Chanting 'USA' at basketball game deemed racist

Alamo Heights (Texas) High School defeated San Antonio (Texas) Edison High School last Saturday in their class 4A regional final game in boys basketball. Alamo Heights advanced to play for the state championship with the victory. However, during the team's post-game celebration, some Alamo Heights fans began chanting "USA, USA, USA!" Watch the KSAT-TV report below (email subscribers click here).



Before anyone gets all bent out of shape over political correctness run amok, let's get one thing straight. The Edison kids are Americans. They weren't offended over the chant. They were offended because the chant implies they are not Americans. From that perspective, chanting "USA, USA, USA!" would be offensive. The chant usually applies to international competition and not Americans vs. Americans - as this game clearly was.

Illegal immigration is a hot-button political issue and the vitriol has filtered down to our kids. The kids chanting were not cheering on Alamo Heights. They were trying to demean Edison. For those who still don't get it, please allow me to offer a lesson in semantics. The word 'dumb' denotes the inability to talk. Hence the old saying deaf, dumb and blind - meaning you can't hear, talk, or see.

On the other hand, calling someone dumb is a clear insult to their intelligence. Intent is everything. The same applies to the chant "USA, USA, USA!" When used in the Olympics, it's a source of national pride. When used in a high school basketball game against other Americans, it's offensive. Know the difference. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol