An email from a certain Khaled A. of Dearborn, MI asked this writer the other day regarding my take on the raging ‘flame war’ between the fans of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. online as well as the recent publication of articles on ‘racism’ by some boxing scribes-
“So, what can you say about these Pacterds making all those racist comments against Floyd?”
In the past days, there was a lot of brouhaha over the observations/ accusations by some American boxing scribes alluding to the so-called racist pronouncements by many Manny Pacquiao fans on the comment sections of many boxing sites as well in various online boxing forums against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and his family.
The issue has really gotten out of hand ever since the said scribes published some articles that were very critical of Manny Pacquiao?s fans vis-?-vis the so-called ?racism? being committed by these fans. The said boxing scribes in turn were now being subjected to online ?attacks? by some ?pactards? because of the publication of the said articles.
Although these American boxing scribes have some valid points about the issues raised, it cannot also help the fact that they are viewing the said issue through their own personal views and biases. Yes, they are viewing the said issue on the other side of the fence or through the looking glass.
These American scribes also have no deeper understanding of the Filipino culture nor do they have enough idea or understanding on what constitutes ?racism? in the Philippine context. These scribes may be experts on boxing issues and the American way of life but their knowledge of the Filipino psyche is quite limited to what they read or hear to have the proper understanding on the subject that they are accusing the ?pactards? of committing.
These American scribes are from the ?outside looking in? and should not be condemned for their limitations but should be enlightened by every Filipino who have the knowledge about the subject so that they can have a deeper understanding of the issue at hand and not just based their opinions and perceptions on what their eyes can see and deduce from those comments left by the so- called ?pactards? on their articles.
It would have been good if Filipino boxing writers would speak up on the matter but aside from one brave Filipino scribe, nobody dared touch nor explain the hot and delicate subject matter in order for those who are in the dark to see the light.
Is it because they believed that the ?pactards? are guilty of the offense that are being levied against them? Or is it because they believed that by ignoring the issue it will just die a natural death?
But will the ?racism? accusations against the ?pactards? be ever resolved or explained? Or are we just going to toot the old clich? that was concocted by some old boxing scribes about how some Pacquiao fans are ignorant, stupid and uneducated?
Nevertheless, this brave Filipino scribe?s explanation may have helped explain some of the factors behind the issue, but still there are a lot of bases left to be covered in order for non- Filipinos to look beyond the words written in the comment sections to fully grasp the notion of whether these ?pactards? are hardcore racists or not.
And in a future article, this writer will further expound on these so- called ?racist comments? and answer those lingering questions that must have been in every non- Filipino boxing fans minds —
?Are Filipinos, if not Manny Pacquiao fans, racist??
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