“DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?”
Posted by: Pat Johnson on: July 31, 2009
Can someone please explain to me what the hell that question is supposed to imply? I have heard that posed so many times in so many different venues but I am still uncertain of the proper response. Intimidation, reverence, awestruck, what is the correct answer to this inanity? Just hearing those words sends a shaft up my spine as I seriously could care less about who you are, or who you think you are, when it comes filling in the blank. In a word: unimpressed.
Too much has been made of the “incident in Cambridge” that required the president to the U.S. to invite a couple of men over to the WH for a beer. From where I sit, race had very little to do with what happened. I will even go further to suggest that the arrest was stupid. It was a “throw down” attended by two alpha males who each in turn asked of the other “do you know who I am?” One represented the elite culture of academics, the other the full force of the law. Two creatures intent on showing the other how important they are in their own little worlds while the rest of us weigh in with different versions of stereotyping and grievances. Two weeks of nonstop coverage of an event that should have never escalated to the heights that it did while asking the Commander in Chief to weigh in as well. Nonsense.
I have seen enough of that same behavior exhibited on playgrounds and the workplace to remind me that there are people who regard themselves in the same light. It has nothing to do with race. It is a common phenomenon from those who see themselves as above the ordinary. The same group who wish to go to the head of the line and chafe at being put on hold. A group that in their own minds have risen from the average to the ranks of the above average often by their own admission. And if you are unable to recognize that fact they are only too happy to point it out for you! We have seen it with athletes, celebrities, politicians and yes, those whom we work with. Insufferable assholes who wish to be treated with deference simply because they can throw a ball, work a crowd, or sign your paycheck. They come in all sizes, shapes, age, gender, and ethnicity. They demand respect even if they have yet to actually earn it. They have outgrown “humble” and prefer “special” to be added to their ranking in life. And for those of us to blind to see it, they are only too willing to bring us to heel by asking that very question that has no immediate answer other than a bile inducing response.
Had the professor not been as quick to insist on homage, and the officer not as quick to issue an overwrought response, we would not be witnessing the president acting as a schoolyard referee with two alpha males demanding “respect” from the other. “Do you know who I am?” tells me immediately who you are and all I need to know from that point on.
It is sometimes just as wise to consider that the planet is made up of people who just cannot get over themselves. White, black, brown, yellow, male, female, white collar, blue collar, there are no boundaries. They live in their own world. We mere mortals only inhabit it.
Hallmark should consider producing a card that reads: “apologies for being a schmuck”. Guaranteed to make millions of dollars with this one.
71 Responses to "“DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?”"
July 31, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I liken the whole Gates/Crowley misunderstanding and reaction to it, to Obama’s “sweetie” comment, or his FU finger face-scratching. Most women see deliberate sexist offense, most men do not. Some even go so far as to say the middle finger salute was unintentional, if they admit it happened at all. Such a reaction rightfully angers women, while I have no doubt that many men, whether they support Obie or not, just don’t see what all the fuss is about.
July 31, 2009 at 12:59 PM
My internal check for whether a situation or remark is racist or sexist is substitution. Like, “What if the woman were a man, would things have been different?” Same thing here, what if Gates were white and Crowley were black? What if they were both black? What if they were both white? The answer comes out the same for me whichever scenario I concoct and Pat, you said it perfectly,
“Insufferable assholes who wish to be treated with deference simply because they can throw a ball, work a crowd, or sign your paycheck. They come in all sizes, shapes, age, gender, and ethnicity. They demand respect even if they have yet to actually earn it. They have outgrown “humble” and prefer “special” to be added to their ranking in life.”
July 31, 2009 at 1:05 PM
I completely agree with you. This was a testosterone rodeo to the max.
July 31, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Sorry to be OT, Pat, but this really frosts me!
Police Called On Retirees At Senator’s L.A. Office
Police were called on a group of retirees who refused to leave Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s West Los Angeles office until she talked to them about health care reform.
Los Angeles police Sergeant Rich Brunson said yesterday that police lured the group of seven outside somehow, then locked the building’s doors behind them.
http://cbs2.com/local/dianne.feinstein.retirees.2.1108989.html
July 31, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Pat, very interesting take on the situation. I think you are onto something about both men being full of their self-importance.
