Sebastian De La Cruz Garners Racist Backlash Following Performance at the NBA Finals
11-year-old Sebastian De La Cruz sang for his hometown San Antonio Spurs before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Here is his rendition:
What wasn’t great was the racist comments that were cowardly posted via Twitter following his performance.
Here are some examples:
I’ve written in the past on racism, more specifically via social media. Social media can be a great tool to interact with others; but it has its faults. Racists use it as a cowardly means to vent their hatred. They cower via the internet, while spreading their malicious words intended this time towards an innocent 11-year-old! Seriously, what did this kid do to deserve these comments! The answer of course is nothing.
Sebastian beautifully sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” It was one of the better versions I have ever heard. I don’t understand why someone would first think he isn’t American and is an illegal immigrant because of the way he looks. That’s dumb. But, then again so are these trolls.
Sebastian responded to his critics:
“My father was actually in the Navy for a pretty long time and I actually salute him today for that. People don’t know, they just assume, that I’m Mexican, but I’m not from Mexico. I’m from San Antonio, born and raised—a true Spurs fan.”
I think his response was brilliant. More over I am glad that he has been asked to sing once again before Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Now you might feel inclined to tweet these losers of their stupidity. I suggest we don’t. I suggest we ignore them. Our comments won’t change their minds. It won’t change their hearts. Frankly, it will only fuel their hunger for attention. They thrive on raising your blood pressure. Ignore them and they lose their power.
To all those idiots please remember:
This kid can sing.
He is American.
Get over it.
If not, then shut the ****(insert vulgar word; hey I try to remain classy on this blog) up!
Oh and GO SPURS! Remember Lebron James is overrated! J
What do you think of this backlash?
Email: realtalkdebate2012@gmail.com
Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate
17 responses to “Sebastian De La Cruz Garners Racist Backlash Following Performance at the NBA Finals”
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People are cruel and stupid. He really did a great job!
Thanks for the comment!
I truly don’t consider it a controversy. That word implies a dispute in which the pros and cons of an issue are debated. This young boy did nothing wrong and performed beautifully. There is no reasonable debate about those facts.
On the other side. racism is irrational and indefensible.
Given those two concepts, this doesn’t qualify as a controversy. It qualifies as an glaring example that human evolution still has a long way to go.
You’re right. It was a poor choice of word that I didn’t really think through because I was constantly being interrupted while typing this post. I should have read it over once more.
What I meant to ask is what do you think of this backlash.
It’s not racism, genius. Mexican is a nationality, not a race.
Thanks for the comment, Josh. Anthropologically speaking, you’re right. We are all one race–human. (I think I even made that point in one of my blogs when someone was making some ignorant comments.)
However, given that culturally over the last century we’ve taken to using the term ‘race’ to mean ‘ethnicity’ or ‘nationality’ (which are not the same thing), I think we all understand what people mean when they say racist.
I’m not an anthropologist, but I think it’d be good to do some research on where the term ‘racism’ originated as being used to distinguish between ethnic backgrounds. Perhaps because for such a long time blacks and then other ethnic groups were considered a separate race from the more WASPy group that settled in the Americas–the original immigrants, if you will.
You’re so much nicer than I am.
As I stated in my post there were additional tweets that I didn’t include in this post. Some tweets I read denoted a “defection” solely because the kid had “brown” skin. Others said the kid should take his “brown ass” back where he came from. So comments like those are racists in nature.
Sincerely,
Genius
I feel honored to be in such esteemed company! 🙂
Likewise! :). I try to remain classy on this blog lol
Sometimes people need to read everything before they make an ignorant comment in addition to their stupid prejudice.
You’re a funny guy Josh! Why don’t you come play in my Blog for a while. It’ll be a hoot. I promise. He he he.
I think that sweet child has a beautiful heart AND voice and I know his parents are so proud of him. What an angel.
Those people making cruel comments are jealous and ignorant and make me ashamed to be an American (and human).
I was happy he was invited back to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” before Game 4. I think he is a good singer and should only be critiqued on that subject.
Thank you for your comment!
i love u Sabastien im your age and i hope i can meet you some day ❤