What Do You Think Of The Williams Sisters

[AGE]

Now look why can't every just agree that they are just so damn sexy looking. And that deep down secretly that everyone knows if it came down to it they'd pick Serena over Venus.

[Pied Piper]

Well, I for one agree with you Athas. I find them as boring as batshit as far as tennis goes (a competition of who can thump it hardest from the baseline) and Serena whining over her measly paychecks is irritating, but you're right - they are damn sexy.

No, I don't mean you personally are racist, Pies4Premiers. If you genuinely thought black people were inferior to white people, that would make you a racist.

But look at the bigger picture from a historic point of view - Europeans imported black slaves from Africa thinking they were little better than the animals that they encountered there.

So it is in my view perfectly understandable that black people would take offence when they are compared to gorillas and monkeys.

I hope that makes it clearer, especially for Jenna, who sounds a bit confused.

Cheers, Weed

[Lazza]

Jessa & Pies 4 Premiers, you are entitled to your views. However, I think that calling the Williams sisters Monkeys, Gorillas & African animals is beyond the pale, (so to speak). It is a comment that could be misconstrued as African Americans still being seen as jungle apes hanging on trees and not fully developed to share this wonderful world with the likes of you two people.
I think they were disgustingly racist comments but you guys think differently I guess. So be it. Maybe you will see things a bit differently at a later date. I hope so.
The Weed is obviously enlightened enough to recognise the offensive nature of the comments, especially to a dark skinned person like me. Good on him for having the guts to stand up aganst racist comments. Takes a lot of courage sometimes as it is far easier just to say nothing and let things slide.

Sad sad sad but such is life.

[Pied Piper]

Thanks Lazza and good on you, too, for standing up to be counted on this issue.

Just a final comment which I hope puts this in perspective a little and draws us together. I admire Eddie McGuire because since taking over the presidency of the club he has made it clear that Collingwood is a club for EVERYONE - regardless of colour, religion, gender or sexuality. We are united by our love for the club and its history. It is appropriate that the club colours are black and white.

I have been a Collingwood supporter from the day I was born but I found it increasingly difficult to support the club during the McAlister era - you know, he of "if they behave like white people they will be respected like white people" infamy. I'm glad we have left that sad past behind. It's easy to forget that Leon Davis is the first Collingwood player in more than 100 years to play more than 50 games for the club.

I'd just like to see us all treat each other with a bit more mutual respect, that's all.

The Weed

[Lazza]

I cant add anymore Weed, I totally agree with you dude. Years ago, I remember getting into verbal fights with fellow Collingwood supporters at Vic Park and at other grounds on quite a few occasions when they used to racially vilify umpire Glen James or Rioli or any other dark skinned opposition players like the Krakour brothers. It was weird because at the time we had Wally Lovett (an aboriginal) occasionally in the firsts & Attata (a Tongan) playing seconds for us who were certainly dark skinned. I used to be embarrassed to call myself a Collingwood supporter among those racist ferals. As you said, later on, Alan McAllister made his dumb arsed comments and earned an Aboriginal curse on the Club. I'm SO glad that this stuff only involves the very minority of idiotic supporters nowadays.
Still, it is sad to hear even the odd racist comment in these enlightened times. Hopefully with more and more education, this racist stuff will be put into the garbage bin where it belongs. We are ALL equal, no superior or inferior beings.
Again, good on you for your stand against this rubbish dude. If you are at the Cricketer's Alms on Sat morning, I'll buy you a drink!!

Esto Collingwood Perpetua

Lazza

[Pied Piper]

Cheers Lazza! Unfortunately I'm in Brisbane so can't take up the offer, but one day when I make the move south again to be closer to the footy action...

Now, back to the Williams sisters - great athletes, but damn boring as far as tennis goes! Thump, thwack, squawk, aaargh!

The Weed

[AGE]

If Weed can't make it, Lazza you can buy me a drink OK? jk

[jessa]

LMAO....put very nicely!

[Rowdy26]

The Williams sisters issue is an interesting one. obviously they are exceptional talents and athletes. Although as much as i love tennis, i find it extremely boring when those two play each other (especially in grand slam finals). I would much prefer to see only 1 of them in the final up against someone else. The entire competitive spirit thing that should be present in Grand Slam finals seems lacking when they are playing. Sure they can come up with good rallies and run all around the court, but the complete lack of emotion they show in these matches, something that doesnt occur when they play other people, to me gives the entire match a boring feel and a feel more akin to that of the practice courts slogging it out against each other.

I dont think it is good for tennis with the Williams sisters dominating. Womens tennis really began to take off in the mid to late 90's and i think it desperately needs the Clijsters, Henins and a bunch of new talent to step up and reguarly match it and better the talent shown by the Williams sisters if it is to continue to grow and flourish as it has.

[Lazza]

Athas dude!

You introduce yourself to me at the Cricketer's and you have definitely got yourself a drink buddy! I LOVE socialising with my fellow magpie brothers and sisters. Bring it on!! Go 'pies!

Rowdy26, you make some interesting comments that I wish to speak on. You say that you dont think it is good for tennis with the Williams sisters dominating. Would you say the very same thing about Test and One day cricket with Australia dominating for so long? Is that NOT good for cricket? I'm not too sure I agree. In cricket for example, Australia's dominance has led to some countries (like West Indies, England & New Zealand) trying to really improve their team, tactics and get a winning attitude. So to blame Australia for continuopusly winning in that example is wrong. Same with footy and Brisbane if they manage to win 3 or 4 flags in a row. To blame them is silly. Other teams (like Collingwood) have to start raising their game standards and skills to either match or better Brisbane. That's how the game evolves and skills improve yearly.

The same with the Williams sisters. To blame them for dominating tennis is to scapegoat the winners. I say, good on them for raising the standard of women's tennis from the terrible standards even ten or fifteen years ago. Let the others improve their own games and challenge them if they are good enough. Otherwise, I hope the Williams sisters dominate for a long time. They are awesome.


Lazza