Old habits die a slow, painful death. That is why the NFL is currently under attack for failing to employ more Black coaches. The problem is grounded in American history. The founders of the nation represented the interests of northern merchants and southern planters. Political power resided in the hands of white men of wealth and property. The interests of the ruling class were written into the Constitution, and they were etched into the habits of mind governing the new nation.
The plantation model of social organization became firmly entrenched in the South. White gentlemen owners employed white overseers to supervise and punish Black slaves. The pattern continued until the end of the Civil War, when it was replaced by the sharecropper system. The habits of mind – owner, overseer, worker – remained unchanged.
Metaphorically, the NFL is today’s plantation where white owners employ white overseers (coaches) to supervise Black workers (players). The only part of the equation that has changed is that today’s Black players are better compensated. Why are there so few Black coaches? White owners have never acquired the habit of speaking face-to-face with Black overseers.
Stanley D. Ivie, Richfield
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible