Update 12/16 : Since publishing the post below, the Maynard Institute featured an interview with one of Bryant Gumbel’s friends, who claims that the journalist doesn’t have cancer, but rather had a malignant tumor removed.
As soon as the man announces to the world that he’s battling lung cancer, people start questioning his blackness. Mostly, it has been other black people, who, after hearing about Gumbel’s illness last week, followed up with commentary about the longtime journalist’s “arrogance” and “reverse racism.” 
Talk about highly inappropriate. What does being “black enough” have to do with a cancer diagnosis? In journalism, we call this a non sequitur, a statement that does not follow, nor is clearly related to, anything previously said.
It’s as if these folks couldn’t help but take cheap shots at Gumbel, who is in no way required to defend the way he talks or the white woman he married. And on the heels of his cancer announcement, these remarks are in particularly bad taste.
Unfortunately, this has become a recurring theme among African Americans, whereby one’s perceived commitment to blackness is the standard by which they are treated. From President Obama to Condoleezza Rice, black people who spend their time in the mainstream are expected to exude some impossible measure of racial pride to be judged by other black people.
Over the years, Gumbel has brushed his shoulders off when criticized. In one particularly well-put declaration, he said: “If you want to accept my image, fine. If not, that’s fine, too. I’m a broadcaster who happens to be black. Not a black broadcaster. And that’s more than a lesson in semantics.”
You tell ‘em, Bryant.
And now, in light of his diagnosis, can’t he just be a cancer patient? Must he flash his black card when discussing each new development in life, even the life-threatening ones?
Honestly, I’m at a loss as to why he’s faced such superficial criticism to begin with. Anyone who has watched Real Sports can appreciate the man’s fair and balanced journalism instincts. His show features really interesting and in-depth stories on athletes of all races. It must be because he speaks so well. Or the fact that his partner in life is not African American. Whatever the reasons, they’re just other people’s hang-ups.
Right now, Gumbel needs to focus on getting well. And everybody else needs to get off his back. Should he have to undergo chemo, what’s likely to ensue is a pretty miserable few months of fatigue, nausea, and constant doctor’s appointments. Not fun at all. Let’s show a little respect.
9 Comments
December 14, 2009 at 6:25 am
Nice article!!!
December 14, 2009 at 10:04 am
I agree!! People continue to amaze me!
December 14, 2009 at 10:45 am
Right on, Chana.
Excellent article. Excellent point.
December 14, 2009 at 11:06 am
Well said and so true. I must say I throughly enjoy reading your blog Chana!
December 14, 2009 at 12:19 pm
as always, very well said and spot on!
December 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Many people preface their racial identity and politics over their humanity. Sad.
December 15, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Hey Hero!
I think the criticism comes from people who feel rejected by Gumble. They feel he thinks he’s better than them now that he’s made it. They resent his attitude, and probably felt this way about him before he had cancer. They don’t much care about his cancer diagnosis. I don’t feel that way, but I understand it.
He’s one of the many African Americans who got great educations and jobs due to affirmative action laws for African Americans back in the 70′s and 80′s. Now that they’re successful, some refuse to acknowledge that they got a break because they were African American. They often act as if their success is all because of their own brilliance and actions.
People marched and died so that the Bryant Gumbles of the world could have the opportunities and career success he’s had. Some people view him as benefiting from those sacrifices, and turning his back on the people who got him there.
He has a right to live his life the way he chooses, but people also have a right to criticize him if they want to, as well. If they don’t feel any empathy for him because of his cancer status, they just don’t.
God bless you!
December 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm
some folks are critical of him b/c he’s made some statements in the past that were in poor taste. altho’ it definitely has no bearing on his diagnosis.
December 16, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Love HBO’s Real Sports. And I agree with your take. There is something, however, very talented tenth demeanor about Bryant and I think that’s why he rubs some people the wrong way. Personally, I know and I appreciate that black people are not monolithic in our style or sensibilities. Hope he’s doing better.