Madamab, LOL at “the swinging dicks”!
July 31, 2009 at 1:10 PM
taggles: Seems to me that those seniors forgot just who Dianne Feinstein is!
July 31, 2009 at 1:15 PM
It seems to me that Obama could have made a statement regarding those kids in PA who were denied the right to spend an afternoon in a pool based on the color of their skin rather than waste an evening spent sipping the suds while cameras clicked away recording the “event”. That was racist from start to finish.
But then the kids were an unfortunate group of nobodies who nobody knew who they were.
July 31, 2009 at 1:23 PM
OT: Sen. Dodd has announced that he has prostate cancer. Fortunately, if it not metatstatic, it has one of the better prognosis. Even more fortunately, he has great health coverage.
July 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM
“Do you know who I am?”
“A health care insurance lobbyist.”
“Well then, let’s go talk.”
July 31, 2009 at 1:34 PM
OT, but does this man know what party he belongs to?
Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Thursday he hasn’t made up his mind on whether he will vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
Baucus this summer has infuriated liberals on and off Capitol Hill by working to strike a deal with Republicans on healthcare reform. A “no” vote on Sotomayor would be adding fuel to the left’s fire at the Finance Committee chairman.
Baucus on Thursday twice told The Hill he is undecided on next week’s floor vote on Sotomayor.
“I have no idea,” Baucus said. “I haven’t paid any attention and I haven’t announced … I’ve been so busy with healthcare. It’s under consideration. I’ll certainly know when I vote, but right now I can’t tell you.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has come out against Sotomayor, stating it will factor the vote into its legislative scorecard because the group feels the nominee would curb gun rights.
and although I guess he eventually will vote for her confirmation, if he doesn’t, this last bit is just that extra twist of the knife…
Baucus voted to confirm John Roberts, President George W. Bush’s nominee for chief justice.
July 31, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Pat Johnson: “…But then the kids were an unfortunate group of nobodies who nobody knew who they were…”
Precisely! And let’s not let the MSM off the hook, did any of them ask Obama what he thought about what happened to those kids? Has the media printed the name of the bigot at the pool who was afraid that the visiting children were going to rob her or attack her kids or whatever, like they printed the name of the 911 caller in the Gates-gate incident? The pool mom’s name should be all over the papers. I want to know who she is. I want her to suffer the consequences of her bigotry.
July 31, 2009 at 1:42 PM
chatblu, I’m not sure, but I remember reading that Obama was going to until he was reminded by his handlers that he hadn’t won the dem. nomination yet….
July 31, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Janice, I wholeheartedly agree with you. If any recent episode reflects the worst of discrimination, this was it. The children were flatly discriminated against, whether it was color, class or whatever, and they were buried by the Gates affair.
July 31, 2009 at 1:45 PM
actually, Biden did not vote for Roberts (unless as judiciary chair he voted aye to allow his confirmation to go to the full Senate, and then voted against him–which I think may be what happened, anyone know for sure?
True, Supreme Court nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito were confirmed — but without the support of then Sens. Joe Biden or Barack Obama. Mr. Alito was confirmed by a vote of 58-42, the second narrowest margin in Senate history (after Clarence Thomas). Even Chief Justice Roberts’s margin of 78-22 was contentious in historical terms.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124294934268945409.html
July 31, 2009 at 1:46 PM
actually, I’m not sure if he was chair or the ranking member at the time….
July 31, 2009 at 1:46 PM
“Had the professor not been as quick to insist on homage, and the officer not as quick to issue an overwrought response, we would not be witnessing the president acting as a schoolyard referee “
I would agree completely, if you said ‘…to be witnessing a president acting like a schoolyard referee”
This president will use anything and everything he can for a photo-op, and I personally find his characterization of this as a “teaching moment” offensive and condescending.
If he wants a “teaching moment”, I’ll give him one. “When you admit you don’t know the facts, its best to stfu”
July 31, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Gary, I sure don’t. All I remember is that Roberts had a much easier time with the Dems than did Alito. Of course, he wasn’t fighting his way through the “Concerned Alumni of Priceton” mess, either.
July 31, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Gary, I think that Biden was ranking Dem, as the Repubs controlled con gress at the time. He was chair during the Clarence Thomas fiasco.
