Unfortunately, Too Many Others Share Mr. Campanis’ View

Last evening, I tuned in to Ted Koppel’s “Nightline”, looking forward to a special treat around the commemoration of Jackie Robinson. Al Campanis, to my utter shock, displayed such an ignorant brand of racism by blatantly stating that black people did not have the mental capacity for management positions. What a paradoxical travesty and desecration of Robinson, whose legend Campanis was supposed to be celebrating, or at least showing a modicum of respect.

While Koppel and his other guest, Roger Kahn, were hailing both the physical and intellectual genius of Jackie Robinson, as well as his profound humanity, Campanis clearly became the symbol of the extent of ingrained racism that Robinson had to tortuously contend with. Campanis further became the symbol and subject, representing both the insidious and blatant racism that black baseball players must still contend with, particularly those who would like to pursue management careers in baseball. Racism is, indeed, alive and well in 1987, 40 years after Jackie Robinson broke the racial barrier to become Campanis’ teammate.

REHEMA GRAY

Los Angeles