUST black people, but for women, and children, ALL Americans, and thats more than enough to make me proud. Even with its ills, America is a GREAT NATION!!!!!
Bottom line, he was straight up stupid to record that. (Save the lame ass retraction, Josh) Now his ignorance is on display for everyone to see, and hopefully, it teaches him a lesson, Not about what to say, but what to really feel.
When the fuck are they gonna stop playing ther race card?? Go back to fuck'n Africa if you think it's so bad here
Below are a few lines from Obama's books, IN HIS WORDS!
From Dreams of My Father: 'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.' / 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.' / 'There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white.' / 'It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names.' / 'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.'
************'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'**************
Hmmmm….NO THANKS! McCain / Palin 2008!
Re: Mair24 – From reading your posts, you sound very sad!
Although this is outrageous, I have the feeling that he does not understand what "The Star Spangled Banner" stands for. I believe that he needs to be educated, and then he definitely needs to apologize for what he said.
You would be surprised at how many people do not know that The Star Spangled Banner is our national anthem. I actually watched a special or read it on the internet, one or the other, where people were asked what our national anthem is. Maaaaaany many of them did not know.
I am NOT making excuses for him, but I just have a feeling that is what is wrong. A lack of education. Simple as that.
I am not biased in my opinion because I had never heard of this person until just now seeing him on the internet. I do not follow sports.
I'm just trying to think of why someone who is a huge star would say such a thing. Why would a star risk losing their fans and risk losing endorsements, etc by saying something so controversial? Think about it. A logical conclusion is lack of education. IMO.
Re: && I got a thing for you! – What a noble person you seem to be and what elegant and refined language you use. McCain and Palin would be quite proud of you. Get an education and good manners.
Must agree with the guy.
At least the man is honest! The Star Spangled Banner is possible the worst national anthem out there. The pitch of it is more suited to an excitable chipmunk on helium than a human. It is crap.
As to what what for: well a disfranchaised country with no commonality.
Why doesn't the white, yellow, black man leave America and allow the natives to live in peace….
Oh that's right no one wants you!
FIRE HIS ASS!!!
Hey nigaboo, if you don't like it here, go back to africa! We do not want your ugly azz here.
ignorant fools like him who are poor excuses for humans who make the black race look bad. He should be banned from the race–human race that is, or at least the american race. Our society gives all the money to these ignorant type people! So sad!
Another Obama supporter, yikes!
How dumb of a celebrity/athlete do you have to be to not know that anything that is recorded will end up on the internet?!
Re: Cleopatra – I totally agree with you. I'm so sick of the reaction of self righteous indignation that everyone is expressing, as well as the outright racism. I can't be mad at this guy for not wanting to sing the national anthem if you think about the time period and context of which it was written in- it really was written for, and meant to be sung by white males. And all these people crying anti-american are stupid. Get over it, who gives a fuck. This country is fucked. I'm sorry to tell you, but we're not the greatest country in the world. I'm so sick these over-zealous "patriots".
Re: bluephoenix – wow, you're so introspective generalizing every texan as being "crazy motherfuckers" and zealous nationalists…get a grip.
i seriously don't understand why everyone's freaking out so much saying racist things like "go back to africa", etc. you're just as bad, or actually worse than the spoiled sports star "dissing" the anthem. get over it- it's called freedom of speech. sometimes i'm seriously ashamed to be from this country…can't wait to get the hell out of here. america is awesome and beautiful, and i feel lucky for the life i have here, but it's people like all these racist,archaic, propaganda-eating nationalist assholes who comment on here who make the united states the joke of the free world. what's sad is that the majority of the general population has these exact views that make me sick. everyone seems to easily forget how our country was founded- who we killed, exploited, and stole from to get where we are. america is not invincible and infallible. america is not god.
Re: SilentCloud9 – #304, silentcloud9, thankyou…it's a little comforting knowing that not every single last person on here is racist and hypocritical. i am seriously sick of hearing 'go back to africa' everytime a black person does something someone doesn't like. why does race automatically have to come into it whenever there's a topic that involves someone of ethnic descent…
Re: Obama412 – Ok so you say you're so openminded and nonjudgemental, yet you're on here calling people…oh I don't know….stupid and racist, among other things. Yes I can tell you don't ever judge other people.
And also. "Fools think they know everything, while a Wise Man knows he knows nothing." Think about that one before you go around boasting about how intelligent you are.
