Time and time again, it comes up. Racism and prejudice against ethnic minorities is certainly an important and disturbing issue. This is true not only in the United States, but all countries have their share of small-minded, ignorant individuals who tend to judge people by nationality, race, or ethnicity. Sadly, despite all of the progress that has been made, prejudice still exists.
Boxers come from all walks of life. Currently, there are world champions and prospects of many different nationalities, ethnicities, and races. For the most part, most of these champions are judged for their fighting skills, and for a lesser part, for their character and personality outside the ring.
As this scribe has written articles for various boxing sites, it’s been amazing how many times Filipinos have complained, for one reason or another, that Manny Pacquiao is a victim of American racism.
One recent commenter angrily replied that Pacquiao came in at number 2 in the famous ?World’s Greatest Ever? list only because evil, prejudiced Americans refused to put him at number 1. Obviously he is completely unaware that the list was compiled by a huge survey that included about 500,000 votes from boxing fans from all over the world.
Fortunately, the vast majority of Filipinos are savvy to the fact that Pacquiao has been embraced by American boxing fans. He’s even broken into main-stream with 2 appearances on Jimmy Kemmel Live.
Are Americans prejudiced against Manny Pacquiao? In general, no. Are there SOME Americans who are prejudiced against him? Of course. There are a few.
Recent reports of discrimination against certain Filipino journalists from one particular fighter’s team seem to be founded. (temptation to name names now being resisted…like an American soldier…)
Pacquiao doesn’t stoop to the level of his critics and accusers. We should follow his example. The Bible says, ?Be not over come of evil, but overcome evil with good.? Placing all Americans in the ?racist? category because of what a few have done or said is (guess what) racism. You can’t fight fire with fire.”
American boxing fans, journalists, and writers love Manny Pacquiao. He has even become a sensation in the rural state of Arkansas.
Michael Mayo of Springdale said: ?As an American, I love to see American fighters have their hand raised at the end of a fight, but when it comes to Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao, I will always be looking to see him come out on top, because; 1: He’s my kind of a fighter. He’s always smiling, and not ashamed of his faith. And 2: He knows how to win with style and humility.?
Manny Pacquiao has more American supporters than any other pugilist in the sport (period).
