Sebastian De La Cruz Garners Racist Backlash Following Performance at the NBA Finals

Posted on the 13 June 2013 by Real Talk @talkrealdebate2012

11-year-old Sebastian De La Cruz sang for his hometown San Antonio Spurs before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.  Here is his rendition:

What wasn’t great was the racist comments that were cowardly posted via Twitter following his performance.

Here are some examples:

I’ve written in the past on racism, more specifically via social media.  Social media can be a great tool to interact with others; but it has its faults.  Racists use it as a cowardly means to vent their hatred.  They cower via the internet, while spreading their malicious words intended this time towards an innocent 11-year-old!  Seriously, what did this kid do to deserve these comments!  The answer of course is nothing.

Sebastian beautifully sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”  It was one of the better versions I have ever heard.  I don’t understand why someone would first think he isn’t American and is an illegal immigrant because of the way he looks.  That’s dumb.  But, then again so are these trolls.

Sebastian responded to his critics:

“My father was actually in the Navy for a pretty long time and I actually salute him today for that.  People don’t know, they just assume, that I’m Mexican, but I’m not from Mexico.  I’m from San Antonio, born and raised—a true Spurs fan.”

I think his response was brilliant.  More over I am glad that he has been asked to sing once again before Game 4 of the NBA Finals.  Now you might feel inclined to tweet these losers of their stupidity.  I suggest we don’t.  I suggest we ignore them.  Our comments won’t change their minds.  It won’t change their hearts.  Frankly, it will only fuel their hunger for attention.  They thrive on raising your blood pressure.  Ignore them and they lose their power.

To all those idiots please remember:

This kid can sing. 

He is American. 

Get over it. 

If not, then shut the ****(insert vulgar word; hey I try to remain classy on this blog) up!

Oh and GO SPURS!  Remember Lebron James is overrated! J  

What do you think of this controversy?

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Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate