Phil Jackson described LeBron James’ friends and business associates as LeBron’s “posse” – drawing objection from Maverick Carter, LeBron and Carmelo Anthony.
Why?
Because Jackson’s usage of the word matched its most common usage when describing people around an athlete or entertainer – to describe blacks disparagingly.
That doesn’t mean Jackson is racist. That doesn’t mean he intended to say something racist.
But when Jackson used a code word with such a loaded history, he – knowingly or unknowingly – perpetuated a stereotype that divides us by race. At that point, he had a few options:
1. Double down on his right to use the word. Whether it’s because he wants to perpetuate racist stereotypes, believes the word isn’t coded or refuses to relinquish the denotation to those who have added a connotation, Jackson has the right in a society that values free speech.
2. Change his language. Accept that, regardless of intent, “posse” is a code word and therefore has become unacceptable to him.
3. Engage in debate with critics – defending his word choice, challenging them to explain their view or both. Then circle back to No. 1 or No. 2.
Jackson made one odd retweet.
Pistons president/coach and unabashed opinion-haver Stan Van Gundy took another path.
Mike Vorkunov of The New York Times:
Stan Van Gundy's full thought on using the word 'posse' & evolving. "You need to be willing to look in the mirror & call yourself out." #nba pic.twitter.com/WbAFAm0Nbl
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) November 17, 2016
What a good and reasonable response.
Nobody should demand legal consequences for Jackson, and even workplace punishment seems overboard for the Knicks president here. But it’s reasonable to ask him to thoughtfully consider his word choice.
It’s reasonable for all of us to do that, just as Van Gundy – who wasn’t directly involved – did.