CNN Host Doesn’t Want Michael Phelps to Carry US Flag So ‘Diverse’ Muslim Can…America Isn’t Having It

Before the 2016 Rio Olympics kicked off in Brazil, CNN host W. Kamau Bell made a request to world famous Olympian Michael Phelps.

Bell, who hosts a show called “United Shades of America,” told Phelps that he should let someone else carry the American flag.

In an editorial for CNN, Bell revealed who he thinks should have the honor instead:

“What I’m trying to say is that as far as America is concerned, you are a golden boy … literally. You getting the opportunity to carry the flag is like Michael Jordan getting a free pair of Nike sneakers.

You are both the living embodiment of the “honor” you are getting.

To put it another way, in the Make-Your-Own-Ice-Cream-Sundae-Bar of life, your sundae is lousy with hot fudge, butterscotch, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, extra scoops of ice cream, and so many Maraschino cherries that 5-year-old kids with mouthfuls of Maraschino cherries yell as you pass by, “THAT’S TOO MANY CHERRIES!”

And that’s why I would be proud of you for giving up your position to Ibtihaj Muhammad. Muhammad carrying the flag would be much bigger than your one moment.

It would be a symbol for our country in this moment when we are mostly known for one of the most contentious, controversial, scandal-ridden, hateful, xenophobic, jingoistic, and just generally unlikeable presidential elections in recent memory. This is at a time when we could use some more symbols of unity and togetherness.”

Muhammad is a world champion female fencer from New Jersey:

GOLD IN PANAMA! ???????? #TeamUSA #RoadtoRio http://pic.twitter.com/gx83axvtQn

— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) June 25, 2016

Some people applauded Bell’s challenge to Phelps:

@wkamaubell @MichaelPhelps @IbtihajMuhammad – It would be a historical moment and send a message to young Muslim girls about inclusion.

— Deborah Troop (@djtroop51) August 5, 2016

@wkamaubell @MichaelPhelps @IbtihajMuhammad Yes! Please, please, please. This is important!

— Alissa McLean (@alissakmclean) August 5, 2016

YES @michaelphelps #olympics #JUSTDOIT >>W. Kamau Bell: A noble gesture for Michael Phelps? @CNN http://bit.ly/2b1KBhA

— Susan Ito (@thesusanito) August 5, 2016

While others were strongly against the decision. One commenter called it race baiting:

@StandUpDave @wkamaubell @MichaelPhelps he maybe a good guy but this idea is absolutely absurd. So tired of race bating and pandering

— Daniel Gibalevich (@DGibalevich) August 6, 2016

Another said she needs to earn the honor herself:

.@wkamaubell @IbtihajMuhammad Maybe when she wins 18 gold medals. Meritocracy is the idea behind the Olympics. It’s @MichaelPhelps moment.

— Vermont Card Company (@VermontCardCo) August 5, 2016

Some didn’t like the give-everyone-a-trophy mindset:

@wkamaubell @MichaelPhelps @IbtihajMuhammad the ignorance of this post is astounding. trophies for everyone!

— Alexander J Guy (@alexanderjguy) August 6, 2016

And didn’t see an issue with an American white male carrying the flag:

Apparently, successful white people can’t represent unity.
W. Kamau Bell: A noble gesture for Michael Phelps? @CNN http://bit.ly/2bd0j5Q

— Justicar (@Integralmathyt) August 5, 2016

And then there was the perspective that Bell’s suggestion is insulting to Muhammad:

@wkamaubell @MichaelPhelps So white shame Phelp’s success and tell a young competitor that being a black muslim woman is her real success?

— Tyrone Pigbottom (@TyronePigbottom) August 5, 2016

As far Bell’s advice, Phelps didn’t take it. He was recently seen in Rio De Janeiro representing America like this:

Image Credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images

The post CNN Host Doesn’t Want Michael Phelps to Carry US Flag So ‘Diverse’ Muslim Can…America Isn’t Having It appeared first on Independent Journal Review.

Source: independent journal

The post CNN Host Doesn’t Want Michael Phelps to Carry US Flag So ‘Diverse’ Muslim Can…America Isn’t Having It appeared first on .@tonygreene113.