July 31, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Anthony –
If he wants a “teaching moment”, I’ll give him one. “When you admit you don’t know the facts, its best to stfu”
LOL!
July 31, 2009 at 2:07 PM
OT: Mad, did Arabella Trefoil ever go to nursing school? I have not seen her around in ages.
July 31, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I don’t know, Chatblu. I haven’t seen her around either. I hope she is doing well!
July 31, 2009 at 2:11 PM
A “teaching moment” for me will be when he makes sure that everyone is covered by UHC which will indicate that he has a grasp of the outcome and not just posing as a sloganeer for the insurance companies who are the ones who will gain through all this happy talk.
Oh I forgot, these are the big time donars to campaign funds and must be protected at all costs. What in the name of God could be contained within a 1,000 page document that no one has time to read? One can only surmise.
July 31, 2009 at 2:15 PM
“Do you know who I am?” tells me immediately who you are
Perfectly said, Pat. Welcome back!
July 31, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Well, Chris Dodd knows that whatever procedure he needs to help heal his prostate cancer will be covered by his health insurance.
Why can’t the rest of America have that same knowledge?
Shame on you, Barack Obama!
July 31, 2009 at 2:15 PM
The moment I saw news that Dodd had cancer I thought: “Well, at least he has health insurance.”
July 31, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Ditto on Cinie’s analogy.
The sexism was real and we know it was and no one can tell us otherwise based upon real life experiences of sexism.
Entitlement in white authority and male authority is really what is institutionalized, in my opinion, and that is what leads to racism and sexism and classism.
This is far as my brain is capable of going on this issue anymore.
Good piece, Pat, and welcome back.
July 31, 2009 at 2:36 PM
La-t-da -
Entitlement in white authority and male authority is really what is institutionalized, in my opinion, and that is what leads to racism and sexism and classism.
Wow, am I feeling that. Perfect!
July 31, 2009 at 3:01 PM
I’ll go one further:
“Entitlement in white authority and male authority authority is really what is institutionalized, and thats what leads to racism, sexism, and any kind of bias toward anyone who doesn’t conform to the guidelines set by said authority figures.
As the facts emerged, the charge of ‘racism’ seemed more and more obscured, and the obvious problem (large and ill-placed egos) became more and more apparent.
Personally, I resent being characterized as ‘racist’ simply because I’m unwilling to cut either party slack. If my earlier comments have been mis-read, then I’ll refresh them:
We, as a society, have bestowed the status of “authority” upon (among others) law enforcement officers. Fortunately or unfortunately, this gives them the authority to respond ,i>as they see fit when they determine that their authority is challenged. If we don’t like that (and I personally don’t), then we have to do something about it
Many seem to say that poor Prof. Gates deserves some slack because of his ‘struggle with racism in America’. Although I am sensitive to what he endured more than 40 years ago, I do have to point out that presently, things are quite different now. His immediate statement that the request for ID had racial overtones cannot be dismissed, as much as we may want to. Maybe I would buy into it a bit if this happened in the deep south, but has anyone been to Cambridge recently? To play the race card there is preposterous
July 31, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Anthony – You’re really offending me. And I’m not even black.
Although I am sensitive to what he endured more than 40 years ago, I do have to point out that presently, things are quite different now. His immediate statement that the request for ID had racial overtones cannot be dismissed, as much as we may want to. Maybe I would buy into it a bit if this happened in the deep south, but has anyone been to Cambridge recently? To play the race card there is preposterous.
Tell that to the BOSTON POLICE OFFICER who called Gates a banana-eating jungle monkey. In print. Like, a day ago.
http://thewiddershins.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/racism/
If I were you, I’d stop now.
July 31, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Kids say the darnedest things, MB. LOL
And to expound upon what I said, Anthony, that MB resonated with:
I was taught by black male professors like Gates who are trying to get us to understand that white authority is institutionalized and white female professors teaching the same things about institutionalized sexism.
Now that I reflect, I suppose the professors that were lecturing on classism were the ones that were trying to bring all the isms together. Perhaps, that is why, in this real time teachable moment for all of us, that what we all are really fighting, regardless of our race or gender and the combination of the two, is corporatism.
Perhaps fighting classism/corporatism is the great equalizer.
