Clemson Football: A Family Divided

I know there has been a lot of talk lately about Americans using their voice to spread positivity and speak up against racism, sexism, and hate in general. The most popular being actors, celebrities, and athletes, including Clemson athletes.

However, there has also been some negative feedback about how some of it is being received. I’m here to talk about the negativity about Deshaun Watson, DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins, and Clemson University using their platforms to get John C. Calhoun’s name erased from the University’s Honors College. I know I will receive a lot of negative comments about this article, but the thing is, it’s my voice, this is one of my platforms, so it’s my choice.

This of course, is how athletes, actors, the police, politicians, and millions of private citizens feel as well. In America, we have the freedom of speech, and speaking up and out about this hatred is part of it. Just because someone else doesn’t like it, doesn’t mean that those people shouldn’t do it.

In fact, if it doesn’t affect anyone in a negative way whatsoever, WHY NOT DO IT? Watson, Hopkins, and Clemson University are not trying to change or rewrite history. That would be impossible. They are trying to MAKE history. Change the world, change lives, and build positivity.

The thing most people are upset about today is name changing. Dropping John C Calhoun’s name from the honor’s college and potentially dropping Ben Tillman’s name from the iconic building formerly known as Old Main.

I want everyone reading this to think for a moment, thing of a particular person or organization whom you didn’t like or agree with. Better yet, think of such that you knew for sure didn’t like YOU. How about hated you? And for no tangible reason.

Now think of them having something named in their honor. An award, a building, program, or whatever. Knowing how much disdain that person has for you, would YOU want to go to that place, or be given that award? Chances are, you wouldn’t.

Even if you did have to go there or receive said award, you still wouldn’t like for their name to be on it. That’s how Watson, Hopkins, and the entire black community at Clemson University feels.

Now everyone at Clemson LOVED those two before they made their opinion known and asked for change, and many, myself included, still do. Why would you let them using their voice change your viewpoint of them? They are still the amazing people we’ve come to know and love. Why change your view point over one thing?

Also, be glad that they, and the rest of the Clemson student athletes and coaches can’t turn their back on you, the way you do them. Athletes and coaches are (in a way) like retail and food service workers. They have their opinion about different customers (or in this case fans).

Right now, they probably are hurt by the fans who are turning on them, and probably want to tell them “Well if that’s the way you feel, then I don’t want you to come to our games anymore. We will do just fine without you!.” Maybe they want to say that but can’t because, again, they are like customer service workers, and have to be nice to the customers (fans).

In conclusion, no one’s rights start where someone else’s feelings end, no one is trying to re-write or erase history. And if there is no possible way a negative outcome can occur, why try to stop it? Stay positive folks, God bless and Go Tigers!