I don't think it was too nice of him to say. As a matter of fact, it was offensive. However, I strongly disagree with all the people telling him "To go back to Africia" Yet I also strongly disagree with people who think all white people are racist and uneducated. I'm a double major with a 3.5 gpa. Three of my closest friends are Muslim, Chinese and African-American. And I love them to death. and I'm white.. Saying that all white people are uneducated and racist is just as hurtful and offensive as some of the stereotypes other cultures. You can never judge a whole culture on the basis of a few people. So lets stop calling others names and jumping to conclusions and try to discuss the problems like the mature adults we claim to be.
With the millions this guy makes, it would serve him to spend a little on getting an education. I ask myself "who would actually listen to someone who sounds completely uneducated like this?" Sadly, some will. Given that he is in a position of influence, he should keep his mouth shut, collect the millions that this great country has given him an opporunity to earn. Sometimes it is better to just say "NO".
Re: flygirl_charlotte – You clearly need to read your posts as there's no doubt you are racist and a walking contradiction. "I'm proud of our history, but get over the past" WTF?? For your information I think you are far from the 'average women' - although clearly you'd like to think you were typical so in which way it would justify your bigoted and abusive comments on this message board. What is the actual percentage of women that enter the military (as you claim you have)? Very low - so for once you can count yourself as part of a minority, congratulations.
Re: && I got a thing for you! –
WOW I HOPE YOU AREN'T SAYING SLAVERY IS RIGHT CAUSE IF YOU ARE THEN YOU A HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING!! DID YOU KNOW ON THAT SHIP PEOPLE FROM AFRICA THAT WERE BROUGHT TO YOUR 'PRECIOUS' AMERICA WERE KILLED AND RAPED ON SHIPS?! AND YOU GO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT. I KNOW SLAVERY IS NOT YOUR FAULT AND IT IS A THING OF THE PAST, IT JUST MAKES ME MAD THAT YOU WOULD SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT!! YOU A COLD HEARTED BITCH! AND YOU LOOK LIKE A FUCKING PROSTITE!!
Perez I like the Gossip on your website but your bloggers make me sick!! Racist cowardice human beings. That is exactly why Americans are seen as bullies!! No more miss nice girl! Now i'm turning MEGA BITCH!!
P.S Anyone who says go back to Africa should brush up on their history and should think about going back to Europe!! No wait we don't want you here.
You closet racists are one of the reasons he probably doesn't support the anthem. You fcuks are everywhere.. On the police force. In the government. Even working side by side with black people smiling in their faces while you can't stand them only because they're black. The fact that so many of you bring up Obama when commenting about a black basketball player is just proof enough of how much of a racist you are, lumping all black people into the same category. You RACISTS are the ones that should be removed from this country, then it would be a much better place to live. Believe that!!!
I don't agree with what Josh Howard said at all…. But I've noticed that alot of comments on here make reference to his status as a basketball player and how much money he might have, as if he should be thankful to "White America" that he has what he has. Yall RACISTS are so funny, in how yall make comments and don't think you're racist, or atleast won't admit it. This guy is a professional basketball player for various reasons. Did you ever think his skill might have anything to do with it? Hmmm.. Also, the owners of the teams get alot of money from fans going to see the games and the owner then pays the players salaries. The players command high salaries because fans are going to see them… Do you get that? The players are what draws and commands the dollars.. You RACISTS talk as if he's getting a hand-out or some sh!t. Yall truly make me sick. You act like he should be walking around saying sh!t like "Thank you master", "I sure do appreciate you letting me play basketball master", etc.. Give me a break. He is a young guy, probably not the best educated, and he made a statement that was his opinion. Anytime a black person does something wrong in this country, you RACISTS act like it represents all black people. But when a white person does something wrong in this country then you act like it just represents that person…. Yall need to get real and learn how to be less hateful!!! Wow!
Re: TheTruth1972 – omg i couldnt have said anything better love it!
Re: TheTruth1972 –
Thank you so much, you said all I wanted to say and even better. I really hate the internet because a lot of people talk pure and utter shit. People are so fucking ignorant and feel it is necessary to say 'go back to Africa'. How can people feel proud of this country, surely. What you said though made me feel so much better about the USA and that there are some decent people.
Re: Smirks –
I know this is rather late, but I'm the complete opposite of the typical Brit, believe me. British people aren't all drunks and crackheads you know.