July 31, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Time to go a little OT, but I just saw this article and had to laugh out loud. Apparently, GE wants us to know that all of the recent polls that show Obama’s favorability are wrong and the focus group of twelve people, most of whom voted for Obama, tells the real story. Don’t believe your lying eyes, everyone. Obama’s popularity is holding strong!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32236415/ns/politics-white_house/
July 31, 2009 at 3:24 PM
“Tell that to the BOSTON POLICE OFFICER who called Gates a banana-eating jungle monkey. In print. Like, a day ago.”
And I did do exactly that. The minute I found out about it, I voiced my opinion to him and his precinct in language a cretin like that could understand without ambiguity. But let us not forget that he was not part of the incident that happened in Cambridge. And let us also not forget that as many black people voice similar racist rants against whites.
Sorry if I offended you, Madama B, but if you read what I wrote carefully, it has to do with authority figures and the power we give them, whether they be black, white, male or female. No offense intended, and none taken.
July 31, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Janicen, that was the biggest steaming pile of propaganda bullshit I’ve read in a long time. I continue to be amazed by some of the things they print in the media. It was classic too, in that after fluffing Obama for two pages they had to have the obligatory parting shot about Hillary…
Finally, this was perhaps the most amusing nugget from the focus group: When asked which couple they would invite to go on a vacation, six said the Clintons, three said the Obamas, two said the Palins and one said the McCains.
The reason for inviting the Clintons? “I want to have fun,” said one participant. “Bill’s a party guy,” added another.
But when Hart asked whom they would invite if they found out that only Hillary would attend — and not Bill — not a single one said they’d want to vacation alone with the secretary of state.
I feel dirty after reading that whole thing 
July 31, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Anthony – Thank you, but your assumption that Gates had not experienced racism for 40 years was also offensive. I just wonder how you think you would know that?
To me, it is like saying that since Roe v. Wade, no woman has experienced sexism. Do you understand why that would be upsetting to women or men who understand the prevalence of sexism?
I think we all know how horrible and destructive race-baiting can be. We all saw the effects of it, and many of us experienced it, during the primaries and have talked about it again and again. Heck, I was called a “racist brownshirt Nazi f*ck” by one caring ex-friend.
But what would lead you to believe that race-baiting was what Gates was doing? Again, how would you know? Maybe he sensed something in Crowley’s manner that a white person would not have sensed. Isn’t that at all possible?
I believe I read what you wrote quite carefully.
That is why I was offended.
July 31, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Janicen – The Deputy Political Director of NBC wrote that! Tells you everything you want to know about NBC’s objectivity, doesn’t it?
July 31, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Welcome back Pat! Fredster – you really know how to sweet talk PJ.
July 31, 2009 at 4:03 PM
“your assumption that Gates had not experienced racism for 40 years was also offensive”
Thats not what I said at all. I said that I am sympathetic to what he (and I and many others) experienced 40 years ago, and things are quite different today. I’m one of the white people that marched all over the South in the 1960′s (I was in my teens) and got my butt kicked by white people for doing it. I kept on going, and I would do it all again today. But to say that absolutely no progress has been made since then is disingenuous.
Today, I do a lot of advocacy work, and many of my clients live in Harlem. I had a woman I was trying to save from eviction who was threatened by some neighborhood youths for “letting that white guy into her business”. Is that not racism? I did not respond in kind. In short, I threatened to quit the program if they did not assign her a person of color to handle her case, just for her own safety. I also attended each and every one of her subsequent court appearances to offer her my personal support. In the end, she apologized for the “stupidness” (her word) of her neighbors. Again, racism exists on both sides, and can be equally ugly.
I wasn’t present when Crowley came to investigate the alleged b&e. But I DO know for sure that the first thing an officer asks anyone on the premises is to offer ID. This happened to me in my place upstate, when I left my keys in Manhattan and crawled through a window. The town hated “New York City Liberals”, and I can’t say that I wasn’t suspicious. But when I showed my ID, I got an apology, and was glad someone was keeping an eye on my home in my absence. Gates, on the other hand, said “Do you know who I am” and “Is this because I’m a black man?”, according to reports, including his own admission. Had he shown Crowley his ID, I’m sure things never would’ve gone where they did, and none of us would be discussing it.
