Separate but equal might be OK in Indiana, not in Montana basketball

Editor,

It’s ironic that Cat Country KCTR 102.9 radio announcer Paul Mushaben opened his February 2I, 2017, post with the statement that...” It’s always the kids that suffer...” His comments about separate tournaments for Native Americans is clearly based upon race and directly impacts “the kids.” How could it not?

In defense of his comments that there should be racially separate basketball teams, Paul Mushaben’s self-righteously states that the rules should be the same for both Native and non-Native teams. How very generous of him. We can only hope that someone will bring him up to speed about the negative impact and connotations associated with the banal concept of “separate but equal,” a concept which was, and still is, unmistakably steeped in prejudice and entitlement.

One of the basic tenets in educating our young is to provide a broad experience of academic and social settings that will provide the foundation of their personal journeys through life. School sports are touted as a way to teach our young, positive attributes that will stay with them and help them throughout their lives.

School sports provides an opportunity for young adults to learn self-discipline, work as a team, and develop social as well as physical skills. It is a great opportunity to build self-esteem. In Montana, sports take on a bigger role in many communities, especially where other basics, such as a lack of economic opportunities, isolation, harsh living and weather conditions, are a daily way of life.

High school sports allow individuals and communities an opportunity to get away from their daily worries, and to have their “moment in the sun.” Both sides can get very empassioned about their respective teams: their loyalty and pride runs understandably deep. Both sides are rightly proud of their youthful representatives. It doesn’t and shouldn’t matter what their racial or political composition is. These times are purely about the teams and their players. They all worked equally hard to get to the divisional tournaments.

The responsibility of the media goes beyond that of a commentator aptly self-identified as a “Breakfast Flake.” This responsibility lies also with the radio station. Hopefully, their response that they’re “dealing with it” is more meaningful and responsible.

Maybe Mr. Musheben’s perspective was acceptable in his native Ohio, but Montana is a land of community. And a land of opportunity and self-reliance. It is a great place to raise our children-all of our children. We shouldn’t let that be overshadowed by the misguided observations of one person.

Fort Belknap Indian Community Council

Mark L. Azure President