Since we’re talking about white supremacy and racism pretty much nonstop these days, let me throw this one out there. ESPN has actually pulled an Asian announcer from a football game because they are afraid fans could not handle the shock.
This is the story:
On September 2, the University of Virginia Cavaliers were slated to play cross-state rivals William & Mary at home in Charlottesville. The game was going to be covered by ESPN and the announcer was scheduled to be Robert Lee. Lee is Asian. And alive. These facts are important.
UPDATE: ESPN ISSUES OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON MOVING ROBERT LEE FROM VIRGINIA GAME:
“We collectively made the decision with Robert to switch games as the tragic events in Charlottesville were unfolding, simply because of the coincidence of his name. In that moment it felt right to all parties. It’s a shame that this is even a topic of conversation and we regret that who calls play by play for a football game has become an issue.”
Apparently ESPN is concerned that a non-trivial number of people who watch ESPN will confuse this Robert Lee
with this Robert Lee
But, seriously, is there anything more pathetic than ESPN believing people would be offended by an Asian guy named Robert Lee sharing a name with Robert E. Lee and calling a football game? Aside from some hysterical photoshops and Internet memes which would make everyone with a functional brain laugh — Robert E. Lee pulling out all the stops to stay in Charlottesville now! — what was the big fear here? Does ESPN really believe people are this dumb or that having an Asian announcer named Robert Lee is too offensive for the average TV viewer to handle?
Yes, yes they do.
I’m sorry you work for such an idiotic company, Robert Lee.
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