July 31, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Boo: FWIW, PJ get’s a kick out of that whenever someone put’s it up here.
I’ve been saving them up for her while she was gone. 
July 31, 2009 at 4:10 PM
You nailed it right on the cabeza Pat!
Two “Alpha Males pissing on the same tree.” Only one outcome could have resulted from this encounter!
July 31, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Anthony, I did not say or imply that no progress had been made in 40 years. I am just saying that racism still exists today, in the Boston police department.
This is what you said.
Many seem to say that poor Prof. Gates deserves some slack because of his ’struggle with racism in America’. Although I am sensitive to what he endured more than 40 years ago, I do have to point out that presently, things are quite different now.
So, his ‘struggle with racism in America’ (in quotes!) was endured more than 40 years ago. It is in the past. Historical. And things are quite different now.
Do you see where I would have gotten the impression that you thought he had not endured racism for more than 40 years?
Enough. I think we’re going around in circles here. Let’s just shake hands and have a beer. Or a Scotch. Or a glass of wine.
Heck, let’s just drink!
July 31, 2009 at 4:17 PM
The reason for inviting the Clintons? “I want to have fun,” said one participant. “Bill’s a party guy,” added another.
But when Hart asked whom they would invite if they found out that only Hillary would attend — and not Bill — not a single one said they’d want to vacation alone with the secretary of state.
I’d be honored to be with either one of them.
July 31, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Whoo-weee! Uppity woman throws these out on her site every once in awhile, I think just to get things stirred up some. Without further adieu here’s a training film from the fifties:
July 31, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Mad, pour me one. Scotch with a (very small) splash of sida. We all need it today, and no sense in POTUS having all the fun. And then please let me out of moderation on the previous thread.
July 31, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Be warned, chatblu – I pour with a generous hand!
I shall let you out!
July 31, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Oh and by the way…I would vacation with Hillary any time, and consider myself d*mn lucky to do so!
July 31, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Fredster – I’m well aware of how much Pat loves your posting of that vid and have been a fan of your brand of humor for a while.
Anthony – I understand what you said and, now that you expanded with a brief history of your back ground, I realize why. We share activities and knowledge of the same era at the same age.
I also understand what HelenK said a few threads back. I know Helen is not a racist. You have to be familiar with the commentor and realize today is not like 40 years ago. You have to use the same standards for common sense, fairness for each incident and realize we have Boston cops who are racist and there is Rev. Wright. We have to realize how being a victim of all the “isms” that we are dealing with now – up front and center because of the most horrific campaign Evah, how they all dealt with being held down, hurt financially, socially, vilified in hateful ways. We can’t change what has happened in the past but circumstances are much better and different than it was. The majority of American citizens want peace and respect in their communities – for all citizens. I truly believe this. It’s not perfect, a work in progress.
When an “ism” is used too often and combined with hubris + todays quasi jouna”lism” – no one wins or advances. I’m for equal rights for all.
Anthony – I thank you for your steadfast hard work, dedication and balanced thinking. You’re doing the heavy lifting that makes all the difference.
I miss Arabella Trefoil too Chatblu.
July 31, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Aaaahhhhh! Liberated! (Stretchingggggg). Let’s have a liberation libation, shall we?? Pour away.
July 31, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Now are we getting 15 to 30 year aged single malt or a blend? I am a scotch snob. I can not afford 15 to 30 year aged, but I do fully intend on drinking yours if you are pouring.
July 31, 2009 at 5:25 PM
La-t-da – I only drink single-malt if I can possibly help it. I like The Balvenie quite a bit.
So yes, you would probably be able to choke down what I am serving.
July 31, 2009 at 5:26 PM
And I have to admit that I like arugula too. I think I am ok though, because we grow our own.
July 31, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Well clearly, La-t-da, you cannot run for President! Arugula and single-malt indeed!
July 31, 2009 at 5:46 PM
There’s very little middle ground with Scotch whiskey. It’s really good stuff or it’s paint thinner equivalent.
July 31, 2009 at 5:50 PM
The only blended Scotch I’ve ever liked is Chivas Regal. There’s some special kind that tastes pretty good. 12-year? 20-year? I can’t remember.
