[ S p o r t s ]

From the SF Chronicle, April 12, 2001
- by Susan Slusser

"'I've got all the respect in the world for our fans, and I think they're probably just upset the team isn't playing well,' [A's center fielder Terence]Long said, then added, 'Welcome to the States.'"

This excerpt is in response to the reports that at the latest A's game, fans were throwing objects at Ichiro Suzuki, the Seattle Mariners' new outfielder from Japan. Long was defending his fans, as any good team player would. The fans were accused of being racist.

"Go back to Japan," chants were heard across the stands. No, not by everyone, but by some who were in attendance. Personally, if that's not racist, neither is calling me a FLIP (Fucking Little Island Person).

Yet, I'm not writing to argue if A's fans are racist or not. (Those chanting those ignorant, nationalistic epitaths ARE racist.) I just want to address Mr. Long's own ignorance.

YES. The A's fans should be frustrated. The defending American League Western Division champs aren't playing very championship like. They aren't even worthy of a Little League championship right now. But to hide.. or even worse.. defend RACISM behind a losing record is just plain stupid.

But, Mr. Long sure said it right: "Welcome to the United States". Migrant prejudices sure cross class lines.

April 13, 2001