By James T. Harris
The following Op-ed was originally published in Right Wisconsin.
In spectacular fashion, the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the NFC playoffs. Too soon? Maybe, but take solace Packer fans, the Green and Gold defense was shredded by a new phenomena in the NFL… the rise of the “corn ball brotha.”
We can thank Rob Parker, formally of ESPN for coining the phrase. In his attempt to question Redskins QB RGIII’s “blackness” Parker ended up dooming his career with ESPN, and may have saved the “Culture” by defining what a competent, educated American of African descent looks like, what they don’t sound like, and what they are up against in the “Culture.” (Ya see real blacks call President Barack Obama “Our Lord and Savior,” star in revisionist spaghetti slave Westerns, and pimp themselves on reality TV shows called “All My Babies Mommas.” How black is that?)
Yes, “It’s a Black Thang…” But I don’t understand!
According to the Urban Dictionary a Corn Ball Brotha is:
a. An African American male who chooses not to follow the stereotype. This includes, but is not limited to, being educated, well spoken, a role model, a leader, selfless, an upstanding member of the community and above all – humble.
b. life choices include marrying white women, being republican, and not being “down with the cause”.
c. a rare breed of African American males who should be praised, not chastised by their own race.
d. a term where MLK would be rolling over his grave for
Presently there are two, possible three, “Corn Ball” brotha’s in the NFL; Robert Griffin III of the Washington Red Skins, Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, and Packer Killer Colon Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers.
What else is different about “Cornballs?” What is that X factor that makes RG III and Russell Wilson s all work, no play in bed by 9 up at 6 type of “leaders?”
What is that X factor?
The X factor missing from the Urban Dictionary definition and in too many black children’s live is…. f. a father.
Something so simple and so profound: a father. One who has a profound impact in their lives and a strong faith in Jesus the Christ? Holy common denominator, Batman! (See links below) As a father of two up and coming Cornball brotha’s and a Cornball sister, all I have to say to that is Amen and Boom Shakalaka and… pass the butter!
Our society has long underplayed the role of fathers in the lives of their children; leave it to the NFL to highlight its glorious role and potential!
This season welcomed the next wave of Millennial age QB’s to the NFL. They are poised, skilled and wise beyond their years. They are confident in their skills, humble, and disciplined. They come from strong families and exude a strong quiet faith.
They are role models of leadership and have garnered the respect of their teammates and millions of fans; except by those who still question their blackness.
Somewhere between Dr. King and President Obama, the content of one’s character lost to the color of their skin… and the culture it represents! It’s the Culture, Stupid and the culture is sick.
To read the rest of the stor, click here.