July 31, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Gary, I’m sorry that I made you read that article and “made you feel dirty…”. Here’s a link that will just piss you off…
Dana Millbank thinks Hillary would drink “Mad Bitch” beer…
http://www.considerthisnews.com/index.php/site/thefeed/milbank_mad_bitch/
July 31, 2009 at 5:52 PM
The Balvenie is great stuff once you get past the first sip. It almost lunges.
July 31, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Mad, have you tried Johnny Walker Blue? I haven’t but it runs about $20 per glass (for blended whiskey?) so it should kinda sorta be smooth.
July 31, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Chatblu – I’ve heard some great stuff about JWBlue. Haven’t ever wanted to spend that much on a glass of blended though!
Gotta get going – time to enter the monsoon and hope the subway is still running.
Later, Widdershins!
July 31, 2009 at 6:28 PM
That Fredster always knows a way to my heart!! Love that stupid video!
July 31, 2009 at 6:50 PM
I have never been able to stand the taste of Scotch. Tom drank it all the time but I couldn’t stand even a sip.
One whiskey I found that I loved was Jameson Irish Whiskey. It was incredibly smooth. However my old standby was always Maker’s Mark and club soda.
July 31, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Mmmm, Maker’s Mark. Love it! But it does keep me up all night these days.
New post up – open thread!
July 31, 2009 at 8:39 PM
“Heck, let’s just drink!”
You are so on…. and I’ll even share my Maker’s with you, but only if we can drink it on the WH lawn.
Cheers, MadamaB
August 1, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Boo Radly-
Just saw your post. Thank you for taking the time to understand
August 1, 2009 at 11:06 AM
an interesting letter from a friend of “skips”
in the HARVARD CRIMSON
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528630
wherein she states
What puzzles me most in the report of your actions—or reactions—on July 16 is why you would have chosen, as I’ve heard you put it elsewhere, to “talk Black” to Officer Crowley instead of “talking White” as you so eloquently and regularly do? These are distinctions I’ve heard you expound—how educated African Americans switch their register of speech depending on what part of themselves they want to get across. Many of us do something similar inside and outside our particular communities, but you make it sound like a sport that is also for African Americans a tool of survival. So why didn’t you address the policemen as fellow Cantabrigians? What was that “yo’ mama” talk instead of saying simply, in the same register your interlocutor was using, “Look, officer, I’m sorry for your trouble. Thanks for checking on my house when you thought I was being burgled, but this is my home, and if you give me a minute, I’ll find the piece of mail or license that proves it to you.” It seems it wasn’t the policeman doing the profiling, it was you. You played him for a racist cop and treated him disrespectfully. Had you truly feared bias, you would surely have behaved in a more controlled, rather than a less controlled, way.
the letter is worth reading in entirety
in the meantime…. the numbers of dead soldiers in Afghanistan is the highest ever………
August 2, 2009 at 5:02 PM
An un-”Do you know who I am” story: I was 13 years old and got to go to the high school to be a page during their Mock Political Conventions back in 1964. When I wasn’t running notes between the delegations, I was greeting people at the door and selling them programs for .25 each.
In walks an entourage led by a rather short black man with the most beautiful eyes and gentle nature. As I promptly went to do my job and asked him if he’d like to buy a program, one of the Seniors in the entourage leaned in and said, “[R], I’d like you to meet Jackie Robinson, he doesn’t need to pay for his program.” Mr. Robinson took my hand, set a quarter in my palm and said, “it’s an honor to meet you, [R].” I fell in love with him on the spot, and then noticed it was his photo on the back of the program He was there to give a speech on behalf of Nelson Rockefeller. It was a really big production. The 60′s were so great.
My point, though, is that Jackie Robinson, for all he did to open opportunities would never have considered asking anyone “do you know who I am?”
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July 31, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I agree with almost everything you say, Pat. Those two men – and the President – needed to dial the egos way back.
I do think it’s a mistake to say that racism had nothing to do with it, however. That is something that was in the minds of the two men and simply is not knowable to us, IMHO.
As it has been pointed out, the woman who was excoriated for being a good citizen and calling 911 was left out of the confab entirely. Why should she have a place among the swinging dicks? Don’t we know who they are?
Same as it ever was.