Get ready for two weeks of firstblackmania. The hype began when the Bears won yesterday and turned into a Category 5 storm when the Colts came from behind to beat the Patriots. Now, instead of focusing on the skill, talent and impressive work ethic of two head coaches… we get to focus on their skin color.

I guess that whole “judge a man by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin” is nothing but a catchy slogan. Why is it always those that complain about discrimination and racism are always the first to highlight race as an issue? Even when it’s completely irrelevant?

That would be like focusing on Dave Wannstedt’s hairlip if the Dolphins went to the Super Bowl. Or hyping the first bald coach or the first overweight coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl.

Focusing on their skin color does not serve them justice. Basically, it’s as if they’re saying, “These coaches have talent, even though they’re black.” It’s patronizing.

I do see a positive side to this hype, though. Given that those who are promoting the idea that it’s justified to focus on their skin color by pointing to all the injustices they’ve had to overcome just reinforces my position that programs like affirmative action are long past their expiration date. Think about it. If the hype is justified because of historical obstacles, then what does it say when these two men have proven that skill, talent, hard work, dedication and persistence can get a man of any color to the pinnacle of sports coaching, even in spite of such perceived obstacles?

Imagine how much more united we’d be if those who claim racism divides us would just stop practicing it themselves…